Tales References & Lore

Tales of Berseria, while a standalone story, is deeply interwoven with the broader "Tales of" universe, particularly its direct sequel, Tales of Zestiria. Understanding these connections can enrich your playthrough, offering deeper context to characters, locations, and even certain gameplay mechanics. This section will guide you through discovering these subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to the franchise's rich history.

Connecting to Tales of Zestiria

Berseria takes place approximately a millennium before the events of Tales of Zestiria. Many elements you encounter in Berseria lay the groundwork for the world seen in Zestiria. Keep an eye out for:

The Origin of Malevolence: Berseria extensively explores the concept of Malevolence and its origins, which is a central theme in Zestiria. Pay close attention to how Malevolence manifests and the impact it has on both humans and Malakhim (Seraphim in Zestiria).
The Four Great Spirits: While not explicitly named as such, the powerful entities and their domains in Berseria often correspond to the elemental Lords of the Land (or "Four Great Spirits") revered in Zestiria. Observing their influence and the reverence (or fear) they inspire will give you insight into their future roles.
Locations and Geography: Many regions, while perhaps bearing different names or appearing in different states of development, are recognizable as precursors to areas in Zestiria. For instance, the general layout of the continent and certain prominent landmarks will feel familiar to Zestiria players.
The Abbey and Exorcists: The organization of the Abbey and the role of Exorcists in Berseria directly predate the Shepherds and their various factions in Zestiria. Understanding their motivations and methods in Berseria provides crucial context for their evolution.

Unlocking Hidden Dialogue and Skits

Certain character interactions and skits in Berseria are specifically designed to resonate with players familiar with other "Tales of" titles. To ensure you don't miss these:

Character Affection: Maxing out character affection levels (viewable in the Status menu) for all party members will unlock numerous optional skits. Some of these skits contain subtle references or discussions that hint at future events or lore from other games.
Exploration: Thoroughly explore every corner of every dungeon and town. Hidden areas or seemingly innocuous objects can sometimes trigger unique skits or dialogue sequences that reference other "Tales of" games. For example, in the Warg Forest, after defeating the boss, re-examine the glowing flora for a chance at a skit discussing ancient magical properties reminiscent of Eres from Tales of Graces.
Side Quests: Complete all available side quests. Many of these seemingly minor narratives contain lore snippets that tie into the broader "Tales of" universe, often hinting at the nature of spiritual beings or ancient civilizations. The "Lost Relic" questline, for instance, found by speaking to the Curious Scholar in Loegres after the events at Titania, delves into artifacts with properties similar to those found in Tales of Phantasia.

Item Descriptions and Equipment Lore

Even the most mundane items can hold significant lore. Always take the time to read item descriptions:

Equipment: Many pieces of equipment, especially unique drops from powerful enemies or items found in hidden chests, have descriptions that allude to ancient legends, forgotten heroes, or even specific events from other "Tales of" games. For example, the Mythril Sword found in a chest in the Gaiburk Ice Field after defeating the Ice Golem mentions a legendary smith from a distant land, a clear nod to recurring weapon lore.
Consumables: Even common consumables like Apple Gels or Life Bottles sometimes have flavor text that ties into the world's history or the development of alchemical practices, providing a deeper understanding of the world's progression towards Zestiria.
Arte Names: Pay attention to the names of Artes. Many Artes share names or thematic elements with those from other "Tales of" titles, suggesting a continuity of fighting styles and magical traditions across generations. Velvet's Infernal Prison arte, for instance, has visual and thematic similarities to certain fire-based artes from Tales of Vesperia.

By actively seeking out these references and delving into the lore, you'll gain a richer, more interconnected understanding of the world of Berseria and its place within the grand tapestry of the "Tales of" series.