The DioField Chronicle is a new tactical RPG from Square Enix with a twist to the gameplay. Instead of moving around on tiles like some of their classic titles, players have free rein wherever they move. Everything takes place in real time, like an RTS minus the base-building aspects.
The hottest tip to provide for The DioField Chronicle right off the bat is that the demo presents players with the first few chapters of the game. Everything can be transferred if players decide to buy the game too. So, if one is on the fence about this, check out the demo, and don’t forget to take heed of these strategy tips as well.
8 There Are Difficulty Options, But They Still Requires A Grind
The DioField Chronicle is one of those RPGs that has a difficulty menu for the more casual enthusiasts out there. At any time, outside of combat, players can switch between the Casual, Normal, and Hard difficulty settings. Even on Casual, the game is going to be a brutal experience if players don’t grind.
Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to level up between character levels and abilities. So, if the game proves too hard don’t forget the all-too-important mechanics of grinding.
7 Stun Enemies Who Are About To Attack
This game features a nice warning when enemies are about to use specials. An area of red will appear and the timing varies between enemies and their attacks. Players can choose to move their units away from these areas, which would be a sound tactical move for an RPG. They can stun enemies and cancel out their attacks instead.
For example, Iscarion has an attack with his bow called Stun Shot. The ability will stun a foe briefly, which is great on its own, but the attack is even better used when canceling specials instead.
6 Using Magilumic Orbs
Players need to be aware of areas when they attack enemies too. The more enemies players can attack with a single move, the better. The fewer enemies there are on screen, the less damage players will receive.
This is simple math for any tactical RPG expert but the tip bears repeating. One of the most devastating moves players can use is called Magilumic Orbs. These attacks are like Summons from the Final Fantasy series and should be saved for giant groups outnumbering the player or during boss battles.
5 Tips For Healing
Players will begin The DioField Chronicle with Fredret, Izelair, and Andrias who are later joined by Iscarion, thus completing the four-person squad. Soon after, Waltaquin will also join and she is a healer. Take Izelair off of the team and have Fredret and Andrias stick to frontline suppression while Waltaquin and Iscarion work in the back.
As the only healer for a good while, players should focus SP points on her. Unlock Waltaquin’s ability, Convalescent Circle which can heal everyone in a circle for a short period. She may be weak and more vulnerable, but she is critical to surviving early on. Healers are often the unsung heroes of RPGs.
4 Shop Tips
Gold can be hard to come back in the first chapter of the game. It’s going to take a lot of grinding, but players should make sure to buy the best weapon for their four main heroes. After that, each hero should get a leg armament which will increase HP, and a helmet which will increase defense.
Again, this is no cakewalk of an RPG, so if players want to do their best, they need to invest. Don’t forget to sell unwanted gear after the fact too.
3 Don’t Forget To Increase Battle Speed
The DioField Chronicle has a feature that allows players to increase the battle speed which is something Square Enix usually adds to their RPGs like Bravely Default 2. The game starts at one and the speed can be increased by half a point or double the amount. While it would be better if there were more options, like a speed going up to at least four, the double boost helps a lot.
This mechanic switches off after battle meaning that players will have to remember to turn it on every time. This shouldn’t be that hard to memorize as the sluggish speed of combat will clue players in that they haven’t increased anything yet.
2 Use AP To Unlock Big Skills
There are two types of currency when it comes to leveling up character abilities. SP is shared among all party members which can unlock skills for certain classes. Alternatively, AP is for a single character. Instead of using AP on small, but fruitful upgrades like increasing attack power or speed, every character should save up ten AP to unlock one of the bigger skills first.
For example, Fredret has an upgrade that will guarantee an enemy will drop a health orb if he deals the killing blow. Health is everything in an RPG, so the more opportunities players get to heal, the better.
1 Pay Attention To Goals
This game has an interesting reward system in that certain tactics will reap new rewards. One of the most common goals between missions is finishing them in a certain amount of time. Miss a timed bonus the first time around? Don’t worry, because eventually, the practice map will open up which allows players to replay old missions on an infinite loop.
The rewards locked and unlocked will carry over too, so there is never a missed opportunity. A tactical RPG like this needs a practice map for grinding and thankfully The DioField Chronicle delivers.
The DioField Chronicle was released on September 20, 2022, and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.