Along with its mastery of the JRPG genre, Square Enix is well known for its killer video game soundtracks. With the release of Bravely Default 2 in February 2021, Square Enix proved yet again its skill in both of these fields. Bravely Default 2's outstanding music is one of the most alluring aspects of the Nintendo Switch RPG, and its recent release on Spotify suggests Square Enix is well aware of this.
The Bravely Default series started on the 3DS as a spiritual successor to a DS Final Fantasy spin-off that also attempted to replicate the series' roots. Final Fantasy had been moving in a new direction, and this was Square Enix's way of keeping up with the original style while still being able to experiment with something new. The result was a fresh, turn-based JRPG that incorporated classic Square Enix game design with lots of modern quality-of-life changes. Just like Bravely Default 2, the original was also praised for its stellar soundtrack.
Bravely Default's music had a specific style that made it stand out, and it's been brilliantly recaptured in Bravely Default 2. Its soundtrack uses a superb blend of wailing guitars, catchy electronic tunes, and a bombastic orchestra. It's a strange blend, but it works well, and now each of its songs are available on Spotify for fans to enjoy, just like the Persona series soundtracks before it. Regardless of whether a listener is gathering crystals in-game or simply wants to jam out, here are some of Bravely Default 2's best songs to check out on Spotify.
[Warning: The following contains SPOILERS for Bravely Default 2.]
Best Bravely Default 2 Songs - Wiswald, the Scholars' Haven
This is the theme that plays throughout Wiswald, Elvis' hometown. The corresponding chapter of Bravely Default 2 follows the mystery of why Elvis' former friends are suddenly acting hostile and not at all themselves. Furthermore, there's a mystery surrounding Roddy's deceased child, leading players to discover how all of these people seem to be mind-controlled by their grief. "Wiswald, the Scholars' Haven" perfectly captures both the murder-mystery plot of this chapter and the sadness of Roddy's child's tragic death. Its use of sassy saxophone further gives the song the character it needs to be among the best in the game.
Best Bravely Default 2 Songs - The Horizon
It's important for adventure games and RPGs to have quality overworld music, since it's the music players will likely hear the most. Luckily, Bravely Default 2 has an excellent overworld theme, "The Horizon," that invokes a whimsical sense of wonder. As players progress to different areas in the game, the instruments change to match the atmosphere of each new region. The aforementioned Wiswald area's version makes use of the same saxophone, and Savalon gives it a desert-y twist that makes one feel as if they're stranded in a blistering sea of sand. It's an excellent song, made better by its many variants.
Best Bravely Default 2 Songs - The Holy Temple Of The Lost Kingdom
After an intense battle with Bravely Default 2's Adam, players will have acquired all the crystals and be headed off towards Musa to recharge them in order to prevent the Night's Nexus from escaping. Players hear of the destruction of Gloria's home country throughout the entire game, and finally seeing it with their own eyes makes for a memorable scene, escalated by the silence that accompanies it and the song that follows. "The Holy Temple Of The Lost Kingdom" is the theme for the final dungeon before the first ending, and its haunting beauty perfectly captures the tension of nearing the end of this 60-hour adventure.
Best Bravely Default 2 Songs - Shadows Cast By The Mighty: Swift Judgement
In Chapter 4, players can return to any of the previously explored regions to protect them from the Asterisk holders currently threatening the land. During battles with these enemies, they'll be met with "Shadows Cast By The Mighty: Swift Judgement." It's a fast-paced song exploding with epic tones that help make players feel heroic. These Asterisk holders aren't just pawns used in an overall plan, like many of the previous enemies, but rather considerable threats. Their strength, combined with this great battle theme, makes for some intense fights against some of Holograd's most powerful warriors.
Best Bravely Default 2 Songs - Battle Against The Wicked Ones
Similar to the previous track, "Battle Against The Wicked Ones" is one of the many boss themes found throughout the game. It only plays during major encounters with chapter bosses - some of Bravely Default 2's toughest fights. These place players against over-the-top villains with extreme uses for the crystals protagonists are trying to recover. "Battle Against The Wicked Ones" does an impeccable job of replicating the evil found within these characters, and it's extremely catchy to boot. It's easily some of the best battle music in any Bravely Default or Square Enix game, so it and the aforementioned Bravely Default 2 songs are absolutely worth giving a listen on Spotify.