So, you’ve picked up Bravely Default 2 and, like us, you think it’s a pretty darn good JRPG. Perhaps you’ve toyed around with a few job combos, or even tried some of our suggestions. But maybe the game is a bit too harsh at times and you need some help with figuring out how to best go through it without too much hassle. This is where knowing what is the best party setup for each chapter can give you an edge. Keep in mind that the game is pretty doable any way you decide to play it. However, spending some time grinding with chained battles and smartly using your JP items to level those jobs can really help set up your party for success.

If you’re still having some difficulties and want a bit of guidance, below we break down the best party setups for each chapter of Bravely Default 2.

Prologue – Freelancer to the Max

During the prologue of BD2, you’ve got very few options in terms of jobs. So, the best thing to do during this early stage of the game is to max out your Freelancer job for all party members. Elvis does come with Black Mage pre-baked and it’s tempting to make use of that. However, unlocking JP Up (level 9) and JP Up and Up (level 12) will make leveling up your other jobs much faster. Freelancer also has Body Slam (level 11) that can also delay enemy turns which proves invaluable in many of the game’s dungeons. Let’s also not forget that a maxed out Freelancer has some of the highest stats in the game so don’t sleep on it and do the grind.

Chapter 1 – Playing the Field

From here on out, each chapter of Bravely Default 2 will be broken up into two halves. For each half, we’ll have a different party setup recommendation. This isn’t just based on new jobs that you receive. It’s also based on the best way to get through dungeons, areas and bosses by taking advantage of abilities and elemental weaknesses.

For the first half of chapter 1, you’ll have 4 jobs to play around with. While it may be tempting to stack a couple of Black Mages (especially when they get Poison), it’s best to give each character a different job and Freelancer as the sub job. This will allow you to level up each job quickly so that you can use them in job combos later on.

Here’s your first half of chapter 1 party setup:

  • Seth: Vanguard/Freelancer
  • Gloria: White Mage/Freelancer
  • Elvis: Black Mage Freelancer
  • Adelle: Monk/Freelancer

Onto the second half of chapter 1 of BD2. By this time, you’ll gain access to the Beastmaster and that’s a good thing. At this stage of the game, Beastmaster is really strong. Being able to grab enemies and have them fight for you with Capture and Off the Leash is a huge boon. Also, Spearhead will put a real dent in your enemies when it strikes first. In addition, you’ll have access to the Bard job which you should immediately swap for your Black Mage cause its support abilities will synergize well with your Beastmasters. It might also be useful to level up Gloria’s Black Mage a bit to gain access to some additional firepower.

Here’s your second half of chapter 1 party setup:

  • Seth: Beastmaster/Freelancer
  • Gloria: White Mage/Black Mage
  • Elvis: Bard/Black Mage
  • Adelle: Beastmaster/Freelancer

Chapter 2 – Thief Is Your Friend

After clearing chapter 1 of Bravely Default 2, you’ll have access to the Thief and Berserker jobs. Both of these are incredibly useful so make sure you spend time leveling them. Godspeed Strike is a very powerful skill to have at this stage as it inflicts additional damage after a delay. The Berserker’s skills are great for dealing with waves of enemies and the Monk will be an incredible boon against this chapter’s bosses.

Here’s your setup for the first half of chapter 2:

  • Seth: Beastmaster/Berserker
  • Gloria: White Mage/Freelancer
  • Elvis: Bard/Black Mage
  • Adelle: Monk/Thief

The second half of chapter 2 is where some of the real fun setups can come out to play, especially now that you have access to the Red Mage job. Go ahead and spend some time leveling it up because it’s a solid job to have maxed out on at least two characters. You’ll have Healara and Healage which are amazing recovery spells. For this stage of Bravely Default 2 you’ll want to double down on the Monk/Thief combo as the bosses are going to be quite tough.

Here’s your setup for the second half of chapter 2:

  • Seth: Monk/Thief
  • Gloria: White Mage/Red Mage
  • Elvis: Bard/Red Mage
  • Adelle: Monk/Thief

Chapter 3 – Of Thieves and Dragoons

In the first half of chapter 3 of Bravely Default 2, you’ll get to experience the joy of using one of our favorite job combos, Shieldmaster and Vanguard. This combo can transform any character into the best tank in the game. Grab two of the best shields you can find and prepare to keep your party safe and topped up with BP. You might need to do some grinding to make this setup work at this stage but it’s worth the trouble.

Here’s your setup for the first half of chapter 3:

  • Seth: Shieldmaster/Vanguard
  • Gloria: White Mage/Red Mage
  • Elvis: Thief/Monk
  • Adelle: Thief/Monk

For the second half of chapter 3, you’ll get to take the Dragoon job for a ride. Paired up with Thief it becomes a very powerful melee damage dealing job combo. When you combine Godspeed Strike with the Dragoon’s already high speed and damage, you get a recipe for powerful physical damage. On top of that, you’ll get to play with another one of our favorite combos, White Mage and Spiritmaster.

Here’s your setup for the second half of chapter 3:

  • Seth: Shieldmaster/Vanguard
  • Gloria: White Mage/Spiritmaster
  • Elvis: Dragoon/Thief
  • Adelle: Dragoon/Thief

Chapter 4 – Rise of the Phantom

For the first half of chapter 4 of Bravely Default 2 you’ll have a few choices to toy around with. In this part of the game, melee damage is quite important but so is defense. You can opt to have two characters with Thief as a sub job and then choose if they will main Dragoon or Vanguard. This will depend on the playstyle you generally enjoy so mess around with your options and see what happens.

Here’s your setup for the first half of chapter 4:

  • Seth: Shieldmaster/Vanguard
  • Gloria: White Mage/Spiritmaster
  • Elvis: Dragoon or Vanguard/Thief
  • Adelle: Dragoon or Vanguard/Thief

And now it’s time to have some fun with Bravely Default 2’s Phantom job. This high damage dealing job gets much more powerful when striking foes affected by poison and contagion. Max this out for both of your damage dealers and watch the carnage ensue.

Here’s your setup for the second half of chapter 4:

  • Seth: Shieldmaster/Vanguard
  • Gloria: White Mage/Spiritmaster
  • Elvis: Phantom/Thief
  • Adelle: Phantom/Thief