The Netherworld is full of demons desperate to see the full power of the Nahobino in Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. While most demons are itching for a fight, some would rather challenge your intellect. Like the Nozuchi in West Shinbashi, a demon who's prepared a series of challenging riddles.

The Beastly Battle of Wits sub-quest puts your sleuthing skills to the test as you solve three riddles from Nozuchi. Thanks to this demon's short temper, you'll also need to prepare for a battle after the last riddle. Luckily, it won't take an ace detective to strike one of Nozuchi's many weaknesses.

Where To Find Nozuchi

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You can find Nozuchi north of the Kamiyacho Layline Fount. Continue past the destroyed buildings into the northwest corner of the map, near the highway. Instead of climbing up the highway, keep moving north to find a Magatsu Rail.

Ride the Magatsu Rail to reach an area where Nozuchi sits at the end of a path. Speak with Nozuchi and accept his challenge to be presented with your first riddle.

How To Complete Beastly Battle Of Wits

Nozuchi's first riddle is a question, "What path do you take to return?" The answer to this is "An empty path."

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Nozuchi's second riddle requires you to decipher a poem to find his Sangaku Beads. The beads are found on a hill west of the Shiba Layline Fount. Move to the southeast corner of the hill, the beads will appear as a sparkling item on the ground.

Nozuchi's final riddle asks you to move him somehow. The only way to get Nozuchi to move is by attacking him, which will initiate a battle with the demon.

How To Defeat Nozuchi

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Nozuchi

Weaknesses

Resistances

Immunities

Skills

Fire

Ice

Electric

Physical

Poison

None

Tempest

Mazan

Concentrate

Counter

Kodama

Weaknesses

Resistances

Immunities

Skills

Fire

Ice

Force

None

Gusting Melody

Dormina

Dia

Before the battle, head to the World of Shadows and use an Essence to gain resistance to Force skills. Use Pixie, Kodama, or Sandman Essence to obtain resistance to Force attacks. A Sudama Essence can grant full immunity to force attacks.

While you're in the World of Shadows, pick up some demons with high Magic stats. Nozuchi and Kodama share weaknesses to Fire and Ice, so you'll have access to plenty of demons that work well in this fight. Ativaras and Mermaid are great choices due to their high Magic and unique skills: Stormcaller Song and Mirage Shot.

Nozuchi's innate skill, Tempest, has a chance of causing him to counter with a Medium force attack when hit with attacks he resists. Stick to magic-based skills to avoid triggering Tempest.

At the beginning of the battle, focus on eliminating the Kodama, so they can't heal the party. When it's just Nozuchi left, go all-out with Fire and Ice attacks. If you have a full Magatsuhi gauge, you can lay down more pressure with Omagatoki: Critical.

Reward

After defeating Nozuchi, you'll complete the sub-quest and receive a Virtuous Neutral Periapt. This item unlocks access to the Magatsuhi Skill Omagatoki: Momentum, which adds another Press Turn Icon for every defeated enemy.

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Shin Megami Tensei 5

JRPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 85/100 Critics Rec: 95% Released November 12, 2021 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Atlus Publisher(s) Sega Engine Unreal Engine 4 Franchise Shin Megami Tensei
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    Shin Megami Tensei 5 continues the long-running Atlus series by introducing new characters, returning demons, and the same RPG elements that players have come to know and love.

    Platform(s) Switch Powered by Expand Collapse Next

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