The Expanse of Tokyo — Shin Megami Tensei IV Walkthrough

Traverse the Expanse of Tokyo in Shin Megami Tensei IV, a desolate open-world filled with demons. Master new gameplay mechanics and face heightened difficulty.

After the harrowing descent through Naraku, you emerge into a world utterly alien to the familiar streets of Mikado: the desolate, demon-infested ruins of Tokyo. This marks a profound shift in Shin Megami Tensei IV's atmosphere, gameplay, and difficulty. Tokyo is an expansive, open-world environment, a stark contrast to the linear dungeons you've navigated thus far. It's a land of perpetual twilight, ravaged by a mysterious catastrophe, where powerful demons roam freely and the remnants of humanity cling to existence in isolated pockets.

Initial Objectives & Challenges

Upon your arrival, your immediate goals are twofold: to comprehend the dire situation of this ruined world and to find any possible means of returning to Mikado. This is easier said than done. The very air of Tokyo is oppressive, and danger lurks around every corner. Expect to:

• Navigate a Hostile Landscape: The overworld map of Tokyo is vast and labyrinthine, filled with invisible walls and impassable terrain until later in the game. You'll need to learn its layout and identify safe routes.
• Encounter New Factions: Beyond demons, you'll meet the desperate survivors of Tokyo, each with their own agendas and philosophies. Understanding their plight and choosing who to align with will be crucial.
• Survive Constant Demon Encounters: Unlike Naraku, where demon encounters were somewhat predictable, Tokyo's overworld is a constant threat. Demons are visible on the map and will aggressively pursue you.

Early Game Navigation & Survival Tips in Tokyo

Your first foray into Tokyo can be overwhelming. Here’s how to increase your chances of survival and progress efficiently:

1. Prioritize Exploration & Hubs

Your initial landing point will be near Ueno. This area serves as your first major hub in Tokyo, offering essential services and quest opportunities. Make it your priority to reach and secure this location.

• Ueno: Once you arrive, seek out the local Hunter Association. This organization provides quests, a terminal for healing and saving, and a shop for supplies. It's your lifeline in this new world.
• Terminals: Always activate any Terminals you find. They act as fast travel points and save points, invaluable for navigating the sprawling map and escaping dangerous situations.

2. Dealing with Tokyo's Demons

The demons in Tokyo are significantly more powerful and diverse than those you faced in Naraku. Be prepared for a steeper difficulty curve.

• Common Early Demons: Expect to encounter demons like Mokoi, Knocker, Fomorian, and Gremlin in the immediate vicinity of Ueno. These often come in groups and can exploit elemental weaknesses.
• Scan & Exploit Weaknesses: Use your demon analysis app (by pressing Y in battle) to identify weaknesses. Exploiting these with elemental spells or physical attacks that hit weaknesses is paramount for gaining extra turns (Press Turns) and ending battles quickly.
• Demon Negotiation: Tokyo is where demon negotiation truly shines. Recruit new demons to bolster your ranks, especially those with diverse elemental affinities. Don't be afraid to dismiss weaker demons to make room for stronger ones.
• Avoid Strong Foes: On the overworld, some demons will appear as larger, more imposing sprites. These are often mini-bosses or significantly stronger regular encounters. Unless you're confident in your party's strength, it's wise to avoid them early on.

3. The Importance of Relics

A new mechanic introduced in Tokyo is the collection of Relics. These are seemingly mundane items from the pre-apocalyptic world, but they hold immense value to the survivors.

• What they are: Relics can be found scattered across the Tokyo overworld, often marked by sparkling points on the map. They range from old smartphones and watches to canned goods and toys.
• Why they're important: Relics are your primary source of income in Tokyo. You can sell them at shops within Hunter Associations (like Ueno's) for a substantial amount of Macca.
• Farming Strategy: Make it a habit to sweep areas for Relics as you explore. They respawn after a certain amount of time or after you leave and re-enter an area. This is crucial for affording new equipment, healing items, and demon fusion costs.

4. Initial Quests and Progression

Upon reaching Ueno, you'll be tasked with several initial quests from the Hunter Association. These often involve exploring nearby areas, clearing out specific demons, or retrieving items. These quests are vital for:

• Gaining Experience and Macca: Essential for leveling up Flynn and your demons, and for purchasing necessary supplies.
• Unlocking New Areas: Completing certain quests will open up new pathways or grant you access to previously inaccessible parts of Tokyo.
• Understanding the Lore: Quests often provide valuable insight into the history of Tokyo and the current state of its inhabitants.

Remember, Tokyo is a harsh mistress, but with careful planning, strategic demon management, and a keen eye for Relics, you'll soon adapt to its challenges and begin to unravel its many mysteries.