Monark is a new strategy RPG with familiar features. It was worked on by former Persona developers before they jumped ship to create their new brand. The story follows the canonically nameless and voiceless main character as his school is engulfed in a demonic bubble. Now, students are falling prey to the Mist that is brainwashing their minds.
The main hero almost falls victim to this Mist as well before a maniacal stuffed rabbit grants him incredible power. Together he and his fellow students that he meets along the way will have to save the school one floor at a time. That’s the premise of Monark but here are some tips on how to play the game expertly from minute one.
6 Test Out Casual Mode
There are no difficulty settings in Monark. Instead, players can activate casual mode in the options menu at any time. When this assist mode is activated, players will take 30% less damage. The MAD disease will also not go up by 50%. It is almost not a factor in casual mode, but that doesn’t mean players can ignore the MAD gauge or not grind.
Even on casual mode, Monark can be brutal. The first few battles may seem simple enough, but that first boss is a real twist of the knife. Before tackling Kurama, make sure to level up to at least ten. Hang around in the classroom with Vanitas, use restarts, and heal in-between bouts with the good doctor. Players should get to level ten in no time.
5 How Leveling Up Works
Monark has a unique leveling-up system that uses an otherworldly material called Spirit. This substance can be used to buy skills, both passive and aggressive. Players will share Spirit among all team members in the party. It is best to aim to spread the wealth and keep all party members around the same level.
However, it should be mentioned that it’s not a bad idea to keep the main character at least two to three levels higher than everyone else. If the hero dies in battle then that results in a Game Over no matter what. It’s a bit unfair which is why the leveling advice was given. Spirit can also be used as a currency in this RPG to buy items like healing potions.
4 Abilities To Unlock First
The starting areas for each party member are decently priced. Most skills, passive or aggressive, will be around the 15 to 30 price range. Whenever a skill is bought, that will raise the character’s level which will randomly increase stats too. During the early hours in Monark, buy as many small skills as possible.
This will level characters up fast. However, players should have some strategy to purchasing skills. Take a look at the board and find out where the ranged skills are. It’s helpful for each character to have a long-ranged skill and one that can hit multiple targets. This should make dispatching foes quicker and safer in the long run. This is sound advice for most strategy RPGs.
3 Positioning In Battle Is Important
Another useful tip for strategy RPGs like Monark is to become aware of positioning. Every character, including enemies, can counterattack as long as that attacker is within range. A back attack will negate counterattacks as long as it is 100% at the back. If possible, try to either go for stealthy back kills or long-ranged attacks.
Party members within range of a physical attack can also assist in an enemy’s dispatch. This is a good move to make but it comes at a price. The more party members gathered in one area, the easier it will be for enemies to hit them with wide attacks. Not all enemies have skills like this but most bosses sure do. Distance is especially needed for boss encounters. That should be obvious to gamers who play RPGs regularly.
2 Pay Attention To Buddy Equipment
Players should get a new human recruit every chapter. They should be the second most powerful member of the team. However, some automaton-like soldiers called Vessels follow the main character throughout Monark. Players can customize these Vessels somewhat, although their starting options are lacking.
What Vessels have over human characters is equipment. Oddly, human characters can’t equip armor in an RPG but that’s neither here nor there. Vessel gear will comprise a majority of the items enemies drop after combat. Pay attention to stats on gear along with skills. For example, it might be worth equipping less protective armor in exchange for a healing spell. All unwanted Vessel equipment can be sold to get Spirit, which is another way to level up.
1 Talk To Everyone
It might be the norm to ignore NPCs in an RPG that aren’t highlighted for quests, however, in Monark, talking to NPCs will sometimes prompt Ego conversations. These can result in an increase in stats depending on how a player answers. It’s a good idea to thoroughly explore a floor or section of the school after players lift the Mist out of it.
It should be mentioned that if players fall in the Mist and decide not to go on, that won’t be Game Over. If players choose to give up then they will keep all progress. The only downside is that they will be transported back to the infirmary. The backtracking is the only real deterrent here.
Monark was released on February 22, 2022 and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.