Stats or skill affinity?

[Nobby]

I was wondering what I should focus on when moving to higher level demons? I've had a few instances now that my lvl 18 demon has like +4 skill affinity but that a lvl 27 demon has like +3 skill affinity but has like +3 of +4 magic stat for example....
What would be best to focus on?

I also encountered one instance where my lvl 20ish demon had higher attacks stats and higher affinity than for example a lvl 31 demon (got lucky a few times in the haunt where bonus stats got triggered). Should I still switch then or not?

[Lynfinity]

Skill Potentials can be easily raised with Sutras, so generally, if you were planning on dumping a demon at some point anyway, you should do so as soon as you get the one with higher stats.

And then, if you like your new buddy very much, you can pump some Incenses into him (besides Sutras) to make him jacked.

[Nobby]

Originally posted by Lynfinity:

Skill Potentials can be easily raised with Sutras, so generally, if you were planning on dumping a demon at some point anyway, you should do so as soon as you get the one with higher stats.

And then, if you like your new buddy very much, you can pump some Incenses into him (besides Sutras) to make him jacked.

Cheers for the reply. Is it possible later on to buy sutras as well or should I basically save them up for endgame?

[Lynfinity]

Originally posted by Nobby:

Is it possible later on to buy sutras as well or should I basically save them up for endgame?

Only on Godborn difficulty, which is locked behind NG+ and requires quite a few steps/sidequests to be completed beforehand.

So yes, during your first playthrough it's better to use them sparingly. They are not super rare, but not in abundance either.

[Arisato]

You don't have worry too much about that in early-mid game. Just fuse to get more demons with better skills and essences. In the 3rd area of both route you can trade items that increase stats.

[dustin1280]

Nozuchi:
https://megamitensei.fandom.com/wiki/Nozuchi#Shin_Megami_Tensei_V:_Vengeance

Has been absolutely amazing for me on hard... He might have 3 elemental weaknesses, but his physical resistance and counter package is amazing.

I have been jacking his strength, HP, and Vitality with incense so he can survive the occasional weakness hits....

Because of the stat loss I have refrained upgrading him to Oni as well. Looking for the next demon that has physical resistance with good stats to replace him.

I know I will have to replace him eventually, but he has been my MVP since I got him...

[LoVeSuns]

The only thing that matters is how hot they are