Who to start with?

[ShowOfTimes]

This will be my first time ever playing SO2, so I was wondering who would be better to start as?

I know there are some characters you can only get depending on who you start as but is there any real difference in the story?

[REhorror]

Claude, always.
Most players do come from the modern world so it's the expected choice, you are a modern/sci-fi tourist getting to know medieval fantasy world, as explained by Rena and the other characters.

[PewPew]

Want sci-fi story? Claude
Want a more fantasy ish story? Rena

Maybe the fantasy is not the right genre but idk much about genre to begin with.

Another factor is the character. You get a baby boy caster if you go with Claude. And you get a really sick looking swordsman dude if you go with Rena.

[Stephen White]

Starting Claude makes the early game easier as well as fills in his personal side of the story, Rena make for a good second play through on a higher difficulty after you've beaten the game with Claude and have a better idea of what you are doing. As well as gives you a chance to see her take on some events and fill in the rest of the main story.

[DesertMaverick]

There is a spot late in the game that will split rena and claude, at this point i would suggest seeing things from claudes perspective. There's also little its and bits throughout the story where you can interact with characters like dias for rena or Leon for claude.

[Mauman]

Originally posted by PewPew:

Want sci-fi story? Claude
Want a more fantasy ish story? Rena

Maybe the fantasy is not the right genre but idk much about genre to begin with.

The story remains the same no matter what.

Claude's viewpoint is just better at filling in the details.

[Cyflan]

Either.

Claude's viewpoint might fill in some of the details, but the mystery of what's going on if you play Rena's side first can be just as interesting.
If you're going to play both anyway, then just go for either one you want first.

[Azaeal]

Both stories will give you a different view of the game. As for first character... Claude has an easier early game but that wont matter after the first 5-10 hours depending on your playstyle.

You want to do both characters to experience the full story, but honestly its up to you. If you want a more emotional story, play as Rena. If you want a greater grasp of the overall world and such, play as Claude. But do play both when you can.

[Solo]

Claude for better irst view on the story.
Second time pick Rena on Universe.

[Mauman]

Originally posted by Pie:

If you want a more emotional story, play as Rena.

I SEVERELY disagree with this.

Ronyx's death is WAY more emotionally impactful when played from Claude's side, for instance.

[AH-1 Cobra]

If you want a melee heavy team, you're better off with Rena.

If you want more mages, you're better off with Claude.

[jammcp]

Rena so i can get her long lost love and boyfriend....

[Cyflan]

Originally posted by jammcp:

Rena so i can get her long lost love and boyfriend....

You mean big brother figure?

[karonmoser]

Unless it's different in the remake, swords are the most op weapons in the game, so I usually go with Rena because you can recruit additional sword user.

[IcESw3eT]

Anybody, just play with Celine <3 cutest girl ever

[duckfist]

If you plan on playing through it twice anyways, then maybe start with Rena, since Claude's story will fill in the details in an interesting way afterward. If you're just doing one first playthrough, you might grasp the overall story a bit better with Claude. IMO.