Lvl up bonuses

[bibaspes]

So, i love to grind in videogames. I like to revisit areas few times and get extra level or two. But Sea of Stars features:

1. Leveling for the whole party
2. Bonuses on level up

And this makes me wonder about those bonus stats for new characters. When garl and then ninja joined the party, they didn't get any extra bonuses. Does it mean that for minmaxing purposes i must keep my level as low as possible until all partymembers join me?

So should I restart the game from the beginning because new party members stats are missing because of overleveling?

[Lightbearer]

Just posted a comment in a similar thread -- no, you do not need to restart. The level-up bonuses, while nice, don't really make a significant difference in battle if you're keeping your gear up-to-date.

They are more relevant and helpful early game when you need to increase your HP and defense. One of your later characters has an extremely high magic attack and the difference in output with the other characters is maybe 15-20 points when targeting a weakness.

[Philomele]

Someone posted from the Japanese version that while the stat bonuses seem to be random the only thing that matters is the order you get them in. Eventually every character will get 5 stats 5 times and 1 stat 4 times. Those are set in stone for example Valere will get 4 magic attk.

[Steel]

I think I have a handle on the game now after playing for 10 hours with the "hard mode" relic (14 hours total) that increases incoming damage.

Biggest stat difference "per choice" by far is Mana Points, always pick them because eventually you get to a point you can cast a skill twice in the same MP bar, and that will be a HUGE power jump, it's worth hitting those thresholds.

HP is nice, particularly if playing with that relic, as it can be the difference between taking a big lock attack and surviving, and getting one shot by the same attack.

After that, Magic Attack for Valere because her Moonerang is a monster damage dealer.

Rest doesn't really matter I think, prioritize the above and it shouldn't matter where the rest goes.

[Lightbearer]

I'm working my way through the optional end game bosses for the ultimate equipment and I definitely second prioritizing MP, up to a point. There are several accessories that reduce MP cost, return it upon a successful block, reduce specific solar/lunar skills, etc. Anything above 20 puts you in a good spot.

I didn't really track this during my play through in any scientific way, but I have noticed that if I am ignoring a particular stat the character will get a larger than normal increase at certain intervals. (I'm at level 21 right now). I wonder if there is some sort of "floor" that at least guarantees a specific average value at key levels. Anyone else notice this or am I imaging things?

Also, defensively, MP is important for Valere (Lunar Shield) and our resident ninja (Disorient). I cannot tell you how often those 2 skills saved me across the game since it can prevent 100-150 attacks from landing either as a form of protection or giving you an extra 2 rounds to break locks.

[Necro]

i prioritize by mp first,t hen either phys atk/mag atk