Chaldea Breakroom

Chaldea Breakroom is an informational overview of Fate/Grand Order Servants with commentary and interviews with staff members. It is posted on the official North American Twitter account for Fate/Grand Order and the official website.

Volume 1 (January 2022)

Asclepius

• Caster / Asclepius / ★★★
  • Asclepius is a Greek hero who trained under Chiron, from whom he learned the art of medicine. He would later be known as the god of medicine and was also among the Argonauts Jason led.

• Skills
  • 01- GOD OF MEDICINE E: Greatly restore HP & increase Debuff Resist (3 turns) for one ally
  • 02- CHILD OF APOLLO A: High chance to inflict NP Seal (1 turn) to a single enemy + Increase NP Gain (3 turns) for all allies
  • 03- SERPENT CHARMER B: Increase NP Gauge § remove Debuffs for all allies
• Noble Phantasm
  • Resurrection Fraught Hades: Apply Guts for all allies except yourself (1 time, 3 turns). Restore HP each turn (3 turns) ‹effect increases with Overcharge» & apply Debuff Immune (1 time, 3 turns) for all allies
• Developer Commentary
  • Many of Asclepius's designs are based on him being the symbolic representation for Ophiuchus and being revered as the god of medicine. This is why he controls a mech-like snake and uses a cane that shrinks into a scalpel in his animations. The snake was initially smaller, but the size was adjusted for better visual appeal. His kilt-like pants also went through careful adjustments so his silhouette wouldn't be ruined. Detailed adjustments like that were made throughout the design process, so for a *3 Servant, he went through a lot of revisions. And an interesting tidbit: at one point, he was mistakenly animated holding the scalpel backward. - Mr. Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, from DELiGHTWORKS)
• Game Hints and Strategies
  • Equip Craft Essences that charge NP gauge at the beginning of a battle to Asclepius can highly increase his support potential and prevent the party from wiping in a high difficulty quest.

Beni-Enma/Staff Interview - Kinoko Nasu

• Saber / Beni-Enma / ★★★★★
• One of the founding members of TYPE-MOON, Kinoko Nasu is the series composer, main scenario writer and supervisor for Fate/Grand Order.

• QUESTION 1 - Are there any details about the Enjaku Sewing Battoujutsu that were never mentioned in the GO scenarios that you can share with us? Details of the moves, secret techniques, who created it, if there a master for this sword technique, etc.:
  • -A: Beni originally created it as a self-defense move while she was working under Datsue-ba. She utilized sewing scissors, and they're small enough that they could be handled even by tiny creatures like sparrows. Later, when Beni started working under Great King Enma, he gave her a bit of advice: "Maybe you should move more like this." "Would you like me to prepare a needle sword?" Leverage your mobility!" Ultimately, the Enjaku Sewing Battoujutsu that enabled one to be the "fastest, shortest, and inflict the smallest wound to defeat the target" was born. There are a total of ten techniques, in homage to the Ten Kings of Hell. One through seven are her preferred techniques, while eight through ten are secret techniques.
• QUESTION 2 - Many of the settings for Beni-Enma are not from the story of the "Tongue-Cut Sparrow", and they are completely original. Can you share with us your process and if there were any areas you had trouble in creating her backstory? Is there anything you were especially particular with?:
  • -A: When it was decided that the "Tongue-Cut Sparrow" was going to be the central source, I thought to mix both Japanese folksongs and children's stories into her setting. The plotline of "honest folk getting duped" later developing into "evildoers getting judged" came about by combining the story of the tongue-cut sparrow and the judges in hell. The Japanese concept of hell is based on Buddhist teachings. It's basic beliefs traveled to Japan, which later adapted Japan's national characteristics into its teachings. Hell's system was essentially a teaching of morality that explained why humans had to be good during their lifetime, which melded well with children's folktales. The six children's fairy tales that were the backbone for Beni-Enma's backstory are "Tongue-Cut Sparrow", "The Old Man Who Blossomed a Dead Tree", "Lump-Removing Old Man", "Kaguya-hime", "The Monkey-Crab battle", and "Mayoiga", but I hope to use other folktales as themes in the future. As for her design, I simply bought up keywords such as, "Great King Enma's daughter", "sparrow", "master of iai", and "little kid proprietress" to the illustrator Takehito Harada and I made no other requests. I had no doubt that this was something he was versed in based on his past work, and so I knew he would deliver a spot-on illustration. As a result, Beni-Enma's design came back better then expected
• QUESTION 3 - Beni-Emma's existence was mentioned as early as Fate/EXTRA by Caster (Tamamo-no-Mae). How much of Beni-Emma and her backstory was established at that time? And was there anything added to it upon her implementation (in FGO)?:
  • -A: At the time EXTRA came out, the story was that Tamamo has tons of Servant friends from Japanese mythology and folklore, and one of the candidates included Beni-Enma. Back then, the background I had for Beni-Enma was that she was the great mentor to the Japanese Heroic Spirits who were not so great at cooking, super strict because she was from hell, a master swordsman in sparrow iai, someone who actually has lost her sense of taste, and kawaii. I felt that the timing and setting were right to bring out Beni-Enma when FGO reached Part 1.5, and so the idea of her as a proprietress who runs a restaurant inside a mayoiga was added when the special New Year's event was released. The relaxed and comforting depiction of hell was inspired by Yoh Unoshima's Eight Wonder of the World.

Volume 2 (February 2022)

Chen Gong 1

• Caster / Chen Gong / ★★
  • A military commander during the end of the Han dynasty, Chen Gong was born in East Wuyang County, Dong Commandery of the Yan province (present-day Shen County in Liaochemg, Shandong Province). He is a military tactician who made a name for himself during China's warring period.
• Skills:
  • 01- SCAPEGOAT E: Apply Target Focus (1 turn) for one ally + Decreases Critical Rate (3 turns) for all enemies.
  • 02- TACTICIAN'S ADVICE B++: Increases DEF (3 turns) & apply Incoming Damage Cut (3 turns) & slightly increases NP gauge for all allies.
  • 03- TACTICIAN'S CHERISHED DESIRE A: Increases Buster Card effectiveness (1 turn) for one ally + Increases [Berserker] Critical Strength (1 turn) & Max HP (1 turn) for one ally.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Two-Pronged Formation: <Usable only when there is one or more ally on the field who can be sacrificed> Deal significant damage to all enemies <strength increases with Overcharges> + Sacrifice one ally other then yourself (apply Death, ignoring Death immune effects)[Demerit]

Chen Gong 2

Developer Commentary

• Chen Gong was one of the most famous tacticians of the Three Kingdoms period, so his Arts animations depict more tactically minded attacks, like a rain of arrows or employing fire and water tactics. His Buster animations use siege weaponry, like the mangonel (a type of catapult used during the Three Kingdoms period). Only his Quick animations show him wielding a sword to attack personally. And because Chen Gong and Lu Bu have such close ties, Lu Bu appears in Chen Gong's Extra Attack animation.
• The idea to have Lu Bu appear in Chen Gong's Extra Attack animation was present from Chen Gong conception, but Lu Bu had not had an animation update at that time, nor were there any plans to give him one. However, it would have looked awkward unless Lu Bu body proportions matched the latest standards, and so we had no choice but to update Lu Bu's animations at the same time. It may not be a exaggeration to say that Chen Gong was responsible for accelerating plans for Lu Bu's animation update! - Mr. Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Using his high-damaging AOE Noble Phantasms can speed up clear time for material gathering quests. In high difficulty quests, you can utilize his Noble Phantasm to bring up attackers from the reserve lineup by sacrificing Servants who already used up their enhancing skills. Combining with Chaldea Combat Uniform Mystic Code, it makes Chen Gong one of the most versatile Servants for your party.

Staff Interview - 2D Artist (Lasengle)

• Please tell us a bit about what your job entails.
  • -A: My job involves creating image boards, backgrounds, and art direction. My goal is to put whatever image the writers have in mind directly into my drawings. For area maps, I start designing them the moment I receive breakdowns from the scenario team. Breakdowns includes overviews for where the locations of each spot should be at the start of the scenarios and battles, where the spot icons should be located, the timings of when the player visits each spot, and if there are any visual changes of the map as the story progresses.
  • Then I create general drafts based on all the information provided, all while keeping the event's theme and gameplay mechanics in mind. I also check and organize my thoughts with my team to see where things happen in the scenarios to maintain a design that matches the story's setting. The rough drafts are sent to TYPE-MOON during our initial meeting to verify that we're going in the right direction. I then continue to adjust throughout each review, sometimes receiving opinions from the writers themselves, as I complete the area map.
• Please tell us some of your favorite Servants and events.
  • -A: I really like Space Ishtar's third ascension because of her coloring, design, and the voice actress. I also really like the Alter Ego Servant Sessyoin Kiara because of her personality! My favorite event is The Tale of of Setsubun: Oni Pagoda Festival, because this event gave me the opportunity to use servants I normally don't.
• What was one of your most memorable moments working on the project?
  • -A: The most memorable moment of my job is when I created the background for Archer of Shinjuku's Noble Phantasm (the part where London and the moon appear.) I was able to see and feel the excited reactions of the players through broadcasting streams. It was especially memorable for me because it was one of the first things I did after joining the company.

Volume 3 (March 2022)

Sieg 1

• Caster / Sieg / ★★★★
  • A Holy Grail War that took place in Romania… He is one of the homunculi mass-produced for the purpose of supplying magical energy during that Great Holy Grail War. Under ordinary circumstances, he would simply have died and been discarded once his magical energy has been drained. But the determination of this homunculus to survive led him to obtain Siegfried's power, making him a central figure in the Great Holy Grail War.
• Skills:
  • 01- ARTICIFIAL HERO (FAKE) B++: Increase NP gain (3 turns) & increase MAX HP (3 turns) for yourself.
  • 02- MAGECRAFT C: Increase your Arts Card effectiveness (1 turn).
  • 03- DEAD-COUNT SHAPESHIFTER EX: Apply Special Attack [Dragon] (1 turn) & increase NP Gauge for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Ákafiloga All-gríð: Decrease DEF for all enemies (3 turns) <effect increases with Overcharge> & deal heavy damage to all enemies.

Sieg 2

Developer Commentary

• Sieg's brief life prevented him from sitting back and enjoying or experiencing transpired during Apocrypha, and so Sieg in FGO is characterized as an innocent young man who's relishing everything happening in Chaldea. A majority of his skill names come directly from the original light novel. I knew Sieg was going to transform into Fafnir during his Noble Phantasm animation, but I do remember I had an extremely hard time settling on the name of his Noble Phantasm. But with the help of the staff, we managed to refer and use Old Norse that fit the bill. - Yuichiro Higashide, Scenario Writer

Game Hints and Strategies

• Given the right Support and use of his skills, Sieg has the potential to complete a material gathering quest in three turns using his AOE Arts Noble Phantasm.

Staff Interview - Game Designer

• -Q: Please tell us the process and flow in how an event gets created.
  • -A: First, the scenario is read through for context and analysis. This is when we hash out the story's background, featured Servants, and any materials that may be needed for the event. This is also when different gameplay elements are considered, like the raid battles in "Apocrypha/Inheritance of Glory -Triumphal-" event. After the scenario is fully analyzed, we create a document that summarizes how and what is to be implemented into the game. It can sometimes be over thirty pages.
  • We then submit that document to TYPE-MOON for review. We may receive suggestions about new gameplay elements at this stage. Then we create a specifications sheet based on detailing all of the suggestions and feedback received. Once the specifications sheet is complete, we work with various game development teams to confirm what is necessary to get everything done. This includes checking with engineers about the workload that will be involved. We also send out orders for map and logo graphics to the designers.
  • Once the necessary materials are ready, we then move on to implement the game data. This involves implementing the script and animation for the story portion, as well as gameplay parameters that enable players to actually play.
  • Finally, the game is QAed, after which the event is released.

Volume 4 (April 2022)

Demon King Nobunaga 1

• Avenger / Demon King Nobunaga / ★★★★★
  • The Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, Oda Nobunaga. Her Spirit Origin possesses what could be called the combination of all possible Nobunagas, past, present, and future.
  • This extremely unique Heroic Spirit's formation was said to only be possible within a certain dimension, but for some reason managed to manifest here.
• Skills:
  • 01- CAN'T BE HELPED A+: Apply a state where your ATK gradually increases per turn (3 turns) & and change fields to [Burning] status (3 turns) & inflict Burn (3 turns)[Demerit] to yourself.
  • 02- IT IS BUT A DREAM B++: Apply Invincible (1 turn) & Special Attack against enemies with the [Heaven Attribute] when on a [Burning] field (3 turns) for yourself.
  • 03- DEMON KING OF THE SIXTH HEAVEN EX: Gain C. Stars each turn (3 turns) & increase NP Gage for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Pāpīyas Reborn, Demon King of the Myriad Heavens: Remove DEF buffs & deal heavy Special Attack damage to all [Divine] enemies <Special Attack damage increases increases with Overcharge> & inflict Burn (5 turns) to all enemies.

Demon King Nobunaga 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: When designing Oda Nobunaga (First Ascension), Oda Kippoushi (Second Ascension), and Demon King Nobunaga (Third Ascension), what is the thought process behind how you differentiate the various ascension forms?
  • -A: To be perfectly honest, I was confused when I read the setting [for the GUDAGUDA Final Honoji event], but that's nothing new for a GUDAGUDA event by now... Still, Keikenti-sensei's direction was clear distinguishing the three Ascension forms, so it was effortless for me to conceptualize the design. Although I had a hard time finalizing the design to make sure each of them felt unique and attractive, because they are all captivating inside and out in their own way, unlike ordinary Ascensions which only change their looks. I would say the hardest part was determining how Third Ascension Nobunaga would look.
  • Personally, I'd love to see more different versions of Okada Izo as well. I hope you enjoy the game! - Pako, Character Design

Game Hints and Strategies

• The three Buster Card deck is extremely powerful, and using Rank Ups to improve Demon King Nobunaga's second Skill will make them even more useful against a wider range of enemies, especially Divine enemies. (Demon King Nobunaga is especially highly recommended to players who haven't completed Olympus yet!)

Staff Interview - Product Management (Lasengle)

• QUESTION 1 - Job Details:
  • -A: As a Product Manager (PM), my job is mainly to create and manage the overall development schedule for the game throughout the entire year. During the schedule creation process, I receive a release plan from the project team for the entire year and create a draft schedule for the development team based on that. Once the director finalizes the specifics, the schedule is adjusted and then given to various teams to proceed. Management of the schedule is greatly divided by two categories: "Progress based on functionality development" and "progress based on data implementation for each event". Staff are assigned to various events, and they work to follow the schedule as they coordinate with the development team on their progress. The job of a PM requires coordination and collaboration with staff from all departments, both internal and external. It may be a position with a wide range of duties, but it is also a very rewarding job.
• QUESTION 2 - Favorite Servant and Event:
  • -A: Jack the Ripper. She was my very first 5-star Servant who answered my summons, so I am very attached to her. Plus she is very cute.
  • My favorite events are all of the collaboration events. It's rare for FGO to do collaborations and I like them because they are all so fun.
• QUESTION 3 - Most Memorable:
  • -A: My most memorable moments are all of the anniversary campaigns. The directors take even more time than they do with normal projects to decide the direction of the event, as they hold discussions with TYPE-MOON. When it's the time of the year to start talks, we always end up bringing up a couple of ideas with unique quirks. And every time that happens, I need to consult with the various departments and work behind the scenes, agonizing over this giant puzzle to see how everything can fit in a timely matter (laughs). In the end, I am thrilled when the event is actually released, and I feel very grateful for everyone on the team who helped pull it off.

Volume 5 (June 2022)

Katsushika Hokusai (Saber) 1

• Saber / Katsushika Hokusai (Saber) / ★★★★
  • As was the child, so is the woman! Katsushika Oui has set out to become a fairy right out of illustrated stories she loved in her youth!
  • "I'm an ukiyo-e artist who is both strong and smart! And this extra flashy kimono is the cherry on top!"
  • ...Oei, don't you have too much going on? (Toto-sama's here, too)
• Skills:
  • 01- DIVINE POWER (INK) C: Increase NP Gauge for yourself + Gain C. Stars.
  • 02- FATHER-DAUGHTER CONNECTION B: Increase C. Star Gather Rate (3 turns) & apply Guts (1 time, 3 turns) for yourself.
  • 03- PSUEDONYM, DRAGON CRESTED OCTOPUS B: Increase Arts Card effectiveness (3 turns) & apply a state where "your Critical Strength increases during Critical Attacks (3 turns)" (3 turns) for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces: Increase your NP Strength (1 turn) <effect increases with Overcharge> + Deal significant damage to a single enemy.

Katsushika Hokusai (Saber) 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the thinking behind the design for Katsushika Hokusai (Saber)'s Noble Phantasm animation?
  • -A: In the Noble Phantasm animation eight waterfall images from [Hokusai's] "A Tour of the Waterfalls in Various Provinces" series appear in the background. The original paintings include people, but since they would stick out in the animation, we either moved or removed them completely so that Hokusai could be the focus. Some players may have noticed that Saber Hokusai sometimes wears goggles at the beginning of her Noble Phantasm animation. Hokusai had both arms up in the initial layout design, but we determined that it would look better overall if her right arm was down, which is what you see now in the game. Brainstorming the animation for artistic Servants is really fun! - Mr. Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• As an Event Limited Servant, Saber Hokusai is easily available to many players. With her third skill buffing her Arts card damage and increasing Critical damage with each subsequent Critical, she pairs exceptionally well with Servants like Mozart and Hans Christian Andersen, who help her Critical Hits be both more powerful and more frequent. Saber Hokusai is an excellent Servant for taking advantage of low-rarity Caster support and dealing massive single target damage with her Arts Criticals and Noble Phantasm!

Miyamoto Musashi (Berserker)/Staff Interview - Koyama Hirokazu (Illustrator)

-Q: Swimsuit Musashi's sword designs are all different in each of her Ascensions. How did you come up with each of these designs?

• -A: Her First Ascension form outfit is a swimsuit for competitive swimming, so she wields sports chambara swords to fit her sporty image, Having her attack enemies with flimsy plastic swords is exactly the offbeat image I was going for.
• Her Second Ascension form has her wearing an American-style bikini, so I had her carry and unthinkable combination of a gun out of Westerns and a Japanese sword. It seems silly, but I think it turned out pretty cool.
• The weapon she carries in her Third Ascension emphasizes the Japanese theme featured in her Celestial maiden form. Combining this with the concept if Musashi's wooden sowed made from a giant oar, her sword was drawn to look both sturdy and elegant.

-Q: Were there any specific settings and details you kept in mind when designing Swimsuit Musashi? Where there any themes for the various Ascension forms?

• -A: Since I was told that the [swimsuit] event was going to be set in Las Vegas, her Second Ascension from was inspired by American Western [films]. Even though the stars and stripes design on her bikini was put there on a whim, it surprised me to see how good she looked in it...but that's nothing new or surprising from our Musashi.
• Her Third Ascension form also included the demon Musashi idea, so I imagined her to look like some sort of celestial maiden. Combined with her weapon, the crucial theme for her Third Ascension was the harmonization of sturdiness and gentleness.
• As for her First Ascension form, putting her in a simple sporty swimsuit fir my own preferences. I was confident she would look good in it.

-Q: Please tell us why you chose the backgrounds for each Saint Graph image.

• -A: The First Ascension Saint Graph background is sunny and bright, reminiscent of a fun tropical getaway at the beach.
• For the Second Ascension background, I simply associated the Grand Canyon with Las Vegas. Plus I thought it would match the gunslinger image.
• Finally, since her Third Ascension is based on Japanese and celestial maiden themes, I put the torii gate, rocky reefs, and the empyreal image of the land of the rising sun in the background.
  

Volume 6 (June 2022)

BB 1

• Moon Cancer / BB / ★★★★
  • A special case that arouse within the Mooncell Automaton. Originally a high-grade AI created to monitor the Masters' health, a bug in the system caused her to go out of control.
  • As the cancer of the digital world, she rules the far side of the moon. She is the digital demoness who interfered with SE.RA.PH.'s Holy Grail War. While she forced the participants of the Grail War to abide by the rules, she herself, being the illegal meddler she is, broke all the rules. While she doesn't bat an eye at the notion of destroying the world, she commits herself to being the best precocious little kouhai to her senpai (Master), wrapping them around her little finger. A devilish heroine.
  • "Prim and proper battles are so boring, don't you think? I want to see everyone suffer even more!"
  • At first blush, her action and personality parameters seem completely out of whack...but that's just BB for you.
• Skills:
  • 01- DOMINA CORNAM C: Remove Debuffs & restore HP & apply Debuff Immune (1 time, 3 turns) for one ally.
  • 02- AUREA POCULUM C: Remove Invincible & chance to inflict Stun (1 turn) for one enemy.
  • 03- SELF-MODIFICATION EX: Increase Critical Strength (3 turns) & C. Star Gather Rate (3 turns) for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • C.C.C. : Deal significant damage to a single enemy & decrease Debuff Resist (3 turns) <effect increases with Overcharge> for a single enemy + Increase NP Gauge for all allies.

BB 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the though process behind the animation for BB's Noble Phantasm? Were there any specific directions given for the BB Channel animation?
  • -A: It's been almost five years since I worked on BB, but I still clearly remember it well. At the beginning of the Noble Phantasm, what looks like a live TV program appears on the screen while BB creates a Reality Marble called "BB Channel, Travel Ver." She then draws on the power of the Mooncell to transform into nurse BB. I'm not exactly sure why [she's dressed as a nurse], but it's probably because she's going to use her syringe.
  • She may be an Event Limited Servant, but since BB transforms during her Noble Phantasm animation, it was like creating two different forms for her. And if you look very closely in her syringe it's crammed full of different items and materials needed for Ascension.
  • It was difficult to determine the length for each of the cuts from TV static to the transition into the BB Channel where she transforms and uses her syringe. At the early stages of production, the entire animation was thirty seconds long, but we managed to make adjustments without killing the animation's momentum, which eventually became the Noble Phantasm animation we have today. And with a close-up of BB's face at the end, I feel like we managed to make this animation pretty extravagant for an Event Limited Servant at that time. - Mr. Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• BB is an excellent character to bring to battle against defensive bosses since she has the ability to remove Invincibility/Evasion. She's also able to heal, remove Debuffs, and grand Debuff Immunity with a single skill! If that's not enough, her Noble Phantasm deals solid single target damage AND gives the entire party a boost to their NP Gauges. To top it all off, her rare Moon Cancer class means she is one of the very few servants in the game who gets advantage against Avengers!

Staff Interview - Kanou Yoshiki, Second Section Director of FGO (Lasengle)

-Q: What kind of principles does the development team focus on to improve the FGO gaming experience?

• -A: We always strive to continuously pursue something that only LASENGLE can do, which is to base game production around the scenarios. Our development style involves prioritizing the new scenarios and personalities of the Servants that appear in those scenarios and we closely communicate with the writers to hash out all the intricate details-everything from the scenario, to the way Servants are represented, to gameplay. Since everything revolves around the story this requires a great deal of time and effort.
• No matter how painstaking the work is, we believe there are some gaming experiences that can only be created through this process, which is why the development team continues to push forward with this mindset in production. We hope to continue working with the writers to create new ways of expressing these things in gameplay.

-Q: What has been the most rewarding thing you've done since taking over as FGO's director?

• -A: It's difficult to choose just one because there's so many, but some of the most memorable moments for me are when I see the players reactions to new information about the game at FGO's in-person events, as well as when I converse with the players on the floor at [conventions]. The development team's main goal is to create a fun game for the players, and so whenever I see players truly enjoying the game, or if I, as a player, find myself enjoying the game along with the players...that is when I feel the work is most rewarding for me.
• And that's why I'm studying English during my spare time: so I can directly communicate my message and converse with everyone playing the North American version!

-Q: What plans do you have for the direction of the FGO project as a whole?

• -A: I intend to continue being proactive in creating more unique campaigns and events, as well as implementing quality of life improvements ahead of schedule for the North American version of FGO. In order to do so, we are in the process of reinforcing the North American version development team's structure, and I am thinking of gradually making these changes little by little, such as adding unique pickup [summons].
• The development team will continue to work hard to bring new surprises to the platers of the North American version, so please stay tuned!
  

Volume 7 (July 2022)

Sessyoin Kiara (Moon Cancer) 1

• Moon Cancer / Sessyoin Kiara / ★★★★★
  • A beautiful, mysterious woman who claims to be the Pseudo-Servant of the legendary nun Yaobikuni, who was said to have gained immortality after consuming the flesh of a mermaid and then went on a pilgrimage across Japan... And nobody knows anything about her beyond that.
  • "Hehehe...being in a swimsuit Spirit Origin is certainly amusing."
  • A dizzyingly dazzling guise of Sessyoin Kiara. Step into her realm, leaving behind your worries, and her beauty will make you lose all sense of time.
• Skills:
  • 01- MERMAID'S FLESH EX: Apply Guts (1 time, 5 turns) & remove Debuffs & restore HP per turn (3 turns) & apply Mermaid's Nourishment (4 turns) where "Skill Rank Up is applied every turn (4 turns)" for yourself <[Skill Rank Up] can be stacked and the second and third skills can rank up by a maximum of 2. Using the ranked up skill will remove all levels of the [Skill Rank Up]>.
  • 02- DIVINE POWER (INK) B: Increase NP Gauge for yourself + Gain C. Stars.
  • 03- CLAM PALACE A: Apply Evade to all allies (1 time, 3 turns) + Remove Sure Hit & apply 1 [Enchant] state where "Critical Rate decreases (treated as a Mental Debuff)" (3 turns) & decrease Arts ATK resist (3 turns) for all enemies.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Nirmānnarati Heaven's Foam: Deal heavy Special Attack [Mental Debuff] damage <Special Attack damage increases with each [Mental Debuff] (Maximum 10) on the target> & high chance to inflict Death <chance increases with Overcharge> to all enemies.

Sessyoin Kiara (Moon Cancer) 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: Were there any particular features, intentions, or interpretations of the setting for each of Kiara's Ascension designs?
  • -A: Kiara's First Ascension shows off her latent girlish side, like a tropical flower blooming at a sandy beach scattered with white seashells. There was also suggestion to have her in a white dress, but that made her look sexy, so her current form was what we went with.
  • Her Second Ascension is essentially my obsession unleashed! I love police costumes...
  • For her Third Ascension, the instructions were that she was supposed to be a mermaid, and considering her background, I designed her to look like a Japanese mermaid princess. I considered drawing a beautiful yet fragile little mermaid along the lines of what Andersen likely envisioned in his story, but I drew inspiration from a story titled "Red Candles and the Mermaid." written by Mimei Ogawa, which is about a mermaid and her grudge against humans. I've made it so that she's watching from the deep sea. - WADARCO, Illustrator

Game Hints and Strategies

• Summer Kiara brings a diverse support kit and a powerful AOE Arts Noble Phantasm that deals additional damage to characters with Mental Debuffs, which she can supply herself. Her ability to remove Sure Hit from enemies can add a great deal to any party's survivability in a difficult fight as well. Finally, if you're looking for a Servant to clear out enemy waves, her Noble Phantasm also has an Instant Death component, making her a great option for farming.
  

Female Protagonist/Staff Interview - Riyo (Illustrator)

• QUESTION 1 - How was the Female Protagonist for Learning with Manga! Fate/Grand Order created?:
  • -A: I thought it would be great to have the manga's protagonist voice her questions and negative opinions about the game in an unfiltered and candid manner, so I made her personality a little erratic and over the top. Rather than her be completely violent and outrageous, I also try to show that she has a timid and sensitive side to her.
• QUESTION 2 - Can you share what your process is when creating the storyboards and layout designs for episodes of Learning with Manga?:
  • -A: Normally, I make three episodes at a time. At the start of the series, I tried to address FGO's mechanics in the manga as much as possible. But ever since original characters made their appearance, I've been trying to create stories with more epic arcs, just like the real Fate, but it's challenging.
• QUESTION 3 - What was the concept and process behind creating the original Servants for Learning with Manga! Fate/Grand Order? Can you also share with us how you came up with their designs and personalities?:
  • -A: I tried to create characters who were disconnected from the mainstream Fate world who would not interfere with the main story, but at the same time they were heroes who I have personal attachments to. As for their appearance and personalities, I designed them directly based off the general impression of the hero [that became Servants]. It might have been better if I made them even more kitschy and showy, typical of Servants.

Volume 8 (August 2022)

Scáthach 1

• Lancer / Scáthach (Lancer) / ★★★★★
  • A warrior queen from Celtic and Ulster legend.
  • The Queen and Guardian of Dún Scáith, the "Land of Shadows," and a prodigy in the arts of spear and runes.
  • She possesses a power immense enough to rule and close the gate of the "Lance of Shadows," which is overflowing with countless ghosts.
  • Later she became the mentor of a young Cú Chulainn - who would later grow into the hero of Ulster, teaching him all sorts of techniques and even bestowing upon him her beloved spear. She's also taught his son, Connla.
• Skills:
  • 01- WISDOM OF DUN SCAITH A+: Apply random effects to yourself.
  • 02- PRIMORDIAL RUNE: Increase one ally's Quick Card effectiveness (1 turn).
  • 03- GOD-SLAYER B: Apply Special Attack [Divine] (1 turn) & Special Attack [Undead] (1 turn) for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Gáe Bolg Alternative: Inflict Stun (1 turn) & deal significant damage & medium chance to inflict Death <chance increases with Overcharge> to a single enemy.
    

Scáthach 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: Scáthach was Cú Chulainn's mentor. She trained him in various fighting techniques. were you always thinking of Cú when brainstorming Scáthach's battle, skill, and design animation choices? Do Scáthach and Cú share any kind of similarities in their animations because they use the same fighting style?
  • -A: I would be lying if I said I absolutely did not have Cú in mind when designing Scáthach animations. However Scáthach and Cú Chulainn are both naturally talented fighters in their own regard and they also have extensive battle experience under their belts. So I'd like to think that they each found their own unique fighting stance and style over the course of their numerous battles. The fact that Scáthach wields two spears makes her different from Cú in that regard as well.
  • So while there are no major similarities found between these two characters when it comes to their battle animations because they each evolved in their own way, players may notice that when Scáthach readies her close range Arts move, it's the same stance as when Cú Chulainn readies himself wen throwing his Gáe Bolg. Minute details and similarities like that are still there to be found in places. - Mr. Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Scáthach is a premiere single-target Quick attacker. She is at her most useful against powerful Divine and Undead bosses. With proper Quick support, her Noble Phantasm can be used for truly spectacular damage, and comes with a stun effect that can be used to manage incoming damage from powerful enemies.
  

Okita Souji/Staff Interview - Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, Lasengle)

-Q: What is the process for designing a Servant's battle animation?

• -A: I first create a layout sketch for the Servant's animation based on the Servant's reference materials and character designs (such a s drawings) I receive. Sometimes a Servant wields different weapons or wears different equipment or outfits depending on their Ascension levels, and in those cases I have to create separate animation sketches. The sketches outline the Servants movements, how they use their weapons, and also reflect why they would move the wat they do based on their personalities.
• Then I meet with all involved parties, including staff from TYPE-MOON. In the early days of the game, all staff involved with animation attended these meetings, but as the team grew, only ream leaders were called in. At these meetings, everyone reviews the layout sketches and asks questions or exchanges suggestions to solidify the direction of the animation, and then we set off to work. However, even after the setup and rigging are complete and the character has been animated, it's not uncommon for us to get requests for further changes. When that happens, [the character animation] goes in a different direction than what was proposed in the initial layout sketches.

-Q: Servant's battle animation have evolved throughout FGO's history. What was the biggest technical difficulty your team has had to overcome to make the animation look better each year?

• -A: When we complete one task, there is always another to move on to , so as long as we're constantly trying to improve, there's no end in sight. While we have always been challenged by the projects we work on, the single most important thing that has made us into the effective team we are today is optimization. It may not be a glamorous process, but it's absolutely necessary to create great animation.
• During the game's infancy, we only had a small team and our task scheduling was not as refined as it is now, so it was a struggle just to create a character. But at the same time, certain Servants and their Noble Phantasm [animations] cause the game to crash or took forever to load. So we tried to pinpoint the cause with the engineers, and found that the battle characters had bloated data. Since then, the team has tried to shave off or regulate any data generated during production that is not necessary in order to reduce the volume of data as much as possible. With this approach, we managed to create more space so we can include more textures, which in turn was effective in improving the overall game.

-Q: Which Servant's animation was the most memorable to design?

• -A: That would be Okita Souji (Saber).
• It had only been a few months since FGO was released and I'm sure it had more than its fair share of flaws. But I remember the entire animation team and I put our hearts and souls into creating Okita's animation, often questioning whether there was any point in doing all this, and if players would even notice the minute details that were going into her animation. Ultimately may players looked at her animation in great detail and she was really well-received, which made me very happy.
• When it comes to a Servant's Noble Phantasm, I also have to bring up Katsushika Hokusai (Foreigner) as being memorable as well. It was fun and satisfying to brainstorm how to animate Hokusai's great paintings, and it was also well-received. Hokusai's animation would later influence Van Gogh's animation too. I know the question asked was about the most memorable, but I could help but mention two Servants.

Volume 9 (September 2022)

Oda Nobukatsu 1

• Archer / Oda Nobukatsu / ★
  • The younger brother of Oda Nobunaga, the famed conqueror of the Sengoku^WP period. History says little about him, save that he was Oda Nobunaga's younger brother, and so his Spirit Origin is frail and weak.
  • Normally he would never have been summonable as a Heroic Spirit, but for one reason or another, he managed to gain a Spirit Origin and manifest.
• Skills:
  • 01- IMMATURE SCHEME D: Apply [Confusion] that has a "low chance to inflict Skill Seal each turn" (3 turns) & decrease Buster ATK resist (3 turns) to a single enemy.
  • 02- I SHALL DIE FOR THE HEAVENS B: Gain C. Stars each turn (3 turns) for yourself + Increase Critical Strength for all allies (3 turns) & increase C. Star Gather Rate (3 turns) for all [Nobunaga] allies.
  • 03- ADABANA OF WAR C: Apply Target Focus (1 turn) increase the amount of NP gained when damaged (1 turn) & apply a state that "restores all allies' HP when you are defeated" (5 turns) for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Demon King's Turning Tide, Mañjusaka: Increase NP Gauge & Buster Card effectiveness (3 turns) for all allies except yourself <effect increase with Overcharge> + Increase all [Nobunaga] allies' Buster Card effectiveness (3 turns) + Apply Death to yourself [Demerit]

Oda Nobukatsu 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the thought process behind Nobukatsu's Noble Phantasm and battle animations? Were there any specific directions given for them?
  • -A: Players who Nobukatsu's backstory before he was officially summoned to Chaldea are well aware that Oda Nobukatsu did not have the abilities or potential to become a Servant under normal circumstances. With that in mind, the general direction was to make parts of his animations seem a bit clumsy or cute but awkward. He also has Nobunaga and the mysterious creatures (Nobbu) come to his aid in his skill animations to suggest that he's compensating for his own inadequacies. Additionally, while this may be subtle, Nobukatsu's attack animation effects are also subdued based on the notion that Nobukatsu isn't all that strong. Flashy effects give the impression that the character is powerful, and so we were very careful to hold back on these to preserve his character.
  • His Noble Phantasm animation where a beautiful spread of mañjusaka flowers ( higanbana^WP) crumbles and disappears like scattering dust was created in a careful process of blending many effects. - Mr. Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Nobukatsu may only be a 1-Star Servant, but his skills and Noble Phantasm provide incredible enhancement to al Nobunaga Servants in your party. Nobunaga Servants are already powerful alone, but using Nobukatsu catapults each version of Nobunaga to new heights in battle.

Oda Nobunaga (Archer)/Staff Interview - Keikenti (Guest Writer)

-Q: The Fate series has always had a fairly serious tone. How did the GUDAGUDA events, with their very different tone, come about?

• -A: Around the time when I was drawing some GUDAGUDA manga episodes as tie-ins to be used right before the Japanese release of Fate/Grand Order, Takeuchi-san jokingly suggested that a GUDAGUDA story could be implemented to the game if FGO reached 500,000 pre-registrations. We both laughed and thought that was pretty unlikely. However, the incredible love Fate fans have for the series mean pre-registrations hit that number easily, and I'm sure Takeuchi-san must have panicked. Essentially, the GUDAGUDA series in FGO was made possible by the fans' passion for Fate, so I'd like to thank everyone who pre-registered!
• But even when this idea became a reality, the timing of the event's release was still up in the air. Considering the game had just launched and the development team can't have had a spare moment for things like this, they worked very hard to create the event at just a phenomenal pace, and I was impressed and thankful that it turned out to be such a great event, despite the story being gudaguda [a jokey, random mess]. And honestly, I never would have imagined that this series would continue in the game for such a long time.

-Q: What should players focus on and enjoy most about the GUDAGUDA events?

• -A: I always come up with these chaotic stories without thinking too hard, and I just hope that the players enjoy each of the events as they release. The Servants who appear in these GUDAGUDA events are usually well-known people or historical types like members of the Shinsengumi or generals from Japan's Warring States period. My hope is that these events can draw new players to FGO. I'd also love for overseas players to learn about Japanese Servants from these events.

-Q: When speaking of GUDAGUDA, we're immediately reminded of the lovable Nobbu/Okita duo. When you first came up with GUDAGUDA's story, why did you choose those two to be the main characters?

• -A: Going back to the story of me drawing the tie-in manga for the Japanese Fate/Grand Order's release, Takeuchi-san initially suggested that I draw the manga using the parody characters of Tsukihime from the Koha-Ace manga. But I managed to convince him that FGO would be a game full to bursting with new and unfamiliar Servants, and so this tie-in manga should also feature Servants nobody's ever seen, which is how Nobbu and Okita got to be included. Ultimately, their whole wacky gudaguda antics fit the manga world well, and it's actually touching to think that GUDAGUDA events have continued even to this day. That said, I want to apologize to Takeuchi-san for convincing him at the time.

Volume 10 (October 2022)

Nemo 1

• Rider / Nemo / ★★★★★
  • Triton, the merman who was raised and loved by the gods of the seas, and Prince Dakkar, the character in the novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas^WP," or at least the man he was probably based on. The combination of these two creates the Nemo we have here.
  • Although Phantom Spirits have only ever existed in the Pseudo-Singularity Shinjuku so far, an alchemist from Atlas named Sion managed to extract the data and summon this special Servant as a Phantom Spirit.
  • In Novum Chaldea, Nemo dispatches and supports units deployed in field operations. Operations on land fall under jurisdiction of Da Vinci, while maritime operations are under Captain Nemo's authority, so it may not be an exaggeration to say that these two are rivals in that sense as well.
• Skills:
  • 01- VOYAGER OF THE STORM C++: Increase NP Strength (1 turn) & ATK (1 turn) & increase ATK only when on [Near Water] or [Void Space] fields (3 turns) for all allies.
  • 02- INDEFATIGABLE B+: Apply Guts (1 time, 5 turns) & increase NP Gauge for yourself & increase your NP Gauge when Guts is activated (1 time, 5 turns).
  • 03- GUIDE FOR TRAVEL C++: Increase Arts Card effectiveness (3 turns) & increase Arts Card effectiveness (3 turns) when on a [Near Water] or a [Void Space] field for all allies + Gain C. Stars.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Great Ram, Nautilus: Increase NP Strength (1 turn) <effect increases with Overcharge> & increase NP Strength (1 turn) only when in [Near Water] or [Void Space] fields & apply Sure Hit (1 turn) only when in [Near Water] or [Void Space] fields for yourself + Deal significant Special Attack damage to a single [Super Giant] enemy.

Nemo 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What aspects of Nemo's origin and appearance took the longest to create?
  • -A: I knew there was going to be a large ship in the latter half of Part 2, so I started by looking for a hero that would be suitable to be captain of said ship, and Captain Nemo perfectly fit the bill of a captain who journeys through the void sea. But because Nemo from (the novel) Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas and (the animated series) Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water^WP were both quite memorable, an older Nemo would have just been doing what those two had already done. That's why I decided to go with a younger Captain Nemo.
  • Since Nemo is a Phantom Spirit who fused with a mermaid, I also agonized right to the last moment about whether to make Nemo male or female. However, when I saw DANGERDROP's character design of Nemo of having this perfect balance between a girlish svelte appearance with a dignified masculine look in his eyes, I decided Nemo was going to be male. The rest came easily. I also wanted to have it be Triton who merged with Nemo, and ultimately I believe Captain Nemo ended up suiting FGO's world very well.
  • It's always nerve-racking for me to write for Nemo because I need to show the strength of responsibility it takes to command a battleship, even more so for a submarine. I also have to show him in the difficult position of being a military man, who is also a gentle soul that loves the sea, and cares deeply about his allies.
  • During a trip to Hawaii in 2018, I went to see the battleship USS Missouri and I was struck with a realization that there's no way a giant battleship could be operated by one person alone! It wouldn't be at all convincing without a crew! So I quickly contacted DANGERDROP and had them add the Nemo Series to the character. And that's how the greatest crew came to be. Yumiri Hanamori's^WP amazing acting and voice also breathed life into Nemo, and he became and amazing character. - Kinoko Nasu

Game Hints and Strategies

• Nemo is an outstanding Arts-based single-target damage dealer, particularly when on Near Water of Void Space fields. When boosted with powerful Arts support, he can deal devastating damage with his Noble Phantasm, which gains Sure Hit and an additional damage bonus on Near Water and Void Space fields.

Staff Interview - Product Manager (Narrative)

-Q: Please tell us a bit about what your job entails.

• -A: The job of a production manager (narrative) is, as the name describes, managing all the deadlines for scripts and scenarios, being the point of contact between the writers and production team, as well as working on narrative elements in the game including the creative process for the production of Servants. "Servant production" is actually a loaded term, as creating a single Servant requires the writers to write up a Servant's background and voice lines, the illustrator to create the Servant design and other materials for the game, and then all these things are incorporated into the game by LASENGLE. Each of these components has their own designer, producer, and supervisor, and all of these roles are part of the game's character creation.
• Once the profile text and voice line scripts are created by the assigned writer, I head to the recording studio to assist the writer during the voice recording phase. Any Illustration-related materials will go to Takashi Takeuchi-san, the head of art direction, and any materials that may affect the overall FGO and Fate world are sent to Kinoko Nasu-san. In addition, as part of building the narrative for FGO, I also read through the scenario scripts to analyze what points of interest (spots) may be needed for area maps, and I share my finding with the carious design and script teams so that everyone is on the same page.
• While there is a wide range of work involved, I would say that this job is, at its core, analyzing and organizing all the necessary materials that go into a single scenario of the game to complete its production.

-Q: Please tell us some of your favorite Servants and events.

• -A: My favorite Servant would have to be Demon King Nobunaga (Oda Nobunaga). We had the voice actor for Nobunaga, Rie Kugumiya^WP, create very different voices for each of the Ascensions, and there were literally three characters worth of scripts for this one character. The voice recording and implementation of this character took so much more time than the others, but I feel all those efforts paid off and we ended up with a unique and wonderful character that everyone seems to love.
• My favorite event would have to be "Battle in New York 2019." This one was special because [during the event's expected release in Japan] Nasu-san requested that certain NPCs have voiced lines to coincide with the release of Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, and so Siduri got actual voiced lines in the game right before the anime's release, which left a great impression on both viewers and players. This event also gave the shady golden sheep a voice as well. Dumuzid seemed shady from the point his voice script was created, and I feel Shinichiro Kamio's wonderful performance really nailed that aspect of the character.
• Oh, by the way, Kamio-san was worried he overdid it during the recording phase, but Nasu-san was overseeing the recording and said that it was "perfect," and so all the recording were accepted as they were.

-Q: What was one of your most memorable moments working on the project?

• -A: The most memorable thing was when I was working on the development for Part 1's Chapter 6 through the Final Chapter, which were the chapters that Nasu-san penned personally. Of course, Nasu-san reviewed all the previous scenarios and events too, but this was the most memorable for me because I witnessed Nasu-san working nonstop even after they wrote the massive scenario documents for these chapters. They went on to supervise the vast amount of scenario animations and were actively present during the Servant voice recordings, and I was able to witness firsthand Nasu-san's overwhelming passion heading into the conclusion of Part 1. Witnessing myself the work ethic of Kinoko Nasu, the creator of Fate working themself to the bone, and the fact that the Final Chapter was well-received by the players is still a driving force for me to keep working and develop more content for the game.

Volume 11 (November 2022)

Sakata Kintoki (Spiritron Dress Heian Warrior Attire) 1

• Berserker / Sakata Kintoki / ★★★★★
  • One of the four to serve under Minamoto-no-Raikou, the most powerful Mystic Slayer in the Heian era^WP.
  • The notability of his childhood name "Kintarou" within Japan rivals that of Momotarou.
  • Rowdy and unmannered, this man is dangerous...but in reality he is very compassionate and just.
  • His favorite phrases are "Gold" and "Golden"
  • His favorite dog is a Golden Retriever.
• Skills:
  • 01- MONSTROUS STRENGTH A+: Increase ATK for yourself (1 turn).
  • 02- ANIMAL COMMUNICATION C: Increase your NP Gauge.
  • 03- NATURAL BODY A: Increase Attack Debuff Resist (3 turns) & greatly restore HP for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Golden Spark: Deal significant DEF-ignoring damage & medium chance to inflict Stun (1 turn) <chance increases with Overcharge> & decrease Buster Card resistance (2 turns) for a single enemy.

Sakata Kintoki (Spiritron Dress Heian Warrior Attire) 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What were come of your design concepts for Kintoki's Spiritron Dress "Heian Warrior Attire" so that it would match with the "Naraka Mandala, Heian-kyo" setting?
  • -A: Kintoki is blessed with a physique that's almost monstrous, so I initially focused on his incredible upper body. I also tried not to get too hung up on the Heian warrior theme, so I added more colors, and designed Kintoki to look like this flashy, energetic-looking young warrior. And according to Shuten-Douji, Kintoki is this "blond-haired, blue-eyed brat," so I was personally really nervous when I drew him with his blue eyes revealed for the very first time, since they'd been hidden behind sunglasses from the time he was released. - Raita Honjo (Character Design)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Kintoki is a stellar boss killer, particularly with his Noble Phantasm's ability to ignore defense buffs. With a 50% self NP charge and a truly massive attack buff, he is able to deliver incredible amounts of damage in a single turn with his Noble Phantasm, which further reduces an enemy's resistance to Buster Cards. with his Berserker damage and many options for Buster support, Kintoki is an excellent choice in almost any boss battle.

Ibuki Douji/Staff Interview - Raita Honjou (Character Design)

-Q: You have been in charge of designing many Japanese Servants from the Heian period. Was there anything you were particular with during the design process, such as trying to mix modern and traditional Japanese elements?

• -A: I feel the concentration of Heian characters happened because the characters I was assigned early on just happened to be Sakata Kintoki, Shuten-Douji, and Minamoto-no-Raikou. During the design process, I don't concern or confine myself to the time period or even realism, and I strive to create something with an open mind sprinkled with elements of surprise. I'm grateful that FGO is a flexible game that permits me to do things like that.

-Q: Your oni designs for Servants like Shuten-Douji and Ibuki-Douji are different from traditional depictions of oni. Hoe did you come up with them?

• -A: FGO allows so much freedom, and that kind of open-mindedness has enabled me to throw curve balls and elements of surprise into my designs. I have this desire to deliver surprises and unexpected features tat divert from everyone's typical image of an oni, and I make an effort to add quite a bit of spice in the form of unpredictability to all Servants I design, not just for oni.

-Q: Please tell us about your production process and design intent for Ibuki-Douji.

• -A: First of all, I wanted to draw someone who was a tanned, older sister kind of look. (Laughs) And then the first idea that popped into my head was an image of her, Japan's greatest calamity, just walking down some shopping district buying alcohol and snacks, which is how her very casual second Ascension form came to be. I also wanted to depict her stages of growth, so her first Ascension is her smol lamia form, which is meant to be more surprising, and her third Ascension focuses on her divinity to solidify her true character. I do have to say that a large part of these variations were possible because FGO allows so much freedom and playfulness for a single character since they typically have thee different types of designs.

Volume 12 (December 2022)

Karna (Santa) 1

• Saber / Karna (Santa) / ★★★★
  • Karna has become Santa. Because of reasons.
  • Once a year during Christmastime, everyone wishes for presents. Karna learns Santa Claus is the one who grants these wishes, and the moment he realizes he has the power to do so himself, he does not hesitate to take on the role. And so, whenever the children ask, "Santa, please give me a present," this new Santa Claus simply replies, "Very well. Here you go," and grants their Christmas wish.
  • He may seem a bit frosty, but he's far from coldhearted. He just has a hard time smiling.
• Skills:
  • 01- FOOTWORK SANTA A: Increase Quick Card effectiveness (3 times, 3 turns) & increase Buster Card effectiveness *3 times, 3 turns) increase Critical Strength (3 turns) for yourself.
  • 02- FLASH FIST A: Apply Evade (2 times, 3 turns) & increase C/ Star Gather Rate (1 turn) & increase Quick Card Critical Strength (1 turn) for yourself.
  • 03- HERO OF BENEFACTION (HOLY NIGHT) EX: Increase NP Gauge apply Debuff Immune (3 times, 3 turns) for a single ally.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Winning Arkaputra: Increase Quick Card effectiveness (1 turn) <effect increases with Overcharge> for yourself + Remove Guts & deal significant damage to a single enemy.

Karna (Santa) 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the thought process behind Karna's Noble Phantasm and battle animations? Were there any specific directions given for them?
  • -A: Even though Karna (Santa) doesn't have Ascension variations in his battle animation because he is an Event Limited Servant, he also underwent numerous retakes and adjustments the same as any regular Servant. Close quarters combat animation typically requires frequent retakes because it is challenging to determine the rhythm and speed of the movements. I remember we spent a long time making adjustments by applying tons of effects and changing the sequence of the cuts after out first take even for his Noble Phantasm animation. Of course, Karna's character designer, pako's, exclusive cut-ins were also wonderful, and so the staff and I worked very hard to try to incorporate them to look as cool as possible.
  • Initially, Karna's sprite had his arms at his sides as his readying pose (before he attacks), which made him look like he was wide open. When we added motion to it, it didn't seem to fit the look we ere going for, and that was how he ended up with his arms raised up to his chest. (Though he carries a bag full of presents shaped like a punching bag, so he still looks quite open...) - Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Karna is an easily fieldable Quick Saber with massive damage potential both from his Noble Phantasm and criticals. The added benefit of his Noble Phantasm removing his Guts status from enemies before dealing damage means that when he puts an enemy down, the don't get back up! His own ability to buff his Quick cards and his Quick criticals makes him an extremely dangerous attacker, and his Evade skill give him and added boost of survivability in tough fights.

Staff Interview - Scenario Scripter

-Q: Please tell us a bit about what your job entails.

• -A: The scenario script team's main job is to create the dialogue scenes in the game. Production of these scenes do not happen simply by putting the given assets together: the process begins by reading the scenario script. From there, we analyze and has out everything we think will be needed to create the scenes, such as still art, background, event cutscenes, or movies, effects and sounds during battle and other functions need to play the sound or animation. From there, we met with the various relevant departments to decide on scheduling and job orders.
• While the various assets are in production, we work on creating a mockup of the scenes using temporary assets. We analyze the Servants' dialogue and the writers' notes to build the scenes up and try to convey what each should look like. Our job is to create something that exceeds the writers; expectations and intents, and we continue to rework, adjust, and brush up everything in 0.1 second increments, right up till release. Our goal is to enhance the scenarios' appeal to make them memorable experience for our players.
• We continuously study existing TYPE-MOON works so that we can maintain Fate's essence as TYPE-MOON has established it, but we also strive to create something beyond that, which would be fitting for the FGO world, and so we continuously work to evolve and find new ways to produce scenes every time a new main scenario story is released.

-Q: Please tell us some of your favorite Servants and events.

• -A: My favorite Servant is Ashiya Douman. He's popped up in various main storylines here and there for a very long time, and I've grown attached to him. He has quite a variety of expressions in his art, and we gradually added more and more of his expressions before he was even implemented as a Servant in Chapter 5.5.
• My favorite events were the mystery events, "Murder at Kogetsukan" and "A Meihousou Most Foul." Compared to normal scenarios, players are expected to read through the text more thoughtfully and thoroughly to catch the smaller details, rather than focusing on combat and intense scenes, and so the team and I tried to be meticulous in producing these scenes. It was apparent that the scenes got more visually elaborate with the addition of even the slightest detail, and so this was a very enjoyable event to work on for me.
• For example, in "A Meihousou Most Foul," there were scenes where the characters are filming a movie, and our team suggested putting film borders to make it easily distinguishable from the normal scenes. We are always mindful of the overall tone of the event while thinking of ways to create the scenes, which leads to details like that. And for each ending, we used various magnifying effects on the background and still pictures to make them visually different than the usual scenario scenes to achieve a more cinematic effect. Additionally, for "Murder at the Kogetsukan," our aim was to make the scenes feel like a detective story, so we referenced many mystery dramas, which gave us insight into how to display the relationship chart scene and also made it easier for players to draw hints out from the calling card as the plot revealed itself. During the deduction periods for each of these mystery events [in Japan], many players went online and posted their theories on social media, which I found to be a truly unique movement for a mobile game, and I hope everyone enjoyed trying their luck at solving these mysteries. (And to be honest, I wish I could have enjoyed playing detective myself.)

-Q: What was one of your most memorable moments working on the project?

• -A: The most memorable thing for me was when we were in development for Part 2, Chapter 5.5, where Ashiya Douman plays an active role. All of the scenarios in Part 2 are about destroying the Lostbelts to protect Proper Human History and we go through the conflict and pain of destroying each of these beautiful worlds as well as the sadness for the Lostbelt characters who are destined to perish. On the other hand, since the main driving plotline in Chapter 5.5 is to defeat Ashiya Douman, who we've been fighting against for the longest time, the team and I put a lot of effort into the scene where Sakata Kintoki and allied Servants form a united front, as well as the final scene in order to give the players this feel-good sensation of everyone working together to defeat a mutual enemy. Yet as the same time, I wanted Douman to still be likeable as a Servant in Chaldea, and so I tried to carefully present and highlight some of his more charming points which were never really shown in the past. As for the scene where the human Ashiya Douman appears briefly, we made some suggestions and requests from our end, and we were able to have exclusive facial expressions drawn just for those scenes.

Volume 13 (January 2023)

Space Ishtar 1

• Avenger / Space Ishtar / ★★★★★
  • A free-spirited Divine Spirit Servant who lives her life to the very fullest, hailing from the Servant Universe. She acts like she's an Archer, but for some reason, she is an Avenger. By some twist of fate, she has partnered up with Jane to hunt down bad guys living hand-to-mouth in her career as a bounty hunter.
  • "My name is Ishtar. That's right, the goddess Ishtar. Huh? Put 'Space' in front of my name to avoid confusion? I refuse. That's not cute at all!"
• Skills:
  • 01- DEVIL'S SUGAR A: Increase your ATK (3 turns) + Increase ATK (3 turns) & Apply Charm Immune (3 turns) for all allies excluding yourself.
  • 02- VENUS DRIVER B: Increase NP strength (1 time, 3 turns) & apply Invincible (1 time, 3 turns) & change the NP Card type (3 turns) for yourself.
  • 03- MULTIPLE STARLING EX: Increase NP Gauge & chance to increase Quick Card effectiveness (3 turns) & chance to increase Arts Card effectiveness (3 turns) & chance to increase Buster Card effectiveness (3 turns) for yourself.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Edin Shugurra Quasar: Increase NP Strength (3 turns) <effect increases with Overcharge> for yourself + Deal heavy damage to all enemies + Increase Extra Attack Strength (1 turn) for yourself.

Space Ishtar 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: Were there any specific features or intentions in mind for each of Space Ishtar's Ascension designs?
  • -A: There were a lot of unique aspects to [Space Ishtar] that were created for every Ascension level (though that was not the initial plan), and her designs were based on each of these. For her first Ascension form, I made it so that her coloring was primarily black to emphasize her darker aspect. For her second Ascension, I received very clear design directions from Nasu-san, so I designed her in a cowgirl outfit that would complement her partner, Calamity Jane. Her third Ascension retained her [darker] aspect, but I also wanted to incorporate some elements that seemed extraterrestrial, inorganic, or conceptual, with a sprinkling of mythological components, and topped it off with some spacey details. I have very fond memories of going through the entire design process, and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work on Space Ishtar's design. - Shiduki Morii (Character Design)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Space Ishtar's incredible versatility is her greatest strength. She is not only a viable choice, but an excellent one with any of FGO's available support Servants. Her Noble Phantasm card type can be changed on demand to suit whatever team composition you decide to use. Whether Quick, Buster, or Arts, Space Ishtar can benefit from any of the game's premiere support Servants to deal massive damage with her Noble Phantasm.

Mysterious Heroine X/Staff Interview - BUNBUN (Character Design)

-Q: What were your inspirations for the design of Mysterious Heroine X and Mysterious Heroine X (Alter)?

• -A: Mysterious Heroine X was originally conceived for TYPE-MOON's April Fool's event as an Altri-(cough, cough)-I mean, an Assassin named Heroine X whose job was to eradicate the overabundance of Saber-type heroines. Mysterious Heroine X's design is largely based on that concept.
• My initial instructions in her various designs were simple, like having her wear and take off her scarf. And while I was working on her various Ascension forms, Takeuchi-san's original design of her wearing a cap, jumpsuit, and scarf were pretty much cemented in my mind. So rather than adding and removing elements (and because I was racking my brain in an attempt to go in a different design direction) I ended up submitting her Final Ascension design with Mysterious Heroine X wearing a sci-fi outfit. And for some reason that design was approved and ultimately it led to the start of the Servant Universe. That kind of open-mindedness and fortitude certainly tracks with TYPE-MOON.
• For Mysterious Heroine X (Alter), I was told her name and that she was a Berserker, so I initially submitted a straightforward design that was just and Alterized version of Heroine X. But Nasu-san and Takeuchi-san later came back saying: let's make it so that she looks like and Alter (bad guy) but deep down she's a super meek good girl! And let's have her in a schoolgirls sailor uniform! those were the directions I was given and that's how Mysterious Heroine X (Alter) ended up the way she is now. And just like Mysterious Heroine X, her Final Ascension form has her in a sci-fi design. Vwoom, vwoom!

-Q: Saber is an iconic character in the Fate franchise. What are some of the things you kept in mind when designing Mysterious Heroine X, Mysterious Heroine XX, and Mysterious Heroine X (Alter)?

• -A: Altria is the face of this franchise , and I was consistently worried about whether my character designs resembled Altria's face even as recent as X Alter's release. As I mentioned in my previous response, a title like FGO us very unique in that it's very accepting and open to almost everything, and I'm given pretty free rein in my designs. If I were to describe my back-and-forths with TYPE-MOON like a game of catch, whenever I throw an uninteresting ball at them, they throw it back and tell it's uninteresting and then provide me with suggestions. Even if I throw a curveball, they still swing at it as they think it's interesting, so I have this sense of security as an illustrator that all I have to do it some up with designs I personally think would be good at that time. Obviously this franchise has it's history and passionate fans, so I never mess around and submit anything thoughtless, but I am always confident that the end result will turn out great. On that note, this probably one of the easiest of all the jobs I have.

Volume 14 (February 2023)

Sei Shounagon 1

• Archer / Sei Shounagon / ★★★★★
  • An author and poet of Japan's Heian period, she immersed herself in Chinese classics poetry (which were studied exclusively by males at the time). Many tales tell of her arguing down men with her vast knowledge, making her one of the more unconventional female figures of her time. Even in excerpts from "The Diary of Lady Murasaki," it's clear that Murasaki Shikibu saw Sei Shounagon as a force to be reckoned with.
  • She served as a lady-in-waiting to Consort Teishi during the latter half of her twenties. The young Teishi was very affectionate to Shounagon, even though she was significantly older, and Shounagon reciprocated by loyally serving the beautiful, intelligent consort.
  • While in court, Shounagon recorded her own observations and musings on court life, and these were later gathered into a collection. This is considered Japan's first essay anthology, "The Pillow Book^WP."
• Skills:
  • 01- GREAT POET'S POEM B: Increase ATK (3 turns) & NP Gauge each turn (3 turns) & restore HP each turn (3 turns) for all allies.
  • 02- MEETING CHECKPOINT OF OSAKA A: Apply Evade (3 times, 3 turns) & increase Critical Strength (3 times, 3 turns) for yourself.
  • 03- THE STARS' CLUSTERS B: Increase Quick Card effectiveness (3 turns) & NP Gauge for yourself + Gain C. Stars.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Emotional Engine, Full Drive: Apply Special Attack against enemies with [Human Attribute] (1 turn) <effect increases with Overcharge> & Special Attack against [Neutral] Servant enemies (1 turn) & Special Attack against [Shadow Servants] (1 turn) to yourself + Deal heavy damage to all enemies.

Sei Shounagon 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What were some of the areas you took particular care with when designing Sei Shounagon?
  • -A: Sei Shounagon was a character created through a myriad of design patterns, and the Sei Shounagon we see and know now was selected intuitively from the many drafts and ideas I had. I designed her in a way that made her not easy to recognize at first glance, and I kept in mind her human nature and desires and how those would be reflected in her design. She turned out to be a sort of quirky character, but players should be able to get a good idea of her personality from her appearance, understand what her preferences are through her minute design details, and learn a different side of her after hearing her speak. I wanted to design her in a way that would make her visually enjoyable in multiple senses and layers. - Mika Pikazo (Character Design)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Sei Shounagon's ability to buff an entire team's attack while also providing NP and HP regeneration per turn makes her an extremely useful Servant both in Quick NP looping and longer fights. Her passive and active skills provide her with additional buffs to Critical Star Gathering and Critical Strength, meaning that her non-NP attacks can deal a tremendous amount of damage as well. When considered alongside her incredible passive resistance to the Charm status, Sei Shounagon is useful both as a farming Servant and in many of FGO's more challenging fights.

Li Shuwen (Assassin)/Staff Interview - Associate Director (Lasengle)

-Q: Please tell us a bit about what your job entails.

• -A: My job can be broadly categorized into two major tasks.
• My first task is to take all the operations and events that the producer and directors decide on and flesh out, and mold them into a tangible schedule. I work closely with the producers, directors, and TYPE-MOON on a wider range of schedule types, including planning what and how many rewards can be given out during events and campaigns (such as Craft Essences and Command Codes), year-round scheduling for [Servant] pickups, and QoL planning.
• My second task is to create the framework for these campaigns and pickup Summons. I create documents that are similar to a specification sheet which details everything to make implementation possible. I especially put a lot of time and effort into anniversary campaigns, and I begin work on those up to six months in advance. I had the privilege of attending Anime Expo in 2019 when the 2nd anniversary campaign [for FGO NA] was announced and I remember getting emotional seeing the players react so excitedly and enthusiastically to the announcement.

-Q: Please tell us some of your favorite Servants and events.

• -A: I trained in martial arts during my youth, and so my favorite Servant is the older Li Shuwen. And while it was out of my job description, I reviewed Li Shuwen (Assassin's) animations and movements for TYPE-MOON when he was getting implemented.
• My favorite event would be "Servant Summer Festival!" I loved everything about this event. I felt the map's BGM set the energetic summer mood, the event's game system had specific reasoning for players replay the map over and over, and the characters and the story were great.

-Q: What was one of your most memorable moments working on the project?

• -A: About one month after joining the company, I attended a meeting that included TYPE-MOON. In that meeting, the topic of the next swimsuit Servant came up. The conversation started out with "What would you like to write?" That led to a discussion between the creators and staff. They discussed what they wanted to do as well as what they felt the players wanted, and the decisions made at that time essentially determined the swimsuit Servant for that year. I came from a company that heavily relied on data, so this rapid, almost impulsive decision-making was a complete shock to me. Of course not everything is determined like this, but I believe allowing decisions like this to happen is one of the reasons FGO has been loved for so many years!

Volume 15 (March 2023)

Osakabehime 1

• Archer / Osakabehime / ★★★★★
  • Osakabehime (called Ms. Osakabe in the "Saikaku Shokokubanashi" and Osakabe in "Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki^WP") was a yokai^WP who was enshrined as a jinushigami^WP, a deity from the land of Himeji^WP.
  • In modern days, she is known as the creature who took up residence in the tower of Himeji Castle^WP.
• Skills:
  • 01- SHISHIN CHISOU (EGRET) A: Greatly increase DEF (1 turn) & increase DEF & Debuff Resist (3 turns) for yourself + Increase all allies' Critical Strength (3 turns).
  • 02- CHIYOGAMI TECHNIQUE EX: Increase NP Gauge & C. Star Drop Rate (3 turns) for one ally.
  • 03- CASTLE APPARITION A++: Decrease DEF (1 turn) & remove Buffs for a single enemy.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • The Great Hachitendou of Hakuro Castle: Increase DEF (3 turns) & Quick Card effectiveness (3 turns) <effect increases with Overcharge> & Max HP (3 turns) for all allies.

Osakabehime 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: Please tell us how Osakabehime's setting was decided.
  • -A: Osakabehime was chosen to be the next traditional Japanese yokai, in the vein of Tamamo-no-Mae and Kiyohime. That she had some connection with Miyamoto Musashi also was a factor in her selection.
  • With no evidence of her ever leaving her residence of Himeji Castle, as well as taking inspiration from a painting from Toriyama Sekien^WP, a notable painter during the Edo period, led to us creating her background of "a princess with a bat motif." Additionally, the legend that this yokai "showed itself only once a year in front of the castle's lord" brought us to considering, "maybe she's a hikikomori [shut-in] who only works once a year." From there our idea expanded to her being a "recluse, but an active otaku."
  • However, our idea of Osakabehime in legend was that she was rather brazen, despite being a recluse, which ultimately led us to characterize her as someone "who is introverted, but shameless and rather cunning." - Yuichiro Higashide, Scenario Writer.

Game Hints and Strategies

• While her initial kit made Osakabehime a strong choice for challenge missions and helpful with supporting Quick-reliant Servants, do not forget about her Rank Up Quest. After completing this quest, she also serves as a better HP enhancer and can be used to buff Buster Servants as well, allowing for a more versatile party makeup.

Nero Claudius#Nero Bride Nero Claudius (Bride)/Staff Interview - Wada Arco (Character Design)

-Q: Nero Claudius (Bride) made her first appearance in Fate/EXTRA CCC. What was the design process like?

• -A: Most of the key words I received during the initial character design phase were fetish-themed, such as masochism and restraints, and so my illustration was themed around a bride wearing a rubber suit. As such...don't you think she's cute?
• I also added a bunch of elements and details to her so that she could stand out and look good in the 3D models and animation, but I had no idea I would have to draw her numerous times, so I cursed the past me for making it so difficult.
• But anyway...don't you think she's cute???

-Q: What kind of direction did Nasu give you?

• -A: I didn't receive any direct instructions from Nasu-san and Takeuchi-san for EXTRA or CCC, and many of the interactions I did were with Niino-san from Imageepoch, who worked on the development of the games. And so I have no idea how Nasu-san and Takeuchi-san reacted to my illustrations, but I keep on working and drawing, believing that so long as the designs kept getting approved, all's well that ends well!

-Q: If you were to draw a new outfit for Nero Claudius (Bride), what would you like to draw?

• -A: What's with this super hard question!? If it's [Nero] Bride, it'll have to have some bride element, right? I know it has nothing to do with Rome, but maybe I'd like to illustrate and outfit that's like a sexy wedding dress fit for a king that's designed based off of a tuxedo or dolman!

Volume 16 (April 2023)

Mysterious Idol X (Alter) 1

• Foreigner / Mysterious Idol X (Alter) / ★★★★
  • The dress she wears for her concerts is imbued with wishes. Her voice, resonant with emotion, sings of impossible dreams. Tonight, the girl transforms into an idol and makes her glorious debut on the dazzling battlefield (stage).
  • My song, my life full of passion...I want to convey them all to you, who I have yet to meet. Release the Altereactor! Idol☆Glo at full force! Limit breakthrough...to the next stage!!!
• Skills:
  • 01- UNPARALLELED WALTZ B: Increase Quick Card effectiveness (3 times, 3 turns,) & Buster Card effectiveness (3 times, 3 turns) & apply Evade (1 time, 3 turns) for yourself.
  • 02- INFINITE UPSTREAM LYRICS C: Increase Critical Strength (1 turn) & apply Special Attack [Machine] (3 turns) for yourself.
  • 03- KING'S SINGING VOICE C: Increase ATK (3 turns) & restore HP for all allies

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Lumino Calibur: Increase Quick Card effectiveness (1 turn) <effect increases with Overcharge> for yourself + Deal heavy Special Attack damage to all [Evil] enemies.

Mysterious Idol X (Alter) 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the thought process behind Mysterious Idol X (Alter)'s Noble Phantasm and battle animations? Where there any specific directions given for them?
  • -A: Some of the Mysterious Idol X (Alter)'s skill animations have her singing, projecting a keyboard and playing it, or drinking some pouched jelly drink to supplement her energy (which I personally love to drink as well). That drink is apparently red bean paste flavor, and it's distributed throughout the Universe.
  • In her Noble Phantasm animation, Mysterious Idol X (Alter) raises her guitar on stage, and a giant guitar blade emerges from it, which she uses as an idol to sweep the enemy. Her name may be Mysterious Idol X (Alter), but because she doesn't have much confidence as an idol (initially), many of her animations do not have her doing cute idol choreography, but more of her singing and playing instruments as a singer-songwriter. - Makoto Anjo (3D artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Mysterious Idol X (Alter) is an excellent choice for wave clearing, especially with the proper Quick support, given her AoE Noble Phantasm and Foreigner typing, leaving very few enemies resistant to her damage. The damage bonus on her Noble Phantasm against Evil enemies, as well as from one of her skills against Mechanical enemies makes her a powerful Servant for a great deal of FGO's content! With the right support, Mysterious Idol X (Alter) can clear the field of all your enemies across multiple waves!

Miss Crane 1/Staff Interview - Shaka P (Character Design)

-Q: How did you adapt elements of the Japanese folktale "Crane Returns a Favor^WP" into your design?

• -A: The design for Miss Crane is focused on the theme of a stunning cougar (older woman) devoid of any Japanese elements. Since she is a Heroic Spirit inspired by the story "Crane Returns a Favor," she warns others not to look at her, and so I designed her with minimal visible skin. Her face is concealed beneath a hood or a large hat in her First Ascension form, and I had her carry a staff shaped like a spool, which suits her occupation as a weaver. In her Second Ascension, the idea was for her to wear a large winged cloak that's a part of her body.

-Q: Miss Crane's First Ascension design has her wearing clothing in a Western Style, while her later Ascension forms have her in traditional Japanese attire. What kind of direction did you receive to help make these decisions?

• -A: Miss Crane's Western outfit came about from my desire to erase the sad images which come from the story of the "Crane Returns a Favor," and I wanted to give her a Cinderella-like fairy godmother look. For her later Ascension form wearing Japanese attire, I straight-up drew her in the image of a crane wife. My first draft actually combined Japanese and Western themes by having her carry a staff and a sword at the same time, but that was rejected because it was too muddled.

-Q: Many of your CEs tend to have bright and sunny palettes. What inspired you to keep that as a recurring theme for your artwork? And what is your favorite CE you've designed so far?

• -A: I'm usually asked to draw craft Essences for the summer events, so I try to focus on the characters and make it glamourous. Ideas for designing Craft Essences are endless and enjoyable for me, but the CE "An Oni in Human Clothing" is my favorite because it was a rare opportunity for me to draw something other than swimsuits.

Miss Crane 2

Design Commentary

As you know, Miss Crane is a character from the Japanese folk tale "Crane Returns a Favor."

As such, her normal battle animations reflect elements inspired by her origin, such as fluttering feathers or having her use sewing tools (like use her staff as a needle).

During the initial development of her Noble Phantasm, the animation incorporated a crane weaving on a loom, and then a pile of feathers filled the screen and transitioned into a white-out. After the white-out, Miss Crane looked back and flew away, which is what happens in the current Noble Phantasm animation.

However, Shaka-P, the initial character designer for Miss Crane, suggested instead that the initial scene show a closed sliding door with a silhouette of a crane weaving on a loom, which is what you see today. The scene of the crane flying away is iconic for those who know the folktale, so Miss Crane's Noble Phantasm animation surely emphasized her folktale's origin.

Volume 17 (May 2023)

Abigail Williams (Summer) 1

• Foreigner / Abigail Williams (Summer) / ★★★★★
  • Dreams reflect truth. They hatch from the cradle of reality, becoming a cage that in turn embraces and nurtures that reality... I am a fantasy, the adept at its boundary... A servant of Father, my God...
• Skills:
  • 01- THE ROSE'S SLUMBER B: Inflict [Sleep] <removed when sustaining attack and become Stunned> (2 turns) & remove Buffs & greatly decrease DEF when in [Sleep] state (1 time, 2 turns) for a single enemy.
  • 02- MASS HYSTERIA B+: Inflict Fear (2 turns) & decrease DEF (2 turns) for all enemies.
  • 03- THOSE WHO GUIDE A: Increase NP Gauge & increase Debuff Success Rate (3 turns) for yourself + Decrease Buster ATK resist (3 turns) for a single enemy.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Dreamlands: Remove DEF buffs & deal significant damage & decrease Critical Rate (3 turns)<effect increases with Overcharge> for a single enemy.

Abigail Williams (Summer) 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: [Non-summer] Abigail's for evolves from normal to a naughty girl as she ascends, while conversely Abigail (Summer)'s form starts as a naughty girl and she gradually turns back to a normal girl. Was there a reason for this contrast?
  • -A: [Summer Abby's] visual design was suggested by Takashi Takeuchi-san. Contrary to normal Abby's personality, her First Ascension has her acting and speaking with common sense despite her terrifying appearance, while her youth and the hot summer sun causes deep-seated madness to slowly creep out to the surface as she approaches Third Ascension... at least that's how her personality has been established. Oh and by the way, I hope everyone knows that putting a cat on pancakes won't make it a Black Cat Pancake, okay? I hope many players enjoy Abby (and her friends), who show a unique side to themselves different from their normal Spirit Origin, due to the effect of the summer Magecraft! - Meteo Hoshizora, Main Scenario Writer

Game Hints and Strategies

• On particularly difficult challenge quests, do not forget to consider Abby as an option. Not only does she inflict various debuffs using her skills, her Noble Phantasm removes defensive buffs before the attack, similar to another favorite for such trials, Amakusa Shirou, making her an effective Servant even against enemies that can buff themselves.

Abigail Williams (Foreigner)/Staff Interview - Meteo Hoshizora (Main Scenario Writer)

-Q: When writing the story for Salem, what were some of the key points, or any key messages you wanted the players to catch on?

• -A: There is no particular message I have other than what was obvious in the scenarios...and I do not consider myself good at incorporated veiled messages, and so there is nothing more rewarding to me as a writer for readers and players to organically feel and interpret the story in their own way. As far as things I was careful when writing, it was to try to write a scenario unique and fitting as part of the Part 1.5 Epic of Remnant series. I also wanted to incorporate unique gimmicks and components (such as the theater troupe and stage plays) that would accentuate and make the most of the small enclosed village setting. I've long been interested in the Salem Witch Trials^WP, and I actually went to Salem^WP during the Halloween season in 2014 for personal research. As I've always wanted to write a story about it, I was very happy when my wish came true. Unabashedly, I would like to write about it once more in the future.

-Q: Abigail Williams was the very first Foreigner-class Servant in FGO. What were some areas you took special care of when thinking of her settings and characterization?

• -A: The Servant's characterization and background highlighting and coloring heretical mythology was what effectively helped introduce the new class. During Abigail's inception, I was told that the premise of the Foreigner-class was that it was a harbinger of an evil god observing humanity from outside the cosmos. Considering that, I suggested incorporating the fictional mythological setting of a famed author^WP (one I thought everyone would be familiar with, or perhaps they would be introduced to) into the world of Servants. Obviously this setting does not exist or function in the Fate world, and so the idea was incorporated under the condition that this setting would be limited only within FGO that it would be executed carefully so as to not ruin the world. This treatment is not limited only to Foreigners: the same careful execution is followed for all gods and heroes from myth. The Abigail Williams^WP from historical Salem was a girl of chaos who truly epitomizes the concept of a witch, but I wanted to give Abigail the Servant a mysterious yet dark appeal possessing a different kind of madness... and thus, amidst her involvement with the Demon God Pillars and Ritsuka Fujimaru within Salem's Singularity, a new class was born.

-Q: Although it is often somewhat overshadowed by the historical or mythical aspect, Fate as a setting does have some ideas about the future and space. As someone who seems to have a particular interest in that [the future and space] field, is there something in particular about the beyond that you want to explore or ideas and themes that you've written about that we might pay attention too?

• -A: I love sci-fi movies, fiction, and historical stories of space rocket development and movies about space exploration like the movie The Right Stuff^WP! Which is why I was involved in writing for Servants like Mysterious Heroine X Alter and Voyager. Considering FGO is a weighty tale woven by Servants, I would be real happy to know that players see these [Foreigner] Servants give a little kernel of whimsy and different tone to this game. As for the future...well, maybe I'd like to stretch tentacles out into cosmic horror, into space itself...

Volume 18 (June 2023)

Artoria Caster 1

• Caster / Artoria Caster / ★★★★★
  • The child of prophecy, who was chosen along with the Staff of Selection. She appears a touch younger, looking as she did at the halfway point, right in the middle of her journey to reach Camelot.
  • "Yay, it's finally my turn to shine! Caster Artoria will do the very best she can!"
• Skills:
  • 01- CHARISMA OF HOPE B: Increase ATK (3 turns) & increase NP Gauge for all allies.
  • 02- PROTECTION OF THE LAKE A: Increase NP Gauge for a single ally + Increase NP Gain (3 turns) for all allies.
  • 03- SWORD OF SELECTION EX: Increase Arts Card effectiveness (3 turns) & apply Special Attack [Threat to Humanity] (3 turns) & apply Invincible (1 turn) for a single ally.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Around Caliburn: Increase ATK (3 turns) & remove Debuffs & apply an anti-Enforcement DEF state <disregard [Ignore Invincible] and reduce ATK damage received to 0> (1 time, 3 turns) <times increase with Overcharge> for all allies.

Artoria Caster 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the thought process behind Artoria Caster's Noble Phantasm and skill animations? Were there any specific directions given for them?
  • -A: This may be the first time I've pointed this out: One of Artoria Caster's skill animations in her First and Second Ascension form has her taking out some sort of magical cartridge from her breast pocket and looking at it. Her First and Second Ascension forms generally have her moving energetically. In her Noble Phantasm animation, Artoria Caster typically wields her staff under a bright blue sky in a blue flower field. However, whenever the Artoria Caster players meet in Avalon le Fae deploys her Noble Phantasm, she is under a tiwlit sky surrounded by golden flowers. During the early stages of production, Nasu-san mentioned that "this [Avalon le Fae] Lostbelt does not have a blue sky." and so I made it a point to make the golden sky animation effect limited to when players use Artoria Caster as a guest Servant. - Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, LASENGLE)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Pair Artoria Caster with any Arts damage dealer and watch her increase their performance beyond anything you believe possible! Her ability to increase NP Gauge and increase Arts performance also makes it possible to use Noble Phantasms in rapid succession several turns in a row! Finally, her own Noble Phantasm can offer an unbreakable shield to block any incoming damage, vastly improving party survivability.

Morgan 1

• Berserker / Morgan / ★★★★★
  • The queen who rules over the Lostbelt Faerie Britain.
  • She has established an absolute monarchy in Lostbelt Britain, oppressing the fae for over 2,000 years.
  • The highest ranked faerie and a divinely brilliant mage, she bears Rhongomyniad, the Lance of World's End, as a form of Magecraft.
• Skills:
  • 01- CHARISMA OF YEARNING B: Increase ATK (3 turns) for all allies + Increase NP Gauge for yourself + Decrease DEF (3 turns) for all enemies.
  • 02- PROTECTION OF THE LAKE A: Increase NP Gauge for a single ally + Increase NP Gain (3 turns) for all allies.
  • 03- FROM THE WORLD'S END EX: Apply Guts (1 time, 3 turns) & increase C. Star Gather Rate (3 turns) & increase Critical Strength (3 turns) & apply a state that "decreases ATK (1 turn) & decreases Critical Rate (1 turn) for all enemies each turn" (3 turns) for yourself + Gain C. Stars.

• Noble Phantasm:
  • Roadless Camelot: Apply Special Attack [Round Table Knights or Fae] (1 turns) for yourself + Deal heavy Special Attack damage to all enemies with [Human Attribute] <Special Attack damage increases with Overcharge> & inflict Curse (5 turns) to al enemies + Increase NP Charge by 1 level when using NP (1 time, 3 turns) for all allies.

Morgan 2

Developer Commentary

• -Q: What was the though process behind Morgan's Noble Phantasm and skill animation? Were there any specific directions given for them?
  • -A: We concentrated on the minute details when animating Morgan. Initially, her movements were crisp and agile just like many of the other Servants, but in making her move swiftly, Morgan's youthful characteristics dominated and she would not have looked as dignified as she should. We had to tweak her animation a little, applying strong effects and deliberately slowing down her movement, though we also had to be careful not to overdo it. - Makoto Anjo (3D Artist, Lasengle)

Game Hints and Strategies

• Morgan is the ultimate anti-Round Table Servant, who is able to combine this effect of her Noble Phantasm with a broader anti-Human overcharge effect to deal truly extraordinary damage. Her skills help both to increase her ATK and NP Gauge, all while weakening the enemy into the bargain! When not using her Noble Phantasm, Morgan is able to buff her critical damage, which in combination with her Berserker typing means she will always be making her enemies regret standing against her!

Special Interview - Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi 1

• QUESTION 1 - The Fate series has been loved by many fans for over 20 years. How do you feel about FGO continuing for a long time on a single platform?
  • Nasu: Working on something like FGO that continuously changes and evolves is more difficult than something finalized into a curated garden, but it really is exciting. This new type of storytelling can only be experienced in this medium, fit for this day and age of the internet, and it grows with the players. As a writer, I am very happy and proud that this project has continued for nearly eight years, and I hope to continue this journey as far as it will take me.
  • ...However, ideas and physical stamina can only last for so long, so there will eventually be an end. And the forlornness that will come from that surely is a reward granted to something that lasted for so long.
  • Takeuchi: The past eight years has certainly been fun like a giant festival, swift like a storm passing by. When this project was in its initial startup, one of the biggest objectives Nasu presented that I remember was that FGO is not a service but first and foremost a game. Because it is a game, our ultimate goal is to head for an end. The players and production staff work together to reach the ending which is a unique experience that is a bit different from serialized works. The goal we head towards reassuring to us, and it gives us strength in our daily production. In terms of character design and staffing, we were able to make many breakthroughs because the game is on a smartphone, and I believe it is helping further enrich the Fate world.

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QUESTION 2 - Where do you receive the most inspiration for your work? (Games, novels, movies, manga, etc.) How have those types of works influenced your own story telling and character design for Fate/Grand Order?

• Nasu: Novels possess the power of the written word and the beauty of narrative structure, They pierce people's hearts with their written fantast. Movies can express human emotion and persuade the viewer to be immersed in their setting. They're an art form that makes dynamic pictures. Manga expresses characterization and each work depicts their own kind of reality. The drawings are a silent art form.
• I try to absorb these works as much as possible and I am naturally moved if anything strikes me as being good. My reactions never change even at this age, so I guess this is just part of my nature. The biggest work that I drew inspiration from when creating FGO was the movie titled "Source Code".
• Takeuchi: Manga strongly influences me. I've loved stories since I was young, and I was particularly drawn to the mentality of the characters and their facial expressions that convey this. I feel there is no other medium where you can experience such a wide variety of colorful expressions like manga. I feel like the drawings I make of characters and their appearances contain some little influences from what I find beautiful.

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• QUESTION 3: The two of you have have been working together for a very long time. What kind of impact and influence have you two had on each other?
  • Nasu: Not only does he create charming characters, but I am always encouraged by his uncompromising attitude to make interesting things. For me, game production is more about "how to die" rather than "how to survive" so having a companion who shares the same spirit as me is a great asset.
  • Takeuchi: Ever since I met them in middle school-years before we established Nasu's aesthetics and playful nature. Nasu has influenced me on far too many things creatively and there's not enough room for me to list them all here, but I think the greatest influence is the excitement and energy to drive forward.
• QUESTION 4: What led to creating Artoria Caster and Morgan to be contrasting characters?
  • Nasu: Artoria Caster and Morgan are simply put, kouhai and senpai. One was a genius who defied her fate and was destined to never be loved even till the end, while the other was an ordinary girl who resisted her fate yet found her destiny at the very end. I imagined these two to be irreconcilable enemies, but the unfulfilled promise/unfulfilled ambition is passed like a baton from one person to the next.
  • Takeuchi: The Second Ascension forms for both Artoria Caster and Morgan were designed based on a rough sketch I made while we were preparing for Part 2. Initially, the concept for Artoria Caster was "King Arthur traveling through the nation incognito" while Morgan as a "coldhearted witch resembling Artoria." I wasn't really conscious of designing the two characters as mirror images in Part 2 Chapter 6, but I simply drew elements I wanted to draw, combined with what I thought was necessary for each character, which may have resulted in the pair mirroring each other serendipitously.