STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R – IC: Remake Factors Guide

Lists Remake Factors, which Characteristics they are, best methods to Remake certain Factors.

Things to Consider

Сrеdit gоеs to Almighty Boof !

Applying Rare Factors (R) should always start by eating a Plain Omelette (Master Chef: Eggs & Dairy x2) to increase chances. I highly recommend to pick out 1 Mage Weapon, 1 Fighter Weapon, 1 Armor and 1 Accessory to apply the Masterwork (Special) Factor to. This way, you can have specific materials for each Characteristic to use and replicate. Make sure you can replicate whatever you decide to make a masterwork extra item & always have at least one left over to replicate.

I am not sure if there are specific items from each type that increase the chance of obtaining a specific Factor. As far as I can tell, the Factor you obtain is random, so the best way to get the Factor you want is narrowing the pool of Characteristics that can be applied.

For example, you want to put Gathering Stars (Special) on a piece of Armor. You will want to minimize the chances of applying a Buff or Support characteristic and maximize your chances at getting a rare Factor. The combination I used was 2x Grizzly Clasps (Both with Masterwork factor) and 3x Shrimp. This combination has 100% chance to apply a Factor and will only pull factors from the Special characteristic. That being said, you could get ANY Factor from the Special Characteristic list, so if you do not get Gathering Stars, reload, and try again.

Factors applied are dependent on the item type you Remake (with the exception of “All” Special Factors). The game can give items with Factors that cannot be Remade on the item type (you can receive accessories with HP Drain and Red/Blue Dragon); however, during Remake, you cannot apply Factors outside the scope of item types. If you Remake your Earring of Winds that has HP Drain on it, you will never get HP Drain back on it because HP Drain can only be Remade on Weapons.

As far as I can tell, there are no Factors that stack. I haven’t tried to stack the Buff Characteristics (could be possible to get +20% DEF Up x4? – need to test)

Further down in the list of Factors, I have placed in BOLD the Factors that I think might be top tier. I do not know the game meta, so this is only based off experience.

How Item Types Effect Characteristics

Each individual Factor will fall under only one of three differing Characteristic groups; Special, Support, and Buff. Before applying Extra Items for Remake, all Characteristic bars start at 50 and the chance to succeed a Remake is 50 (given IC: Remake LV is at 10). Each type of item will increase/decrease the Characteristic bars for applying Factors, as seen in the table below.

Item TypeIncrease(%)Decrease(%)
Fighter Weapons (Sword/MechFist/Clip/Whip/Gun/HandyStickBuff (20)Support, Special (5)
Mage Weapons (Rod/Book/Knuckle)Special (20)Buff, Support (5)
Armor (Any)Support (20)Buff, Special (5)
AccessoryBuff (10)Support, Special (15)
Resource MaterialSupport, Special (10)Buff (10)
FishSpecial (10)Buff, Support (15)
OtherSupport (10)Buff, Special (15)
Healing/Battle ItemsBuff, Support (10)Special (10)
FoodBuff, Special (10)Support (10)

For the purposes of optimization and obtaining the desired Factor Characteristic every time, we will never want to use Items types from Resource Material, Healing/Battle Item, or Food.

Best Item Type Combos

I believe these are the best item type combinations to apply a specific Factor Characteristic while isolating Factors from undesirable categories. Each item grants a certain percent toward success in Remaking. Higher value items give a better chance to succeed (more on this in the next section). The examples are used with Masterwork items, if applicable; the equips can be Replicated. These example combos also offer 100% chance to apply a Factor from that Characteristic; however, the examples are not necessarily the “best” items to use.

CharacteristicItem Type ComboExample (Rare)Example (non-Rare)
SpecialMage Weapon + FishGrizzly Clasp x2 + Shrimp x3Shrimp x5
SupportArmor + OtherMithril Greaves x2 + Portrait A x3Counterfeit Medal x5
BuffFighter weapon + AccessorySword of Marvels x2 + Lunar Charm x3Don’t do it

If trying for a Rare Factor, we will want to use as many Masterwork items as we can. I found that we can fit up to 2 Masterwork items if we want to focus on one Factor Characteristic. It’s up to you if you want to swap in more Masterwork items for increased chances at Rare Factors, in exchange for a chance to apply additional Factor Characteristics.

If trying for a non-Rare Factor, we will not want to use the Plain Omelet and we won’t want to use Masterwork. I have found that we can use 5x Counterfeit Medals(Other) for Support, or 5x Shrimp(Fish) for Special, to apply a non-Rare Characteristic with a 100% chance.

Note: These are not the only combinations possible – it’s a starting point to understanding which items to use for their corresponding Characteristics.

The next section is a list of items from each type that give the “best” chance at succeeding a Remake and they can be Replicated.

Best Replicable Items

Each individual item offers a certain percent toward the success rate of applying a Factor. The bonus an item can provide is either 5% , 10% , 30% , or 50%. There are very few items that offer 50% bonus unless it has the High-grade (Special) Factor applied, but High-grade only applies to equipable items and we would typically want those to have the Masterwork (Special) Factor, instead. I have composed a list of items from each type that offer a 30% bonus that can also be Replicated. This way, we can apply the Masterwork (Special) Factor to one of the items and then Replicate as needed.

Fighter Weapons

Buff (+20) | Support, Special (-5)

Force SwordSearing SwordSword of MarvelsLotus EatersLuminous SlicersFire Puncher
Majestic PuncherAtomic PuncherAlpha ClipSpark WhipLightning Gun

It is possible to forgo using Fighter Weapons and use 5x Accessories when trying for Buff Factors. I use Sword of Marvels(Masterwork).

Mage Weapons

Special (+20) | Buff, Support (-5)

Grizzly ClaspHecaton’s PunchKnuckles of the MoonSorcerer’s Knuckles

Mandatory for Rare Special Characteristics. I do not have any Books or Rods that give a 30% bonus. I use Grizzly’s Clasp(Masterwork).

Armor

Support (+20) | Buff, Special (-5)

Armor of the ArcWizard’s ArmorMithril MeshBarrier ShieldShield of the ArcMithril ShieldPlate HelmetSteel Helmet
Mithril HelmetTiara of the ArcRune ShoesLaced BootsSilver GreavesMithril GreavesWitch’s BootsSylvan Boots

Mandatory for Rare Support Characteristics. I happen to use Mithril Greaves(Masterwork).

Accessories

Buff (+10) | Support, Special (-15)

Mist InsigniaMoonlightLunar CharmTri-emblumMystic AmuletDream BraceletRing of InsanityRing of Might
Shield RingFaerie RingRing of AbsorptionMind RingRing of Mental PowerRegeneration RingRing of Wisdom

It is possible to use 5x Accessories and forgo using any Fighter Weapons, when trying for Buff Characteristics. The items above will make sure the chance to succeed a Remake is 100%. I have a Lunar Charm(Masterwork).

Resource Material

Support, Special (+10) | Buff (-10)

Top-quality TunaSirloinOrganic VegetablesGelatinous SlimeWobbly SlimeFactor Energy(50)

Factor Energy can be purchased on Nede and is meant to give a 50% bonus and is the “best” Resource Material to use for applying Factors. That being said, this item type does not fit into the “Optimized Combos.” Use at your own discretion.

Fish

Special(+10) | Buff, Support (-15)

Fish cannot be replicated. The best Fish to use is Shrimp, because it can be purchased in most stores. If going for a non-Rare Special Factor, x5 Shrimp may be used.

Other

Support (+10) | Buff, Special (-15)

Forged DocumentSecret AccountCounterfeit Medal

Using one of the above items is not necessary. When going for Support Factors, I like to use Blurry Photos and Portrait A because I usually get Blurry Photos from all the Replicating, and Portrait A is always at the top of the Other item list. If going for a non-Rare Support Factor, 5x of the items listed above will suffice.

Healing / Battle Items

Buff, Support (+10) | Special (-10)

All of these that give 30% bonus can be replicated. That being said, this item type does not fit into the “Optimized Combos.” Use at your own discretion.

Food

Buff, Special (+10) | Support (-10)

All food that gives 30% bonus can be replicated, except for Nectar. That being said, this item type does not fit into the “Optimized Combos.” Use at your own discretion.

Thoughts

For the purposes of isolating undesirable Characteristics, we never want to use items that decrease the desired Factor Characteristic. I did not list the Healing/Battle Items or Food that give 30% boost because there are too many and we don’t want to use those anyways.

Special Characteristic Factors

Best Items: Mage Weapon + Fish (i.e. Grizzly Clasp x2 + Shrimp x3)

Accessories

Factor NameDescription
Bomber (R)Bomb items deal triple damage
War Cry (R)ATK, DEF, HIT, AVD, and INT increase by 5% with each successive chain battle
Item Master (R)20% chance of Negating item cooldowns
Relentless (R)If dazed, become engraged instead
Full Bonus (R)120% bonus effects when the bonus gauge is full
Righteous FuryRage duration is doubled
FuryWhen angered after an ally dies, enemy attacks will no longer cause recoil
Press the AdvantageEnemies broken while afflicted with a status ailment or debuff stay broken for 30% longer
Steel Will50% chance to negate damage while escaping
Uptrend150% more bonus spheres appear for 10 sec when a bonus triggers
Loving Care30% chance of halving assault consumption when using Assault
Morale BoosterFills assault gauge of all assault members by 25% when battle starts (not stack)
Economizer15% chance of keeping items upon use

Weapons

Factor NameDescription
All for One (R)Deal 5% more damage per number of party members other than you
Mental Focus (R)Attacks cost 10MP but always hit
Backstab (R)Guarantees critical hits when attacking from behind
Reckless Magic (R)Spend 15% more MP in exchange for INT increasing by 30%
Fight or Flight (R)ATK, INT, DEF increase as HP gets lower (max 30%)
Factor Activator (R)All factors on equipment are 1.5 times more likely to trigger
Hurricane StrikeThe first attack when Godspeed activates deals 150% damage
Cancel BoostSpecial art power increases by 15% when canceling out of a normal attack
RevengeThe last damage received is added to the next damage inflicted
Lone WolfATK, DEF, HIT, AVD, INT increase by 15% when fighting alone
AdversityATK, INT, DEF increase as HP gets lower (max 15%)
StealAttacks have 5% chance of stealing target’s drop item

Armor

Factor NameDescription
Back from the Brink (R)Become invincible for 5 sec after resuscitation
Adamantine (R)Negates damage below 10% of max HP
Defensive Stance (R)30% chance of the bonus gauge not breaking when missing a perfect counter
Symbology FieldDef +10% while casting
Ultra Symbology FieldDEF +20% while casting
Cast-ironNegates damage below 5% of max HP
Back GuardReduces back attack damage by 15%
Lucky Guard20% chance to negate damage when receiving a crit
Ukemi10% chance of bonus gauge not breaking when missing a perfect counter
Resolute HeartGain the effects of Angel Feather when starting battle after a Retry
Narrow EscapeIf reduced to 0 HP when HP is at 40% or more, survive with 1 HP
Blue DragonConverts 10% of symbology damage taken to HP. Also, converts physical damage if paired with Red Dragon
Red DragonConverts 10% of physical damage to MP. Also, converts symbology damage if paired with Blue Dragon

All Equipment Types

Factor NameDescription
Gathering Stars (R)ATK, DEF, HIT, AVD, INT increase by 20% when there are three of this factor equipped
Masterwork (R)+10% increase to rare factors when using this item as an extra material
High-grade50% increase in chance of adding a factor when this equipment is used as extra material
Birds of a FeatherWhen 3 of this factor are set, the shields of any enemies will not recover for 5 sec

Support Characteristic Factors

Best Items: Armor + Other (i.e. Mithril Greaves x2 + Portrait A x3)

Accessories

Factor NameDescription
Coercion (R)Inflict random status ailment when breaking an enemy
Break UpDeplete enemy shileds +10%
Spheres UpChance of getting Spheres +10%
Fishing Slayer150% damage to enemies encountered while fishing
ReposeRecover 3% HP every 3 sec motionless in battle
MeditationRecover 3% MP every 3 sec motionless in battle
Temporary MeasuresRecover 20% HP & MP with each successive battle chain
Leader Slayer150% damage to enemy leaders
Fast ReflexesExtends Perfect Counter Window by half a second

Weapons

Factor NameDescription
HP Drain (R)Converts 20% of damage inflicted to HP
MP Drain (R)Converts 5% of damage inflicted to MP
Scum Slayer (R)Instantly kills all enemies with “scum” in their name
SilenceAdds a chance to inflict silence when attacking
ParalysisAdds a chance to inflict paralysis when attacking
PoisonAdds a chance to inflct poison when attacking
Instant DeathAdds a chance to inflict instant death when attacking
Add EarthAdds earth element to a weapon
Add FireAdds fire element to a weapon
Add WindAdds wind element to a weapon
Add WaterAdds water element to a weapon
Add LightAdds light element to a weapon
Add DarkAdds dark element to a weapon

Armor

Factor NameDescription
Emergency Measures (R)Recover 10% HP when blocking enemy attacks
Full Reset (R)All negative statuses are removed after 10 sec
CRT Super Boost (R)Crits restore 2% HP/MP
Super Rally (R)Revive at 40% HP once when HP reaches 0
CRT EnergyCrits restore 1% MP
CRT HealCrits restore 1% HP
RallyRevive at 5% HP once per battle when HP reaches 0
Quick FixRecover 5% HP when blocking enemy attacks
MetabolismPoisoned status is removed after 10 sec

Buff Characteristic Factors

Buff Factors increase their corresponding stat by a certain percentage. There are 5%, 10% and 20% Factors. The 20% increase is Rare (R). Anything below 20% is not optimal.

Best items: Fighter weapon + Accessory (i.e. Sword of Marvels x2 + Lunar Charm x3)

Accessories

Factor NameDescription
HP Up5% / 10% / 20%
MP Up5% / 10% / 20%
HIT Up5% / 10% / 20%

Weapon

Factor NameDescription
ATK Up5% / 10% / 20%
INT Up5% / 10% / 20%
CRT Up5% / 10% / 20%

Armor

Factor NameDescription
DEF Up5% / 10% / 20%
AVD Up5% / 10% / 20%
STM Up10 / 20 / 30
GUT Up10 / 20 / 30

GUT and STM are not increased by a percentage, but by the total points listed. +30 is Rare (R). Anything below 30 is not optimal.

Useful Tips

The item organization in this game leaves something to be desired. It does not seem possible to pick up and place items in certain spots in your inventory. To minimize your time thumbing through the menus, you can try and duplicate/retrieve the items you need for Remake just before Remaking, to put them at the top of your Newly Acquired item list.

Instead of running back and forth to/from a Savepoint, utilize the Autosave feature by zoning into a building. As far as Remaking goes, I like to make sure my food buff is active, I have all my newly acquired materials to use at the top of my list, and then zone into a building to activate Autosave. I will start Remake process once Autosave finishes. If I don’t get the result I want after a few tries, I reload the Autosave and start over with Remaking.

Have at least one Masterwork version each of a fighter weapon, mage weapon, armor, and accessory and make sure you can duplicate them. These will be your base extra item materials. Using the equipment purchased in Armlock yields the highest success rate.

Personally, I think there should be 3x Gathering Stars on everyone. Super Rally is practically necessary on everyone, especially at higher difficulties in the Maze. Try to give everyone Break Up, if possible. Press the Advantage and Coercion pair well together. Someone should have Full Bonus. All mages should have Reckless Magic on weapon. Melee have more options. HP/MP Drain are top tier. All for One and ATK Up are viable. CRT Super Boost can be placed on a melee armor to sub for HP or MP Drain.

My loadout is everyone has Gathering Stars on Helm, Shield and Chest. Everyone has Super Rally on Boots. All Melee have MP Drain on weapon. All mages have Reckless Magic on weapon. Everyone has Break Up on an accessory. There is one accessory with one of the following: Coercion, Press the Advantage, Full Bonus, Loving Care.

Volodymyr Azimoff
About Volodymyr Azimoff 13831 Articles
I love games and I live games. Video games are my passion, my hobby and my job. My experience with games started back in 1994 with the Metal Mutant game on ZX Spectrum computer. And since then, I’ve been playing on anything from consoles, to mobile devices. My first official job in the game industry started back in 2005, and I'm still doing what I love to do.

12 Comments

    • I do not know. I never tried to Remake anything until my Remake skill was at level 10. From my own experience, the largest thing that contributes to the Factor you can get is manipulating the Characteristic Trends in your favor so that you will only apply the Characteristic of the Factor you want.

    • A Masterwork item has the Masterwork Factor applied to it. For each Extra Item used that has Masterwork attached, a +10% bonus will be applied to apply a Rare (R) Factor.

  1. This system seems stranger than any of the other IC categories. I know it wasn’t in the original, but is Remaking in the newer games and has been added to this version?

    Also, thanks for pioneering some of the research into this. More complicated than I’d want to mess around with otherwise.

    • Applying Factors to equipment was introduced in SO3 (in the form of Item Refining) and the system has appeared in each SO since, in one form or another. The original SO2 (for PS1 and PSP) did not have Remake or Factors, but was added in this version as an additional way to customize characters. I would also argue that it is a necessary system to take advantage of for succeeding in the highest difficulty content.

  2. Great guide! I think your X-Clip might have had high-grade on it though. My X-Clip does not add 50% Chance of Factor applied. Might’ve been a mistake on your end.

  3. A question, do you know if adding multiple materials with “Masterwork” stack? i.e. add three weapons with Masterwork and get a 30% chance of rare Factors?

    • Also, am I misunderstanding what “High-grade” does?

      So basically, if you add an equipment with HP Drain as material plus an equipment with High-grade, you’ll have a higher chance to get HP Drain on the final result? That’s it?

      • These are great questions!

        It seems like Masterwork DOES stack when using it as an extra material and works in the way that you describe.

        High-grade gives a 50% bonus to make it so the Remake process will succeed. This is the only thing High-grade effects, to my knowledge.
        It does not seem to matter what Factors are on the Extra Material (other than Masterwork and High-grade), the Factor applied is always random. I do not know if using an Extra Material with a Rare Factor increases the chances of applying a Rare Factor.

        It does not seem like you can transfer Factors from an Extra Material to the Remake target. The only way to apply HP Drain to a weapon is by trying to apply a Support Factor to the weapon.

        I hope this helps!

  4. It’s worth noting that Lone Wolf and War Cry are amazing for the tournament in Fun City. I ran these along with Gathering Stars on Claude when I completed the Survival mode.

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