This is a walkthrough for the Prologue of Shin Megami Tensei V, taking place in Jouin Academy and Tokyo. How to complete every objective and make your way to the Netherworld for the first time.

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The prologue takes place in Jouin Academy.

Prologue¶

Upon starting the game for the first time, you’ll be asked to select your Difficulty. You’ll need to consider your choice carefully here, since if you wish to tackle the game on Hard, you’ll have to select it now as you can’t raise your Difficulty to Hard, only lower it. Any other Difficulty can be freely changed in the main menu. You’ll have a choice for three difficulties (four if you downloaded the free “Safety” DLC from the eShop), however this walkthrough is written with Normal in mind. Shin Megami Tensei V is a difficult game, especially until you get to grips with the systems and Hard is not for the faint of heart.

Once you’re good to go, you’ll be introduced to Jouin Academy and the cast of characters there. Once you finally gain control, you’ll be given the opportunity to name the protagonist. Unlike Shin Megami Tensei IV, where the main character had a canon name (Flynn), there is no name for the protagonist, as such, we’ll be referring to him as Nahobino. You’ll learn from your tutor that the streets have been dangerous of late, and that you should go back to the dorm in groups. Take the time to get to the grips with the mini map in the bottom left corner of the screen and then make your way around the classroom, speaking to anyone with a white speech bubble to trigger a scene.

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(1 of 2) There is no canon name for the protagonist

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There is no canon name for the protagonist (left), always be sure to interact with anybody who has a white speech bubble. (right)

You’ll learn about the Objective Marker; this will point out where you need to head to continue the main story. This is especially useful once you reach the more open areas and can plan a route. Head to the door and you’ll decide to leave the school alone before some other students decide to group up with you. You’ll get your first Story Choice here, although this one is of minor importance so choose to answer how you will to keep things moving.

You’ll find yourself on the Tokyo map now, one that is sure to be familiar to past players of the Shin Megami Tensei series. Feel free to head around the parts of the city you can access and converse with the people there, they’ll give you some more background on the setting of the story. Once you’re ready to continue, make your way over to Shinagawa: West station.

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Takanawa Tunnel can be found to the north of Shinagawa West Station.

As the students pass through the station discussing Tao’s dream, you’ll stop before a large gathering. Speak to everyone here and then try to get a closer look before returning to Miyazu who asks if you can help find her brother while she waits for Tao. Exit the station to the west and take this opportunity to save your game to find yourself back on the Tokyo map. Make your way north to Takanawa Tunnel to trigger another scene as you’ll spot another student, Ichiro Dazai, heading into the tunnel. The protagonist follows him in there as you meet up with Miyazu’s brother before what seems like an earthquake hit.