How Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse battles work on this site: the rules of the original game that we simulate, and the changes we made so that two players can fight each other fairly. Start from the top if you are new.

1. 1
   Getting started
   What SMT Showdown is, how to play your first SMT IV Apocalypse battle and what is new compared to SMT IV.
2. 2
   Press turns
   How many actions you get in SMT IV Apocalypse and what gives or takes them away.
3. 3
   Damage and elements
   Elements, resistances, Light and Dark damage and Pierce in SMT IV Apocalypse.
4. 4
   Skill affinities
   How a demon's affinities change damage, MP cost, healing and ailment chance, and limit inheritance.
5. 5
   Smirk
   The SMT IV Apocalypse Smirk, the skills that get stronger with it, and our PvP change.
6. 6
   Buffs and ailments
   Separate phys and magic attack buffs, and the eight ailments of SMT IV Apocalypse.
7. 7
   Building a team
   Formats, stats, skills and the inheritance rule for SMT IV Apocalypse teams.