How To Complete The Beastly Battle Of Wits Quest In Shin Megami Tensei V?

We know that the first few missions of the game tell you where to go, but there are some exceptions, such as when you meet Nozuchi on a corner in West Shinbashi, who presents you with the “Beastly Battle of Wits” mission. If you want to complete the mission, you must solve three "puzzles" that Nozuchi presents to you.

But before analyzing each phase, you should know that some combat is required to complete this mission, so you need to have a suitable level, the strongest monster you will face here is level 18, so you need to level up if you don't have it. Below we explain more about this:

How To Complete The Beastly Battle Of Wits Quest In Shin Megami Tensei V?

The "Beastly Battle of Wits" quest in Shin Megami Tensei V presents a unique challenge that tests your knowledge and combat skills. This guide provides a comprehensive strategy to overcome Nozuchi's riddles and emerge victorious from the ensuing battle.

Step 1: A Trial of Intellect

Nozuchi poses you with an initial riddle: "What path do you take to return?" The answer to this riddle is "An Empty Path".

Step 2: The Search for Sangaku Beads

Navigate to the Shiba region and locate the verdant hill positioned to the west of the Shiba Leyline. Here, you will encounter a group of verdant Kodama spirits. The Sangaku Beads are strategically concealed within this area, typically resting on the ground to the left of the Kodama cluster.

Step 3: Initiating the Encounter

Upon acquiring the Sangaku Beads, return to Nozuchi and present them. To prompt Nozuchi to "walk," simply engage in combat as you would with any other demon. This action triggers the official battle sequence.

Step 4: Combat Strategies

Nozuchi's Vulnerabilities:

Fire

Ice

Electric

Recommended Tactics:

Utilize Area-of-Effect (AoE) skills to efficiently target both Nozuchi and the supporting Kodama.

Prioritize eliminating the Kodama as they offer support to Nozuchi throughout the battle.

If your party members possess sufficient strength, employ physical attacks against the Kodama.

Weaker party members should focus on providing supportive actions or healing to the rest of the team.

Remember, exploiting elemental weaknesses is a critical component of success in Shin Megami Tensei V battles. Fire, Ice, and Electric attacks will prove highly effective against both Nozuchi and the Kodama.

Additional Considerations:

Online resources can provide valuable visual aids to pinpoint the precise location of the Sangaku Beads.

Creating a save point before initiating combat allows you to reload in case the encounter proves more challenging than anticipated.

With this complete guide and by implementing effective combat strategies, you will be well equipped to overcome the "Beastly Battle of Wits" mission and progress further in Shin Megami Tensei V.