The fourth anniversary celebration of Goddess of Victory: NIKKE continues with the arrival of MARIA-n STORY II on November 5, 2026. The second chapter gives Commanders another opportunity to follow Marian's story, clear additional event stages, collect valuable progression materials, and explore more of the anniversary content. For players who have already completed STORY I, this is the next major milestone to focus on before the event ends.
However, STORY II is only one part of the MARIA-n experience. Map exploration, Lost Relics, the FADING AFFECTION visual novel, and the limited-time event shop all deserve attention. Our team has put together this guide to help players organize their remaining activities, understand the available rewards, and avoid leaving useful resources unclaimed. Whether you're a returning Commander checking your Goddess of Victory Nikke Accounts or a veteran working toward a complete anniversary collection, knowing which activities to prioritize will make the event easier to manage.
When Does MARIA-n STORY II Unlock?
The MARIA-n event is divided into two main story sections, giving players time to progress through its narrative before the anniversary celebration ends. STORY I became available with the October 29 update, while STORY II is scheduled to unlock on November 5 at 05:00 (UTC+9).
For players in other regions, that means STORY II becomes available at 04:00 Beijing time on November 5. The event is scheduled to conclude on November 19 at 04:59 (UTC+9), so Commanders have a limited window to finish the remaining stages and collect their rewards.
MARIA-n STORY II unlocks on November 5, 2026, at 05:00 (UTC+9), and the main event and event shop are scheduled to close on November 19 at 04:59 (UTC+9).
| Event milestone | Schedule (UTC+9) |
|---|---|
| MARIA-n STORY I | October 29, after maintenance |
| MARIA-n STORY II | November 5, 05:00 |
| FADING AFFECTION | October 29 – November 19 |
| Event shop deadline | November 19, 04:59 |
| Main event conclusion | November 19, 04:59 |
STORY II is more than an additional set of missions. It continues Marian's journey through the mysterious research facility and expands the anniversary narrative. The second update also brings additional story content and new skins, alongside a bonus surprise announced by the publisher. Level Infinite confirms the November 5 anniversary update and additional content.
Our recommendation: Clear the available STORY I stages before November 5. This gives you a head start when the new content arrives and leaves more time for exploration, challenge missions, and shop purchases.
MARIA-n STORY II Rewards: What Should You Collect?
Rewards are one of the biggest reasons to return when STORY II opens. Besides experiencing the next part of Marian's story, players can use the anniversary event to build up recruitment resources and strengthen their existing squads.
We recommend separating the rewards into three categories: story progression rewards, anniversary login rewards, and additional event objectives. This makes it easier to understand which activities deserve your attention.
Advanced Recruit Vouchers and Character Materials
Advanced Recruit Vouchers are among the most useful rewards for players saving resources for upcoming Pilgrim banners. Character development materials are also worth collecting, particularly if you're still improving your main campaign squad or preparing additional teams for challenging content.
When working through STORY II, pay attention to the reward preview before entering each stage. Some resources are tied to first-clear rewards, while others may require additional event objectives.
Rather than spending all your available stamina on repeat farming immediately, we suggest completing new stages first and checking which rewards remain unclaimed.
The 4th Anniversary Nikke Selection Box
The anniversary also provides a valuable opportunity to obtain Rapunzel: Sanctuary and additional copies through the event's distribution system.
The 4th Anniversary Commemorative Nikke Selection Box includes four choices:
| Selectable Nikke | Main consideration |
|---|---|
| Rapunzel: Sanctuary | Support and team healing |
| Snow White: Innocent Days | Character collection |
| Rapunzel: Pure Grace | Character collection |
| Chime | Character collection |
Rapunzel: Sanctuary is particularly worth considering because players can obtain multiple copies through the anniversary's login and event rewards. Up to four copies are available through the anniversary distribution, allowing players to work toward maximum limit break without relying entirely on recruitment.
For newer Commanders, we recommend checking your current character collection before selecting a Nikke. Veteran players should also consider whether they need additional copies or simply want to complete their collection.
A Practical Reward Checklist
Before moving on to other activities, use this checklist to track your progress:
- Complete all available STORY I stages.
- Clear STORY II after its November 5 unlock.
- Collect first-clear rewards from new stages.
- Check anniversary login rewards.
- Complete eligible event missions and achievements.
- Claim available selection boxes and recruitment tickets.
- Review remaining rewards before the event closes.
One important distinction: The 4th Anniversary Nikke Selection Box is tied to completing all MARIA-n stages and Challenge Missions. Another selection box is also available through the 14-Day Login event, so make sure you track both reward sources.
MARIA-n Map Exploration and Lost Relics
The MARIA-n map deserves more attention than a quick run through the combat stages. Its research facility setting is closely connected to Marian's story, and exploring the available areas helps players uncover additional event details.
For Commanders who usually focus on clearing missions as quickly as possible, this is a good opportunity to slow down and inspect the environment.
Explore the Research Facility Carefully
As you progress through the event, check newly accessible areas instead of moving directly from one battle to the next.
Our team recommends the following exploration routine:
- Inspect each newly unlocked section of the facility.
- Check interactive objects and suspicious locations.
- Look for Lost Relics and other collectible items.
- Revisit previously explored areas after major story progression.
- Check the event map before finishing your daily session.
This approach is especially useful in story events where additional exploration opportunities may become available as the narrative advances.
Why You Should Collect Lost Relics
Lost Relics are easy to overlook when you're concentrating on combat progression. However, collecting them is part of completing the event experience and can provide additional resources or unlockable content, depending on the specific item.
We suggest treating exploration as a separate objective rather than something to do only when you have spare time.
A useful habit is to check the map after each major story milestone. This reduces the chance of missing an interactive point and saves you from having to retrace your steps near the event deadline.
FADING AFFECTION: Story Choices and Completion Tips
FADING AFFECTION is one of the more distinctive parts of the fourth anniversary celebration. Unlike the regular combat stages, this mini-game uses a text-based visual novel format built around scattered memories and narrative choices.
The experience focuses on revisiting old project records and uncovering different conclusions connected to Marian's past. For players who enjoy NIKKE's character storytelling, it offers a different kind of progression outside the usual combat loop.
How FADING AFFECTION Works
The mini-game revolves around reading memory fragments and making choices as the story develops. Instead of simply defeating enemies, players follow narrative branches and gradually uncover additional parts of the experience.
Its main features include:
- Text-based story progression.
- Choice-driven narrative branches.
- Scattered memory fragments.
- Additional conclusions to discover.
- A separate experience from the main MARIA-n combat stages.
The important thing is to read the available story records rather than rushing through every dialogue screen. Some choices may lead to different narrative developments, so paying attention to the context makes the experience more rewarding.
Tips for Completing the Mini-Game
We recommend approaching FADING AFFECTION methodically:
First, progress through the available memory records in order. This helps establish the narrative context before exploring alternative choices.
Second, pay attention to branching decisions. If the game allows you to revisit previous sections, use that feature to explore other available paths.
Third, check the completion interface regularly. Look for unviewed memories or unfinished story branches instead of assuming that reaching one ending completes the entire mini-game.
FADING AFFECTION runs during the wider MARIA-n event period, from October 29 until November 19 at 04:59 (UTC+9). It is already available before STORY II arrives, so there is no reason to postpone all its content until November 5.
Our advice is to make steady progress through the mini-game while waiting for STORY II. That way, you can focus on the new story stages once they become available.
MARIA-n Event Shop: Best Items to Exchange
The event shop is another important part of MARIA-n, especially for free-to-play players who want to get the most value from their available event currency.
The main mistake we see in limited-time events is spending currency without checking the full shop first. Players sometimes purchase convenient but less important materials early, only to discover that they don't have enough currency left for more valuable items.
A better approach is to decide your priorities before spending.
Which Shop Rewards Should You Prioritize?
The exact value of each purchase depends on your current roster and resource inventory. However, we recommend using the following general priority system.
| Priority | Reward category | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| High | Advanced recruitment resources | Useful for future recruitment plans |
| High | Character growth materials | Supports long-term account progression |
| Medium | Skill and equipment-related materials | Helps improve developed Nikkes |
| Medium | General upgrade resources | Useful when your inventory is running low |
| Low | Remaining optional items | Purchase after essential rewards |
This is a resource-planning framework rather than a confirmed list of the shop's exact inventory. Check the in-game shop for available items, individual prices, and purchase limits.
How to Farm and Spend Event Currency
To manage your currency efficiently, focus on the activities that contribute directly to event progression.
- Complete available event stages and claim their rewards.
- Finish relevant daily and event missions.
- Check whether additional stages provide better currency returns.
- Avoid spending currency before reviewing all available shop items.
- Revisit the shop regularly as your event progress increases.
For players with limited playtime, clearing the highest-value available content should come before repeatedly farming stages without checking their actual rewards.
Don't Forget the Shop Deadline
The MARIA-n event shop closes on November 19 at 04:59 (UTC+9). This is an important deadline because collecting event currency and spending it are two separate tasks.
We recommend completing your main purchases at least one day before the event ends. This gives you some flexibility if you still need to finish a mission or collect an outstanding reward.
Summary: Finish Every MARIA-n Reward Before November 19
MARIA-n STORY II is an important part of the NIKKE fourth anniversary, but the best way to approach it is to look beyond the new story stages. Players who want to complete the event should balance narrative progression, map exploration, mini-game content, and resource collection.
Our team recommends following this order:
| Priority | What to do | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finish available STORY I stages | Before November 5 |
| 2 | Unlock and complete STORY II | From November 5 |
| 3 | Explore the facility and collect Lost Relics | Throughout the event |
| 4 | Complete FADING AFFECTION | Before November 19 |
| 5 | Claim anniversary rewards and selection boxes | Before their respective deadlines |
| 6 | Exchange remaining event currency | Before November 19, 04:59 (UTC+9) |
For most players, the biggest value comes from completing limited-time activities and securing recruitment resources before they disappear. Don't leave the event shop until the final hours, and remember to check your unclaimed rewards after completing the last missions.
Whether you're building a new squad, collecting Pilgrims, or preparing your Goddess of Victory: NIKKE progression plans, the anniversary is a good opportunity to strengthen your roster. Players researching ways to manage their collections or considering options such as buy Goddess of Victory Nikke Accounts should also remember to review account security and the game's account policies before making any decisions.
NIKKE MARIA-n STORY II FAQ
When does MARIA-n STORY II release?
MARIA-n STORY II unlocks on November 5, 2026, at 05:00 (UTC+9), or 04:00 Beijing time.
When does the MARIA-n event end?
The main event and its shop are scheduled to close on November 19, 2026, at 04:59 (UTC+9).
Is FADING AFFECTION available before STORY II?
Yes. FADING AFFECTION opened on October 29 alongside the first part of the anniversary update. Players can progress through its branching visual novel content before November 5.
What Nikkes can you get from the 4th Anniversary Selection Box?
The selection box offers Snow White: Innocent Days, Rapunzel: Pure Grace, Chime, and Rapunzel: Sanctuary.
Should you complete map exploration before STORY II?
You should collect available exploration rewards as you progress through the event. However, revisit the map after STORY II unlocks to check for newly accessible areas or additional interactive points.
What should you buy first in the MARIA-n Event Shop?
Prioritize recruitment resources and important character development materials. Then use any remaining currency on other useful upgrade resources, depending on your roster and inventory.
