How to Contract New Demons in Soul Hackers 2

In just about every professional field, networking is a vital skill. You gotta be able to talk to people and convince them to buy whatever it is you’re selling. This applies even if the “people” in question are demons, and the “what you’re selling” is beating up other demons. Here’s how to contract new demons in Soul Hackers 2.

How to Contract New Demons in Soul Hackers 2

Like in other Shin Megami Tensei games, you’ll bolster your stable of usable demons in Soul Hackers 2 by negotiating with them and convincing them to form a contract with you. However, unlike the usual system of chatting demons up in the middle of a fight, you can’t contract demons mid-battle in Soul Hackers 2. Instead, you’ll need to meet up with them through an… intermediary, let’s say.

Whenever you enter a new dungeon in Soul Hackers 2, Ringo will deploy the demons loaded into her COMP out in the field to scout ahead of the party. This is called Demon Recon. As you explore the area, you’ll occasionally come upon one of your own demons on patrol, and if you chat them up, they can restore your health, give you items they found, and other beneficial services.

The most important thing your demons can do on recon, though, is chat with other demons and try to convince them to join up with you. Sometimes, when you find one of your demons, they’ll have another demon with them who wants to talk to you. If you can keep them in a good mood, they’ll join your party, but if you can’t get on the same page, they’ll leave.

Related: How Does Demon Fusion Work in Soul Hackers 2?

At this point, we’re back to something more akin to the familiar demon negotiation system from previous Shin Megami Tensei games. Demons will either ask you your opinion on something, presenting you with a handful of possible answers, or they’ll make a request for things like items or some of your health. The system is a bit esoteric, but generally, if you can afford a demon’s demands and they seem decently powerful, it’s worth putting up with them until they agree to join up. If you think they’re trying to take advantage of you by asking for too much, though, it’s okay to tell them to take a hike.

One last note: if a demon is at a higher level than you, they won’t join you, even if a negotiation goes well. Make sure to keep your level consistent with the dungeon’s demons before you try to get them on your side!