The Suikoden series offers a fascinating feature that allows players to carry over save files from one game to another. This is a key aspect of the Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster. Some elements, like character names, transfer smoothly, while others are more complex.
One of the less straightforward features is how character levels and items are shared between games. While it is true that these aspects do make the jump, it’s not as simple as a direct one-for-one exchange. This guide will clarify how the data transfer operates and highlight the changes.
Save Transfer Fundamentals
To successfully transfer your save from Suikoden 1 to 2, you need to have completed the first game. The primary advantage of this transfer is that it permits players to recruit McDohl in Suikoden 2, assuming you collected all 108 Stars of Destiny in the first installment. Additionally, players gain a unique recipe for the cooking battle mini-game. Even if you miss that goal, there are still various benefits to look forward to:
- Your protagonist’s name and castle name will be preserved.
- Returning characters will have adjusted levels.
- The weapon levels of returning characters will also be modified.
There is a very limited selection of items that can be transferred, with one notable case being Humphrey, who can carry over the Windspun Armor if he has it equipped by the end of the game.
Character Level Transfer
In the original Suikoden, successfully transferring your data meant a boost in levels for characters who were above level 60. This system appears to remain unchanged in the remaster. If you finish Suikoden 1 with a character above level 60, they will be a bit stronger when you recruit them in Suikoden 2. For every ten levels above level 60, these characters gain additional levels, though the specifics depend on the character.
However, this level gain for characters beyond 60 is somewhat trivial since reaching level 70 by the end of Suikoden 1 is unlikely. Most players will find their characters around the low 60s by the conclusion of the game unless they spend an excessive amount of time grinding.
Here’s an interesting note: Tai Ho’s level will now transfer in the HD Remaster, which wasn’t possible in the original Suikoden 2.
| Character | 60+ Level Increase |
|---|---|
| Clive | 16 > 17 |
| Flik | 20 > 22 |
| Futch | 34 > 37 |
| Hix | 27 > 29 |
| Humphrey | 34 > 37 |
| Kasumi | 38 > 41 |
| Lorelai | 38 > 41 |
| Luc | 27 > 29 |
| McDohl | 38 > 41 |
| Meg | 31 > 34 |
| Pesmerga | 50 > 55 |
| Sheena | 38 > 41 |
| Stallion | 31 > 34 |
| Tai Ho | 27 > 29 |
| Tengaar | 27 > 29 |
| Valeria | 38 > 41 |
| Viktor | 20 > 22 |
Weapon Level Transfer
Transferring weapon levels is much less complicated, as players can easily reach maximum weapon levels by the end of Suikoden 1. Recruiting Mace and using Chinchirorin will help you gather the necessary currency for upgrades. As with character levels, data transfers ensure characters start with better weapons.
Another note: Tai Ho’s weapon level will also transfer over in the HD Remaster.
| Character | Lvl 12-13 | Lvl 14-15 | Lvl 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clive | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Flik | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Futch | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Hix | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Humphrey | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Kasumi | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Lorelai | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Luc | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| McDohl | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Meg | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Pesmerga | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Sheena | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Stallion | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Tai Ho | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Tengaar | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Valeria | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Viktor | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Armor Transfer
In the HD Remaster, McDohl will be able to carry over all the best late-game armor. However, if you haven’t collected the 108 Stars of Destiny, this may not be very beneficial. If you equip Humphrey with the Windspun Armor obtained in Greigminister, he can carry that over to Suikoden 2. While players might have hoped for a more extensive transfer of armor, it seems things have stayed the same.