Should you take the hand or not in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance? (SMTV)

As you embark on the Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance journey, be prepared for a series of pivotal decisions. The first of these will confront you right at the beginning, offering two paths: ‘Take her hand’ or ‘Don’t take her hand.’ This choice is not to be taken lightly, as it will shape your entire experience in SMT V: Vengeance. We’re here to guide you toward the most beneficial outcome.

SMT V: Vengeance take the hand decision guide

When you reach out to the body in the early cutscenes of SMT V: Vengeance, a voice will tell you that this girl is not ready to exist quite yet. You’ll choose to either reach out to her or ignore it. Grab the girl’s hand to experience the new storyline, Canon of Vengeance. On the other hand, don’t grab the girl’s hand if you wish to check out SMT V’s original narrative, Canon of Creation. Newcomers may be inclined to take this route to see what events transpired in the original version.

Although Canon of Vengeance could be seen as the ‘evil route,’ it’s the only way to access the brand-new story. This pathway may involve more morally ambiguous choices and darker themes. It’ll still follow a similar route to the original but with a few twists and turns. Vengeance’s new character will also join your party frequently, resulting in exclusive dialogue and cutscenes. She’s honestly a pretty good ally to have and can make battles much more accessible.

Even if you’re a beginner, you can still take the hand if you so desire. Like most SMT entries, Vengeance is a standalone experience, meaning you can enjoy the new content without feeling lost or overwhelmed by the game’s lore or previous entries. Of course, it’s entirely up to you to make the final decision. Plus, the game allows you to revert your choice at this point if you happen to change your mind.