Key:
# - Character number; not quite the order you get them.
How to get: How you get them in your army.
Purpose: A character's primary role.
Sub-purpose List:
Fighter: People who fight in regular battles.
Non-Combat: People who sit around and only advance the plot.
Army Only: People who fight in army battles only.
Shop: People who own shops.
Extra: People with mini-games, collections, or provide a useful service for free.
Weapon: What the character's weapon is, not necessarily its name. (All in due time, my people!)
Strengths: What the character is good at, high points, things that make them cool.
Weaknesses: Bad points, flaws, in what way they suck (if at all.)
Overall Rating: Overall combat rating, from A+ to F in descending order.
Note characters that are not Fighters don't get ratings.
Characters I had in my final party are marked with a *.
#1 - The Hero*
How to Get: He's with you the whole time.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Tonfas
Strengthss: He hits twice, has good speed, great power, and uses the Bright Shield Rune, which is one of the best runes for healing.
Weaknesses: His defense is a little low and he never talks.
Overall Rating: A
(No star) - Jowy
How to Get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Staff
Strengths: Great speed, high critical hit rate, and the Black Sword Rune. (Friggin' raw power...)
Weaknesses: You don't have him that long.
Overall Rating: B+
#2 - Gengen
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Sword
Strengths: Nothing outstanding, 'cept his ability to use the Kobold Attack.
Weaknesses: A little slow.
Overall Rating: C
#3 - Mukumuku
How to get: Either in Kyaro by a tree or on the path from Greenhill to the Muse-Greenhill Border. You have to be alone. He'll show up in your party after a while.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Himself(?)
Strengths: Fast, fast, fast!
Weaknesses: Dies as fast as he moves.
Overall Rating: D+
#4 - Nanami
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Nunchakus(?)
Strengths: Horrendously fast, hits twice, good with a Water Rune (or any rune, actually. She's one of the few not short-ranged characteres with a decent magic ability), above-average critical hit rate, incredibly cute. ^_^
Weaknesses: Slightly low HP and defense, somehow a target for all enemies, kind of crappy later on.
Overall Rating: B
#5 - Rikimaru
How to get: Pay 3000 potch at the inn in Ryube after talking to him.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 2-Handed Sword
Strengths: Good power and high HP.
Weaknesses: Bad defense.
Overall Rating: B
#6 - Millie
How to get: Agree to look for her pet in Ryube. She joins after you find it.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Dagger
Strengths: One of the first long-range characters, can't be targeted directly, decent speed.
Weaknesses: Low defense and HP.
Overall Rating: C
#7 - Kinnison
How to get: Put the bird back into its nest in the Ryube Woods. Go to the top and he'll be there when you get back. Tell him that you put the bird there. Best done before you fight Bonaparte.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Bow
Strenghts: Good speed, sniper-like accuracy, and half of a badass combo attack.
Weaknesses: Low defense and HP.
Overall Rating: C+
#8 - Shirow
How to get: Joins with Kinnison.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Himself
Strengths: Faster than Nanami, hits harder than Oulan.
Weaknesses: HP is kinda average, can't equip ANYTHING. (He's a wolf.)
Overall Rating: B-
#9 - Zamza
How to Get: In the tavern in Toto. Nanami has to be in your party. I think you can get him in South Window, too, but I'm not sure.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Fists of Fire
Strengths: Pretty good attack and defense, slightly above-average spell ability. Can make him kick ass with a Fire Sealing Rune. ('Cuz he takes no damage from his other rune's attack).
Weaknesses: Slow and average HP. Sucks without the Fire Sealing Rune or a magic rune.
Overall Rating: B
#10 - Hanna
How to get: Talk to her after Toto is burned.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-Hand Sword
Strengths: Almost tank-like defense, great attack, good HP.
Weaknesses: Her speed kinda bites.
Overall Rating: B+
#11 - Apple
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army only
#12 - Viktor
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 2-Handed Sword
Strengths: Kicks serious ass with the Star Dragon Sword against undead enemies. Pretty good defense.
Weaknesses: Average against other enemies, slow, below-average magic abilities, not as high HP as in the first Suikoden.
Overall Rating: B
#13 - Flik
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-Handed Sword
Strengths: Very high magic ability for a warrior, good attack, defense, and HP. Better than in the first Suikoden.
Weaknesses: None, really. Good all-around character.
Overall Rating: A
#14 - Tsai
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Spear
Strengths: Medium range, good critical hit rate.
Weaknesses: Slightly below average otherwise.
Overall Rating: C-
#15 - Tuta
How to get: Talk to Dr. Huan in Muse before it's captured. Not sure if he's automatic or not.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Rock
Strengths: Fast and long range.
Weaknesses: Sucks otherwise.
Overall Rating: F
#16 - Anita
How to get: Be nice to her in either Muse or Banner Village. I think she joins automatically if you have Valeria. I always pick Kasumi (^_^ Kasumi wa kawaii desu!)
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-Handed Sword
Strengths: Great power, defense, and HP. She's kinda sucky early on, but if you get her levels up, she kicks ass.
Weaknesses: As with all armored characters, she's slightly slow.
Overall Rating: B+
#17 - Gilbert
How to get: Defeat his unit in army battle #3.
Purpose: Army only.
#18 - Rina
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Throwing dagger.
Strengths: Great speed, kicks serious ass with a Rage or Cyclone rune.
Weaknesses: Average as a fighter, kind of low HP and defense.
Overall Rating: B
#19 - Eilie*
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Throwing dagger
Strengths: Fast, slightly above-average attack, great magic ability.
Weaknesses: Low HP and defense.
Overall Rating: B
#20 - Bolgan
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter.
Weapon: Glove
Strengths: Damn good HP, defense, and attack.
Weaknesses: Innacurate as hell and slow.
Overall: C+
#21 - Freed Y
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-Handed Sword.
Strengths: None.
Weaknesses: None.
Overall: C
#22 - Templeton
How to get: First, go to the Mercenaries' Fortress when it's taken over. I don't remember when he first appears there, but once you see him there, go to Toto and recruit him.
Purpose: Extra.
#23 - Leona
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army only
#24 - Shu
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army only
#25 - Huan
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army only
#26 - Luc
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter/Extra (runs the Stone Tablet of Destiny)
Weapon: Staff.
(Rating pending)
#27 - Barbara
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Extra.
#28 - Hilda
How to get: 2nd floor of the inn in South Window.
Purpose: Shop.
#29 - Alex
How to get: Joins with Hilda.
Purpose: Shop.
#30 - Tai Ho
How to get: Win 5000 potch from him in Kuskus before it's occupied.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Spear
(Rating pending)
#31 - Yam Koo
How to get: Joins with Tai Ho.
Purpose: Extra
#32 - Richmond
How to get: Do his coin toss in Ryube, then go into the inn and talk to a guy who tells you he's pulling a scam. He'll give you a coin to use against Richmond. Use it when you do the coin toss and he'll join you.
Purpose: Extra.
#33 - Amada
How to get: Go to Ryube and beat him in a duel. He's a necessary character.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Oar
Strengths: VERY high HP, good attack, good defense.
Weaknesses: A little slow and inaccurate.
Overall Rating: B
#34 - Yoshino
How to get: After Shu joins, talk to her with Freed Y in your party. She's the one by the clothesline in Radat.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Spear
(Rating pending)
#35 - Adlai
How to get: In South Window, give him a Sacrifical Jizo and a Wooden Shield. When he asks for a Wind Crystal, throw it at him.
Purpose: Extra.
#36 - Clive
How to get: Agree to help Elza in Muse. After you get the boat to Lakewest, talk to him in South Window.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Rifle
Strengths: Good damage, great accuracy and speed, owns with a Kite Rune.
Weaknesses: Low defense and HP. (Damn the trade-off!)
Overall Rating: B
#37 - Taki
How to get: Talk to her a few times in Lakewest.
Purpose: Extra.
#38 - Hans
How to Get: Talk to him on the second floor of the Two River Inn. You can charge him if you want, or you can be a nice guy and do it for free. It just takes longer if you charge him.
Purpose: Shop (ARMOR!)
#39 - Gabocha
How to get: Gengen must be in your party. He's in the Kobold District of Two River.
Weapon: I don't know.
(Rating pending)
#40 - Ridley
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army Only.
#41 - Fitcher
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Non-combat. (And comic relief.)
#42 - Chaco
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter.
Strengths: Medium range, abnormally high magic defense, good speed.
Weaknesses: HP and defense SUCK.
Overall Rating: C+
#43 - Sid
How to get: Go to the secret room in the sewers of Two River with Chaco in your party.
Purpose: Fighter.
Weapon: Spear(?)
(Rating pending)
#44 - Tetsu
How to get: Buy some Fried Tacos and use them on yourself (the hero). Then, go to his house in Lakewest and talk to him.
Purpose: Extra.
#45 - Shilo
How to get: Castle must be Level 2. Win 5000 Potch from him in Chinchirorin (although I've always called it "Storm" 'cuz it's easier) in Kuskus.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea.
(Rating pending)
#46 - Hai Yo
How to get: Check the right area of your castle after you complete the Two River fiasco.
Purpose: Extra/Fighter
Weapon: Wok. You heard me, a Wok, like one to cook with.
(Rating pending, but there's no way in hell I'm gonna soil my party with this fruitcake of a character.)
#47 - Oulan*
How to get: Go to Radat with a 5-female party and go to the left of the first bridge. You'll get ambushed by some bandits. She'll rescue you and join.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Fists
Strengths: Awesome attack, defense, HP, and magic defense. Not too shabby with magic, either.
Weaknesses: Other than the fact that she's a little slow? Nothing.
Overall Rating: A+ (Can you tell I have a favorite? ::swoons::)
#48 - Stallion
How to get: Let go or run from 50 fights. He's running around Radat.
Purpose: Fighter
Strengths: World map speed, 100% run away rate, horrendous battle speed.
Weaknesses: Average at every thing else.
Overall Rating: C/C+
#49 - Hix
How to get: He's in Lakewest first, then goes to the Kobold Village (the one south of Lakewest). Do his quest and he joins.
Purpose: Fighter
Strengths: Surprisingly good speed, high critical hit rate, good defense.
Weaknesses: A little weak on the damage side, but his high critical hit rate almost negates this.
Overall Rating: B-
#50 - Tengaar
How to get: Joins with Hix.
Purpose: Fighter
Strengths: Great speed, awesome magic ability.
Weaknesses: Low HP, attack, and defense.
Overall Rating: B
#51 - Emelia
How to get: Talk to her in Greenhill. Choose the "Uh..." (or something) choice when she asks if you're in the Liberation Army.
Purpose: Extra
#52 - Teresa
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army Only.
#53 - Shin
How to get: Joins with Teresa.
Purpose: Fighter.
Weapon: Sword
Strengths: Damn good critical hit rate, good attack power. His Spider Rune ain't half bad, either, despite only being able to be used once in a battle.
Weaknesses: His HP is only average and his Defense sucks. He'll get killed a lot.
Overall Rating: C+
#54 - Nina
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter.
Weapon: Her handbag.
(Rating Pending)
#55 - Meg
How to get: Go to the Muse-Greenhill border after rescuing Teresa.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: A throwing dagger, I assume.
(Rating Pending)
#56 - Gadget
How to get: Joins with Meg.
Weapon: Mallet.
(Rating Pending)
#57 - Jeane
How to get: Go to her shop in Two Rivers and hire her.
Purpose: Shop
#58 - Yuz
How to get: Find her sheep for her in the Kobold Village.
Purpose: Extra
#59 - Wakaba
How to get: In Forest Village. You have to be at least level 30. Tell her to test her skills on you. She'll join then.
Purpose: Fighter.
Weapon: Kicking. A lot.
Strengths: Awesome speed, power, and HP. Her rune does a good amount of damage and the unbalance rate of it is actually quite low. (About 15% of the time). Also kawaii, but not as much as Kasumi. (Kasumi-sama! ^_^)
Weaknesses: Crappy defense, automatic target for the enemy, kind of inaccurate.
Overall Rating: A
#60 - Tony
How to get: Hire him in the Forest Village.
Purpose: Extra.
#61 - Lebrante
How to get: Give him a Celdon Urn, which you can find off enemies around Radat. (Where he is. Convenient des'ne?) You have to have 60 people in your army.
Purpose: Shop
#62 - Viki
How to get: Find her on the Forest Path to Rockaxe.
Purpose: Extra/Fighter. (Teleports you places).
(Rating Pending)
#63 - Futch
How to get: Do the subquest in the Highway village.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Spear
(Rating Pending)
#64 - Humphrey*
How to get: Joins with Futch after the subquest.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Sword
Strengths: HP, Defense, and Attack are incredibly high. Build his weapon to the max level and he'll smack ANYTHING around.
Weaknesses: Slow and a crappy magic ability. That's IT.
Overall Rating: A
#65 - Miklotov
How to get: Joins automatically after the Rockaxe event.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-handed sword.
Strengths: Good attack and defense, HP, slightly above-average speed. Does damn good damage with the Knights' Attack with Camus.
Weaknesses: Dull average at magic.
Overall Rating: B+
#66 - Camus
How to get: Joins with Miklotov.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-handed sword.
Strengths: Above-average abilities, and a surprisingly good mage.
Weaknesses: A little weak to be a frontline character without Miklotov.
Overall Rating: B/B+
#67 - Kiba
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army Only
#68 - Klaus
How to get: Joins with Kiba.
Purpose: Army Only
#69 - Simone
How to get: He's on the lower right corner of the Radat bridge. Talk to him and he'll complain about a rose brooch. Go to Banner Village, buy one, and bring it back to him. (It's under "Rare Finds" in the Item Shop).
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Rose
(Rating Pending)
#70A - Valeria
How to get: Choose her when President Lepant asks you who you want to join. If you get her, then you don't get Kasumi.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Sword
(Rating pending)
#70B - Kasumi (Kasumi-sama!)
How to get: Choose her instead of Valeria.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Claws
Strengths: EXTREMELY high speed, good power, good accuracy. Her Shrike Rune can hit for a fair amount of damage.
Weaknesses: Average HP and defense.
Overall Rating: B+
#71 - Sheena
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: 1-handed sword
Strengths: Great attack, good magic abilities, above-average defense.
Weaknesses: None, really. Kinda like Flik.
Overall Rating: A
#72 - Lorelai
How to get: Talk to her in Gregminster with at least 60 people in your army.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Halberd-spear kinda thing.
Strengths: Pretty damn good magic for a fighter, fast, pretty accurate.
Weaknesses: Average as an attacker. (Luckily, she's medium range).
Overall Rating: B
#73 - Gordon
How to get: Make 50,000 potch trading. This doesn't necessarily mean at Gregminster; it can be anywhere.
Purpose: Shop
#74 - Mondo
How to get: Go to Rokkaku with Kasumi and 60 people in your army. If you don't have Kasumi, you have to get your castle to the max level. (To get to Rokkaku: After the second climbing area, push your way through some trees on the way to the next screen. You'll know it when you see it. It's just a suspicious-looking clump of trees you can walk through).
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Claw/Punch
Strengths: HP, Attack, Defense, and Speed are pretty good.
Weaknesses: Crappy magic ability.
Overall Rating: A
#75 - Sasuke
How to get: Joins with Mondo.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Shuriken with a weird throwing arc. (To the side?)
Strengths: Damn good speed, sharpshooter, long range.
Weaknesses: Not that good at attack, defense, or HP.
Overall Rating: B-
#76 - Connell
How to get: He's in one of the lower houses in Forest Village. Bring him a sound set.
Purpose: Extra. (Don't mess with the sounds TOO much or else the audio will screw up and you'll have to reset the game).
#77 - Badeaux
How to get: On the path to Matilda. Come with only Shirow in your party.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: I don't know
(Rating pending)
#78 - Hoi
How to get: He's pretending to be the hero in Radat. Expose him and he'll join.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Tonfas (at least, that's what I would assume from the name "Faux Twin Fang)
(Rating pending)
#79 - Ayda
How to get: Help her out in Forest Village.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Bow
Strengths: Same as Kinnison, only a little stronger.
Weaknesses: Kinda average character.
Rating: C+
#80 - Feather
How to get: Joins with Ayda, provided you use a listening crystal you got from Badeaux.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Claw? I don't know.
(Rating pending)
#81 - Siegfried
How to get: Go to the Unicorn Forest with a female under 21 in your party. (Nanami, Eilie, Wakaba, Nina...), use a listening crystal, and accept the betrothal. I'm not exactly sure if getting him before Abizboah is a good idea. I heard it's not, so I would recommend putting him off until you get Abizboah. Keep an extra save, just in case.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: I have no idea. He's a friggin' unicorn.
(Rating pending)
#82 - Karen
How to get: Go to Kuskus after you beat Luca Blight. She's in the inn. Follow her dancing steps (easier said than done) and she'll join.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea.
(Rating pending)
#83 - Max
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Army only.
#84 - Annalee
How to get: Check the South Window inn after beating Luca. After she gets booted out, look over by the mayor's house. She'll sing for you (well, not REALLY. It's muted.), then if you ask her to sing again, she'll join.
Purpose: Extra.
#85 - Killey
How to get: Talk to him in South Window. Tell him about Alex and the Sindar Ruins. Go to the item shop at your castle. Killey and Alex'll be there, then Killey will leave. Go back to South Window and keep asking him to join until he finally does.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea.
(Rating pending)
#86 - Tomo
How to get: Go to Tsai's house with Tsai when he asks you to. Tomo'll be there, then she'll join. I'm not sure when you can do it, but I did it before the fight with Luca.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Spear
Strengths: Good attack for a spear-user, good speed, can do a combo with her dad.
Weaknesses: Average everywhere else.
Overall Rating: B-
#87 - Bob*
How to Get: He's in the Kobold District. You gotta have at least 80 people in your army.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Staff-bo-like-thing.
Strengths: Fast, high critical rate, turns into a werewolf, makes a good backup healer.
Weaknesses: Defense leaves a bit to be desired.
Overall Rating: B+
#88 - Koyu
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Axe
Strengths: Has at least above-average speed.
Weaknesses: Bad otherwise.
Overall Rating: D
#89 - Long Chan Chan
How to get: Wakaba must be in your party. In Crom Village, go into the inn. He'll run out 'cuz he stiffed the shopkeeper. (or something like that). Follow him to behind the item shop and he'll join.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea.
(Rating pending)
#90 - Raura
How to get: She's in the rune shop in Tinto. If you have Jeane, she'll join.
Purpose: Shop
#91 - Tenkou
How to get: He's hanging out in Crom village. Bring him a window set.
Purpose: Extra
#92 - Khan
How to get: Joins at first for the Star Dragon Sword/North Window quest, then during the real Neclord quest permanently.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Sword
Strengths: Pretty good defense, good accuracy, damn good HP and magic ability. (Watch him with a Resurrection Rune)
Weaknesses: Average attack and defense.
Overall Rating: B/B+
#93 - Sierra
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Some kinda finger-blade or something.
Strengths: Wicked awesome magic ability, hits twice, above-average speed.
Weaknesses: Short range, low HP and defense.
Overall Rating: C+
#94 - Gijimu
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea.
(Rating pending)
#95 - Lo Wen
How to get: Joins automatically.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: This...metal ball on a string or something. It's long range.
Strengths: Pretty fast, best long-range attacker in the game, good HP.
Weaknesses: Lackluster magic abilities keep her from being one of the best character in the game.
Overall Rating: B/B+
#96 - Marlowe
How to Get: Joins automatically
Purpose: Non-combat (Actually, he doesn't do a damn thing)
#97 - Hauser
How to get: Joins automatically
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Sword (I assume. Never used him)
(Rating pending)
#98 - Jess
How to get: Not sure if he automatically joins after the Neclord event or not. In any case, let him in the army.
Purpose: Army only.
#99 - Abizboah
How to get: He's somewhere in the Tinto Cave; I think where you have to slide around. Like I said, I'm not sure if you can't have Siegfried in your army before you get him. Somebody tell me about this so I can clear it up.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea.
(Rating pending)
#100 - Pico
How to Get: After you free Greenhill, check around. He'll join if you have Annallee.
Purpose: Extra.
#101 - Georg*
How to get: Go all the way to right on the path from Drakemouth to Tigermouth and don't go up the stairs. He's on the screen with the little campfire. Talk to him and tell him you won't give up the fight. He'll join.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: Sword
Strengths: Kicks serious ass in just about everything.
Weaknesses: No magic ability, kinda slow.
Overall Rating: A (He doesn't NEED the magic or speed!)
#102 - Gantetsu
How to get: He's STILL where he was in South Window when you first see him at the beginning of the game. After you beat Luca, talk to him. Your party's strength has to be 400 or over. (Unconfirmed).
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: no idea
(Rating Pending)
#103 - Alberto
How to get: Go to the armorer's shop in Tinto. Pico and Annallee have to have joined your army.
Purpose: Extra
#104 - Tessei
How to get: Sometime later in the game, go to the Kuskus blacksmith with Viktor in your party. He'll marvel at the Star Dragon Sword and join.
Purpose: Shop
#105 - Jude
How to get: Get some clay from the guy next to the Elder's House in Forest Village when he asks for it.
Purpose: Extra.
#106 - Genshu
How to get: Go to the Coronet docks. He'll join if your castle is at level 4 and your weapon is at max.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea
(Rating Pending)
#107 - Vincent
How to get: Your castle must be level 4 and you have to done the Muse battle. Bring Simone back to where you met him. Vincent'll be there and join.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea
(Rating pending)
#108 - Pesmerga
How to get: You must have at least 100 people in your army. I think after you get him, you can't recruit anybody else, so get him last. Go to the Wind Cave and back to where you found the Star Dragon Sword.
Purpose: Fighter
Weapon: No idea
(Rating pending)
