Star Ocean: The Second Story R features several party members for Cluade and Rena to recruit in their respective playthroughs. While some characters can't be missed as part of the story, certain characters like Ashton can be overlooked if players don't find him within the story's timeline of events or choose a different path. Getting all the characters in one play is impossible, but Ashton can be recruited early in the story before the party leaves on a ship for Laucer. He's an excellent choice for a first playthrough, so this guide will show players how to recruit the missable character Ashton in Star Ocean: The Second Story R.
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Starting The Ashton Quest In Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Even though Ashton is available early into the Star Ocean: The Second Story R's narrative, players won't get his quest until after a certain point. However, if players progress too far into the story when they get to Laucer, they will miss their chance but will be able to recruit Opera and Ernest instead. When players arrive in Salva to help find Rena in the mines, they may stumble upon a sign that warns of a dragon. Furthermore, there are warriors in the bar talking about slaying the dragon in the mines.
Luckily, the party won't have to fight any dragons to recruit Ashton, but he does come with a particular quirk that makes up for it. Ashton's quest is available after finishing the story mission in Marze with Celina. The party will need to fast-travel or walk to the town of Harley. There are two NPCs marked with an exclamation point on the minimap. Approach and speak to them and hear a story of the dragon that dwells in the Salva Mines.
Where To Find Ashton In Star Ocean: The Second Story R
After learning about the dragon in the mines, the party should fast-travel to the mining town of Salva. The party can enter the Salva Mines using Allen's secret passageway in the mansion or walk through the main entrance.
There is a guard at both openings. So, speak to one of them, and they will inform the party that another warrior - Ashton - is challenging the dragon. Continue past the guard to the warning sign in the mines.
- The enemies past the sign are more challenging than the early-game monsters. Make sure the party is sufficiently leveled up. They should be at least level 20.
- The mines are an excellent place to earn FOL, farm SP, and gain EXP.
- Explore all the interconnected pathways to find and unlock the chests for valuable items.
Head to the mission exclamation point on the map. Use the save point to record the game's progress and replenish the party's health. Claude, Rena, and Celine find Ashton fighting the dragon and decide to cheer him on. However, he gets distracted, and the dragon merges with Ashton and attaches itself to him. When given a choice, Claude must choose to Take responsibility.
After some dialogue, Ashton and the party emerge outside the Salva Mines and decide to join the party. This will unlock the Cursed Swordsman trophy - Proof of recruiting Ashton.
Visit the weapons store to get the Twin Splicers for Ashton as a reward for defeating the dragon. He has an optional side quest that players do for extra character development, but he has already joined the party at this point.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is available now for the PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.