Discover the step-by-step process to recruit Opera and Ernest, the missable characters in Star Ocean: The Second Story R, enhancing your JRPG experience.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R introduces a plethora of recruitable characters, each contributing unique abilities and narratives to enrich the gameplay. Among these characters, Opera and Ernest stand out, providing distinct storylines and attributes. This guide details the intricate process of recruiting Opera and Ernest in Star Ocean: The Second Story R.
Recruiting Opera:
Opera becomes available to join the party after Claude’s fight with Dias during the Armory Contest in Lacuer City. Follow these steps to recruit her:

- Travel to Hilton: Head to the bar in Hilton after the Dias fight. Opera will have won a drinking game, offering information about the three-eyed man, Ernest.
- Visit Krosse Castle: Speak to the king in Krosse City, who confirms interacting with Opera and Ernest, granting access to the Mountain Palace.
- Explore the Mountain Palace: Venture into the dungeon, ensuring the party is adequately leveled. Encounter Opera at the entrance and choose the dialogue option “Sounds good to me.”
Recruiting Ernest:

To recruit Ernest, continue the quest to find him after Opera joins the party:
- Ernest’s Lab: Proceed to the western side of the Mountain Palace to discover Ernest’s hidden laboratory. Engage in a boss fight and progress to Claude’s location to trigger a story event with Opera.
- The Sacred Forest: Travel to the Sacred Forest in Arlia, heading east to locate Opera’s crashed spaceship. Progress through the main story until reaching the Hoffman Ruins.
- The Hoffman Ruins: Complete the main story quest in the Hoffman Ruins with Leon. Return to the entrance to encounter Ernest, possessed by an evil ghost. Defeat the ghost to free Ernest and unite him with Opera.
By following these steps, players can successfully recruit Opera and Ernest, enriching their party in Star Ocean: The Second Story R with diverse characters and engaging storylines.