Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
Game information
Developer	Gust
Publisher	Koei Tecmo
Released	March 23, 2023 March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023
Platforms	PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Nintendo Switch Steam
Genre	Role-playing game

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (Japanese:ライザのアトリエ３ ～終わりの錬金術士と秘密の鍵～, Raiza no Atorie 3: Owari no Renkinjutsushi to Himitsu no Kagi) is the 24th main entry in the Atelier series, that serves as the third entry in the Secret subseries of games.

This is a direct sequel to Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy, and the story takes place a year after the events of the last game. Unlike the first two games in the subseries that had a main recurring theme of Summer Memories, the theme of this game this time is The End, (though just like the past Ryza titles, the game takes place during summer).

While the game follows a similar gameplay from the previous two installments, a new feature surrounding the usage of keys will play an important factor to the story, gathering and synthesis. Furthermore, the game will spotlight four major areas that appears to be "open-world" style.

Atelier Ryza 3 released in Japan on March 23, 2023 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, with North America and Europe released the day after. Subsequently, Steam released the game on March 24, 2023 as well, worldwide.

Entries

You can find other entries of the game here: Atelier Ryza 3

Plot

Atelier Ryza 3 takes place approximately one year after the events of Atelier Ryza 2. Strange islands started to appear around the world, prompting Ryza and her friends to set on a final adventure once again to investigate. Sprawling landscapes set the stage for this new adventure. The story also delves further down about the history of alchemy and alchemists.

Gameplay

Atelier Ryza 3 features an ambitious eleven playable characters, making this the largest playable cast in the Secret subseries. The motif of the story surrounds mysterious "keys" that Ryza can use to assist her journey. These special keys can be used when synthesizing, during battles and even exploration. Each keys has up to four different effects to be activated during different scenarios, and are named Symbol, Buff, Adventure and Synthesis Effects.

Gathering

Aside from crawling, swimming, shimming and climbing throughout the overworld map, Ryza can now glide through the skies as well, using a zipline. In addition, Ryza can also slide through nook and tight spaces.

There will be an increased amount of magical creatures that Ryza can ride, totaling from one to three. All three of them have effects unique for each of them, and obtaining them will expand the exploration area. In addition during explorations, Ryza can now interact with animals, of which some of them will give Ryza items and even guide them to secret places.

Synthesis

Aside from the special keys as the game's main motif, Ryza can now Link Morph during synthesis. By link morphing, Ryza can use a whole new different materials to what usually is a recipe of the item and by doing so changes (or combine) core ingredient loops inside the synthesis, resulting to an even more powerful item!

Combat

During battles, the dynamic real-time, turn-based system returns. The difference in this game is that the player is allowed to switch two characters simultaneously, allowing more strategies in battle. In addition, characters that aren’t included in the battle party can perform support actions, so more player strategies can be reflected in battle compared to the previous games. Moreover, there is now a "danger arrow" that is like a compass-style that indicates to the player where the enemy is when they notice Ryza is nearby.

QoL Improvements from Ryza 2

• Number of items Ryza can carry can now be seen in the default screen instead of going to the container/basket menu.
• There is a significant speed boost when Ryza climbs vines (and ladders). Instead of pressing the action button to initiate the climb, Ryza automatically climbs them when near it.
• Rare gathering points now differs from normal gathering; these are items that contains Super Traits and has better normal traits gathered. These points will glow from the overworld. To not confuse the glow with flowers/maps (that also glows with same color) near it, the items that can potentially be gathered will also glow.
• Ryza can now gather items instantaneously while running as long as the action button has been pressed.
• Cue sounds when gathering items has been simplified. If Ryza has gathered a new item that is not registered on the encyclopedia, it will produce a cue sound. If Ryza gather materials that is already known, no sound can be heard.
• Introduced from Sophie 2, this game implements combat with the monsters without loading time, with battle taking place immediately upon striking or in contact.
• Main map UI has been significantly overhauled, with landmarks features returning from the first Ryza game (landmark exists in Ryza 2 but has no purpose in-game); Ryza can now quick travel to landmarks mapped instead of given areas. When map is zoomed in, Ryza is able to see common monsters and enemies in that area with symbol signifying their appearance (mostly just head).
  • Ryza can now place markers on the map. There are six styles of markers that can be put on the map, and up to ten times Ryza can have markers on the map.

Characters

Playable Characters

Reisalin "Ryza" Stout	A young alchemist on Kurken Island, full of brightness and vigor. Once an ordinary village girl, she grew up to be an alchemist, and so further grown into kind hearted and reliable woman that can often be depended on. After the events of the second game, she lost her enthusiasm and spends her days as a shelf of herself, but now changed to continue her research to maintain Kurken Island. Suddenly, whole new numerous island appears out from nowhere near their island. Ryza has a great feeling this has something to do with alchemy, and so her adventure once again starts.
Klaudia Valentz	She is a bight and successful businesswoman and the daugther of the Valentz Company. She has taken a small venture and turned it into a high-profile growing company. A person of business and a close friend of Ryza. Through their journey, no matter how far apart they are, and despite not spending much time together there is a bond there that will never change. Klaudia has since left the capital after the events of the past year, but upon an invitation from Ryza, she sets off once again for a final adventure.
Lent Marslink	A wandering warrior who devotes himself to the sword. Although raised by a violent father, he himself is a well-disposed man. He continues to hone his swordsmanship to keep his mind clear. He used to be impatient and rushed in his quest for fame and acknowledgement, but his resolution during the second game with the help of his new and old friends, he has grown into a fine individual. Lent has become to be regarded as humble yet honest, a kind willed swordsman. Just like Klaudia, he received an invitation from Ryza to go on an adventure with his old friends for one last time.
Tao Mongarten	He is a novice scholar whilst being a student in the royal capital. In addition to the experience gained during the first and second games, as well as his education, he is continuing to deepen his knowledge and understanding every day. His goal to surpass his ancestors still motivates him hard. He and Bos had went back to their home island for summer vacation, but coincidentally, new islands begun emerging from nowhere. Facing the biggest unknowns of his life on the newly-surfaced Kark Isles, Tao's heart is racing. With his friends, he uses his intellect to solve the mysteries of these strange islands.
Bos Brunnen	The heir to the Brunnen family, a noble bloodline in Ryza's hometown of Rasenboden. Ryza and her friends used to be bad terms with him during the first game, but they have reconciled, with him becoming a sincere young man. He did not join the adventure Ryza and her friends had during the second game as Bos wants to properly redeem himself first, though it did made him feel somewhat reserved with them. He is now working on self discipline in order to stand alongside his friends. Bos immensely trained himself for the sake of joining his friends on their journeys. Now, having matured into a more serious person, Bos has only one dream: to travel with his childhood friends which finally came into fruition as he comes back home on the island of a supposedly "normal" summer vacation.
Federica Lamberti	A polite and graceful woman with a heavy weight on her shoulders. Federica is the Deputy Leader of Sardonica's famous Artisan's Union, and is strong-willed, methodical and tenacious.
Dian Farrell	TBA
Kala Ideas	Kala has the appearance of a young girl, but she is actually the Elder of the Underworld Orim and has lived for over a thousand years. She is also the last party member to join Ryza's party after they finish her trial quest. Her personality seems to be on the childish side as she tries to avoid her duties as the Elder, but also possesses a vast amount of knowledge about a lot of things.
Lila Decyrus	A female warrior of the Oren tribe who serves as Empel's bodyguard. She met Empel while he was wandering aimlessly after being chased out the royal palace and has been with him ever since.
Empel Vollmer	A former royal alchemist, but was able to do alchemy once more, and this time for the better. Throughout, he is committed in helping Lila to close the gates of the underworld that symbolizes the great sins of the alchemists of the past. He introduced Ryza to alchemy and share few common goals. Empel once again stumbles Ryza and has joined forces once more to figure about the connection between the new Islands and Alchemy.
Patricia Abelheim	Daughter of a noble family living in the capital, and a student of Tao. She was a naïve, sheltered girl, but gained a wealth of experience through her journey with Ryza and friends during the second game.

Non-Playable Characters

• Karl Stout
• Mio Stout
• Moritz Brunnen
• Samuel Marslink
• Lumbar Dorn
• Agatha Harmon
• Elder

Development

The game was first teased during Gust's 25 anniversary showcase of the Atelier Series on September 5, 2022. At the end of the video, it played a soundtrack that is similar to the past two Ryza games, as well as presenting different layout area of ruins that corresponds also from the Secret sub-series.

Shortly after, Atelier Ryza 3 was revealed on September 13th, 2022 in a Nintendo Direct. and further showcased during the Tokyo Game Show 2022.

On January 18, 2023, a delay for Atelier Ryza 3 had been announced, pushing the release date from February 22, 2023 to March 23, 2023. The stated reason for the delay was for the development team to make final touches.

Game Updates

Update	Release date	Changes
Version 1.01	3/24/2023	Game Screen Version 1.00a Fixed an issue that caused the game to stop responding after watching a specific cutscene or synthesizing a specific item. Fixed an issue that allowed players to move to an unintended area under certain conditions. Fixed an issue that caused the quest's objective item to not appear in some of the main, normal and random quests. Fixed an issue that caused a specific event to occur at an unintended timing. Fixed display issues. Other minor adjustments and bug fixes.
Version 1.02	3/30/2023	Game Screen Version 1.01 Added special photo mode update. Added Weasel Roast, Lamb Roast, & Devil Roast. Fixed an issue in which certain quests to deliver equipment, items, or gathering tools did not count as completed when the tool or equipment was unequipped before being delivered. Fixed an issue in the “The Recipe Sleeps at the Old Fairystone Silo” quest that made it impossible to access the door after a battle. Fixed an issue where it was impossible to climb some waterfalls with the Water Beast in the Cleria region. Fixed display issues. Other minor adjustments and bug fixes.
Version 1.02.01	4/3/2023	Game Screen Version 1.02a Fixed an issue in the world quest "Deep into the Forest" in which the item required to progress the quest were sometimes not placed on the desk, even after examining three bookshelves. Improved compatibility with the new DLC. Fixed display issues. Other minor adjustments and bug fixes. Adjustment of the depth of field for the overall game. Adjusted the button input response time when connecting a normal attack to a skill attack during combat. Fixed an issue that occasionally caused the surface of the water to disappear. Adjusted the size of the copyright notice displayed in the lower left corner when a screenshot is taken with the video output setting of the PlayStation®5 or PlayStation®4 set to resolution other than 2160p. [For Steam] Fixed an issue where some key icons were not displayed correctly when using a 4K monitor.
Version 1.03	4/27/2023	Game Screen Version 1.03 Additional Maximum Difficulty Patch. Added an option to change in-game BGM. This function can be accessed through the Diary in any atelier and allows the player to change the BGM that plays at specific scenes during the game. Fixed an issue that prevented players from unlocking the "Your own answer" achievement or trophy on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, or Steam® after completing Patricia's quest in a specific order. Fixed an issue where Klaudia's "Klaudia, the Artist" quest failed to occur under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue where it was sometimes impossible to continue the "The Underworld Forest" quest after being defeated in a battle against the Deranged King. Fixed an issue where, regardless of the gathering level or tools equipped, a “key” symbol is displayed on gathering points signifying that gathering requirements are not met. Improved compatibility with the new DLC. Other minor adjustments and bug fixes.
Version 1.04	6/1/2023	Game Screen Version 1.04 Fixed an issue where quest details and objectives would not be displayed correctly on the quest screen when more than a certain number of quests were accepted, as well as quest indicators not working properly on the map. Fixed an issue where it was impossible to complete the "Where Did That Energy Go" quest under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue in the "Follow the Leading Bird" quest that caused the game to stop responding in some cases. Fixed an issue that caused the game to stop responding when a specific operation was performed on a specific screen. Fixed an issue where it was impossible to synthesize the Iridescent High-Purity Mucus under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue where it was impossible to transfer a Super Trait to the Waking Emerald. Fixed an issue where some of the adventure effects applied to the Secret Key did not work properly. Improved compatibility with the new DLC. Fixed display issues. Other minor adjustments and bug fixes.
Version 1.05	6/22/2023	Game Screen Version 1.05 Added the Graphics Settings option to the PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™ versions. The depth of field can be changed through this option. Improved the Graphics Settings option in the Steam® version so that the depth of field can be set to High, Normal, Low, or Off. Improved readability of English texts. Fixed an issue in the Steam® version where mouse and keyboard controls did not respond under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue that caused the game to stop responding when using Dian's Fatal Drive under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue that caused the game to crash right before transitioning to the Battle Results screen under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue where the "Creating Prototypes" quest failed to occur under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue in the "A Special Gift from Hometown" quest that made it impossible to deliver the requested item to the client under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue in which the descriptions of some skills, item effects, and traits differed from their actual specifications. Fixed an issue where certain items could not properly receive the effects displayed on the Guide. Fixed an issue where it was impossible to exit the Item Rebuilding screen under certain circumstances. Fixed an issue that caused the music to not play correctly during certain battles in some cases. Improved compatibility with the new DLC. Fixed display issues. Other minor adjustments and bug fixes.
Version 1.06	8/24/2023	Game Screen Version 1.06 Fixed an issue in the PlayStation®4 version where it was sometimes impossible to exit the loading screen during the event following the final battle in the main story. Fixed an issue in the DLC expansion "Rosca Island" where the target monsters in the "Dian's Fighting Spirit" quest did not appear in some cases. Fixed an issue in the DLC expansion "Rosca Island" where it was sometimes impossible to complete the "Collecting Texts 3" quest even after reading all of the texts. Fixed an issue that caused the item's quality to drop through Item Rebuilding or Duplication under certain circumstances after applying the DLC expansion "Rosca Island" and learning the Max Efficiency skill. Fixed some English translations.

Downloadable Content

Various downloadable contents (DLCs) will be released for Atelier Ryza 3, including costumes for playable characters.

Name	Release date	Type	Cost	Contents
"Summer Look" Costume Set (Set of 7 costumes)	March 23, 2023 March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023	Costume	Early Purchase Bonus	Light wear costumes for Ryza, Klaudia, Lent, Tao, Bos, Lila and Empel
Costume Set “Hidden Summer” (Set of 5 costumes)	March 23, 2023 March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023	Costume	Atelier Ryza Save Data Bonus	Costumes for Ryza, Klaudia, Lent, Tao and Bos inspired by their respective costumes from Atelier Ryza
Costume Set “Summer of Lore” (Set of 6 costumes)	March 23, 2023 March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023	Costume	Atelier Ryza 2 Save Data Bonus	Costumes for Ryza, Klaudia, Lent, Tao, Bos and Patricia inspired by their respective costumes from Atelier Ryza 2
Ryza's Costume "Alchemist of Mysterious Dreams"	March 23, 2023 March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023	Costume	Atelier Sophie 2 Save Data Bonus	Costume for Ryza inspired by Sophie's costume from Atelier Sophie 2
Ryza's Costume "Marine Look of Kurken Shore"	March 23, 2023 March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023	Costume	Premium Box Bonus	Costume for Ryza
Ryza's Costumes	March 23, 2023	Costume	Gust Store Exclusive Bonus	Costumes for Ryza (Japan Exclusive)

Gallery

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  Atelier 3 Promotional Poster Cover

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  Famitsu Magazine showcasing Ryza and Bos

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  First Key teased in the game's website

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  Second Key teased in the game's website

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  Third Key teased in the game's website

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  Fourth Key teased in the game's website

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  Fifth Key teased in the game's website

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  Sixth Key teased in the game's website

Trivia

• This marks the first Atelier game of the main series to use the same titular character as main protagonist on the course of three games.
  • Furthermore, it also the first trilogy series that features the protagonist as its principal and continuous central character, instead of being a mentor like the previous Atelier games that featured a trilogy story series.
• Following the first two Ryza games, Ryza 3 will also follow the direction of having a single linear story and ending.

External Links

• Announcement Trailer (Japanese)
• Announcement Trailer (English)
• Announcement Trailer (Traditional Chinese)
• Official Website (Japan)
• Official Website (Taiwan)
• Official Website (North America)
• Official Website (Europe)