r/MuvLuv

Part 1 of STRANGERS II, just enable CC for English subtitles

I’m about 7 hours into Muv luv extra (10/26) and have spent a little time researching all the “necessary routes” and so on. Following guides is quite confusing and I also feel it takes away from the joy if you’re constantly having to follow directions.

At the very least I want to do Sumika, Meiya, and Keis (route who I’ve heard the best feedback from).

Like I said, it’s my first vn so I’m not familiar with how they work. Will the game indicate when I’m taking a certain route, or do I have to make multiple different save files? And also, is it easy to choose a route without following a guide?

On a friend's recommendation—and after hearing nothing but amazing things about the *Muv-Luv* saga—I played *Muv-Luv Extra* with the "Direct Cut" patch.

Even though I had instructions, I played based on my own choices, and surprisingly, I ended up getting Sumika's ending.

It was a total blast for a first route; I loved the game's tone and humor—it feels just like a 2000s anime, with lively music and visually stunning opening and insert songs.

I could start *Unlimited* without playing the other routes—like Meiya's, which my friend (who is currently MIA) said was one of the must-play ones.

But honestly, I loved Sumika's ending so much that I'm not sure I want to just breeze through Meiya's route now. To tell the truth, Meiya didn't really click with me; she feels a bit hollow, especially knowing she deceived Takeru to make Sumika's plan work.

On the other hand, I thought Chizuru, Tama, and Kei were great supporting characters, though I'm not sure if I'd want to play their routes.

As for Yuuko and Marimo, they were absolutely hilarious.

Sumika is best girl.

What do you guys recommend? Should I stick with *Extra* and play the other routes, or move on to *Unlimited*?

Please, no spoilers.

https://preview.redd.it/um2lhsj45ath1.png?width=1366&format=png&auto=webp&s=f6534b00f36e52a046b69f0dc7aa4f0861ccbf48

https://preview.redd.it/jzjh2u3n6ath1.png?width=1366&format=png&auto=webp&s=76a015f189951fb46822640a16198a8b5b7517c8

>!&#x200B;!<

Muv-Luv Girls Garden Official Visual Collection is set for a release of November 26, 2026, and preorders are currently available. According to the description, it will have art and materials from the entire first year, from 9/25 to 9/26. Also included with the physical release will be an exclusive code for the mining SD version of Shiōten Kagura.

The full video version of the Girls Garden OP, English subs under CC.