Valkyria Chronicles II: Story Guide

Welcome to the ultimate "Valkyria Chronicles II: Story Guide." If you're ready to delve deep into the gripping narrative of this acclaimed tactical RPG, you've come to the right place! In this guide, we'll embark on a journey through "Understanding the Main Story," unraveling the core narrative threads that drive the game's intense drama. Next, we'll dissect "Key Plot Points and Events" to ensure you never miss a pivotal moment. Dive into the depths of "Character Development" and discover how the cast evolves throughout your adventure. Don't forget to explore the enriching "Side Stories" that add layers to the main tale. Finally, enhance your experience with our "Tips for Immersive Gameplay," designed to make every session unforgettable. Get ready, Commanders--an epic saga awaits! Valkyria Chronicles II Guide: Understanding the Main Story

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The Setting: Galia in Turmoil

Valkyria Chronicles II continues the tale of Gallia, a small but strategically pivotal country caught between two superpowers, the Empire and the Federation. This time, however, it's not the usual international conflict. Instead, Gallia faces an internal crisis: a civil war ignited by the Anti-Darcsen Gassenarl family and their Gallian Revolutionary Army. With the country split down the middle, you’ll find yourself diving into a rich story brimming with rebellion, loyalty, and desperate skirmishes.

Your Role: Class G and Aspiring Heroes

You step into the shoes of Avan Hardins, a lively teen who enrolls in the Lanseal Royal Military Academy following his brother Leon's mysterious death in the field. As a member of Class G, Avan isn’t just another soldier; he’s leading misfits in a quest to uncover the truth behind his brother's demise and stand against the civil war tearing Gallia apart.

Class G isn’t your typical top-tier military unit. They’re underdogs, often underestimated and looked down upon. But as Avan, you’ll mold them into a formidable force, blending their unique talents with strategy to challenge any adversary they face.

Key Characters: Friends and Foes

• Avan Hardins: The protagonist who brings unyielding spirit and determination to Class G.
• Cosette Coalhearth: A kind-hearted medic with a deep-seated desire for peace.
• Zeri: A Darcsen and top-tier tactician who brings intelligent strategies to the group.
• Juliana Everhart: Elite student soldier grappling with duty and personal loyalty.

On the darker side, you'll face enemies like the Gassenarl family, driven by radical ideals and willing to drag Gallia into darkness to achieve them.

Key Plot Points: From Growth to Conflict

1. Avan’s Journey: The story starts with Avan joining Lanseal to find out what happened to Leon. While training and battling as Class G leader, Avan grows from a reckless youth into a wise leader.

2. Class G's Rise: Despite being seen as the least promising class, through sheer determination and smart tactics, Class G starts proving themselves, gaining recognition and respect.

3. Revelations and Intrigue: Amid the fighting, Avan uncovers secrets that point to larger conspiracies, including Leon’s death, revealing layers of deceit and corruption within the military and the revolutionary forces.

4. Bonds of Fellowship: The relationships formed within Class G become central; their unity and camaraderie directly influence their success on the battlefield and personal growth.

5. Final Showdown: As tensions peak, Class G faces their greatest challenge--the final battle against the Revolutionary Army led by the Gassenarls, aiming to save Gallia while bringing justice to those responsible for the conflict.

Themes: Unity, Sacrifice, and Growth

The story revolves around themes of unity: coming together despite differences, and growing through hardship. Avan and his friends showcase resilience and sacrifice, embodying the spirit of fighting for what’s right. Through their struggles, the tale emphasizes that true strength comes from collaboration and understanding.

Tips for Enjoying the Story

1. Engage with NPCs: Many side conversations and character stories add layers to the main plot.
2. Complete Side Missions: These not only boost your units but often contain extra storyline elements.
3. Pay Attention to Details: Subtle hints and clues are scattered throughout the game that enrich the main narrative.
4. Replay Key Battles: Understanding the mechanics and repetition helps you grasp the story’s full depth and the characters’ growth.

By diving deep into these narrative elements, Valkyria Chronicles II offers a compelling and heartfelt epic about bravery, resilience, and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. Enjoy the journey!

Key Plot Points and Events

The Gallian Military Academy

Valkyria Chronicles II kicks off with our protagonist, Avan Hardins, enrolled at Lanseal Royal Military Academy. Unlike your typical school, this academy is focused on training students to become elite soldiers. Avan's enrolling for a special reason - he's looking for clues about his brother Leon’s mysterious disappearance.

A New Civil War

Things go from zero to chaotic real quick. Gallia, the country where our story unfolds, is suddenly thrown into a brutal civil war. It's not just any rebellion; it’s driven by a group called the Gallian Revolutionary Army who are causing all sorts of trouble. These rebels want to overthrow the ruling class, the Archduchy, and our cadets at Lanseal get pulled right into the heart of the conflict.

Avan's Squad, Class G

At the academy, Avan finds himself leading Class G, a mix of misfits and underdogs who have to prove themselves all the time. They don't just sit around; they get right into real combat. You’ll see these young soldiers grow and bond as they face intense battles and their personal demons.

Unraveling Leon’s Fate

The mystery of Leon’s disappearance is a major thread throughout the game. Avan's quest to uncover the truth takes him through various missions and reveals shocking secrets. Leon was more than just a student; he was wrapped up in something much bigger, and it’s linked to the war shaking Gallia.

The Role of the Valkyria

In the game's world, the Valkyria are almost mythical warriors with incredible, supernatural powers. They’re key to Gallia’s history and conflicts. Throughout the plot, these powerful beings and their ancient secrets become crucial as both sides seek to use their powers to turn the tide of war.

Key Battles and Turning Points

The game is packed with epic battles that don’t just involve guns and strategy. Each major combat scenario advances the story in significant ways. Some of the notable operations you'll encounter include:

• The Battle of Vasel Bridge: A crucial fight that determines control over a strategic point.
• Liberation of Randgriz: The capital city battle that becomes a massive showdown.
• The Desperate Defence of Lanseal: When the academy itself is attacked, pushing Class G to their limits.

Climax and Resolution

As the story builds up, Class G faces their greatest challenge in a climactic battle that’s packed with high stakes and dramatic reveals. Avan and his friends have to pull together all their skills and courage to fight for the future of Gallia. In the end, they not only uncover the truth about Leon but also play a pivotal role in ending the civil war.

Throughout the game, you'll see themes of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice. The characters' development and the unfolding mysteries keep the story engaging and heartfelt. So gear up, strategize, and dive into this intense and emotional journey!

Character Development

In Valkyria Chronicles II, character development is a key part of the game that keeps you hooked and eager to see your squad grow and evolve. Here's a look at how you can shape your characters through leveling up, class changes, and bonding with teammates.

Leveling Up

As your characters participate in battles, they earn experience points (XP). You can use this XP to level up various classes at the Drill Grounds. Rather than leveling up individual characters, you level up entire classes like Scouts, Shocktroopers, and Engineers. This means everyone in that class benefits from the upgrade. Not only do characters get stronger stats, but they also learn new abilities and potentials that can turn the tide in battle.

Class Changes

Once you’ve leveled up a class to a certain point, you can change your characters’ classes at the Drill Grounds, unlocking advanced and elite versions. For instance, a Scout can be promoted to a Scout Veteran or a Scout Elite, each with its own specialized skills and weapons. Here’s how you do it:

1. Gather Credits: Each advanced class path requires specific credits that can be earned by completing missions.
2. Meet Requirements: Ensure your character has reached the necessary level.
3. Select Class Upgrade: Head to the Drill Grounds menu to make your choice.

These class changes are crucial for gameplay as they allow you to mix and match abilities, tailoring your squad to your play style.

Potentials and Orders

Potentials are unique abilities or traits that can activate under certain conditions -- like increasing firepower when near allies or dodging attacks when health is low. Some potentials are unlocked through leveling, while others come from character bonds and story progression.

Orders are commands you can issue during battle to give your squad an edge, like "Evade Boost" or "Attack Boost". These can be learned as your squad levels up and becomes more experienced.

Bonding with Teammates

Character bonding in Valkyria Chronicles II isn't just warm and fuzzy storytelling; it has real gameplay implications. By pairing certain characters together in battles, completing missions, and fulfilling specific conditions, you can unlock special events and conversations that not only deepen the story but also unlock new potentials and squad orders.

Pay attention to each character’s likes and dislikes as these can affect their performance in battle. For instance, characters who are friends with each other get bonuses when fighting close together. Conversely, characters who don’t get along might suffer penalties.

Personal Quests

Each character has a personal quest or story arc that you can trigger by completing certain requirements in the missions. These side stories often provide deeper insight into the character’s background and motivations. Completing personal quests usually rewards you with powerful new potentials and sometimes even new equipment.

Gear Customization

Lastly, don’t forget to customize your gear. You can develop and equip new weapons, armor, and other gear to maximize your squad’s effectiveness in battle. Regularly check the R&D facility to see what new gear you can develop as you progress through the game.

In summary, character development in Valkyria Chronicles II is multi-faceted and hugely rewarding. By actively engaging in leveling up, upgrading classes, forging bonds, and completing personal quests, you can unlock the full potential of your squad and dominate the battlefield.

Exploring Side Stories

Valkyria Chronicles II is rich with content beyond the main storyline. One of the most rewarding things you can do in Gallia is diving into the game’s side stories. These optional missions not only give you a break from the main plot but also provide deeper insights into the characters and the world they live in. Plus, many offer unique gear and bonuses! Here’s a quick guide on how to get the most out of these unmissable side quests.

Why You Should Do Side Stories

1. Character Development: Side stories flesh out the characters with backstories and personal challenges. Ever wondered about Zeri's past or Cosette's motivations? Side stories often reveal more about the main cast.
2. Unique Rewards: Completing side missions can earn you special equipment, rare items, and powerful class advancements. A well-equipped squad can make the main storyline missions a lot easier.
3. Experience Points: Additional missions mean more chances to earn XP and level up your squad. This can provide a much-needed edge in tougher battles down the line.

How to Access Side Stories

To find side stories, head to the Briefing Room and check the assignment board. Look for any missions labeled "Character Mission". These are side stories focused on individual characters. They often require meeting certain conditions, such as reaching a particular chapter in the main story or achieving a specific level of friendship with a character.

Conditions to Unlock

Some side stories need to be unlocked by completing certain actions:

• Level Up Relationships: Engage characters in conversations during free time or enlist them more often in battle.
• Story Progression: Progressing through the main storyline is sometimes required to unlock side stories.
• Perform Well in Main Missions: A specific rank or better performance can unlock extra missions.

Tips for Finishing Side Stories

Here are a few tips to maximize your success with side stories:

1. Scout the Area: Use Scouts to get a lay of the land first. Their high movement allows them to uncover enemies and strategic points.
2. Balanced Squad: Bring a well-rounded team to handle any situation. You never know when you’ll need a Lancer to take out a tank or an Engineer to repair something crucial.
3. Save Often: Side stories can sometimes surprise you with their difficulty. Save your game at the start and after making key progress points so you can reload if needed.

Notable Side Stories

While every side story is worth exploring, a few stand out for their narrative depth and rewards:

• Lotte’s Secret: In this mission, you'll uncover why Lotte collects information about classmates. The story is filled with intriguing twists and rewards you with a "Combat Camera" accessory, perfect for learning enemy positions.
• Cosette’s Determination: Learn about Cosette’s past and resolve in this emotional mission. Successful completion grants access to her upgraded medical gear, which enhances her healing abilities.
• Nichol Investigates: Nichol’s story dives deep into his curious nature. Completing this mission not only boosts your familiarity with his character but also gives you a rare weapon part for enhanced firepower.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to explore side stories in Valkyria Chronicles II can greatly enrich your experience. They offer a blend of character development, special rewards, and challenging gameplay that complement the main story beautifully. So next time you’re in the Briefing Room, don’t just rush to the next main mission. Spend some time with your squad exploring their personal adventures - you won’t regret it!

Equip your squad and get ready to delve into those side stories. Happy exploring!

Tips for Immersive Gameplay

So, you’ve booted up Valkyria Chronicles II ready to dive into tactical warfare. It’s not just about completing missions; it’s about getting lost in the giant story. Here are some tips to make your gameplay a lot more immersive and fun. Let's get into it!

1. Get to Know Your Squad

Each squad member in Valkyria Chronicles II has their own personality, backstory, and quirks. Spend time in the cutscenes and listen to their dialogue. It makes the battlefield feel more like a tapestry of lives, each thread adding depth to the story. You’ll start to feel more connected when you know your team’s strengths and weaknesses.

2. Use the R&D Facility

Head over to the R&D (Research & Development) facility often. Upgrading your weapons and tanks makes your team more efficient. But beyond just the upgrades, you get to see your team develop and grow. It gives a more tangible sense of progress, making each mission feel like a chapter in your squad’s journey.

3. Take Your Time with Missions

Don’t rush through missions just to get to the next. Pay attention to the terrain, enemy placements, and objectives. Try different strategies, even if it means occasionally getting a lower rank. You’ll appreciate the level design and enemy AI much more. Plus, taking the scenic route can sometimes reveal hidden items or story elements you might have missed.

4. Listen to the Soundtrack

The music in Valkyria Chronicles II is stunning. It perfectly captures the emotions and atmosphere of the game. Don’t just have it as background noise, let it set the mood. When you’re strategizing or in the middle of a fire-fight, the music can really help you get into the zone. Maybe grab some good headphones for an even better experience.

5. Play with Different Classes

Experiment with the various classes--Scouts, Shocktroopers, Lancers, Engineers, and Techs. This not only makes the gameplay more varied but also helps you see how different characters handle certain situations. Each class has its own set of advantages that can turn the tide of battle. You'll see the war from different perspectives.

6. Read the Reports

You’ll come across reports and notes throughout the game. Don’t skip these! They give important backstory and context, fleshing out the world and its history. These small touches make the game world feel alive and real, adding layers to the narrative.

7. Engage with Side Missions

Side missions in Valkyria Chronicles II aren’t just filler. They often have unique challenges and story elements that expand the main plot. Plus, they’re a great way to get extra experience and resources. Treat them like mini-episodes in the overall series.

8. Customize to Your Liking

You can customize your squad's appearance and set-up to a good extent. This isn’t just about making them look cool (though that’s important too). Tailor their equipment and skills to fit your playstyle. When your squad feels like it’s built just for you, the sense of immersion skyrockets.

Conclusion

When you take the time to dive deep into Valkyria Chronicles II, every battle feels like an important story moment, and every victory feels earned. Remember, it's not just about beating the game, it's about experiencing it. So, gear up, get to know your squad, and enjoy the journey!

Happy strategizing, Squad Leader!