How to Recruit Demons

Demons in Shin Megami Tensei V play an important part of the game, and it is essential that you understand how they are summoned and added to your compendium. You can select up to three different demons from those you have recruited during the game to help you in battle. There are different kinds of demons and they each offer different skills, strengths, and weaknesses, so you need to make sure when recruiting your demons you build a balanced team that covers various elements and also encompasses healing skills. This how to Recruit Demons guide will tell you everything you need to know about the process.

There are over 200 demons in Shin Megami Tensei V, and you will only be able to hold a certain number at a time. You can attempt to recruit a demon while you are in battle by using the 'Talk' option. If the demon replies by saying 'Unreg' it indicates that you have not recruited that demon before. The conversation you then have with the demon will always be different and will sometimes involve you having to try and pick correct responses, which will be those you feel will please the demon. Other times you may have to give the demon a specific item or partake in some kind of activity where you compare stats to see who is the best. When a demon continues to demand things such as items or your HP/MP, you can choose 'I think you've had enough', and if you have already parted with at least two things the demon will agree. If the demon asks for something you don't have or don't want to give up, you can try the 'Ask for something else' option, but there will be instances where this will not work. If your negotiations to recruit the demon fail, they will more than likely attack you. Demons are more agreeable to negotiations during particular moon phases, so keep this in mind when you try again.

It is more beneficial to focus on recruiting demons that you don't already have, so they get added to your compendium. Remember that you must be the same level as the demon you want to recruit or higher in order to recruit them. Once you have a demon in your compendium, you will be able to summon them back at any time for a cost if you need to fuse or get rid of them. You can make more room in your inventory by fusing demons or choosing the 'Remove' option in the menu to get rid of those you no longer want.

Take a look at our How to get Demon Essence guide to find out how demons can learn skills without leveling up or without receiving them via Demon Fusion.