Okami: Unlock New Game Plus & Exclusive Skins Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 52 views

Hey everyone! So you've journeyed through the beautiful, sumi-e painted world of Okami, purified Nippon from evil, and saved the day, right? Awesome! But what if I told you the adventure doesn't have to end there? That's right, Okami offers a New Game Plus mode, and with it comes the opportunity to unlock some pretty sweet exclusive skins for Amaterasu. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to access New Game Plus and snag those coveted skins, ensuring your next playthrough is even more stylish than the first.

Understanding New Game Plus in Okami

Let's dive deep into what New Game Plus (NG+) actually means in Okami. New Game Plus isn't just a simple replay; it's a chance to experience the game again with a significant advantage and a fresh perspective. Think of it as a victory lap where you get to show off all the skills and items you worked so hard to acquire the first time around.

So, what exactly carries over? Well, most of Amaterasu's abilities, upgrades, and items from your initial playthrough will be available from the start. This means you'll have all your Celestial Brush techniques, combat upgrades, and collected items like beads and stray beads. Imagine starting the game with the ability to bloom cherry trees right from the get-go or unleashing powerful attack combos from the very beginning! It completely changes the dynamic of the early game, allowing you to breeze through areas that once posed a challenge.

However, it's not a complete cakewalk. The game still presents challenges, and enemies will still pose a threat, especially in later areas. The main draw of New Game Plus is the ability to experience the story again with your enhanced abilities, discover new secrets you might have missed the first time, and, of course, unlock those exclusive skins we're all after. It’s about reliving the magic of Okami with a twist, making it a truly rewarding experience for dedicated players. It is also good to note that enemy difficulty remains the same, so having all your skills from the start doesn't make you invincible, you still need to strategically use all of Amaterasu's abilities.

How to Unlock New Game Plus

Unlocking Okami's New Game Plus mode is straightforward, but it requires completing the game at least once. So, if you're reading this before finishing your initial playthrough, consider it a spoiler-free roadmap to your post-game adventures! Once you've defeated Yami, the final boss, and watched the credits roll, the game will prompt you to save your clear data. This save file is the key to unlocking New Game Plus.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Finish the Game: You absolutely must defeat Yami and watch the ending credits.
Save Your Clear Data: After the credits, the game will ask if you want to save. This is crucial! Make sure you save to a new slot or overwrite an existing one (just be sure it's not a save you want to keep from before the final boss).
Start a New Game: From the main menu, select "New Game." You should now see the option to start a New Game Plus using your clear data file. The game will likely indicate this with a special icon or notation next to your save file.
Select Your Clear Data: Choose the clear data file you saved after beating the game. The game will load your progress, and you'll begin a new adventure with Amaterasu, retaining most of your abilities and items from your previous playthrough. Also, make sure you have enough space to save your data, both before and after the final boss fight. Managing your save files is a good practice in any game, especially in Okami where you might want to revisit specific moments or boss fights from your initial playthrough.

Important Notes:

You can only access New Game Plus after completing the game once.
Make sure you save your clear data after the credits roll.
When starting a new game, look for the option to use your clear data file.

Unlocking Exclusive Skins in New Game Plus

Now for the really exciting part: the exclusive skins! Okami's New Game Plus offers a unique reward for dedicated players: the ability to unlock special costumes for Amaterasu. These skins aren't just cosmetic changes; they're a testament to your dedication and skill in mastering the game.

How to Unlock the Skins:

The primary method for unlocking skins in New Game Plus involves collecting Stray Beads. These hidden collectibles are scattered throughout the world of Okami, and finding them all in a single playthrough is no easy feat. In New Game Plus, the game remembers how many Stray Beads you collected in your previous playthroughs. This means that if you missed some beads the first time around, you can focus on finding them in your subsequent playthroughs. The total number of Stray Beads collected across all playthroughs is what counts towards unlocking the skins.

Once you've collected a certain number of Stray Beads, you'll unlock the corresponding skin. The exact number of beads required for each skin may vary depending on the game version, so it's always a good idea to consult a reliable Okami guide or forum for specific details. Generally, the more challenging the skin to unlock, the more Stray Beads you'll need to find.

Tips for Finding Stray Beads:

Use a Guide: There are numerous online guides and videos that detail the locations of all Stray Beads in Okami. Using these resources can save you a significant amount of time and frustration.
Explore Thoroughly: Stray Beads are often hidden in obscure locations, so make sure you explore every nook and cranny of the game world. Pay attention to visual cues and environmental details that might indicate a hidden bead.
Talk to NPCs: Some NPCs will provide hints or clues about the locations of nearby Stray Beads. Be sure to talk to everyone you encounter, and pay attention to what they have to say.
Use Celestial Brush Techniques: Certain Celestial Brush techniques, such as Bloom or Dig, can reveal hidden Stray Beads. Experiment with different techniques in areas where you suspect a bead might be hidden.
Listen Carefully: The sound of wind chimes often indicates the presence of a nearby Stray Bead. Listen carefully as you explore, and follow the sound to its source.

The Rewards:

While I won’t spoil all the skins available, expect to see some awesome alternate looks for Amaterasu. Imagine running around in a completely different color scheme or sporting a unique accessory that sets you apart from other players. These skins are a badge of honor, proving that you've truly mastered Okami.

Maximizing Your New Game Plus Experience

New Game Plus in Okami isn't just about unlocking skins; it's about experiencing the game in a new and exciting way. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your New Game Plus playthrough:

Experiment with Different Playstyles: With all your abilities unlocked from the start, you can experiment with different combat styles and strategies. Try focusing on different Celestial Brush techniques or weapon combinations to find what works best for you.
Challenge Yourself: Even though you're starting with an advantage, don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Try completing the game with limited healing items or avoiding certain upgrades to make things more interesting.
Explore Missed Content: Use New Game Plus as an opportunity to explore areas you might have missed in your initial playthrough. Look for hidden items, complete side quests, and uncover secrets that you might have overlooked the first time around.
Enjoy the Story Again: Okami's story is one of its greatest strengths. Take the time to appreciate the characters, the world, and the overall narrative as you play through the game again.
Optimize Your Gear: With your previous playthrough experience, you likely know what gear works best for your playstyle. Take advantage of this knowledge to optimize your equipment and create a powerful build from the very beginning.

Conclusion

Okami's New Game Plus mode is a fantastic way to extend your enjoyment of this classic game. By unlocking exclusive skins and re-experiencing the story with enhanced abilities, you can discover new depths and challenges that you might have missed the first time around. So, go ahead, dive back into the world of Nippon, collect those Stray Beads, and show off your awesome new Amaterasu skins! You will not be disappointed!