Disgaea is one of the most unique strategy RPGs ever made. This has remained true since NIS first debuted the series on the PS2 in 2003. Besides its over-the-top action and focus on humor in their stories, Disgaea is also known for its complex set of gameplay systems. 

RELATED: Every NIS America Game Coming Out In 2021

Players can stack characters on top of each other as one example. This is so players can cross large areas in a short amount of time by throwing characters around. Another unique feature is the Item World which returns in Disgaea 6 on Switch. What is it, how does it work, and most importantly, is it worth the effort?

The Item World is a place where one can level up an item be it a consumable healing item or a weapon. It’s like how crafting systems work in other games. The only catch here is that players jump into the item itself in order to level it up. Each floor is randomly generated with chests, traps, and monsters aplenty. The more floors one finishes, the more stats will be increased for the item. What level the item can get to depends on the item itself as they are all different.

RELATED: The Best RPGs On 3DS (According To Metacritic)

A floor can usually be cleared in Disgaea 6 in two different ways. Players only need one character to make it to the warp point in order to clear. The other way involves taking out every enemy. It should also be mentioned that the higher one goes, the harder the enemies become. The better the item the harder the challenges will be as well. There are two ways to exit the Item World if things get too hectic in Disgaea 6. There is an item one can buy called Mr. Gency's Exit. It acts similar to an Escape Rope from any of the Pokemon games and lets the player leave the Item World. Every ten floors has a stopping point where players can buy items, heal, or exit. Upon exiting that item will level up depending on the floors conquered as well as some other factors such as rare monsters. 

One should always have Mr. Gency's Exit before entering the Item World. This should go without saying in any RPG, but it is also recommended that players save before going in. It’s never really known how tough an item’s monsters will be from the start. If one jumps into an item populated by level 999 monsters and they are only at 350, it’s best to reload and try some other item.  

Damage sustained after every map carries over to the next floor. So it should also be obvious to bring lots of healing items and or characters that can heal. The good news is that characters can be switched up between floors. So if it seems as though certain characters could use a break halfway through, the A team can be switched out for the B team with ease. Go in with at least twenty characters to be on the safe side in other words. Don’t be afraid to run away either. However and wherever one exits an item, it will still level up. If one goes back in later players can resume their progress. There are stipulations between different Disgaea games in the series. In Disgaea 6, the system is more lenient as the game overall favors the player having a good time rather than beating them over the head with challenges. 

If one really wants to they could level up every item they acquire. Doing that would be near impossible though, as items drop like candy in Disgaea 6. Focusing on new weapons and armor could be beneficial but that too isn’t worth the time it warrants, as the item shop gets renewed after every chapter. The things one should focus on then are the accessory rewards gathered from the hospital. 

RELATED: The Best RPGs On Game Boy Advance, Ranked

All of them give great boosts to characters from increasing SP to HP. The best items include the Imperial Seal, Dark Rosary, Devil Ring, and others in this category. These legendary items boost most stats. This is the easiest way to acquire them although they do drop in other ways too. Having these types of accessories maxed out in the game could turn the tables in any battle. What one decides to level up other than this group depends on the type of underworld army one is trying to build. For example, if one wanted to focus on creating an army of mages then it is recommended to level up the various Orb accessories as those boost magical power. Pay attention to the items, experiment, and have fun with it. 

One of the coolest newer mechanics in the Disgaea series is the Item Research division. This allows players to focus on playing through the campaign while a group of three minions fights their way through in their stead. It’s similar to how one can send away a team of ninja cats and dogs in Monster Hunter Rise, which is another great RPG from 2021.

How fast the party gets through the item depends on its strength and how leveled up the opponents are. If a player fights and completes a map on their own, that item could stay as is, go up one level, or shoot up several. However things play out just be sure to keep checking on it after every match played. Again, items have stopping points so it’s best not to waste potential by having a party sit on standby forever. 

NEXT: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: The Best And Worst Things It Adds