How to Get Opal and Recruit Esmeralda in Suikoden

Esmerelda is one of 108 recruitable characters in Suikoden I, and to tempt her into the resistance, you’ll need an Opal. This gem is an uncommon item found in only two areas of the game that you can easily miss — but don’t worry; you can always backtrack. Here’s where to find both an Opal and Esmerelda herself.

How to Recruit Esmerelda in Suikoden

In Suikoden I, Esmerelda is in Antei, the town directly west of Teien. You can find her upstairs in the inn, where she claims she’ll join you (or rather let you “kidnap” her) if you give her a gift of good faith: an opal.

If you have an opal in your inventory, then go ahead and recruit Esmerelda into your army. If not, keep reading!

Quick tip: While in Teien, you can recruit another member inside the inn. Purchase some Toe Shoes from the town’s vendor, equip them, and then speak to the character in the blue dress to dance with her. This dancer is Mina, and she’ll join the resistance after your performance together.

How to get Opal

The only way to get an Opal in Suikoden I is by defeating Nightmares in Soniere Prison or Scarleticia. You visit Soniere Prison during the story, and trying to access it before then will result in the guards kicking you out. A similar situation goes for Scarleticia.

Nightmares are playing card-like enemies that randomly appear when walking around in Soniere Prison or Scarletica. After defeating a Nightmare (or a group of them), there’s a chance you receive an Opal at the end of the battle.

Keep walking around Soniere Prison or Scarleticia and defeating Nightmares until you loot an Opal, then return to Esmerelda in Antei. If you are currently at Soniere Prison during the story, make sure the player character is the one holding the Opal. I won’t spoil why.

It took me seven battles with Nightmares before getting an Opal, so don’t give up hope. It may take you fewer attempts or a handful more. If you looted any ??? Ornaments during your attempts, make sure to get them appraised as antiques.

Opals aren’t used for anything other than recruiting Esmerelda. If you were lucky enough to get more than one, you’re safe to sell it to a vendor for some extra potch.

Suikoden I and II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.