If you’re a fan of classic role-playing games, then Suikoden 2 should already be a familiar name. It’s one of the most beloved RPGs of the late ’90s, offering deep storytelling, strategic battles, and a vast world filled with interesting characters. Whether you’re playing it for the first time or revisiting it, Suikoden 2’s huge cast of characters can be a bit overwhelming.
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One of the most compelling aspects of Suikoden 2 is its 108 “Stars of Destiny” – a group of characters who all play pivotal roles in your journey. These characters come from all walks of life, from noble warriors to mysterious outcasts. They each have their own personalities, strengths, and backstories that add depth to the game. But who should you recruit, and which characters are the most useful in battle? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow.
Suikoden 2 Character
Before we dive into the characters themselves, let’s quickly cover the basics. In Suikoden 2, you play as the Hero, also known as the “Silence” protagonist, who becomes the leader of the Liberation Army. The game is set in the world of the Suikoden series, where nations are on the brink of war, and you must recruit allies to build an army that can stand up to the oppressive forces threatening your land.
Throughout your journey, you’ll gather members of the 108 Stars of Destiny. Some characters will join you out of loyalty, while others have more personal reasons for joining your cause. Each character has unique abilities, and they can be used in various battle formations, allowing for a lot of customization in your army.
Now that we have the basics covered, let’s get into the characters! We’ll break them down into categories based on their roles and utility in the game.
The Hero – The Silence Protagonist
You, the player, control the main character, often referred to as the Hero or Silent Hero because your character doesn’t speak in the game. While this can seem strange to some players, it allows you to insert yourself into the role of the protagonist. Your main job is to recruit the 108 Stars of Destiny and lead them to victory.
The Hero starts as a young warrior with a hidden potential, and as the story progresses, you’ll unlock powerful abilities and magical runes that enhance your skills. Although the Hero doesn’t have a specialized weapon or class, their versatility makes them a solid choice for most situations. They have a high potential to grow, so you’ll want to invest time into leveling up this character early on.
The Main Allies
Now let’s talk about the characters who play the most prominent roles in the story. These individuals have rich backstories and serve as the backbone of your army.
Riou (The Hero’s Close Companion)
Riou is the protagonist’s best friend and one of the first major characters you’ll meet in Suikoden 2. He’s a skilled swordsman and plays a key role in the story’s events. As your first true companion, Riou offers a solid balance between strength and agility. His connection to the protagonist adds emotional depth to the storyline, and he’s also a reliable fighter in battle.
Strengths: Great with a sword, solid stats, and loyalty.
Weaknesses: Not as versatile in magic, but still a dependable all-rounder.
Jowy Atreides (The Tragic Friend)
Jowy is another key figure in the story and one of the game’s most interesting characters. Initially, he’s your best friend and fellow soldier, but his path diverges from yours as the plot unfolds. His tragic journey is a core part of the emotional appeal of Suikoden 2. In battle, Jowy uses a variety of rune-based attacks, making him a great mage and magic-based support.
Strengths: Powerful magic abilities, particularly useful in longer fights.
Weaknesses: Jowy’s combat abilities aren’t as physically strong as some other characters.
The 108 Stars of Destiny:
Now that we’ve introduced the main characters, it’s time to look at some of the key Stars of Destiny you’ll encounter during your journey. These characters all come with unique skills that will help you build a powerful army. Here are a few of the standout characters you might want to recruit early on.
Viktor (The Brawler)
Viktor is a fan favorite for many Suikoden 2 players. As a tough, no-nonsense warrior, he brings a lot of raw power to the team. His skills with a sword are outstanding, and his tough demeanor makes him a perfect fit for the army. Viktor is also one of the most reliable characters in battle, capable of dealing massive damage.
Strengths: High damage output, strong physical attacks.
Weaknesses: Slow movement speed compared to faster characters.
Flik (The Lancer)
Flik is another of the game’s most iconic characters. He’s a calm and calculated warrior with a powerful lance. Flik’s combat style revolves around precision, and he has great speed in battle. He also has a strong bond with Viktor, which can add some emotional depth to the game as you explore their past.
Strengths: Speed, great at taking down enemy units with his lance.
Weaknesses: Less powerful in terms of raw damage output compared to other heavy hitters like Viktor.
Nanami (The Protecting Sister)
Nanami is Riou’s adoptive sister and one of the most supportive and kind characters in the game. She may not have the raw power of some of the other warriors, but her support abilities in battle are invaluable. Nanami’s defensive skills can help keep your front-line fighters in good shape.
Strengths: Strong defense abilities, healing magic.
Weaknesses: Lacks offensive abilities compared to other characters.
Tengaar (The Mysterious Fighter)
Tengaar is a mysterious character who joins your army later in the game. She has strong martial arts abilities and a cool, collected demeanor. Her personality is a bit more reserved, but her abilities make her one of the better physical fighters.
Strengths: High physical strength and attack power.
Weaknesses: A bit more reliant on the positioning of your army in battles.
The Magic Users
While many characters focus on physical strength, magic plays a huge role in Suikoden 2 as well. Certain characters excel in using magical runes to cast spells and deal heavy damage from a distance.
Luc (The Archmage)
Luc is one of the best magic users in Suikoden 2. Her ability to wield powerful magic and summon devastating spells makes her a key character for any army. If you’re building a team focused on magic, Luc should be a top priority.
Strengths: Great magic abilities, devastating ranged attacks.
Weaknesses: Low physical defense, so she’s vulnerable to fast enemies.
Sasarai (The Strategist)
Sasarai is an important character who not only serves as a magic user but also plays a pivotal role in the story. He’s a serious and calculated individual who uses a combination of powerful magic and strategic skills. His knowledge makes him a great asset for your army, especially when dealing with larger battles.
Strengths: Strong magic, strategic mind.
Weaknesses: A bit slow and fragile physically.
The Special Characters
Suikoden 2 also features a range of special characters with unique abilities. Some are more comical or quirky, but they still add a lot of personality to the game.
Gremio (The Loyal Friend)
Gremio is a classic example of a supportive, loyal character. He’s the type of person who would never let you down, and his healing abilities are some of the best in the game. He’s a solid choice if you want to keep your team healthy and ready for battle.
Strengths: Healing magic, great defense.
Weaknesses: Not much offensive power, relies more on support roles.
Yoshino (The Brave Warrior)
Yoshino is a unique character with a blend of strength and bravery. She’s a solid fighter, and her weapons allow her to handle a variety of situations. She may not be as popular as others, but she’s an excellent all-rounder.
Strengths: Solid all-around fighter.
Weaknesses: Lacks specialization compared to other characters.
Final Thoughts: Picking Your Team
Ultimately, Suikoden 2 is a game where your character choices can make a big difference in your playthrough. While some characters are more powerful in combat, others are better suited to specific tasks or storylines. What’s great about Suikoden 2 is that it allows you to create a team that reflects your own strategy and playstyle.
Whether you prefer focusing on physical strength with characters like Viktor and Flik, or you lean towards magical power with Luc and Sasarai, there’s a character for every playstyle. And don’t forget that the bonds you build with these characters, both on and off the battlefield, make them more than just numbers in a stat sheet—they become your friends, your allies, and your companions.
So, take your time, recruit your favorite characters, and enjoy the journey. The Stars of Destiny are waiting for you!
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