This is a guide on winning Army Battles in Suikoden 2 HD Remaster. Learn what Army Battles are, how they work, how to win them, when can it be unlocked, as well as how to set up army battle teams!

What is an Army Battle?

Tactical Story Driven Battles

Army Battles are tactical fights where you decimate enemies.

How to Win Army Battles

Army Battle Best Strategies
Attack From Long Distance
Use Character Special Abilities
Determine Your Team Setup

Attack From Long Distance and Prevent Enemies From Advancing

To win Army Battles, it is recommeded to inflict as much damage as possible on the enemy troops before they get close. This also means you should prevent enemy troops from advancing closer to you.

If the enemy gets close, there are greater chances that your troops will receive continuous damage. Use runes such as Blazing Array and Fire Rune, as well as rune commands that can damage enemies from a distance.

Use Each Character's Special Abilities

In Army Battles, one of the key points is to use each character's special abilities, such as the Fire Spear that can deal damage from a distance of up to 3 squares, as well as healing abilities that restore health to all your troops.

Use Rune Commands

Some special abilities are always in effect during Army Battles, however, ones that are accessed using Runes are not always in effect.

Remember to select these special Rune abilities through the Rune Command in the Army Battle menu.

List of All Runes and Effects

Determine Your Team Setup

It is recommended that you set up your troops according to their roles in Army Battles.

It's best to have a dedicated unit that attacks—especially from long distance, as well as a dedicated unit that heals allies.

List of All Characters and Recruit Conditions

How Army Battles Work

How to Do Army Battles
Choose between Attack, Rune, or Wait
Automate Commands via Apple
Identifying Troop Types
Death Could Lead to a Bad End

Choose Between Attack, Rune, or Wait

In Army Battles, you can choose from three commands to determine the actions of each unit: Attack, Rune, and Wait. To win Army Battles, use the three commands effectively and take into account how your unit's attack and defense power affect your game plan.

Automate Commands Via Apple

If you select Leave it to Apple during Army Battles, Apple will automatically decide the actions of your allies for that turn.

If you are not yet well-versed with Army Battles, it is recommended you leave it up to Apple and simulate the battle, as this tactic alone can often times secure a win.

How to Recruit Apple and Army Battle Team

Types of Troops: Infantry, Cavalry, Archers, and Mages

There are four types of troops: infantry, cavalry, archers, and mages. The unit type will be will be determined by the unit's commander.

Death Could Lead to a Bad Ending

If all the unit troops are dead in Army Battle, there is a great chance that the Hero will also get killed in battle.

If the Hero dies at any point in the game, you will not be able to reach the best ending.

For this reason, we recommend that you save frequently so that you can reset even if you encounter such events in the game.

Using the Special Ability Bodyguard can prevent death in battle

If you include Oulan in your unit, her special ability "Bodyguard" will prevent you from being killed in battle even if your unit is dead.

Oulan How to Recruit and Stats

How to Set Up Army Battle Teams

Setting Up Army Battle Teams
Get Access to HQ and Defeat Solon Jhee
Talk to Apple
Fill in Teams with Recruited Characters

Get Access to HQ and Defeat Solon Jhee

Before you can set up your army battle teams, you must first gain access to your Headquarters (HQ). This happens as you progress through the story and defeat Neclord, allowing you to take over North Window Castle as your base.

Shortly after, you will engage in an army battle against Solon Jhee. Once you emerge victorious, your headquarters will be fully accessible, and you can begin organizing your army teams.

Castle Headquarters Guide

Talk to Apple

To set up your army battle teams, speak to Apple in your HQ’s meeting room. This will bring up the Army Battle Team menu, where you can assign characters to different units.

How to Recruit Apple and Army Battle Team

Fill in Teams with Recruited Characters

The number of units you can form depends on how many characters you have recruited. You have two options when setting up teams:

・Arrange: You can manually assign characters to each team, allowing for strategic customization.
・Default: Apple will automatically fill all units with default members.

Keep in mind that some characters have special abilities that provide advantages in battle, so carefully consider team composition to maximize your army’s strength.

Best Army Battle Formations

When Does Army Battle Unlock?

Unlocks after defeating Flik in Chapter 2's 1v1 Duel

The first Army Battle event will occur after you defeat Flik in the "Duel with Flik" battle in Chapter 2, and Luca Blight attacks the mercenary fort.

The first Army Battle event is a tutorial, so take this opportunity to learn the basics of Army Battle.

Flik Duel Guide and How to Beat

Suikoden 2 HD Remaster Related Guides

Beginner's Guide

All Tips and Tricks Guides