This Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost guide will help you find the unlockable heroines and suggest cards to clear the stage conditions. Be aware, there are spoilers ahead if you want to keep the surprises intact.
Let’s start with where to find the unlockable heroines. They are located in specific stages, but since you choose the areas you visit, the order of unlocking may vary.
Here’s a heads-up: the characters are listed based on their order in the Heroine select screen or their appearance order in Touhou games.
Now, onto the disclaimer: The stats section contains tips and hints based on personal opinions about each character’s performance in gameplay. Remember, all characters are viable with the right card setup and suitable stage. With over 40 hours of gameplay and all achievements unlocked, various heroine and card combinations have been tested to draw these conclusions. Your experiences may differ, so keep experimenting!
Reimu Hakurei
How to Unlock
Reimu, being the main character, is the only heroine you start with. So, you’re already good to go with her!
Stats
Reimu, along with the other shrine maiden, boasts the highest number of lives in the game, starting with 3. Combine this with a Mitama card that grants her 5 additional lives, and she becomes the prime choice for clearing the rare “Finish with 9 Lives Remaining” condition. This makes her particularly useful for tackling Danmaku stages early on. Plus, she comes equipped with homing shots, reminiscent of the official Touhou games. I recommend deploying her in Kagura stages as well, as her extra score bonus can come in handy for certain missions.
Marisa Kirisame
How to Unlock
For some players, Marisa will be the final unlockable character if they’ve gathered the other heroines first. You’ll encounter her in level 27 Danmaku Stage White World 01, where she faces off against Reimu. Upon completing the stage, interact with one of the treasure chests on the overworld to unlock Marisa as a playable character.
Stats
Marisa’s lasers serve as excellent sub-weapons, piercing through enemies akin to the original Touhou games and dealing high damage. With 2 lives to start, she also has the ability to increase dream drops obtained, albeit at the expense of decreased EXP.
Cirno
How to Unlock
Naturally, the baka would make it into the game! You can unlock Cirno early on in level 5 Danmaku stage Misty Lake 04. Simply clear the stage, and she’s yours to play.
Stats
Cirno boasts a widespread shot, which limits her damage potential somewhat, but she compensates with 2 lives and the ability to slightly increase damage when your combo reaches 50 or higher. Her wide shots can prove useful as a sub-option, especially when maneuvering around the stage to collect items.
Sakuya Izayoi
How to Unlock
Sakuya is among the first few characters you might unlock if you decide to visit the Scarlet Devil Mansion early after restoring the Hakurei Shrine. Simply defeat the level 9 Danmaku stage Scarlet Devil Mansion 07 to unlock her.
Stats
Sakuya possesses the unique ability to slightly increase note timing, making her valuable in stages where note timing is decreased. Pair her with a card that extends note timing even further for added effectiveness. Her sub-weapon targets enemies, despite her widespread shot. She’s particularly suited for Kagura stages.
Remilia Scarlet
How to Unlock
Remilia can also be one of the first characters you unlock if you head to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Find her in her level 34 Danmaku stage, Scarlet Devil Mansion 11. The mission conditions are relatively easy: defeat Remilia before the song ends and ensure you have 3000 HP or more.
Recommendations
This stage is relatively simple, but beginners might struggle if they don’t have the right characters. Opt for a heroine team capable of swiftly defeating the boss to minimize incoming attacks. Despite the red night effect, it shouldn’t pose much of a problem if you can dispatch Remilia quickly.
Stats
Remilia proves to be a strong choice as a main heroine, as her ability increases sub-option damage. This versatility opens up more character options for challenging Danmaku stages. Her own damage output is impressive; she managed to defeat her own stage before I reached the halfway point. Additionally, she comes equipped with 2 bombs, which are invaluable for score stages.
Flandre Scarlet
How to Unlock
Flandre is undeniably one of the toughest characters to unlock, fitting for an iconic extra stage boss like her. Find her in the level 46 Kagura stage, Scarlet Devil Mansion 13, where you can also unlock the original ZUN song “U.N.Owen was her?”
Recommendations
This stage is exceptionally challenging, but fear not, there are strategies available! It will require patience and practice, though.
You’re limited to Hard and Lunatic difficulties, which can be daunting for beginners. I recommend cards that significantly improve timing or even disable timing gimmicks, as this is the main hurdle of the stage. Your primary goal is to beat the “30 greats or less” mission, so precise timing is crucial. Focus solely on timing, as even clearing the stage won’t unlock Flandre without meeting this condition. Personally, I utilized the card – Yuyuko Saigyouji “I Wish I Could Die Under Spring Flowers.”
While you could practice with a Risky Note Timing Boost card like Shion Yorigami “Poverty God’s Sweet Happiness,” be aware that the groove gauge gain is drastically reduced, making clearing the stage unlikely.
As for characters, if you’re confident in using only Mitama cards for timing aid, consider Alice for a slight groove gauge bonus. Otherwise, your options are limited to Sakuya and Koishi. I opted for Koishi to make it an extra boss vs. extra boss fight, but Sakuya is a safer choice since Koishi comes with a gauge downside. Keep practicing, and eventually, you’ll succeed! I managed with only 9 greats.
Stats
Flandre’s shots are surprisingly only average, particularly as a sub-heroine where her only attack is causing occasional explosions. However, she fares decently as a main heroine, boasting powerful yet wide shots. She can slightly increase normal damage, which pairs well with a Mitama card of the same ability. Keep in mind she only comes with 1 bomb and 1 life.
Alice Margatroid
How to Unlock
If you opt to venture into the Forest of Magic first, you’ll quickly encounter Alice in her level 4 Danmaku stage, Forest of Magic 04. Simply clear the stage, which, being an early-game level, is relatively easy to accomplish.
Stats
Alice stands out as the only heroine capable of reducing the groove gauge loss amount, making her invaluable if you’re struggling to clear a stage that forces you into choosing one of the harder difficulties. In the early game, she’s also effective as a sub-shot due to its considerable power. Additionally, she comes equipped with 2 lives and 2 bombs, making her ideal for stages where earning numerous score items is necessary.
Youmu Konpaku
How to Unlock
Youmu will be one of the last characters you unlock, as she’s found in Hades (also known as The Netherworld or Hakugyokurou). She’s a mission clear reward in the level 24 Danmaku stage, Hades 04. Clearing the missions is straightforward: destroy Youmu before the song ends and finish with 5 lives remaining. Choosing a strong character and a card that grants 5 lives will likely enable you to unlock Youmu on your first try. Her stage isn’t too challenging either; just follow the dream drops, but be sure to spend some time aiming at Youmu as well.
Stats
Youmu is one of the few characters who starts with an extra bomb. While it takes a while for her to reach her full power if picked as the main heroine, and her sword slashes don’t reach far, she excels as a sub-heroine. Her spirit attack deals significant damage, and you don’t need to wait for it to appear. Pair her with some of the strongest characters, and you’ll defeat bosses before the song even starts. Additionally, she increases normally dealt damage and the amount of power items appearing.
Yuyuko Saigyouji
How to Unlock
Yuyuko will also be among the last few characters you unlock, as she’s found in Hades. Seek her out in her level 45 Danmaku stage, Hades 12.
Though this stage may seem challenging initially, following the dream drops will lead to consistent clears. Fortunately, she’s unlockable as a Mitama card drop, not through stage conditions, so you’ll be able to unlock her easily by equipping a Prismriver Mitama card.
Stats
Yuyuko is a solid choice for Kagura stages, as she and Reimu are the only characters with the ability to increase score. In Danmaku stages, she performs well as a main heroine, although her shot is widely spread out, meaning not all of it will concentrate towards the boss. However, she does come with 2 lives, making her a valuable asset for Kagura stages.
Yukari Yakumo
How to Unlock
Yukari will be the second character you obtain, as she’s found very early on in the game in her level 5 Danmaku stage, Hakurei Shrine 03. Simply clear the stage to unlock her; it’s as simple as that.
Stats
Yukari proves valuable in the early game, aiding players as they navigate the new gameplay style of Danmaku stages. Her ability to decrease the amount of damage you receive during these stages is particularly useful. Additionally, Yukari excels as a sub-heroine in the early game; Ran can appear where you last aimed, allowing you to focus on collecting dream drops or items while Ran continues to damage the boss. This synergy is especially effective when paired with Reimu, who also has homing amulets.
Reisen Udongein Inaba
How to Unlock
Reisen is located in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost, specifically in her level 19 Danmaku stage, Bamboo Forest of the Lost 03. The mission conditions here are quite straightforward: destroy Reisen upon song completion and collect 100+ dream drops, which predominantly fall during the second half of the song. Overall, she’s an easy character to unlock; just bring along a decently strong character for the early game.
Stats
Reisen is one of 3 characters who boost your Mitama card type, focusing on Em (Red). This allows her to increase damage when you have an Em-type card equipped, particularly useful for certain Danmaku stages where defeating the boss is crucial. In terms of damage output, as a main heroine, she’s fairly potent, with bullets consistently dealing damage. Additionally, she gains additional main shots that spread wide, accompanied by illusion Reisens that periodically aim bullets at the target. Since this is the second main area you unlock, she’s a valuable addition as both a main heroine and a sub-option.
Kaguya Houraisan
How to Unlock
Kaguya is hidden behind a mission in her level 12 Danmaku stage, Eientei 04. To unlock her, you must clear the stage with an A rank and have 500+ HP remaining by the end. While this may seem challenging without the right characters or leveled-up cards, it’s easily achievable with the correct setup.
Recommendations
For this stage, I highly recommend using a heroine that deals high damage per second, as this is crucial for achieving a high score. Personally, I used Tenshi with Alice as my sub-heroine, but Reimu/Alice is also a viable combination. Alternatively, refer to the guide’s stats section for information on a character’s strength in Danmaku stages.
In terms of Mitama cards, a card that increases damage is essential. This could be one that boosts damage specifically for the chosen heroine or one that increases damage overall.
Stats
Kaguya’s shots may not be the most powerful in the game, but she boasts a constant stream of shots without pause. Additionally, she has the ability to gain EXP on your cards, which proves useful in the early to mid-game when you may need to use dream drops for purposes other than EXP.
Fujiwara no Mokou
How to Unlock
Mokou is found in the Human Village, specifically in Human Village 04, in the level 12 Danmaku stage against Keine. To unlock her, you must clear both missions: collect 300+ score items and destroy the boss.
Recommendations
The clear conditions aren’t too challenging, but the Danmaku patterns can be tricky if you’re not careful. Avoid bringing a character that would defeat the boss too quickly, such as Tenshi, and opt for a powerful sub-heroine instead. I recommend using Remilia, Alice, or Youmu, as all three come with 2 bombs. If you’re fortunate, you may also receive a bomb drop during the stage. Use bombs strategically when there are many bullets on screen to maximize score gain.
As for Mitama cards, there aren’t any that increase the number of score items you gain, so I suggest using a card that boosts damage dealt, as defeating Keine by the end of the song is still necessary.
Stats
Surprisingly, Mokou is one of the weaker characters in the game. She comes with 0 bombs equipped, and while her damage as a main heroine is decent, using her as a sub-heroine appears to have no effect. Her only ability is to increase score when a bomb is used, which can already be replicated with a better Mitama card. It seems she may have weakened over the years…
Aya Shameimaru
How to Unlock
Aya can be found in one of the last few areas you visit if you choose to go to the Youkai Mountain last. Look for her in the level 23 Danmaku stage, Youkai Mountain 07. The clear conditions here aren’t too difficult; you only need to destroy Aya before the song ends and survive with 1000+ HP remaining. The challenge lies in avoiding the considerable amount of poison fog, so it’s advisable to bring a character capable of defeating her quickly to minimize the number of bullets you need to dodge. The fairies in this stage don’t shoot, which simplifies the task.
Stats
Aya boasts a decent stream of bullets and a wide range when at full power, making her a valuable choice as both a main and sub-heroine. However, she needs to be at full power to reach her true potential, as her low-power shot is very thin. Nonetheless, this drawback is mitigated by her ability to increase damage when your combo is over 10, making her a formidable ally.
Sanae Kochiya
How to Unlock
Sanae is found in one of the most challenging Danmaku stages, the level 26 stage, Moriya Shrine 04. Dealing with all fairies shooting at you while navigating Sanae’s tricky bullet patterns and the fast-paced song can be daunting. It may take several attempts to clear this stage, especially with the sandstorm eating away at your lives. Finish the song with Sanae defeated and 4 or more lives remaining to unlock her.
Recommendations
Bringing a character team capable of quickly defeating Sanae is essential, as that’s the key to beating the stage. Ensure your Mitama card grants you as many lives as possible and pay attention to your card type to maximize damage. Tenshi/Youmu paired with a Co-type damage up card is my preferred setup for conditions like this.
Stats
Sanae is indispensable for unlocking all achievements, as she, alongside Marisa, increases the amount of dream drops gained during both Danmaku and Kagura stages. This facilitates unlocking the complete Mitama collection achievements. With 3 lives like Reimu, she’s useful for missions requiring you to “Finish with 9 lives remaining.”
However, I’ve observed that in certain stages, her homing shots can bug out and stay midway up the playfield, resulting in minimal damage during boss fights. This issue may be addressed in the future, but for now, Sanae is best suited for dream drop earning tasks.
Tenshi Hinanawi
How to Unlock
Tenshi Hinanawi is found in Heaven, leisurely relaxing (or… planting crops now??). Seek her out in her level 43 Danmaku stage, Heaven 04. While the stage’s mission conditions and gimmicks may seem daunting, Tenshi is hidden behind a Mitama card drop, so equip your Prismriver card and start searching!
Recommendations
Though Tenshi is hidden behind a Mitama card drop, here are some pointers on how to clear this stage’s missions, as it can be challenging with the amount of activity. Bringing a strong character, even Tenshi herself, can aid in clearing this stage. The screen shaking caused by the keystones dropping isn’t as severe as during Kagura stages, but if it concerns you, bring an Earthquake-disabling card. Additionally, there’s dense fog to contend with. Focus on destroying the boss and dealing as much damage as possible. The 4-key chart isn’t too difficult, so you can ignore it if you choose. Watch out for fairies shooting even after Tenshi is destroyed.
Stats
Tenshi is one of the strongest characters in the game, boasting extremely high damage per second with the keystone. She’s essential for easily clearing Danmaku stages with a high score clear condition. Pairing her with a strong sub-heroine like Youmu ensures the enemy won’t even get a chance to retaliate, making the task almost too easy.
Satori Komeiji
How to Unlock
Satori is found in her level 21 Danmaku stage, Underworld 06. Fortunately, it’s the easier of the two, as it’s only 2 keys. To unlock her, simply clear the stage with an A rank and collect 50 dream drops. Both objectives are easily achievable by following the path of dream drops and bringing along a strong character with a damage-up card. You can also use bombs on this stage without losing score.
Stats
Satori is one of two characters who provide slightly better defense during Danmaku stages. While not the most powerful ability, it can be useful for later stages. Her shot as a main heroine is decent, but she truly shines as a sub-option. Her green orbs explode with a wide range, dealing strong damage and lingering on screen for a short while. This is beneficial for chaining rows of moving fairies to collect additional score items.
Utsuho Reiuji (Okuu)
How to Unlock
Utsuho is an intriguing character, as she’s the only one without a song in the base game, yet you can still unlock her as a secret character. This may pose a challenge for beginners, as she’s unlocked in the level 42 Kagura stage, Underworld 11, where you must clear both missions to unlock her.
While it may seem daunting, the game allows you to clear it on normal mode, as there are 855 total notes. All notes are changed to vertical, so if you struggle with this, consider increasing your scroll speed for improved readability. Additionally, the latest update as of writing allows you to change the noteskin out of four options. For this stage, noteskin B or D is recommended, as they provide more space between notes compared to the other shapes.
Recommendations
For card recommendations, it’s advisable to use one that increases your score to mitigate the impact of misses. Alternatively, you could opt for a card that greatly increases note timing to aim for perfects.
In terms of heroines, Reimu and Yuyuko are good options as they increase score. If score isn’t your main concern, consider Sakuya or Koishi for a slight timing boost. As a last resort, Alice can aid with the groove gauge if you’re still struggling to clear the stage.
Stats
Utsuho is one of 3 characters who boost your Mitama card type. With a Ro (yellow) card equipped, damage is slightly increased, making her a formidable main heroine during Danmaku stages. However, surprisingly, she’s not the strongest as a sub-heroine, although her laser blast does pierce through enemies.
Koishi Komeiji
How to Unlock
Koishi is found in her level 32 Danmaku stage, Underworld 10. Fortunately, she’s not locked behind the difficult mission of clearing the stage with an S rank, which requires a strong high-levelled card and good characters. Instead, she’s just a Mitama card drop, so equip your Prismriver cards if you have them and wait patiently!
Stats
Koishi is quite useful for songs that decrease your timing window; in fact, she even helped me unlock Flandre. However, she comes with the downside of increasing the groove gauge loss amount, so you might be better off sticking with Sakuya. During Danmaku fights, she’s not too strong, as her shots come out quite slowly as a main heroine. However, as a sub-heroine, she’s not bad, as her roses have a wide range and linger for a little bit, which is useful for chipping away at the enemy’s health.
Byakuren Hijiri
How to Unlock
Byakuren is found in the Myouren Temple area, specifically in her level 17 Danmaku stage, Myouren Temple 05.
This stage may require a few attempts to clear the missions, as you need to earn a total of 1000 score items and defeat Byakuren before the song ends. Bringing characters without bombs or cards that provide additional bombs won’t suffice. You’ll need to accumulate bombs to use strategically during the stage.
Recommendations
Focus on acquiring as many bombs as possible by bringing characters with multiple bombs (e.g., Remilia, Alice, Youmu), using cards that provide extra bombs, or relying on luck with item drops. Save the bombs for Byakuren’s first spellcard phase to maximize your score item collection. Use bombs when the screen is filled with purple bullets to clear them efficiently. Balance strength with patience to ensure you defeat Byakuren within the time limit while maximizing your score item collection.
Stats
Byakuren is the last of the 3 characters to boost a Mitama card type, specifically Co (Blue). This increases her damage during Danmaku fights when you have a Co-type card equipped. Her shots are decent, and she comes with lasers that pierce through rows of fairies, making her a great choice for stages with fairies obstructing the path to the boss. She pairs well with Remilia, as their combined damage is increased.
That's everything we are sharing today for this Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost guide. This guide was originally created and written by Fuma Mishandra. In case we fail to update this guide, you can find the latest update by following this link.