How do I recruit Ernest permanently?
Feed him through repeated encounters, then advance his rat storyline. The first food visits provide temporary help rather than permanent recruitment.
LOOK OUTSIDE · ERNEST
Look Outside Ernest Recruitment Guide
Feed Ernest during repeated encounters, then follow his rat story if you want him to stay permanently.
Floor 1 and possible apartment door visits
Offer Ernest food when you meet him and return for later encounters.
How to recruit Ernest
- Meet Ernest on Floor 1 or during a visit to Sam’s door and offer him food.
- Repeat the food encounters to build trust and gain his temporary help.
- Continue his rat storyline if you want him as a permanent companion.
- Mark his permanent recruitment separately from a temporary appearance in your party notes.
Choice to check before moving on
A food visit alone does not make Ernest a permanent recruit. Follow the later rat events before treating him as a reliable long-term party member.
Ernest’s story
Ernest’s route begins with food and becomes tied to the rats in the building. His permanent place in the party depends on resolving that later story, so check the encounter after each new event.
Skills Ernest can learn
Check the current level and learned skills in your game before planning a fight.
Feed the ColonelLv 1
FeedbackLv 1 · Blast
Rousing SongLv 5
Song of DefenseLv 7
SerenadeLv 9
Song of StrengthLv 11
Song of WillpowerLv 13
Double TimeLv 15
Equipment and fight prep
Ernest can learn support songs such as Rousing Song, Song of Defense and Song of Strength. Keep him protected and bring another teammate for the main damage role when you want his turns spent helping the party.
Compare weapons and enemy weaknesses →Who to pair with Ernest
A support slot is useful beside a damage specialist like Hellen or Joel. Use the Party Builder to compare the boss’s weaknesses, then decide whether Ernest’s songs are more useful than another attacker for that fight.
Build your party →Common questions about Ernest
Is Ernest a support character?
His learnable list includes several party songs, including defensive and strength support. Check which ones he has learned in your run.
Where can Ernest appear?
His encounters include Floor 1 and visits near Sam’s apartment.