Is it worth playing through the Bravely Default Demo before you start the full version?

If you're an European gamer who loves JRPGs, you've probably already got your hands on the full version of Square-Enix's Bravely Default. As you might've read in our Bravely Default review, it's an exquisite mix of old-school gameplay and new mechanics, with the kind of depth that only the Job system can provide. But if you live in the US, you still have to wait until the game's release on February 5th. Luckily, there's something to tide you over: the Bravely Default Demo, a standalone, hours-long chunk of content that's totally separate from the full game.

Playing the demo gives you a distinct advantage, besides getting to try out Bravely Default's turn-based battles for free. Depending on how much you build up your in-game town, and how far you progress through the demo's content, you'll be able to start the full version of Bravely Default with a slew of bonuses. So what do you get for completing everything in the Bravely Default Demo? See below to find out!

Caldisian Relief Set (awarded simply for playing and completing quests)
Antidote (2)
Eye Drops (2)
Echo Herbs (2)

Caldisian Adventurer's Set (Norende town fully restored)
Bronze Bangle
Phoenix Down (2)

Boss rewards:

Caldisian Recovery Set (beat Melusine)
Potion (3)
Hi-Potion

Caldisian Black Mage's Set (beat Adamant. Shell)
Rod
Ether

Caldisian White Mage's Set (beat the Minotaur)
Staff
Ether

Caldisian Solder's Set (beat the Dragon final boss)
Bronze Helm
Leather Armor

Caldisian Knight's Set (beat the Automaton secret final boss, from a quest after the credits)
Broadsword
Buckler

While the rewards won't give you an earth-shattering advantage when starting the full game, they should save you some money and give your stats an edge in the early game. If you aren't already playing the demo, there's no need to rush to finish it before playing Bravely Default proper. But for those who will be trying out the demo anyway, they're a nice set of bonuses just for playing.

Lucas Sullivan

Lucas Sullivan is the former US Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. Lucas spent seven years working for GR, starting as an Associate Editor in 2012 before climbing the ranks. He left us in 2019 to pursue a career path on the other side of the fence, joining 2K Games as a Global Content Manager. Lucas doesn't get to write about games like Borderlands and Mafia anymore, but he does get to help make and market them.