One of the standout features of Suikoden 1 that differentiates it from other RPGs of its era is its recruitment system. Unlike most games back then, which offered just a few party members, Suikoden 1 boasts 108 characters you can recruit. However, the downside is that some of these recruits can be missed. To help you avoid missing out, we’ve crafted this spoiler-free guide.
How recruitment works in Suikoden 1
In Suikoden, the story progresses in distinct segments. Between these, you’ll notice non-playable characters (NPCs) moving around, getting new lines of dialogue, and presenting opportunities for recruitment. After significant events, it’s a good idea to explore and search for new allies.
Many characters will naturally join your team as part of the storyline, while others require you simply to strike up a conversation at the right moment. Yet, some recruits have particular requirements you’ll need to fulfill before they agree to join.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of all 108 Stars of Destiny in Suikoden 1, organized by when they can be recruited. We’ve steered clear of any spoilers, merely providing locations if no special conditions are needed for recruitment.
Keep in mind that the order listed refers to when a character is permanently added to your group. Some characters may temporarily join your team before officially becoming members later on.
Spoiler-free Suikoden 1 recruitment walkthrough
- Tir Mcdohl: As the protagonist, he starts with you.
- Gremio, Cleo, Viktor, Mathiu, Camille, Tai Ho, Yam Koo, Luc: Each of these characters becomes part of your story naturally.
Here are some key locations and tips for the remaining characters:
- Sergei: Found at Kaku Bar.
- Marie: Look for her at Seika Inn.
- Onil: Resides in the center house in Seika.
- Chandler: Standing south of Kwaba’s gate.
- Kai: Search in eastern Garan.
- Maas: Find him in the blacksmith’s house in the Great Forest.
- Sansuke: Check the left house in the West Great Forest.
- Antonio: Stay three times at your HQ inn before heading to Seika Inn.
- Rock: Inside Lepant’s house in Kouan.
Characters joined through story events include Juppo, Lepant, Eileen, Giovanni, Krin, and Pahn. After that, many others such as Varkas, Sydonia, Kirkis, and Meg, can be recruited following specific strategies like ensuring Juppo is in your party or winning challenges like Gaspar’s Potch game at the Kaku Bar.
Characters like Kwanda Rosman and Milich Oppenheimer are unique in that they must be spared in battle to be recruited. Others, like Sarah or Lester, require solving in-game puzzles or performing tasks.
Navigating Suikoden 1’s vast world and collecting all 108 Stars can be daunting, but with diligence and a keen eye for every opportunity, building your roster becomes a rewarding journey. Whether it’s through engaging with story-driven recruits or strategizing to meet specific conditions, recruiting each character feels like a vital step toward your grand quest’s success. Dive in, explore, and form a team that reflects your personal approach to Suikoden’s captivating tale.
