Short Answer

New Game Plus unlocks after the Chapter 6 final boss and starts through Enter a New Cycle from the menu. Before you choose it, finish current-save ending cleanup, upgrade the gear you will actually use, note any trophies or bosses you want to handle now, and remember that some key items and route unlocks do not carry forward.

Before You Enter A New Cycle

  • Finish alternate endgame cleanup if you want it on this save.
  • Clear secret-area bosses you do not want to route again.
  • Upgrade your primary staff or weapon path.
  • Bring one defensive armor set and one preferred damage or utility set up to a useful level.
  • Spend Mind Cores and Sparks that solve your real combat problems.
  • Stock common status cures and basic medicine.
  • Write down missed bosses, collectibles, or quest choices you want to handle differently.

If that list feels boring and you only want the replay, that is a good sign you are ready. If the list feels urgent, stay in the current cycle a little longer.

What Carries And What Changes

Most player growth and equipment progress carries into New Game Plus, including level, many items, equipment, Sparks, and armor upgrades. Some key items and route unlocks do not, so treat NG+ as a new route run rather than a free cleanup menu.

NG+ also adds replay features such as Life-Saving Strand, shrine armor upgrades, and stronger enemies with better rewards. Those changes make early chapters faster, but they do not remove the need to track secret routes and chapter-specific objectives.

Best Use Cases For NG+

  • Replaying chapters with a finished build.
  • Cleaning trophies or achievements that require a new cycle.
  • Testing alternate spell, Spirit, transformation, and stance plans.
  • Repeating bosses with better gear and more matchup knowledge.
  • Collecting materials or journal entries that your first run missed.

New Game Plus is not the best answer for a single forgotten current-save task unless you already wanted a replay.

What To Leave For NG+

Leave low-interest collectible cleanup, route choices you want to see differently, and bosses you would enjoy fighting again. Do not leave ending prep, secret-area rewards, or a trophy you specifically wanted now unless you are comfortable replaying the prerequisite chapter path.

If you are unsure, make two lists: “current save” and “next cycle.” Anything tied to ending routes, secret access, or unfinished current-build upgrades usually belongs on the current-save list.

First-Hour NG+ Plan

  • Keep your proven stance and spell setup for Chapter 1.
  • Test Life-Saving Strand only after you understand what it replaces in your spell plan.
  • Use shrine armor upgrades to keep your chosen sets current without extra travel.
  • Do not skip all early optional content automatically; some routes are still tied to completion goals.
  • Record route differences while they are fresh.

Common Mistakes

  • Entering NG+ before using Continue for endgame cleanup.
  • Assuming every key item or route state carries over.
  • Letting high damage create careless dodge and healing habits.
  • Upgrading novelty gear before your primary replay setup is stable.
  • Forgetting why you started the new cycle in the first place.

FAQ

Can NG+ be used for cleanup?

Yes, especially for replay goals and cycle-specific tasks. It is inefficient for current-save cleanup that could have been done in minutes before resetting routes.

Should I unlock alternate ending content before NG+?

If you want it now, yes. Finish that cleanup before Enter a New Cycle.

Is NG+ much harder?

Enemies and bosses are stronger, but your carried growth and new options can make early replay smoother. Late-cycle mistakes still matter.

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