Jump to content

Love Live! School idol festival ALL STARS

From SchoolIdolWiki
Love Live! School idol festival
ALL STARS
Kanjiラブライブ！スクールアイドルフェスティバル ALL STARS（略称：スクスタ）
RomajiLove Live! School Idol Festival ALL STARS
Game Info
Developer(s)KLab (September 26, 2019 ~ January 6, 2022)


Mynet Games (January 6, 2022 onwards)
PublisherBushiroad Games
ReleasedSeptember 26, 2019 (JP)
February 25, 2020(EN)
End of ServiceJune 30, 2023
GenreRhythm RPG
Available Language(s)Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese
Downloads/Releases



Love Live! School Idol Festival ALL STARS" (commonly abbreviated as "SIFAS") was a smartphone app distributed by Bushiroad's mobile game brand from September 26, 2019, to June 30, 2023.

The game was a rhythm action RPG with the concept of being "the biggest and best idol game."

Initially, the development and distribution were handled by KLab Inc., while the operation was jointly managed by Bushiroad, Sunrise (the copyright holder of the Love Live! series, now under Bandai Namco Filmworks). However, on January 6, 2022, KLab withdrew, and the distribution was directly taken over by Bushiroad (the overseas version was handled by its subsidiary, Bushiroad International Pte. Ltd.). Meanwhile, the game’s operation was transferred to Mynet Games Inc.

Overview

It is a smartphone idol-training game, playable on iOS and Android devices (including tablets).

This game continues the legacy of both the Love Live! series and the School Idol Festival series.

The concept is "the biggest and best idol game."

As evident from its title, KLab Inc. developed the game, just like "School Idol Festival."

History

In March 2017, to celebrate the 4th anniversary of School Idol Festival, a commemorative project called "Love Live! School Idol Festival PERFECT Dream Project" was launched, within which ALL STARS was announced and developed.

Originally planned for release within 2018, the game was postponed and was officially launched on September 26, 2019.

On January 6, 2022, KLab withdrew from the project, and on December 23, 2021, it was announced that the distribution would be transferred to Bushiroad (with the overseas version handled by its subsidiary Bushiroad International Pte. Ltd.) while the development shifted to Mynet Games Inc.—a change that was carried out as scheduled. Meanwhile, KLab continued to handle the previous title, School Idol Festival.

On June 30, 2023, the game ended its service, passing the SIF series' future to "School Idol Festival 2." Initially, it was announced that the role of Setsuna Yuki would be transferred from Tomori Kusunoki to Coco Hayashi, with previously recorded voice lines from Kusunoki being implemented first, followed by Hayashi’s recordings. However, due to the game's shutdown, Hayashi’s voice lines were never added.

Kusunoki herself commented on Twitter: "I will be the one to voice Setsuna in All Stars until the very end. Thank you."[1]

During the third segment of the "Love Live! Nijigasaki High School After-School Broadcast & RADIO Anigasaki Joint Public Recording—Tokimeki Hour" held on May 12, 2024, it was announced that the game's main story and Bond episodes would be released sequentially as voiceless video formats starting June 7, 2024.

These videos would not be streamed on the Love Live! series’ official YouTube channel or the SIF channel, but rather on a dedicated archival YouTube channel.

On April 24, 2025, the Nintendo Switch & Steam game "Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club TOKIMEKI Roadmap to Future" was released as a sequel that carries forward the world of ALL STARS, focusing entirely on the Nijigasaki characters. Some of the background art and BGM from ALL STARS were reused, and certain Bond episodes were re-recorded. Additionally, the video release mentioned above was part of the promotional effort for this new title.

Synopsis

The ultimate live show made with 30 school idols.

A new story oof realizing our dreams with you begins.

A high school in Odaiba, Tokyo, popular for its atmosphere of independence and wide array of specializations. A high school in Odaiba, Tokyo, popular for its atmosphere of independence and wide array of specializations. The protagonist (you) who attends Nijigasaki High School sees a joint live show by μ's and Aqours and is awestruck.

You want to be the closest supporter of the dazzling school idols.

Aim for the School Idol Festival with everyone.

Begin the "story of realizing our dreams together" with the school idols.

(from the official website)[2]

Characters

(Refer to the full article for the names of each group’s members.)

μ's and Related Characters

Aqours and Related Characters

Nijigasaki High School Idol Club and Related Characters

(Characters marked with "☆" appear exclusively in All Stars. Characters marked with "※" were introduced in Anigasaki and later added to SIFAS.)

Setting

Prior to All Stars, the Love Live! series consisted of two main works: Love Live! and Love Live! Sunshine!!, which were originally set in the same universe but occurred in different time periods.

In the TV anime, Aqours' activities took place at least five years after μ's era.

Meanwhile, in Masaru Oda’s manga adaptation of Love Live! Sunshine!!, the story follows events after μ's became the first Love Live! champion, but the exact gap between μ's and Aqours' active years is not clearly depicted.

For All Stars, the generational gap was eliminated entirely, creating the All Stars timeline.

For example, characters who were second-year high school students in their respective solo works—Honoka Kosaka, Chika Takami, and Ayumu Uehara—are all treated as the same grade level in SIFAS.

Since the starting point of their idol activities is nearly identical, all three groups quickly become friends, forming close relationships without seniority-based hierarchy, even though they belong to different schools and grade levels.

Moreover, distance barriers are not heavily emphasized in SIFAS. Characters frequently gather at the same location, even though their schools are far apart. While Otonokizaka (Tokyo) and Nijigasaki (Tokyo) are somewhat close, Uranohoshi (Numazu, Shizuoka) is quite distant, yet Aqours frequently visits Tokyo—and vice versa. In the third season, Nijigasaki members travel to Numazu once using their school's microbus, but more often they appear to take the Tokaido Line. However, it remains unclear how they afford these frequent trips, given high transportation costs for high school students.

By the beginning of the game, μ’s and Aqours are already famous nationwide.

Their rivals A-RISE and Saint Snow are mentioned by name, but do not appear directly. Meanwhile, Liella! was not implemented due to timeline inconsistencies—as its first-generation members would advance to third year, leading to complications with chronology and character naming.

μ’s and Aqours retain their core personalities from SIF, while their group formation and character roles follow the anime adaptation.

The School Idol Festival event, which was occasionally featured in SIF, becomes the main storyline in SIFAS' first season. As players progress, previously undisclosed details about the School Idol Festival and its backstage operations are gradually revealed.

However, the Love Live! competition itself is not referenced in All Stars.

Since SIFAS adopts an All Stars timeline, it's best not to overanalyze its chronological consistency.

  • Aqours was formed because Chika admired μ’s.
  • μ’s was created after Honoka saw A-RISE’s performance on a large screen.
  • Nijigasaki High School Idol Club was established after witnessing a joint live concert between μ’s and Aqours—this event takes place in spring.

Additionally, the unique anime setting where Kanan Matsuura and other Aqours third-years were school idols during their first year remains intact in SIFAS. However, in the SIFAS timeline, when Kanan was a first-year, μ’s leader Honoka Kosaka was still a third-year middle school student, meaning μ’s did not exist yet. Thus, Kanan’s initial school idol activity was not inspired by μ’s.

Originally, Riko Sakurauchi had a “transferred from Otonokizaka” backstory, placing her in the same grade as Honoka. In SIFAS, her “Tokyo transfer student” setting remains, but her previous school is no longer Otonokizaka. She is now depicted as being familiar with Akihabara and friends in Numazu who know Maki Nishikino—suggesting their connection through music competitions rather than school transfers.

Game System

The player takes on the role of "You", a member of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, whose goal is to support the school idols as they grow and succeed.

In the Story Mode, players interact with club members and idols from other schools, strengthening relationships through conversations and events.

In the Live Mode, players engage in rhythm-action gameplay, raising their player level, acquiring training items, and increasing their bond level with school idols.

Live (Rhythm Action RPG)

A next-generation rhythm-action system featuring 9 to 12-member formation dances.

  • All songs (except for certain tracks) feature 3D CG music videos, faithfully recreating 9-member formation dances, with 12-member MV support later added.
  • Skills dynamically alter performances, allowing players to create their own unique live experiences.
  • More than just rhythm-action—introducing a new live gameplay system.
  • Develop school idols while striving to clear live stages.

The live performances feature LoveLive! songs and 3D CG formation dance music videos as backgrounds while players engage in rhythm-action gameplay to clear the live stage.

Players form a 9-member team using their available idol cards, and during gameplay, the dance formation matches the selected lineup. This allows for dream scenarios, like Aqours or Nijigasaki members dancing to μ’s songs.

Rhythm Action RPG Mechanics

Unlike previous rhythm-action genres such as SIF or its arcade adaptation, SIFAC, SIFAS introduces a completely different gameplay style:

  1. Process notes and boost the excitement!
  2. Strategize your gameplay!
  3. Clear Appeal Chances!
  4. Use powerful skills for high scores!

Truthfully, beginners might find it hard to grasp what’s happening in the game after just a few plays.

While note processing exists as a rhythm-game mechanic, each processed note deals damage, gradually consuming total stamina (HP) from the 9-member team. If players approach the game like a typical rhythm game, they might unintentionally deplete their stamina to zero, leading to a failed live performance.

To endure note damage, players must either train to increase stamina, use stamina recovery skills, damage reduction skills, or shield skills.

If the player survives until the song's end, the live succeeds. The player’s score—“Voltage”—determines their clear rank from D to S.

Appeal Chance

Each song includes missions called “Appeal Chances”, which occur at specific timings. Successfully clearing these missions grants Star Notes and bonus Voltage, while failure leads to significant stamina depletion.

Beginners often struggle with this mechanic, making the clear conditions more difficult.

Some Appeal Chances require switching strategies, and players can check pre-stage strategy info to prepare.

Appeal Chances vary:

  • Some restore stamina.
  • Others boost skill activation rates.
  • Some cause shields to disappear upon activation.
  • A few, like “KOKORO Magic ‘A to Z’” (Intermediate+) or “Ketsui no Hikari”, inflict stamina damage upon completion—a rare trap that requires high stamina, recovery abilities, damage mitigation, or shields.

Strategy System

Players form a 9-member live team, divided into three colors: Red, Green, and Blue—each representing a strategy group.

During lives, only one group processes notes at a time, with members taking turns.

  • Live starts with the Green strategy.
  • Tapping the side arrows switches strategies, swapping active members.
  • Strategy switches grant bonuses based on the incoming members’ roles.
  • Strategy colors can be edited in the “Strategy & Accessory Editing” screen.

If the three core members have high attack power, strong skills, and sufficient stamina/shields, they can consistently achieve an S-rank, meaning the remaining six members can technically remain at Lv1 without training.

Some songs can even be cleared hands-free (without using SP skills). However, a few Advanced+ and Advanced difficulty songs feature notes that reduce appeal by 50% until the strategy switch, preventing hands-free clears.

SP (Special) Skills

Processing NICE or better notes fills the SP gauge at the bottom center of the screen.

Once fully charged, players can consume the gauge to trigger powerful SP skills.

  • SP skills generate tens of thousands of Voltage in an instant.
  • Activating SP skills initiates a 3-second “Special Time”, temporarily increasing Appeal and Skill activation rates.
  • Only the three central members trigger SP skills (strategy color alignment is not required).
  • SP skill Voltage gain is calculated as: Appeal + Technique × 1.2.

Special Performances

By repeating a single member in the central trio, a duo performance occurs. By selecting three versions of the same member, a solo performance occurs.

Setting central members as Printemps, CYaRon!, etc. results in special unit callouts. For DiverDiva, a duo setup is required, while QU4RTZ needs one unit member outside the center trio.

For festival-limited or party-limited cards, solo/unit performances gain exclusive backgrounds and member signatures, making the live experience visually stunning.

MV Mode

A mode designed for viewing, taking screenshots, or recording school idols' dance performances without using LP. Only unlocked MV-supported songs can be played (exceptions noted below).

In the MV setup screen, players can choose between two options:

  • "Customize": Allows players to freely set members and positions.
  • "Original": Maintains preset members and positions.

Costumes can be freely set in both modes, but in "Original", only acquired costumes can be used.

In "Customize", players select MV members independently from owned cards or rarity, allowing full flexibility in formation.

If players attempt to place the same member multiple times, the game automatically swaps them, preventing duplicate members in formations.

Even for songs with more than 10 members, the game allows full formation customization.

(*Previously, "Customize" used the "Live Formation" system from regular live performances. This older system allowed duplicate members, but in such cases, the MV would auto-fill empty positions with random substitutes. Additionally, costumes were determined by the “Episode” > “Member Details” screen, rather than direct editing. This system was more complex and limited formations to 9 members, even for 10+ member songs. On July 20, 2021, an update replaced this system with the current "Customize" mode.)

Stage Selection

Three stage types can be selected:

  • "Auditorium Stage" (Beginner difficulty stage equivalent)
  • "Outdoor Stage" (Intermediate difficulty stage equivalent)
  • "Special Stage" (Advanced difficulty stage equivalent)

The "Special Stage" becomes visually stunning when set to "3D Max" in graphics settings, enhancing lighting and screen effects. If your device can handle it, it's worth comparing the differences.

While "Auditorium" and "Outdoor" are universal stages, "Special Stage" includes exclusive stages for certain songs:

Additionally, unique effects and stage designs are applied in "Special Stage" but not in "Auditorium" or "Outdoor".

Season 2 Songs

Some Season 2 debut songs have MV playback limited to the main story but became playable and customizable starting September 3, 2021.

  • "Queendom" and "I'm Still…" (Chapters 20 and 22) feature unusual MVs, using a laser-lit Nijigasaki 1st Album stage with no additional effects.
  • To view enhanced "Special Stage" versions, players must play them as regular songs.
  • During a Nijigasaki livestream, Akina Homoto (Lanju’s VA) discovered that expressions differ between the Chapter 20 MV and regular video version.

Video Live Mode

Added on October 11, 2020 (the day after Anigasaki Episode 2's fastest broadcast).

This mode was temporarily exclusive to Anigasaki OP/ED songs ("Nijiiro Passions!" and "NEO SKY, NEO MAP!").

In Video Live, actual anime PV clips played (displayed on a screen within the gacha interface).

MV Mode supported this, but players could only toggle "Anime On/Off".

When these songs were later permanently added, standard MVs were implemented, and 2D mode reverted to normal, removing this unique effect.

Illustration Live Mode

Added on April 7, 2021 (same day as Liella!’s 1st single release, "Hajimari wa Kimi no Sora").

Currently limited to Liella!-related songs and "Sentimental StepS".

Allows live performances with illustrated backgrounds.

Gacha System

Using premium currency "Loveca Stars," players can pull UR, SR, and R rarity school idol cards. Unlike SIF, SIFAS featured paid and free currency distinctions.

Since February 2021, excluding irregular special gacha events, four main gacha types exist:

  • Event Gacha (Available from a few days before an event until its final day): Newly introduced UR and SR cards offer event progression bonuses, making them beneficial for completing event objectives.
  • Limited UR Gacha (SIFAS Fes, Party Gacha): Only in this gacha, exclusive UR cards possess higher stats compared to regular URs.
  • Select Gacha: A middle ground between the former Pickup Gacha and All-Star Gacha. Specific school years (attributes) have increased pull rates, but new cards and Shiny Quartz cannot be obtained.
  • Irregular Special Gacha Events are separate from the three above.

The three primary types excluding irregular events:

  • Event Gacha (Available from a few days before an event until its final day): Newly introduced UR and SR cards offer event progression bonuses.
  • SIFAS FES (Held at the end of the month into the beginning of the next month): This limited-time gacha offers exclusive "SIFAS Fes URs," which are significantly stronger than regular URs. New SR cards remain equivalent to standard gacha SRs.
  • Pickup Gacha: Cards here match the power level of Event Gacha cards but do not include event bonuses.

Additionally, on the final day of each month (changed to the 1st of each month starting December 2020), all new cards from that month—except Fes-limited URs and event-limited cards—are added to the permanent "All-Star Gacha" (and ticket-based gacha). This allows players to obtain them at any time. However, in February 2021, All-Star Gacha was discontinued, shifting its card pool updates for free gacha tickets to once every three months.

UR Cards and Gameplay Progression

Since high-rarity UR cards are essential for clearing advanced gameplay, gacha pulls strongly influence future play strategies.

The monthly limited-time SukuSuta Fes URs (available for 1–2 weeks) boast exceptionally high stats compared to permanent gacha URs but cannot be acquired using guaranteed tickets.

Shiny Quartz & Exchange System

Each gacha pull grants bonus "Shiny Quartz." Upon collecting a specified amount, players can exchange them for gacha-exclusive cards—essentially functioning as a "pity system."

Expired Shiny Quartz converts into "Shiny Pieces," which can be exchanged for training items instead.

Training Camp

A mode where 9 selected cards participate in a training camp to obtain growth items and Inspiration Skills.

Currently, AP recovers twice daily at 00:00 and 12:00, restoring 3 AP each time. Players can spend 1 AP to conduct 3 types of training, allowing a maximum of 3 types × 6 actions per day.

While some Inspiration Skills provide strong unique traits, they can only be guaranteed using an "Inspiration Badge" (for the training leader). Otherwise, skills are obtained randomly, including their type and strength, making them entirely luck-dependent. However, the training type influences which skills are more likely to appear, allowing for some control.

Only owned cards can participate in training, and duplicate versions of the same member are allowed. However, during training, all characters wear practice outfits, ensuring that chibi icons of identical members do not overlap on the screen.

This is also the only mode where "Support Megaphones" (required for School Idol Channel functions) can be obtained without limits.

Training Camp Menu Rewards
Running Gold
Flyer Distribution Experience Points
Meditation Books (e.g., "Introductory Guide for [Type]")
Dance Plants (e.g., "[Type] Seeds," "[Type] Flowers")
Voice Training Silver Macarons, Gold Macarons
Push-ups Pink Macarons, Green Macarons
Stretching Blue Macarons, Red Macarons
Swimming Yellow Macarons, Purple Macarons

At the start of the service, Silver Macaron shortages were a major issue, leading to widespread "Voice Training" farming—where players would conduct 3 sets × 3 sessions per day, maximizing their chances of obtaining the resource.

The Training Camp screen allows players to watch chibi character icons as they work through their training. The animations reflect each member's physical abilities, personality traits, and characteristics, making strategic member selection an entertaining option.

For example:

  • In Stretching, Kotori Minami performs a full 180° leg split, whereas Kasumi Nakasu, being less flexible, struggles.
  • In Swimming, You Watanabe, an experienced swimmer, moves fluidly, while Ruby Kurosawa lounges on a floatation device, showing no intent to swim.

Additionally, character poses are sometimes based on past official illustrations.

Story & Episodes

The game features four types of narratives:

  1. Main Story – A long-form story depicting school idols’ daily lives, with "You" as the protagonist.
  2. Bond Episodes – Focused on one-on-one interactions between "You" and individual idols.
  3. Side Episodes – Stories tied to specific cards.
  4. Event Episodes – Stories linked to in-game events.

Main Story

This mode follows "You" and the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, progressing through the story by playing live stages.

The 18 members of μ’s and Aqours appear as guest characters.

Completing songs in this mode consumes LP but unlocks them for regular live play. Item drop rates are relatively low, but during event periods, this mode can be more rewarding than advanced regular live modes for event points.

Previously, live clears in Main Story did not count toward quests, but after an update, quests requiring a certain number of live clears now recognize Main Story performances.

With the introduction of 2nd Season, players can now select different story arcs:

  • First Season (Chapters 1–17)
  • Intermission (Chapters 18–19, 31, 42–43)
  • 2nd Season (Chapters 20–30)
  • 3rd Season (Chapters 32–41)
  • 4th Season (Chapters 44–46)
  • 5th Season (Chapters 47–50)
  • 6th Season (Final) (Chapters 51–53)

Additionally, difficulty selection is available for 2nd and 3rd Season live stages for new players joining post-Anigasaki release (song rewards count per difficulty).

Main Story Structure & Features

While SIF had a Main Story mode, SIFAS' version is completely different in terms of structure and storytelling.

SIF's Main Story followed a "slice-of-life" approach, without a defined timeline or overarching plot. In contrast, SIFAS presents a continuous story—from restarting school idol activities, gathering members, to fully establishing the club, offering a narrative experience comparable to the anime adaptations.

Each chapter consists of around 10 episodes, with one live stage per episode. Sometimes, the penultimate episode before a chapter finale includes both a standard live stage and a "Super Stage."

Reading the story without skipping takes over an hour per chapter, excluding live gameplay time.

Upon launch on September 26, 2019, Chapters 1–7 were available, with new chapters added monthly. Given that this continued for over a year, the volume surpasses the past two anime adaptations.

The core of Nijigasaki's content development stems from this mode.

  • The 1st anime season's "School Idol Festival" storyline originated from SIFAS.
  • The series' first-ever new member, Shioriko Mifune, debuted in SIFAS' Main Story.

Unique Storytelling Approach

While Nijigasaki is an unconventional addition to the Love Live! series, its story structure also stands out.

Until Chapter 7, its tone resembled previous Love Live! works, but starting Chapter 8 (Shioriko’s introduction), it gradually developed a distinct atmosphere.

By Season 2, the storyline differed significantly from traditional Love Live! narratives (refer to the Nijigasaki article for details).

Due to these differences, discussions among fans range from praise to criticism, but compared to SIF's purely media-mix Main Story, SIFAS' version holds major significance for both Nijigasaki and Love Live! content development.

When SIFAS Season 1 ended, the anime adaptation "Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club" (Anigasaki) premiered, featuring a completely new storyline based on SIFAS but with significant changes.

Character backgrounds and designs also differ between SIFAS and Anigasaki, resulting in two parallel versions of Nijigasaki’s story:

  • SIFAS version
  • Anime version (refer to the Anigasaki article for details).

Bond Episodes

Each 30 idols has a unique Bond Level, which increases via live clears and interactions. As this level rises, players unlock exclusive Bond Episodes.

Players select one idol to interact with one-on-one, deepening their bond.

Initially, all characters had 5 episodes each.

  • In November 2019, μ’s and Aqours received Episode 6.
  • In December 2019, Nijigasaki received Episodes 7–12.
  • Further additions occurred by group over time.

Stories include:

  • Conversations about getting closer to the idol.
  • Reasons for becoming a school idol.
  • Everyday life, dating, and incidents.

Each group’s timeline structure follows a rough chronological order, except Aqours.

Episodes aren’t limited to only "You" and the chosen idol—sometimes other club members, friends, or rivals appear.

Some episodes feature one or two choices, but they only slightly affect dialogue.

To unlock all episodes, players needed:

  • Bond Lv.96 → μ’s, Aqours, Nijigasaki (Initial members)
  • Bond Lv.57 → Shioriko
  • Bond Lv.34 → Mia & Lanzhu

Total episode counts:

  • μ’s & Aqours → 34 episodes
  • Nijigasaki (Initial members) → 41 episodes
  • Shioriko → 28 episodes
  • Mia & Lanzhu → 20 episodes

Side Episodes

Each idol card features a Growth Tree, and training unlocks specific episodes.

  • R & SR Cards → 1 episode
  • UR Cards → 2 episodes
    • Pre-idolizing episode unlocks via story nodes.
    • Post-idolizing episode (UR only) unlocks via idolizing nodes.

These episodes derive from the card's artwork.

  • Pre-idolizing stories resemble Bond Episodes in length and variety:
    • R Cards → Solo interview format with "You."
    • SR Cards → Pair conversations (idol + one from 29 other members).
    • UR Cards → Close conversations with "You."
  • Event Reward & Event Gacha Cards always feature epilogues or prologues:
    • SR Cards → Dialogue between two event members.
    • UR Cards → "You" & protagonist discussing the event’s theme.
  • Post-idolizing episodes resemble SIF's Side Stories, featuring a single artwork-based short story, mostly revolving around costume designs or live performances.

Events

Limited-time events are periodically held.

As of October 2022, events fall into four main categories:

  • Story Events (8–9 days)
  • Exchange Events (8–9 days)
  • SkuSta Big Live (SBL) (4–5 days)
  • Dream Live Parade (4–5 days)

Both Story Events and Exchange Events introduce new idol cards, which are obtainable as event rewards or through event-exclusive gachas. Starting November 2021, event rewards no longer include background images.

Like SIF, the event end time is 15:00 on the final day (meaning Story and Exchange Event deadlines match SIF's event closure time).

The final Story Event, "Jewelry That Shines in Your Heart," was held in May 2023.

Story Events

One of the earliest event types, originally held twice per month at the start of the service. However, after the introduction of Exchange Events, it was scheduled from the 21st–22nd until the end of the month.

During the event, players clear live stages to accumulate event points (pt), which can be exchanged for rewards, including ranking-based rewards available to all players.

Using event reward or event gacha cards in live stages grants bonuses:

  • In Story Events, equipped event cards increase event point acquisition.
  • Players can use boost items (earned through event rewards or quests) to obtain large amounts of event points.
  • Limit-breaking event cards further increase bonus multipliers.

Event Episodes

Unlocked by collecting event points, these episodes feature two main characters selected from three idol groups. The dialogue offers casual interactions beyond school and group boundaries.

Notably:

  • "You" NEVER appears in these episodes.
  • If the story involves a group activity, it is explained that only six members were available, while others couldn’t participate due to scheduling conflicts.

Exchange Events

Implemented in January 2020, this event is held monthly from around the 7th or 8th until the 15th.

Players clear live stages to earn event items, which can then be exchanged for rewards. Event points (pt) are also obtained, determining ranking rewards.

From August 2022 onward, backgrounds from events up to October 2021 became available for acquisition.

Voltage Ranking

During this event, the "Voltage Ranking" is held simultaneously.

  • Players earn a ranking title based on their average Voltage score from their top three performances on designated songs.

Bonus Mechanics

Instead of event point bonuses, equipping event reward or event gacha cards increases the number of event items obtained during lives.

Other mechanics, including event episodes, are identical to Story Events.

From January to May 2023, players were able to obtain past event backgrounds.

SukuSuta Big Live (SBL)

A matching event introduced in March 2020, where 20 players (30 players in the 6th event) compete to complete room challenges while simultaneously earning recognition for their live performance contributions.

Held for about 5 days, starting with a pre-event in March, followed by the first official event in April. It is now held at the beginning of each month.

Each event designates three challenge songs (one from each group) and allows 3 attempts per day.

  • LP is not consumed—instead, players use BP, which is distributed daily.
  • Song difficulty is automatically determined by the live power of the player's unit.

Rewards

Clearing lives grants Big Live Medals, which can be exchanged for historical event reward cards and items.

Players' high scores across three songs contribute to daily and full-event rankings, awarding Big Live Medals and Loveca Stars.

Player Recognition & Awards

Originally, four awards existed in the pre-event:

  • Voltage Award
  • SP Skill Award
  • Skill Award
  • Best Performance Award

Later, the Recovery Award was added, making five total awards. Each live session recognizes one player per category, rewarding them with Big Live Medals. The Best Performance Award is determined based on results from the first three categories.

In November 2020 (7th event), the Voltage Award was removed, meaning Voltage only impacts rankings.

Strategic Unit Formation

Since the Voltage Award favors high-power cards and accessories, experienced, heavily invested players tend to dominate it.

Thus, players aiming specifically for:

  • Skill Award
  • SP Skill Award
  • Recovery Award

often sacrifice Voltage entirely, forming units comprised of Sk cards, high skill activation rate cards, or optimized SP/Recovery skills & accessories—making SBL a rare opportunity for such builds to excel.

Character Parameter Adjustments

Each event boosts the base parameters of designated group members, making normally weaker or rarely used characters significantly more viable, potentially turning them into top-tier event units.

Dream Live Parade (DLP)

Introduced with a pre-event in June 2020, followed by the first official event in July, DLP is held monthly from around the 16th to the 22nd.

The event's structure seems simple—clearing designated songs in order—but it introduces a unique mechanic: Each school idol card has a PP (Play Point) limit, determining how many times it can be used.

  • Typically, each card can be used only once.
  • Characters from the featured group receive +1 PP, allowing two plays max.

Because players must meet the Clear Voltage threshold for each song, thoughtless team compositions may leave them unable to use key characters in later songs, causing severe difficulties. (PP can be restored using special items, Loveca Stars, or a one-time full recovery during the event, but there are individual recovery limits.)

Fail-Safe Mechanics

Despite its strict restrictions, DLP offers beginner-friendly mechanics:

  • Failed attempts retain previously accumulated Voltage, allowing weaker units to split clears across multiple runs.
  • Stage progress carries over to the next event, meaning players who exhaust all resources can resume from their last cleared stage when DLP returns.

Dream Live Medals & Rewards

Clearing songs grants Dream Live Medals, which can be exchanged for various items.

Notably, some of these items include:

  • Accessories that unlock higher Voltage gain caps.
  • Rare items such as School Idol Wishes and High Memory.

Limited-Time Parades

Each event includes a temporary Parade, which must be cleared before the event ends or it will disappear. To balance difficulty, these Parades are designed to be much easier.

After large Aqours and Nijigasaki live concerts, DLP features parades replicating live setlists. Similarly, New Year's countdowns and other major anniversaries receive special commemorative parades, all of which are extremely beginner-friendly.

Ranking System

In April 2023, DLP introduced ranking functionality, adding further competitive elements.

Navigation System

Players can select one favorite member from 30 school idols, who will serve as their home screen navigator.

The navigator’s dialogue changes based on:

  • Remaining notifications
  • Seasonal events and time of day
  • Birthdays & special occasions
    • On the birthday of any school idol, the first dialogue after launching the game features their birthday message.
    • On January 1, the first message prioritizes Dia Kurosawa’s birthday dialogue, followed by a New Year's message.

By tapping the navigator, players gain Bond Level experience (up to five times per day).

Each navigator has a unique home screen BGM, with Bond Episode arrangements featuring variations of their theme.

Daily Theater

A daily short story feature, added to the top-right corner of the home screen on February 3, 2020. Updated at 00:00 each day. (Refer to the dedicated article for details.)

School Idols

Status

Each school idol card has unique attributes, including parameters, attributes, types, special skills, and personality traits.

Parameters

The base stats of a school idol. What each idol excels at varies significantly per card.

Parameter Effect
Appeal Affects note processing and the effectiveness of Voltage-related special skills and SP skills.
Stamina Impacts the total stamina of the unit.
Technique Influences the critical hit rate and the effectiveness of special skills and SP skills.

Attributes

Like in SIF, cards have attribute categories. The original three attributes—Smile, Pure, and Cool—are joined by three new ones: Active, Natural, and Elegant, forming a total of six types.

Attribute Color
Smile Pink
Pure Green
Cool Blue
Active Red
Natural Yellow
Elegant Purple

Songs also have attributes, and when a school idol’s attribute matches the song’s, their parameters increase. Additionally, each song features mechanics that affect performance—some attributes may experience boosts or reductions depending on the song’s specific gimmick.

For example, in “Genki Zenkai DAY!DAY!DAY!” (Intermediate/Advanced), the skill activation rate for non-matching attribute members drops by 50%, meaning recovery and shield skills cannot activate, effectively rendering them unusable.

Furthermore, a special “No Attribute” designation exists for event-limited pre-release songs, where attributes do not influence parameter boosts or reductions.

Type

School idols are divided into four roles, each providing unique effects within strategies.

Abbreviation Type Name Color Merit Demerit
Vo Voltage Type Red Vo +5% (Increases acquired Voltage) Gd -5% (Increases Stamina damage)
Sp SP Type Blue Sp +5% (Increases SP gauge gain) Sk -5% (Reduces skill activation rate)
Gd Guard Type Green Gd +5% (Reduces Stamina damage) Sp -5% (Lowers SP gauge gain)
Sk Skill Type Yellow Sk +5% (Increases skill activation rate) Vo -5% (Reduces acquired Voltage)

Some songs, like "Love U my friends," feature Appeal Chance mechanics where the type affected by Appeal reduction changes each time.

This means type-based team composition becomes crucial, as selecting the wrong types could hinder performance. Players must carefully plan their strategy to adapt to shifting conditions throughout the song.

Special Skills

During a live performance, only three school idols in the current strategy can activate special skills. Skills trigger probabilistically when notes are processed at BAD or higher judgments.

Personality & Inspiration Skills

Personality Skills: Two predefined skills assigned to each card. Inspiration Skills: Additional personality traits acquired through Training Camp.

Both types of skills activate at random during live performances, regardless of strategy placement. These are divided into:

  • Passive Skills, which apply continuously throughout the song.
  • Live Skills, which activate under specific conditions.

The more powerful personality skills a key member has, the stronger their parameter boosts become. The six idols outside the strategy are sometimes referred to as "Backup Dancers," a phrase originating from Love Live! anime Season 2, Episode 4.

Costumes

Costumes are outfits that can be worn by a school idol’s 3D model.

By unlocking the costume node in an SR or higher rarity card, players obtain the same outfit shown in the card’s awakened illustration, allowing customization in the formation and episode screens.

The default outfit is winter uniforms.

  • μ’s and Aqours' initial UR cards feature outfits that won SIF's “Wear It ♥ SIF Costume Election”.
  • μ’s’ initial SR cards have outfits from the Fruit Parlor series, while Aqours’ feature Cheerleader series costumes (with slight modifications).
  • Nijigasaki’s initial SR cards use their 1st album costumes.

New costumes, released post-game launch, are added through gacha and event reward cards, featuring SIFAS-original and pre-existing song costumes.

Some costumes, like "KOKORO Magic 'A to Z'", are available as event-limited or paid items.

For details on already implemented outfits, refer to SIFAS costume list.

Training

A highly customizable new training system.

School idols grow through club activities. Freedom-driven growth system using trees. Skill swapping allows personalizing school idols.

School idols obtained through gacha or rewards can be trained individually, strengthening them as reliable team members.

Training takes place on the "Special Training" screen.

There are two main methods:

  1. Leveling up, which consumes EXP and Gold.
  2. Enhancing abilities using the "Training Tree," where players spend items to unlock nodes.

Leveling Up

If the player has EXP and Gold, max level can be reached immediately.

Training Tree

The goal is nearly endless. Filling Training Tree nodes with items enhances stats and skill activation rates. However:

  • A wide variety & large quantity of items are required.
  • Without Limit Break, the end of the tree remains locked, preventing further stat boosts.

Limit Break

To max out growth, players must:

  • Obtain duplicate cards via gacha.
  • Use rare items ("School Idol Radiance/Inspiration/Wish"). Limit Break can be completed up to five times per card.

Although players can choose which nodes to unlock, certain mandatory milestone nodes exist:

  1. Costume → 2. Story → 3. Awakening. Each grants exclusive benefits.

Costume

Only available in SR+ rarity. Unlocking grants the card's awakened illustration outfit.

Story

Unlocking grants access to the card’s unique Side Episode.

Idolizing

Unlocking changes the card illustration and boosts overall stats. UR rarity cards gain a second Side Episode.

To train idols for live performance, a significant amount of resources is needed. However, if the goal is simply unlocking Costumes and Stories, only a minimal amount of materials is required.

Due to macaron items being heavily consumed during Special Training (5–100+ per upgrade), fan art and short stories emerged depicting "You" continuously feeding macarons to school idols, leading to shockingly humorous interpretations.

Initial Release System

At launch, the Training Tree structure differed:

  • Milestone progression order was Story → Idolizing → Costume.
  • Macaron costs for unlocking Story & Costume were significantly higher.

This made it hard to obtain costumes, even for players who had cards capable of granting outfits. (Additionally, early players lacked stable macaron sources and full game system understanding.)

Since customizing 3D school idol outfits for music videos was a key feature, this issue became problematic. Recognizing the severity, the developers overhauled the system in an October 2019 update, just one month after launch.

Before the update:

  • Unlocking Story & Costume required a massive amount of Silver Macarons.
  • Many players suffered from “Silver Macaron shortages” (while Silver Macarons are still needed, the amount required has significantly decreased).

Bond Board

Added on June 18, 2020, enhancing school idol stats via Episode screen interactions.

By using Memory, High Memory, Shikishi, or School Idol Proof, players can:

  • Boost stats
  • Increase level cap
  • Raise critical rate
  • Enhance attribute matching bonuses

Bond Board upgrades apply to all instances of the same character. For example, strengthening Honoka's board enhances all Honoka cards a player owns, benefiting new UR releases.

High Memory & Item Acquisition

Methods include:

  • Advanced+ song drops
  • Quest rewards (via exchange tickets)
  • Birthday celebrations
  • School Idol Channel support
  • DLP Medal exchanges (for Nijigasaki members)

Since unlocking the Bond Board is a prerequisite for exchange ticket quests, players must farm Advanced+ for missing items.

However, High Memory had an infamously low drop rate, leading frustrated players to nickname it "Hai (High) Memory", implying extreme difficulty.

Nowadays, event rewards provide easier exchange ticket access, reducing frustration.

However, Shikishi remains extremely rare, obtainable only via paid items or School Idol Channel ticket exchanges, making it even harder to acquire than early High Memory.

School Idol Channel

Implemented on March 30, 2021. (Refer to the relevant article for further details.)

School Idol Groups Outside the Main Three

Although the title is “ALL STARS,” school idol groups from other works—A-RISE, Saint Snow, Liella!, and Sunny Passion—never appeared in SIFAS (except for Liella!’s songs, which were temporarily available).

A-RISE, Saint Snow, and Sunny Passion aren’t protagonist groups, so their absence was understandable. However, Liella!’s exclusion led to speculation about its future inclusion.

Initially, Bushiroad, the publisher behind the game, had funded LoveLive! (original), Sunshine!!, and Nijigasaki’s anime versions but hadn’t invested in Superstar!! Season 1. However, they became an investor in Season 2, sparking hopes that Liella! might be added—but in the end, this was for SIF2, not SIFAS. With SIFAS service ending in early 2023, Liella! and Sunny Passion’s inclusion was permanently ruled out.

Liella! Implementation Challenges

Liella! introduced progression within the school years, something never seen before in Love Live!. This created major issues, including:

  • Disruptions to SIFAS timeline.
  • Changes in how members address each other.
    • For example, Kasumi Nakasu initially called Kanon Shibuya “Kanoko” as a first-year, but upon Kanon’s promotion to second-year, Kasumi had to refer to her as “Kanon-senpai”—complicating in-game interactions.

Additionally, adding Liella! would require the creation of 11 new 3D models, presenting high costs—likely leading to its exclusion.

References

  1. ↑ https://x.com/tomori_kusunoki/status/1652574356789411846
  2. ↑ https://lovelive-as-global.com/introduction/
Retrieved from "http://wiki.schoolidol.net/w/index.php?title=Love_Live!_School_idol_festival_ALL_STARS&oldid=3220"