Shadow Among Nove Reroll Guide: Best Starting Choices

Why Reroll in Shadow Among Nove?

Rerolling is the process of restarting your game to secure the most favorable starting conditions. In Shadow Among Nove, your initial decisions during the prologue heavily influence the trust and anger meters of key characters, which directly impacts which of the multiple endings you can unlock. Since the game is a single-player narrative RPG with branching paths, a good start can save you hours of replaying to reach your desired conclusion.

The core loop involves completing bounty missions to earn credits for fuel. However, the character who holds you hostage at the beginning, and the resources you start with, are determined by your early choices. A successful reroll gives you a head start on building relationships and accessing better gear.

How to Perform a Reroll

The process is straightforward. You do not need to delete any save files manually, as the game offers a simple method to start fresh.

1. Complete the Prologue: Play through the initial 10-15 minute tutorial segment. This will introduce you to the main hostage-taker and the basic dialogue system.
2. Reach the First Save Point: The game will auto-save after you accept your first bounty mission. This is your checkpoint.
3. Assess Your Start: Note the initial dialogue options you chose and the first piece of equipment you received.
4. Reset the Game: From the main menu, select "New Game." The game will warn you that this will overwrite your current auto-save. Confirm to start over.
5. Repeat: Go through the prologue again, making different choices until you achieve a setup you are happy with.

What to Look For in a Good Reroll

Not all starts are equal. Focus on these key elements when deciding whether to keep a roll or start over.

Initial Trust Levels

The most important factor is the initial trust level of the primary character, the mysterious man holding you captive. A high trust level early on unlocks special dialogue options and easier paths through negotiations during bounty missions. Aim for a start where you have at least 15% trust before leaving the first ship.

Starting Equipment

Your first bounty mission will reward you with a piece of gear. This can range from a simple medkit to a rare hacking tool. A good roll includes a utility item like a "Signal Booster" or "EMP Grenade," which significantly simplifies early combat encounters.

• High initial trust (15% or more)
• A utility item as your first reward
• A dialogue path that avoids early anger spikes

Optimal Dialogue Choices for the Prologue

To consistently achieve a good start, follow this optimized dialogue path during the prologue.

1. The First Encounter

   When the man first points his gun at you, choose the option: "Stay calm and ask for his name." This shows composure and curiosity, which lowers his initial hostility.

2. Discussing the Bounty

   When he explains the bounty system, select: "I understand the stakes. What's the first job?" This demonstrates professionalism and a willingness to cooperate.

3. The Personal Question

   He will ask why you were on the ship. Avoid lying. Choose: "I was looking for a way off this dying ship." Honesty, even if vulnerable, builds a foundation of trust.

4. Accepting the Mission

   When given the choice to accept or refuse the first bounty, always accept immediately. Hesitation or refusal increases his anger meter significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many players make errors during their first few rerolls. Here are the most common pitfalls.

• Being Aggressive Early: While the game allows for confrontational dialogue, using it in the first 5 minutes will lock you into a low-trust path. Save aggressive choices for later in the game.
• Ignoring the Environment: Before accepting the first bounty, look around the ship's cockpit. Interacting with a specific console can provide a bonus to your starting credits.
• Over-Rerolling: Do not spend hours trying to get a "perfect" start. A good start with 15% trust and a decent item is more than sufficient to complete the game. The story's depth comes from your choices, not just your starting stats.

Final Thoughts on Rerolling

Rerolling in Shadow Among Nove is a strategic tool, not a requirement. The game is designed to be enjoyed through multiple playthroughs, each revealing different facets of the story. Use this guide to secure a comfortable first run, but do not be afraid to embrace the imperfections of a natural playthrough. For more tips on your journey, check out our beginner tips guide or learn about the story campaign.

What is the best starting item?
The "Signal Booster" is widely considered the best due to its ability to call for distractions during stealth segments.

Can I change my starting choices later?
No, the prologue choices are permanent for that playthrough. This is why rerolling is effective for targeting specific endings.

Does rerolling affect achievements?
No, there are no achievements tied to your prologue choices. You can reroll freely without missing any trophies.

How many endings are there?
There are five main endings, each influenced by your trust and anger meters with the primary characters. A good reroll helps you steer towards one of the three "positive" outcomes.