Bravely Default 2 is a brand new JRPG from Square Enix that’s just been released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. It’s the latest entry in the JRPG franchise that got its start on the 3DS, but it features a whole new cast of characters and a new world to explore so even new players can jump in without needing prior knowledge of the older games. Here are a few beginner tips to get you started in Bravely Default 2.
Constantly Check Weaknesses
While Bravely Default 2 might be all about the unique Brave and Default turn-based combat system, you still need to be on top of enemy weaknesses in order to finish your battles efficiently and save MP while you’re at it. Checking and hitting enemy weaknesses allows you to kill them quickly while taking minimal damage, which is useful when you’re in a dungeon.
To check weaknesses, you can either use the Magnifying Glass consumable item (bought at stores), or use the Examine ability with the Freelancer job. The game never quite makes this explicit, but once you’ve identified an enemy’s weakness, you can press the X button in combat to bring up battle info, which gives you the enemy’s total HP and all vulnerabilities.
Speaking of the Freelancer job, we recommend keeping it as a sub-job on one of your characters during your early hours. Even after you’ve gotten enough jobs to fill all the main and sub slots for every character, having the Freelancer can still be useful for checking weaknesses and treating teammates if your healers are in a pinch.
Once you get the Salve-maker (this is only obtained later in the game, in chapter 3), you won’t need it anymore.
Or just carry a whole bunch of Magnifying Glasses if you really want to get rid of Freelancer early.