This title represents the direct continuation of the preceding chapter in a long-running role-playing series, serving as the twelfth main installment. Released in 2022, the narrative immediately resumes in the Republic of Calvard after a brief period of calm. The peace is shattered by a bizarre and brutal incident: the massacre of a special operations squad belonging to the Central Intelligence Department (CID). As official law enforcement and the Bracer Guild begin their inquiries, various underground factions also mobilize, sensing the potential for widespread chaos. Players assume the role of Spriggan Van Arkride, whose investigative work at the Arkride Solutions Office is prompted by an unexpected client. Concurrently, Agnès Claudel continues her personal mission to locate the final piece of the Eighth Genesis artifact left by her ancestor.

Core Gameplay Experience and Setting

The game is fundamentally structured as a Role-Playing Game (RPG) that heavily integrates Turn-Based Strategy (TBS) mechanics within an overarching Adventure framework. The primary gameplay loop involves navigating the Republic of Calvard, engaging in dialogue to gather clues, and participating in strategic combat encounters.

The narrative progression is deeply interwoven with the investigation into the massacre, forcing players to piece together a complex conspiracy while managing the personal stakes of the main characters. The atmosphere shifts between detailed world exploration, character relationship building, and intense, tactical confrontations.

What are the key mechanics in this adventure?

Combat relies on precise tactical execution during turn-based engagements. Success requires careful management of party composition, understanding enemy weaknesses, and effectively utilizing each character's unique abilities and Arts. The strategic depth is a hallmark of the series' combat design.

A distinctive feature centers on the protagonist, Van Arkride. As a Spriggan, his role involves taking on various clandestine cases that often place him in morally gray areas. These localized investigations serve as crucial pathways into uncovering the larger, nation-threatening plot. The game emphasizes following the "Trail" set by these interconnected events.

Platforms and Content Availability

This main installment is accessible across current-generation hardware, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), and the Nintendo Switch. As of the current context, the game is delivered as a complete core experience, with no officially released DLCs or standalone expansions available for purchase.

Atmosphere and Narrative Focus

The story drives forward through the pursuit of answers: identifying the culprit behind the massacre and securing the final Oct• Genesis artifact. Encounters with a "crimson beast" and other young individuals seeking their own objectives guide the protagonists down an inescapable narrative path.