Though Scarlet Nexus released just a couple of days ago, some players are already finishing up their first save files, either with Yuito and Kasane. But because of the way the protagonist's stories work, starting a New Game Plus file is a little different than other games.
As those who have started or finished Scarlet Nexus will know, players must choose between Yuito and Kasane when starting a new game. But this is more than just choosing to play as either a male or female character. Both Kasane and Yuito have unique character traits, backgrounds, and skills. Though they both wield psychokinetic powers, their Brain Maps vary because, while Yuito uses a basic sword in battle, Kasane wields floating knives controlled by her powers. Yuito might do more damage but Kasane is faster. Additionally, their storylines vary greatly, though they may start off in the same place and many quests that occur will be the same.
Still, because of the differences in Yuito and Kasane's storylines, there's more incentive to play through Scarlet Nexus again than there might be with other video games. Luckily, New Game Plus means that players won't need to start the opposing character's story from scratch. Even if players finished their original playthrough with Yuito, for example, they're free to again choose from either Kasane or Yuito for the second playthrough, and equipment and items will be carried over.
After completing all 12 Phases, Scarlet Nexus will save once the game has finished and will register that story as "cleared," creating a "Clear Save." It's important that players don't accidentally write over this or delete it if they want to use it for New Game Plus as post-game save files won't work. After that, on the title screen, a new load option will appear called "Ex New Game," Scarlet Nexus' version of New Game Plus.
As for what players can expect to be carried over into a New Game Plus file in Scarlet Nexus, if players are starting with a different character than the one they completed the game with the first time, they'll be starting at SAS Level 1. Levels only transfer if playing as the same character from the Clear Save. This means that Brain Points and Brain Map Skills will also only transfer if playing as the same character from the first playthrough. Otherwise, all equipment such as weapons, plug-ins, items, visuals, materials, and money will all be moved over.
Many Scarlet Nexus players recommend starting with Yuito for a first playthrough, then follow up with Kasane for New Game Plus for a better understanding of the game's overall story.
Scarlet Nexus is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.