Is Bravely Default 2 a Direct Sequel

With the release date of Bravely Default 2 fast approaching on February 26th, longtime fans of the series are eagerly anticipating the series' first entry on the Nintendo Switch platform. However, fans new to the series may be wondering whether they need to play the previous titles in the series before starting this latest entry.

Despite the misleading title, Bravely Default 2 is the third title in the Bravely Default series.  The series' first entry Bravely Default was released on the Nintendo 3DS  in 2012 and the game's direct sequel Bravely Second: End Layer was released on the 3DS in 2015.

The first Bravely Default takes place in the world of Luzendarc and follows a group of heroes on their quest to awaken the four elemental crystals that have been corrupted by a dark power. Bravely Second: End Layer takes place two years after the events of the first game, and follows the same heroes in their quest to rescue Agnes (one of the series' central characters) after she is abducted and imprisoned in a flying fortress known as the Skyhold.

As the series's first entry on the Nintendo Switch platform, many players may be wondering if they need to play the game's two previous 3DS entries to understand the story in Bravely Default 2. Players new to the series will be happy to hear that Bravely Default 2 is not a sequel to the game's previous entries and requires no prior knowledge of the events of either Bravely Default or Bravely Second: End Layer.

Unlike the first title which was set in the world of Luzendarc, Bravely Default 2 is set in an entirely new world with a completely new cast of heroes. While the setting and characters of Bravely Default 2 may be new, longtime fans of the series will be happy to know that the core combat mechanics and job systems of the series remain unchanged.

While Bravely Default 2 may look like a traditional turn-based JRPG, its title is derived from one of the game's defining features which is the Brave/Default combat system. When the player enters a battle they have two unique options- the Brave command and the Default command. If the player chooses to select the Default command, party members take a defensive stance and will gain Brave points to activate the Brave command. When the player selects the Brave command, they can execute multiple actions in a single turn.

For fans of JRPG's, this week sees the release of two major titles, Persona 5 Strikers and Bravely Default 2. While Persona 5 Strikers serves as a direct sequel to Persona 5, players purchasing Bravely Default 2 can rest assured knowing that no prior knowledge of the previous titles in the series is required for an enjoyable experience of the game.

Bravely Default 2 is just around the corner and will launch on the Nintendo Switch on February 26, 2021. The upcoming game is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed Bravely Default, which was released to the 3DS in 2012, bringing players the classic and nostalgic experience of JRPGs of the past.