There were 2 official demo versions released for the game. Suikoden 2 (JP) demo was given alongside Metal Gear Solid (JP) on September 3, 1998; Suikoden 2 (PAL) demo was given alongside Vandal Hearts 2 (PAL) on June 30, 2000.

In the game there are 2 modes: New Game and Battle Mode.

New Game essentially has the the gameplay it would at retail until the battle against the Mist Shade, and an additional skit as an ending. When translated to English, this reads:


In Battle mode, the player traverses North Swallow Pass, now called Trial Road, with a couple of different party members, battling against enemies and a different boss. This mode is also present in the normal game, but is inaccessible without hacking. Both modes also have their respective ending.

There is not much different from the retail version, but the PAL demo does contain the full base game (although it is translated into Spanish for some reason).