This guide will be constantly updated until its completion, so check back if the section you need isn't in yet.
*I HIGHLY recommend you read the entries above the walkthrough, as they contain very useful information that will help you play the game more effectively right from the get go, but with minimal to no spoilers.
Contents
General Information
Easy/Normal
Characters
Experience and Experience Tallying
Abilities
AP
Combat
Night and Day
Active/Wait Mode
Magic
Skills
Survival
Fishing
Cooking and Recipes
Photography
Diners
Weapons and Best Weapons
Accessories
Shop
Treasure and Environment Items
Chocobo's and Chocobo Racing
Royal Tombs/Royal Weapons
Armigar
The Regalia
Totomostro Arena
Walkthrough And Quest Guide
Trophy Guide
END
General Information
Easy/Normal
Unlike most games with difficulty levels, this game only presents you with Easy, Hard or Default. I have not used Default, but it's probably a blend between the two.
You will not suffer any penalty for playing the game on easy, so you can make your own choice on difficulty.
*The one exception to this is the trophy Chosen King, which requires you to fight the boss Ifrit on Normal Difficulty. I will remind you of this when the time comes, so don't worry for now and play on whatever difficulty you like.
Characters
Throughout the whole game you will have the same party of 4 characters (for the most part anyways). This isn't like a traditional FF where you get a multitude of characters along the way and can switch them out. This installment is centered around the main 4 characters.
Below are some details about each to help you make sure you get the most out of them.
Noctis
Noctis is the character you control. The other 3 are always controlled by the computer, except when you give certain orders like using items or abilites.
Since he's the main character, you could say he's the most versatile, powerful, and an all arounder all at the same time. He has some different special skills, such as the ability to attack via a Warp Strike (Triangle in battle), to phase (or disappear through) almost all attacks in exchange for MP (Square in battle). He can also use all weapons from all classes, unlike the other three characters.
If you want to fight efficiently then the lion's share of the fighting is going to be up to you. However, the other characters are pretty good at staying alive, giving you a chance to pull back from the battle a bit if need be. You can also some hit and run attacks by Warp Striking and then dodging away.
One aspect of battle many FF veterans will find missing is healing magic. There is absolutely no healing magic at all in this game, meaning items are your soul means of buffing or healing your characters.
Gladiolus
Gladio is the muscle of the group. He wields 2-handed swords and shields. His skills include a whirlwhind attack to attack groups of enemies and a heavy hitting strike to a single opponent. He will also act as a tank with the ability Antagonize.
Ignis
Ignis is the brains of the outfit. He's an up close fighter too, but uses Twin Blades and Lances. Some of his abilities include Analyze, which lets you see information on the enemy like weakness/resistance, HP, etc..
His role is mostly damage, though he has a good defensive skill as well that you can get that get everyone to regroup and buffs them some, as well as pulls anyone out of the Danger status.
Prompto
For the most part Prompto is for ranged damage. His HP is significantly lower than the rest of the part, and he specializes in guns and a few of the Mechanical Weapons. Ultimately it's up to you, but the Auto-Crossbow helps keep him ranged compared to the other choices, though I used the poison weapon a lot too.
Experience and Experience Tallying
In this installment of the FF series experience works a bit differently. You still earn it after battles and from quests and such, but it is not applied to your characters immediately. Instead, it is only applied when you rest somewhere.
Additionally, there are other ways to increase the experience you get. These include the Moogle Charm Accessory and foods such as Mother and Child Rice Bowl and Cup Noodles (Cup noodles are a nice choice, as you can buy them rather than having to have ingredients, and they still give you 20% more EXP.
It's HIGHLY recommended that you utilize these as soon as possible, as you'll need a lot of EXP to reach the highest levels. There's an even more important thing to understand though!
As it said above, EXP is applied to your characters when you rest somewhere. There are different places you can rest, and they have an affect on the tallying of your EXP.
Staying at a basic outdoor camp will do nothing for your EXP. You'll just tally what you have collected.
Then there are basic lodgings (look like a camper) that give you 1.2x EXP. In other words, you'll get an additional 20% EXP when it's tallied. So if you had 1000 EXP when you rested at a 1.2x EXP rest area you'd get 1100 EXP total instead of just 1000.
There's also Hotels which give you 1.5x EXP, or in other words an additional 50%. So if you rested with 1000 EXP saved up you'd get 1500 EXP when it tallies.
I'm sure you can see how this would make a staggering difference over time, so whenever possible you should rest at a Hotel to maximize your earned EXP. Keep in mind though the basic lodgings and the Hotel cost Gil to stay at, so you may want to accumulate EXP rather than rest all the time.
The difficulty with this, especially early on, is what to do at night. The only way to pass time in the game is either to Fast Travel (each one costs 10 Gil) or let it pass naturally, or rest. Traveling at night can be dangerous, so it's a balancing act on where to rest and when. The further on you get the more choice you'll have of when and where you want to rest, but I advise you early on to get 1.5x EXP whenever possible.
Ascension
Like most RPG, Abilities make up a large part of what your characters can do and how powerful you can become. This is particularly true for this game, where there are 9 (8 at the beginning, 1 added later) different branches of different abilites, each with around 10-20 abilities each.
It's difficult to tell you what to do when, so I'm just going to give some advice here.
There's a section of talents called Exploration. These talents will grant you AP or EXP for doing different things. Investing in these early on will give you the most bang for your buck. You may want to at least consider getting Road Running and Roadlife, which give you AP and EXP for travelling in the car.
*They say "long distances" but the distance is cumulative, so you're constantly working toward the next AP and EXP no matter the lengthof the ride. This is true for the Chocobo Riding ones too.
The other abilities in this branch can also give you dividends depending on if you plan to do the activities a lot, such as Fishing and Chocobo races.
After that it's really about how much AP you want to build up and what abilities you think are important. Recovery is helpful to invest in early on, as is Teamwork.
AP
You can't buy abilities without AP. Unlike many previous FF titles you don't get AP after battles or anything like that. Instead AP is earned through a multitude of ways, which I'll highlight below.
The first way is leveling up. Whenever any of your 4 characters level up you get some AP. Obviously though obtaining AP this way gets harder the higher your level gets.
You can also get AP by killing enemies via the Warp Strike or Dual Strike or Counter attacks. This is probably one of the best ways to farm AP, as you can actively work on killing enemies with Warp Strike and other such methods as you're playing the different missions and quests. From this alone you could generate a lot of AP. Better still, enemies on the map remain the same level, so when you're strong you could go somewhere like E of Hammerhead to where there's a bunch of Level 3 soldiers you can Warp Kill in 1 hit, just as an example.
Another way to get AP is through the Exploration skills in the Ascension menu. You can get free AP just for driving or riding in the car, riding chocobos, doing chocobo races, fishing, etc.. See that set of skills in the Ascension menu. Bear in mind the skills say "long distances" but actually all the travelling is cumulative, and even a short trip works toward your next EXP/AP. Obviously the earlier in the game you invest in these skills and the less you fast travel, the more you'll gain from them.
There's even an ability that gives you 3 AP just for setting up camp somewhere you didn't sleep the night before. This is only the outdoor camping spots, not the places you pay to stay at in a town. However, you can camp anytime, so if you go somewhere like the two camps that are very close to each other S/S of Hammerhead, kind of near Longwythe Rest Area, you could run between them setting up camp on one then the other and get 3 AP each time.
*Overall the easiest way to farm AP is probably the second method mentioned, doing Warp Strike kills as you're playing the game and on other weak enemies.
Combat
Overall combat is a bit different than most games. It's not turn based, through there is a wait mode you can activate that works when you aren't moving. Really it centers around 3 buttons for the most part.
Circle is your main form of attack. You can just hold it to make Noctis attack. Moving the left stick in different directions changes how the combo unfolds.
Triangle makes Noctis Warp. This can be used both as an offensive attack, as well as a way to retreat or relocate yourself on the battlefield. It will also allow you to warp to Warp Points, which exist in certain environments and give you more options to move about and strike.
Square is your dodge button. It has 3 functions. First, just holding it will cause Noctis to Phase through attacks. Basically he uses his warp ability on his own to avoid the attack. This works on almost all attacks in the game, but costs MP each time. Second, holding square when prompted against certain attacks will allow Noctis to Guard, which if done successfully leads to a chance to Parry and Counter with Circle. The third function is pressing or holding square and pressing a direction will cause Noctis to Roll Dodge, which is very useful for getting out of hairy situations and avoiding attacks.
After battle you'll be ranked in 3 categories. The first is Offense, which is basically how active you were in the battle and how many enemies you personally defeated out of the total. Second is Finesse, which is based on how varied your moves were. Using different combos, combo variations, abilities, etc., will raise your grade in this. Third is Time, which is pretty self explanatory. The quicker you finish the battle the better the grade.
Grades range from A+ to D. The grade in each of the 3 categories determines the EXP your characters get from that battle.
If you want to use items or certain other skills, pressing R2 will pause the game and allow you to take those actions.
With HP, you need to be aware that attacks do 2 kinds of damage. 1 type depletes your health bar, but the health can regenerate over time. Type 2 shaves away the actual level HP can regenerate to. If Noctis' HP reaches 0 (full 0, so no regen available) it's Game Over if you're on Normal mode, or even certain battles in Easy Mode like Hunter Quests.
Night and Day
Time is a factor in this game to a degree. You can see a clock on the minimap, which basically divides into 4 categories. Morning, Day, Evening, Night.
The first and most important distinction to make is Daemons. Daemons are monsters that only come out at night (or in other dark places like dungeons). There are powerful Daemons that can appear, making travelling at night dangerous, especially the earlier in the game you are.
There is no way to just stand around and make time pass faster, so your choices are either sleeping to make it morning, fast traveling to forcibly move time forward X amount depending on how far you travel, or simply waiting for the time to pass naturally by doing other activities in a safer place.
There are also some more subtle differences like Hunter Quest target availability and whether certain fish can be found in the fishing areas.
Active/Wait Modes
I touched on this a bit in the Combat section, but you can choose between running the game in Active or Wait Mode. In Active Mode the game is always progressing unless you are paused, in the touchpad menu, or in the R2 menu.
If you have Wait mode turned on then the game will not progress when Noctis isn't moving. I played in Active, but I'm not going to pretend Wait mode wouldn't have its uses or anything. There are even some abilities in the Ascension menu to improve it further.
Magic
I'm not going to pretend to be an expert in magic. I haven't used it at all really, so this is probably the weakest part of this guide. I'll still lay out the basics at least.
There are only 3 types of magic in this game, fire, ice and lightning. That means there's no healing magic. To get magic energy you must have a Magic Flask and some Elemental Energy.
The main way you will get Elemental Energy is from draw points. These are collections of energy you can pull out with X. You can store 99 of each energy outside a Magic Flask, but to craft a spell from it you must transfter it to the flask in the Elemancy Menu. Then any character can equip the spell and use it like a weapon.
I don't use it because I find tha tedious. Having to craft and re-equip the spells just doesn't do it for me.
You can further increase aspects of magic in the Ascension menu, including strengthof crafted spells and such.
Character Special Skills
Each character has a special skill they can do. Each one is outlined below. There may be spoilers below the initial information, so be aware of that.
Each skill can be raised up to level 10, and each level gives them a perk related to their ability. You will see how much progress you have made in each skill each time you rest somewhere, just like the tallying of EXP.
Survival
Survival is Gladio's special skill, and you may be surprised it is mentioned before the main character's, but I think it's the one you need to know about the most.
Survival is the ability for Gladio to find Items after battle. Unlike traditional FF games, you do not get items automatically after battle. You may get certain items called treasures for killing them or breaking their limbs, but you don't really get potions or items like that. Instead, Gladio can find those kind of items after battle thanks to this skill.
To level it up all you have to do is walk/run around. It sounds simple, but it takes an absolutely crazy amount of steps to get to level 10 (which you have to do if you want a trophy associated with doing so). This means you have another travel issue you have to balance in addition to riding the car/chocobo or fast travelling.
Level 1 - Potion
Level 2 - Remedy
Level 3 - Hi-Potion
Level 4 - Ether
Level 5 - Elixir
Level 6 - Hi-Elixir
Level 7 - Phoenix Down
Level 8 - Mega-Potion
Level 9 - Megalixir
Level 10 - Platinum Puller
Fishing
*I'll be adding a list of fishing shops, their equipment, fishing spots and the various fish soon.
Fishing is Noctis' special ability, and its rather self explanatory. As long as you have a rod, reel, line and lure you can fish at any of the fishing holes. Fishing is a source of ingredients, and can also yield AP and EXP if you have the appropriate skills.
Raising is rather obvious, the more you fish the faster it raises. I'm pretty sure the bigger the fish the more it raises, but I found it goes up extremely fast if you fish in the Vesperpool area or another high level fishing area.
As for fishing itself, There are various lures that help you attract various fish, but most fish can be attracted by a lure that isn't the one specifically designed for them. You'll want to look at the minimap when casting, and you can see a target that indicates where you'll cast to. If it turns yellow (when you put it on a fish) you will generally have a chance of attracting the fish's attention as soon as the lure lands or soon after.
To get or keep the fish's attention, you may need to reel in with R2. You'll want to move the lure in different ways and reel at different speeds to attract the fish as if your lure is a real creature.
When the fish bites the battle is on. You must reduce the fish's stamina (bar visible at top of screen) by reeling the line in. However, the fish is going to move around, meaning you need to move your rod to the same side as the direction the fish is moving in. Failling to do so causes strain on the line. Too much strain and the line breaks.
Some fish can also struggle while they swim, and reelling during this time can also cause strain.
Your line is a finite item. The Durability will decrease every time the line experiences too much strain, so change it before it gets too low.
If your line snaps you must put new line on and you'll lose the lure you were using.
You will have to level this to 10 if you want the trophy associated with it.
Level 1 - Amateur Angler
Level 2 - Long-lasting Line - Makes your line more resistant to losing durability
Level 3 - Tackle Discount I - Reduces prices in the fishing shops
Level 4 - Lure Allure I - Makes fish easier to attract to your lure
Level 5 - Able Angler - Makes Noctis a better fishier
Level 6 - Tackle Discount II - Futher discount at fishin shops
Level 7 - Longer-lasting Line - Further increases line resistance to durability loss
Level 8 - Lure Allure II - Further increases attractiveness of lures to fish
Level 9 - Tackle Discount III - Yet again reduces prices at fishing shops
Level 10 - Ace Angler - Makes Noctis an even better fisher
Cooking and Recipes
*A list of recipes and their locations will be coming soon
Cooking is Ignis' skill. To raise it all you have to do is cook when you stop somewhere and make camp. The higher level the recipe the more it will raise the cooking skill.
You will have to raise the skill to 10 for the related trophy.
Ignis get new a new recipe at each level:
Level 1 - Croque Madame
Level 2 - Prairie-Style Skewers
Level 3 - Oil-Drizzled Steamed Fish
Level 4 - Breaded Cutlet with Tomato
Level 5 - Creamy Fowl Saute
Level 6 - Fluffy Chiffon Cake
Level 7 - Robust Bean Soup
Level 8 - Creamy Milk Risotto
Level 9 - Lasagna al Forno
Level 10 - Golden Tail Soup
Photography
Taking pictures is Prompto's special skill. Every photo Prompto takes increases his skill, and he takes a set amount each day. This happens automatically as you play the game, though there are a couple ways you can influence it.
There are certain times when you'll be traveling and Prompto will ask you to stop for a picture. It's free EXP too so there's no reason not to. The second way is a different kind of photo opportunity you can find. An example is outside the Crow Diner's in some of the settled areas you can find their mascot sitting nearby and you can prompt Prompto to take a photo.
Also be aware there's an accessory called the Camera Strap, you can find it at Wiz Chocobo Post, and that slightly increases the number of photos Prompto will take each day.
There's also a battle skill he can learn that will have him take a picture during battle (he does this sometimes anyways, but this makes it happen). I did not use this.
You'll have to get this to Level 10 to get the trophy associated with it.
Prompto's levels give him different filters for the camera and increase his skill at taking photos, which makes it so he can take a variety of different types of pictures.
Level 1 - Fresh Photographer
Level 2 - Roadtrip
Level 3 - Memory
Level 4 - Selfies
Level 5 - Dawn
Level 6 - Frontline Photographer
Level 7 - Bloom
Level 8 - Trouble Shooter
Level 9 - Journey
Level 10 - Self Timer
Diners
You'll recognize these by the Fork and Knife symbol on the map.
Diners are located in certain settlements, and have a few different functions. The first is giving you infomation about the area. This reveals stuff like Treasure locations and Procurement Points. Sometimes also quest information.
Second, they offer you the ability to buy food without going to camp. While it won't raise Ignis' cooking, they do offer various boosts on the spot.
Third is access to Hunter Quests, which are basically like bounty hunter quests, where you go to a certain area to defeat a certain monster or group of monsters.
Weapons and Best Weapons
*The weapons on your characters, particularly Noctis, affect stats, even when not using them, so even if you have a favorite weapon make sure you look at what other weapons can do for your stats in the other slots.
For a list of weapons available in the various shops in the world see the Shops section.
Be sure to read the part about Machine Weapons, as they are some of the best weapons in the game.
There are a variety of weapons available in this game. They are 1 handed swords, 2 handed swords, Polearms, Daggers, Firearms, Shields, Machinery, Royal Arms (Noctis Only), Magic Spells, and one other special one that appears later.
Noctis can use all weapons. The other characters have certain ones they can use. All characters can use Magic Spells.
Different classes of weapons work different against different types of enemies. You can tell the effectiveness of a weapon against your current target by looking at the color of your damage numbers. Purple is bad. White is normal. Orange is good.
If you want information on the Royal Arms, see that section. Just be aware if Noctis uses them in battle they cause his health to drain, but in exchange they are strong.
Be aware when you gain access to the part of the world where Lestallum is, you can also get special Hunter Weapons at Meldacio Hunter HQ which are really good against Daemons, even in the endgame.
Another special type of weapon are the Machine Weapons. You'll find some of these early on, and you can get some more by trading Caem Carrots to the guy at Cape Caem (see Side Quest - Tending the Land for more information). The Engine Blade becomes the best 1 handed blade, the Ultima Blade.
You can upgrade the Machine Weapons by visiting Cid. In exchange for certain items he will upgrade the Machine Weapons. However, unlike most of the quests in the game you are not told where you can find this item, and the quest doesn't update or let you know you picked one up so be sure to check back with Cid whenever you are in Hammerhead (Or Cape Caem when appropriate) to see if you've picked anything up.
You'll have to do quests to get him to finish the upgrade. 1 quest for first upgrades, 2 quests for second upgrades, 3 quests for Ultima Blade. Then rest and Cid should call to let you know they are finished.
Accessories
*I'll add a list of the various accessories soon.
Accessories are a common theme in the FF series, and it's one of the few things that's pretty much the same as previous titles. There are an abundance of Accessories, and each one does different things like raise HP or resist a certain element.
One in particular you'll want to keep a look out for is the Moogle Charm, which increases EXP gained.
Shops
Below I've listed what's available in the shops in the various settlements, in alphabetical order. This does not include shops in the few one-time quest areas, as there isn't anything in them that isn't available in shops in the rest of the world.
Altissia
Shop 1 (SW Most)
Accessories - Bulletproof Suit, Fireproof Inners, Warm Inners, Insulated Inners, Titanium Bangle, Heliodar Bracelet, Talisman, Knight's Anklet, Oracle Card
Shop 2 (Nearest Hotel)
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote, Gold Needle, SMelling Salts, Maiden's Kiss, Ether, Remedy, Power EX, Mettle VX, Spirit ZX, Verve WX
Autoparts - Superhydrophobic Coating, Fan Service, Guardians, Carbuncle Sticker Set, A Little Friend Sticker, Luna Sticker, Memories of FF TYPE-0
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Super Baleen, Dragon's Beard, Stormer: Focalor, Stormer: Purple Belly Focalor, Stormer: Chert Focalor, Invincible Iron Giant, Gemlight Caster Carbuncle
Key Items - Cactuar Sculpture (Real Altissian Marble)
Shop 3 (Near gondola to Arena)
Leisure Goods - Horn of Resolve, Horn of Tenacity, Horn of Cleansing, Horn of Madness
Weapon Shop - Blood Sword, Thunderbolt, Wyvern Lance, Delta Daggers, Flame Gun, Hero's Shield
Ingredient Shop 1 (Old Gobunant's Shop)
Ingredients - Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Garlic, Schier Tumeric, Hulldagh Nutmeg, Saxham Rice, Fine Cleigne Wheat
Key items - Iron Shelf Recipes, Vol. 5
Ingredient Shop 2 (Other vendor in Maagho area)
Ingredients - Caem Pinkshrimp, Cleigne Mollusk, Cleigne Darkshell, Cygillan Crab, Trevally Fillet, Trout Fillet, Baramundi Fillet, Nebula Salmon Fillet, Tide Grouper Fillet, Sea Bass Fillet, Platinum Myritrout Fillet, Allural Sea Bass Fillet, Zipper Baramundi Fillet, Lucian Carp Fillet, Mighty Barramundi Fillet, Dank Barramundi Fillet, Wennath Salmon Fillet, Aropaima Roe, Tenebraen Oak
Burbost Souvenir Emporium
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down
Treasures - Sabertusk Claw, Garula Tusk, Mesmenir Horn, Scaled Skin, Anak Fetlock, Anak Antlers, Behemoth Horn
Auto Parts - Royal Stripes I, Royal Stripes II, Memories of FFXI Disc 1, Memories of FFXI Disc 2, Memories of FFXI Disc 3, Memories of FFXI Disc 4, Memories of FFXI Disc 5
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Super Baleen, Dragon's Beard, Hot Breather: Red Dragon, Hot Breather: Green Dragon, Hot Breather: Blue Dragon, Whiskers: Pearly Moogle, Whiskers: Crystal, Whiskers: Chocolate
Key Items - Iron Shelf Recipes, Vol. 3
Cape Caem
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote, Gold Needle, Smellling Salts, Maiden's Kiss, Power EX, Mettle VX, Spirit ZX, Verve WX
Ingredients - Shieldshear Claw, Karlabos Claw, Trevally Fillet, Trout Fillet, Barramundi Fillet, Tide Grouper Fillet, Cleigne Darkshell, Caem Pinkshrimp, Cleigne Mollusk, Cleigne Wheat, Fine Cleigne Wheat, Saxham Rice
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Super Baleen, Deadly Waters: Sahagin, Deadly Waters: Coraldevil, Deadly Waters: Seadevil
Luxury Catfood, Iron Shelf Recipes, Vol. 4
Cauthess Rest Area
No Shops
Coernix Station - Alstor
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Treasures - Repair Kit
Auto Parts - Racing Stripes I, Racing Stripes II, Memories of FFIII
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Sweet Jamming: Custard, Sweet Jamming: Flan, Sweet Jamming: Mousee, Bomber: Bomb, Bomber: Ice Bomb. Bomber: Thunderbomb
Coernix Station - Cauthess
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Treasures - Repair Kit
Auto Parts - Memories of FFIX Disc 1, Memories of FFIX Disc 2
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Needle 1000: Cactuar, Needle 1000: Metal Cactuar, Needle 1000: Gold Cactuar
Weapon Shop - Airstep Sword, Blade of Brennaere, Mythril Lance, Cutlasses, Calamity, Kite Shield, Iron Bangle, Garnet Bracelet, Warrior's Anklet, Bulletproof Vest, White Sage, Amulet
Galden Quay
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Ingredients - Gighee Ham, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Sheep Milk, Anak Meat, Dualhorn Steak, Lucian Tomato, Wild Onion, Cleigne Wheat, Saxham Rice, Trevally Filet, Trout Filet, Leiden Potato, Funguar, Chocobean, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper
Auto Parts - The Beast, Racing Stripes IV, Racing Stripes V, Memories of FFV
Weapon Shop - Broadsword, War Sword, Javelin, Avengers, Cocytus, Bronze Bangle, Soldier's Anklet, Potpourri
Hammerhead
Indoor vendor
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Ingredients - Gilghee Horn, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Sheep Milk, Leiden Potato, Funguar, Chocobean, Leiden Peooper, Sweet Pepper
Treasures - Repair Kit
Auto Parts - Hammerhead Sticker, Beaux Arts, Advanced Color Samples, Memories of FFIV, Memories of FFVIII
Weapon Shop - Broadsword, Two-Handed Sword, War Sword, Daggers, Avengers, Handgun, Cacytus
Cindy - You can buy some car colors, that's about all that she actually "sells"
Lestallum
Item Shop 1 (SE near tunnel)
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote, Gold Needle, Smellling Salts, Maiden's Kiss
Auto Parts - Eos, Flames I, Flames II, Flames III
Item Shop 2 (SW, not the one at gas station)
Items - smelling Salts, Maiden's Kiss
Accessories - Star Pendant, Rainbow Pendant, Moon Pendant, Earth Pendant, Golden Hourglass
Item Shop 3 (SW, at the gas station)
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Treasures - Repair Kit
Car Parts - Airflow Compensator, Auxillary Tank, Expert Color Samples, Cavalier Sticker, Memories of FFXIV Disc 1, Memories of FFXIV Disc 2
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Super Baleen, Jumbo Tusk: Garula, Jumbo Tusk: Green Garula, Jumbo Tusk: Garulessa, Burrower: Mad Pink Sandworm, Burrower: Green Sandworm, Burrower: Abysss Worm
Item Shop 4 (Market Area)
Accessories - Bulletproof Suit, Warm Inners, Insulated Inners, Styling Gel, White Sneakers, Bandage
Key Items - Cactuar Model (Plaster)
Ingredient Shop 1 (The one not in the Market Area)
Ingredients - Gighee Ham, LUncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Sheep Milk, Daggerquill Breast, Anak Meat, Bulette Shank, Garula Sirloin, Dualhorn Steak, Lucian Tomato, Chickatrice Leg, Killer Tomato, Wild Onion, Leiden Potato, Funguar, Leiden Pepper
Ingredient Shop 2 (Furthest NE in the Market Area)
Ingredients - Behemoth Tenderloin, Zu Tender, Kujata Marrow, Kettier Ginger, Allural Shallot, Saxham Rice, Fine Cleigne Wheat, Chocobean, Eos Green Peas, Beetroot, Sweet Pepper, Garlic, Wild Onion, Leiden Potato
Ingredient Shop 3 (Furthest SW in the Market Area)
Ingredients - Fine Gighee Ham, Gigantoad Seak, Garulessa Steak, Griffon Breast, Midgarsomr Shank, Schier Tumeric, Hulldaugh Nutmeg, Cleigne Wheat, Malmashoroom, Cygillan Crab, Smoking Wood
Weapon Shop
Rune Sabre, Flame Toungue, Claymore, Hard Edge, Rapier Lance, Ice Spear, Mythril Knives, Assassin's Dagger, Mythril Pistol, Power Shield, Ice Shield, Carbon Bangle, Garnet Bracelet, Fencer's Anklet, Bulletproof Vest, Angel Earring, Power Stone
LongWythe Rest Area
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Ingredients - Gighee Ham, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Sheep Milk, Anak Meat, Leiden Potato, Funguar, Chocobean, Wild Onion, Cleigne Wheat, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper
Auto Parts - 2-Tone, Memories of FFII
Meldacio Hunter HQ
Items - Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote, Gold Needle, Smellling Salts, Maiden's Kiss, Power EX, Mettle VX, Spirit ZX, Verve WX
Ingredients - Daggerquill Breast, Anak Meat, Bulette Steak, Garula Sirloin, Dualhorn Steak, Chickatrice Leg, Gigantoad Steak, Garulessa Steak, Behemoth Tenderloin, Jabberwock Surloin, Zu Tender, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Garlic, Schier Tumeric, HulldaghNutmeg, Kettier Ginger, Allural Shallot
Auto Parts - Amory on Wheels, Caution: Wild Beasts Sticker
Weapon Shop - Durandal, Radiant Lance, Orichalcum, Black Prince, Titanium Bangle, Heliodor Bracelet, Talisman, Knight's Armlet, Oracle Card
Old Lestallum
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Gighee Ham, Fine Gighee Ham, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Anak Meat, Bulette Shank, Garula Sirloin, Dualhorn Steak, Chickatrice Leg, Gigantoad Steak, Funguar, Alstroom, Vesproom, Malmalshroom, Beetroot, Saxham Rice, Fine Cleigne Wheat, Schier Tumeric, Hulldogh Nutmeg, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Garlic
Treasures - Repair Kit
Auto Parts - Abstractification, Bullet Hole Sticker, Memories of DISSIDIA FF, Memories of DISSIDIA 012 FF
Key Items - Iron Shelf Recipes, Vol. 1
Prairie Outpost
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Ingredients - Gighee Ham, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Sheep Milk, Daggerquill Breast, Anak Meat, Dualhorn Steak, LeidenPotato, Funguar, Chocobean, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Lucian Tomato, Cleigne Wheat, Saxham Rice
Weapon Shop - Broadsword, War Sword, Javelin, Avengers, Cocytus, Bronze Bangle, Soldier's Anklet, Potpourri
Key Items - Iron Shelf Recipes, Vol 7
Regalia (The car has access to it's own shop)
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote, Gold Needle, Smellling Salts, Maiden's Kiss
Accessories - Carbon Bangle, Garnet Bracelet, Fencer's Anklet, Bulletproof Vest
Ingredients - Gighee Ham, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Sheep Milk, Daggerquill Breast, Anak Meat, Bulette Shank, Garula Sirloin, Dualhorn, Chickatrice Leg, Trevally Filet, Trout Filet, Gigantoad Steak, Wild Onion, Lucian Tomato, Killer Tomato, Leiden Potato, Funguar, Chocobean, Cleigne Wheat, Saxham Rice, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Garlic, Schier Tumeric, Hulldaugh Nutmeg
Treasure - Repair Kit
Leisure Goods - Spider Silk, Super Baleen, Poppeck: Chocobo, Poppeck: White Chocobo, Poppeck: Red Chocobo, Sweet Jamming: Custard, Sweet Jamming: Flan, Sweet Jamming: Mousse, Bomber: Bomb, Bomber: Ice Bomb, Bomber: Thunder Bomb, Needle 1000: Cactuar, Needle 1000: Metal Cactuar, Needle 1000: Gold Cactuar, Whiskers: Pearly Moogle, Whiskers: Crystal, Whiskers: Chocolate, Fatal Roulette: Ahiman, Fatal Roulette: Floating Eye, Fatal Roulette: Bloody Eye
Key Items - Portable MP3 Player, *Beast whistle is listed, but I got it somewhere else during the story I think, not sure if it's there sooner
Taelpar Rest Area
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Auto Parts - Memories of FFVI
Verinas Mart - Ravatogh
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Auto Parts - Reinforced Fiberglass Coating, Carbon Weave, Check Pattern, Memories of FFXII
Key Items - Iron Shelf Recipes, Vol. 6
Wiz Chocobo Post
Items - Potion, Hi-Potion, Elixir, Hi-Elixir, Phoenix Down, Antidote
Ingredients - Gighee Ham, Fine Gighee Ham, Luncheon Meat, Birdbeast Egg, Daggerquill Breast, Anak Meat, Bulette Shank, Garula Sirloin, Dualhorn Steak, Chickatrice Leg, Wild Onion, Lucian Tomato, Cleigne Wheat, Saham Rice, Sheep Milk, Leiden Potato, Funguar, Leiden Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Garlic
Auto Parts - Pop Art, Chocobo Sticker, Moogle Sticker, Cactuar Sticker, Memories of FFX
Key Items - Cactuar Statuette (wood), Iron Chef Recipes, Vol 2
Weapon Shop - Airstep Sword, Blade of Brennaere, Mythril Lance, Cutlasses, Calamity, Kite Shield, Irong Bangle, Garnet Bracelet, Warrior's Anklet, Bulletproof Vest, White Sage, Amulet, Tower, Handkerchief
Chocobo Salon - Different Greens, availability changes after some quests. Mimmet Greens, Reagan Greens, Curiel Greens, Sylkis Greens
Treasure and Environment Items
While walking around the world and dungeons and other such areas you can find certain items. These include Treasures (glow a red/pink instead of blue, a treasure box on the map), Other Items (glow blue on the map) Procurement Points (Feather like symbol on map) where you can get cooking items, Mining Points (appear as a pickax on the map).
Some of these items can reappear over time. The location of a lot of them can be uncovered by speaking to a Tipster (people who work in Diner's or other Restaurants). These can be a quick way to find an item that may otherwise be harder to find, such as the Cactuar Needle (SW road leading into the Vesperpool area).or other such interesting items. It's worth your timeto grab them usually if you see them or have them revealed.
Chocobo and Chocobo Racing
Chocobo's can be unlocked by completing a specific quest once you progress far enough in the game to reach Wiz Chocobo Post. See Hunter Quest - A Behemoth Undertaking.
Once you have a Chocobo, there's some different things you can do with it. To level it up you just need to ride it around, just like Gladio's Survival skill. They can go all the way up to level 10, and each level gives them a perk like more stamina or better gliding.
To improve performance you can also use Greens. To buy them speak to the woman who works the Chocobo Salon. There are Mimmet Greens (boosts stamina), Reagan Greens (boosts gliding ability), Curiel Greens (boosts galloping speed) and Sylkis Greens (boots all stats).
*These greens are only temporary boosts, just like food for your characters. Some of them must be unlocked by doing the quests from the Tipster at Wiz Chocobo Post.
The Chocobo Salon also allows you to change the color of your Chocobo, give it a name, and put medals on it.
Medals are won through the Chocobo Races. They can be accessed nearby the outpost, just to the S. You'll recognize it by the colored lines on the map in the area.
Racing is pretty basic, similar to when you're riding the Chocobo in the world. Camping before racing and giving your Chocobo greens will help, as will raising its level.
There are 7 races in total.
Vs. Prompto
This is a standard 1 vs. 1 race. You will be awarded with the Rounsey medal, which makes the Chocobo livlier.
Vs. Gladiolus
This is another standard 1 vs. 1 race. You will be awarded with the Destrier medal, which makes the Chocobo bolder.
Chocobo Hoops: Grange Gallop
This is like an obstacle course and time trial. You will be awarded with the Short Course medal
Vs. Ignis
This is another standard 1 vs. 1 race. You will be awarded with the Courser medal, which makes the Chocobo more intelligent.
Full Field
This is a race against all 3 of your party members. You will be awarded with the Fat Chocobo medal, which makes the Chocobo prouder.
Chocobo Hoops: Rocky Road
This is another obstacle course, more elaborate than the first. Should be no problem once you've experienced it. This gives you the Long Course medal.
Vs. Iris
You'll definitely want a level 10 Chocobo with the Sylkis Green buff for this race. You'll get the Jennet medal, which makes the Chocobo more adorable.
Completing them all will yield the Jockey Master medal, which makes the Chocobo more majestic.
Royal Tombs and Royal Weapons
There are 13 Royal Weapons. Some of them are found during the story, and others. See the list below for their locations:
Sword of the Wise - Story related
Axe of the Conqueror - Story related
Bow of the Cleaver - Dungeon - Balouve Mine (See Sidequest - Balouve Mine)
Swords of the Wanderer - Story related
Blade of the Mystic - Story related
Star of the Rogue - Dungeon - The Myrlwood (See Side Quest - The Myrtlwood)
Sword of the Tall - Tomb of the Tall near Fallgrave (empty) - Go to Costlemark (Side Quest - Costlemark Tower) and defeat the boss at the end.
Shield of the Just - Find Saxham Outpost on your map, it's SW of The Disc of Cauthess. W of Saxham Outpost is Thommel's Glade. There's a Royal Tomb here with the shield.
Mace of the Fierce - Dungeon - Rock of Ravatogh (see Side Quest - Rock of Ravatogh)
Scepter of the Pious - Dungeon - Malmalam Thicket (see Side Quest - Malmalam Thicket)
Trident of the Oracle - Story related
Katana of the Warrior - Story related
Sword of the Father - Story related
Armigar
Armigar is a special ability you get after progressing the story some. Basically you build up the Armigar bar, and when you unleash it you gain increased powers for a certain amount of time, where you become highly mobile and pummel the enemy with your arsenal of Royal Weapons.
You can improve this via the Ascencion menu.
The Regalia
The Regalia is your primary method of transportation, a beautiful car from the closed off city of Insomnia. Ignis can drive you around or you can do it yourself. However Ignis won't drive at night until he recognizes your strength (not sure if this is story or decided by level or something else, approach the car at night and when you've met whatever condition it will tell you).
While Ignis won't drive at night this means you can't Fast Travel at night.
The Regalia can get a number of upgrades, and it would behoove you to get them when they are available. These include things as simple as a coating that reduces dirt to increasing the max speed of the car to headlights that make it so you can drive at night without Daemon spawning in front of you.
There's also a very special upgrade available after you complete the story if you meet certain conditions. See Side Quest - Into Unknown Frontiers.
There's also a shop accesible from the Regalia.
Tomostro Arena
This minigame is available in Altissia. You have to head up the stairs from the hotel to the blue line Gondola. Then move across to the purple line.
In this game you must make bets on groups of monsters that do battle. If you guess correctly your medals are increased based on the odds of the monster(s) you chose. Lose and you lose your bet. You may want to build up to where you can always bet 9999 (max bet) so you can get the stuff you want at the maximum speed.
Probably goes without saying, but just in case you can save your game between bets if you leave.
There are also some Horns you can get that when blown during the fight will have different effects. They are available for sale at a little shop near the purple gondola line.
Horn of Resolve - 30k - Increases Attack
Horn of Tenacity - 24k - Increases Defense
Horn of Cleansing- 8k - Clears Staus Ailments
Horn of Madness - 18k - Significant Increase in Strength/Drastic Drop in Defense
Here are the prizes you can win (you can abuy medals for 10 gil/1 medal):
Magitek Generator - 3600000 - Eliminates Regalia's need for fuel
Diamond Bracelet - 1250000 - 70 strength
Big Bang - 450000 - Car Decal Set
Mythic Color Samples - 360000 - Collection of Rare Hues
Arapaima Roe - 240000 - Cooking Ingredient
Enforcer - 180000 - Gun (243)
Precision Lance - 120000 - Lance (266)
Llymlaen - 85000 - Fishing Reel
Big Master Typhon - 45000 - Fishing Lure
Silver Bangle - 34000 - Accessory
Turbocharger - 15000 - Regalia Max Speed 70
Coeurl Whiskers - 7500 (don't bother, better ways to get) - Treasure, Machinery Upgrade item
Great Garula Tusk - 2500 - Treasure
*The advanced form of the Regalia also gets infinite fuel, so you may not want to take the time to get the Magitek Generator, unless you want it for the sake of completion of course.
There's a great amount of luck in which monsters are going to win, but I've found Cactuar, Coeurl, Cockatrice, Spark Shears and Reaperking to be frequent winners.
Walkthrough
To be more precise, this is basically the order of all quests I did. It will include both story missions and side missions, as well as any other type of potential side objectives, item locations, etc.. Refer to the Contents section for a specific part you may be looking for.
It will be sectioned by the main story missions, so you may want to use CTRL+F to search for particular things for ease of reading.
*Keep in mind that if the guide only says you need to complete X quest for Y quest to unlock, it may be I didn't start the chain until later in the game, and therefore quests could be locked by story missions I'm not aware of. If you complete X quest and Y quest doesn't follow it, then you probably will need to further the story, assuming you just don't use the mission order in this guide.
Prologue
First of all, I HIGHLY recommend taking part in the tutorial the game offers before you begin playing, even if you are a veteran to the FF series. This doesn't play like any previous title in the series, and I mean that in a lot of different ways. Once you're ready, hit Start New Game in the tutorial menu, or from the main menu if you're ready to go.
The game starts with our hero Noctis and his group among some flames. Run forward for a scene. Then we head back to before that point in the story, to where the game starts.
After the initial story sequences you'll be at a broken down car. Put your back into it! You have to hold R2 to push it, by the way.
Story Quest - The Pauper Prince
Suggested level: 1
We begin part 1 with the vehicle getting fixed in Hammerhead, a local settlement. Noctis and the game have some time to kill, so head to the Diner. It's marked by a Fork and Knife on your map. It's in the same area as the garage, so head over there.
There's a shop in the building before the Diner, if you go in and talk to the guy at the counter you'll learn you're broke so there's not much in here for now. Continue on to the Diner.
When you talk to the guy at the counter you'll see 3 options:
The left one gives you information about the area, so always do this when you get to any new place with a Diner. Also do it when you visit periodically, as sometimes there is new information even though ti doesn't show the "!" mark.
The center one lets you eat a meal prepared in the Diner, which gives you stat boosts. You can also get this when you camp by having Ignis cook, but more on that later.
The right one is the Hunter Quests. These are side objectives where you kill certain enemies in the area. There are ranks for hunters, so you can't access all quests. We'll come back to these shortly.
For now, go see Cindy about the Main Quest Pauper Prince. When you speak to here you'll see a series of choices. The choices not only affect dialogue, but usually have some kind of reward attached to them, either AP or EXP generally. Choosing the option on the right yields 10 AP.
The mission objective is to wipe out 3 groups of pests. Head toward the ! mark, which you should be able to see nearby.
Remember that Noctis has access to four weapon slots. Watch the damage numbers on the enemies. If you see purple numbers from the damage you are doing, switch to a different weapon. You either want them to be white, or even better, orange.
These guys don't really put up any fight, so just wipe them out aggressively. Once they are gone, your objective location will switch to the second group of enemies. Head that way. This group is the same set of enemies, so same strategy as before. Head for the final set of enemies. More of the same.
Story Quest - Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Suggested level: 1
This comes in after finishing The Pauper Prince. Head in the direction indicated. The destination is very close by. There's an ingredient place you can pick from across from your destination.
Head into the building and check the papers back in the corner. Ambush! Fight off the enemies. They are a little more hardy than the scorpions, but they are still enemies for level one, so...
After the battle head for your new destination, once again still very close by. Follow the directions of your teammates, then fight off the enemies, the most aggressive yet. Take advantage of moving up to the Warp Point and then Warp Striking for an increased advantage.
The mission is complete after you win. Then just listen to Dave. Answering to do it for Free gives you 30 EXP.
Story Quest - The Mutant Marauder
Suggested level: 2 (We're starting it at 1, but it's fine)
Dave gives you this quest after you rescue him. Head toward the destination. As you head toward the destination Ignis should suggest you rest before going further. Accept his proposal and head for your new destination, a Camp Site. You can find some Elemental points you can absorb magic from around the Camp area, and you can with most other Camp Sites too.
Set up camp when you're ready. Now you can see some of the fruits of your labor. Feel free to save whatever photos you want, and be sure to have Ignis cook something. I recommend you make camp whenever possible so Ignis can cook (not when you have lots of EXP though). For whatever reason, the developers have made the game so you can't cook food when you rest at a traditional resting place like a Hotel or the trailers at the Safe areas, so if you want to raise Cooking, you have to camp at a Camp Site.
With any AP you have I suggest you make Roadrunning and Happy Camping your first ability purchases. These abilities give you AP when you drive around in the car and make camp respectively. Getting these early on can help you earn the massive amount of AP you need to get enough abilities for the 50 abilities trophy, and even more still to get all the good abilities to make your characters strong. You may want to focus future AP into the other abilities in this category, like Angler Action and such to get even more chances early on to start building your AP.
*Don't be fooled by Roadrunning's description. You don't have to take long rides to earn the AP. Each AP you earn is cumulative, by traveling X distance regardless of how many car trips it takes. I don't know what the exact distance is, but if I guessed based on how often I see it crop up in a single, longer car trip I'd say it's somewhere in the neighborhood of every half a mile or so, but that's totally just a guess. The point is you could take ten small trips and eventually you will get AP, it doesn't have to be a long trip to earn any. You also get it whether it's Ignis or Noctis driving, so feel free to let whoever take the wheel without fear of losing AP.
Anyways, back to it. The next morning your objective switches back to the previous one. A couple levels stronger you're ready for your first big battle. Head to where the game indicates. Once you reach the area and enter the battle you'll have access to techniques. These are crazy valuable, so get used to using them and use them whenever they are available. They are all good so don't monopolize any one so they all get leveled up.
There's a deposit with a pick ax symbol on the map in the area you just fought the boss, so grab it before you run back to Hammerhead to get your car. You may have noticed the Chocobo rental device, but you have to progress the game further, but don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as you can get access to them. Talk to Cindy to end the quest, and agree to make her delivery. However, we are going to take a detour first.
Hunter Quest: Howling Wind of Hunger
Suggested level: 2
Agree to take a drive if you'd like, there's a trophy for getting behind the wheel, but first, and before moving on to the next story mission, let's take advantage of our mobility and do a Side Quest. Head to the Diner and pick up the Hunter Quest: Howling Wind of Hunger.
You don't need to drive to this quest, so run toward where the game indicates. You have to kill 7 Sabretusks, but it shouldn't be too hard. Then head back to the Diner and turn the quest in.
After that, let's put a hold on the higher leveled Hunter Quests and start the next Story Mission.
Story Quest - The Errand Prince
Suggested level: 2
Drive toward the area indicated, and enjoy your first real taste of the open road to come. When you arrive, forego talking to the manager and head across the street to the Diner instead. If you sit on the bench where the bird is Prompto will take a picture, and every picture gets him EXP in Photography. Pick up the info for this area from the Tipster.
There's some pinball machines in the corner of this diner, and you can play them. The game is kind of weird, and there's a trophy for simply playing it, so you don't have to waste any time other than just playing it to get the trophy (pops after you stop playing).
Now head back across the street to make your delivery. After that Umbra the dog appears. For the option I chose "finally going to see you after all these years."
After the stuff with Umbra your next goal is to head to Galden Quay, but first grab the new mission that just appeared in this area. We'll worry about solving it later, so head to Galden Quay. When you park, head for you new objective, boarding the ferry. On the way you find out the ferry isn't available, but let's see for ourselves anyways.
Turns out that guy was telling the truth. But a guy who looks suspiciously like a gay Zell from FF8 seems to think he can help us, but of course nothing is free... Listening to him yields EXP.
We're going to help him very soon, but on the way back to land there's a cat offering a quest, so let's help it out.
Side Quest - Kitty Catering
Suggested level: 1
This is received from a cat on the docks after finding out the ferry isn't available. You can either catch a fish or buy some cat food. I recommend catching a fish.
If you have only rested the one time I suggested in this guide, you may want to rest again. This should also yield more AP. You may want to get the skill Angler's Action so you get AP for catching fish.
If you rest at the camp you should trigger a small event that happens at some of the different camp sites. Taking part gives you free AP, so there's really no reason not to. I'm not sure if the win is scripted or not, but if you run without fully depleting the Stamina gauge so it refills at the normal rate you can win no problem.
The next day go fishing. You need a fish called Edible Trevally, so fish until you get it or until you're satisfied. Fishing is a skill like Cooking and Photography, and the only way to level it is to fish, so you can decide when and how much you want to do. See the Fishing section for more.
Once you've caught the appropriate fish (or bought the cat food) head back to the cat. If you have the fish, there's another step. You have to get it cooked, so go back to tipster out on the water and she will agree to cook it for you. Then deliver it to the cat to finish.
Story Quest - A Gentleman's Agreement
Suggested level: 3
Now, back to the matter at hand. Head to where the game indicates. When you get there the objective location will shift. Climb the natural slope and follow the way indicated. A little further on there's a very large sleeping bird. Head left and skirt it as wide as possible. Once you get the stones, head back the way you just came. Then return to Dino and give him his prize.
Afterward, talk to him again. You'll get a warning that you may not be able to come back for a while, so agree only if you're ready. There's nothing you'll miss, everything will be here when you next come back, but ultimately it's your call.
Story Quest - Ill Tidings
Suggested level: 4
Once some stuff happens you'll be riding in the car back toward Insomnia, the city you originally left from. Things aren't looking too good as you get closer to the city, and Ignis takes a dirt road off to the left.
When you get out of the car head forward toward some stairs. There's a fight with some soldiers around the corner. Gun enemies can be a nuisance. Warping to them can be useful, but if you're low on MP approaching them by with a zig-zag movement keeps them missing a lot.
After that continue on the only way you really can go. There's another battle just up ahead. This time there are snipers too. You'll see the red laser sights. Warping and zig-zag are even more effective against them. Don't let them get a good shot on you.
Continue on after this battle and not long after you'll encounter a third set of enemies. This time there are Magitek Armor. These are large hulking brutes who hit pretty hard compared to the mostly smaller enemies we've seen up until now. Dodge where necessary and lay into them.
You should get a Drain Lance after this battle, which is a weapon which can be remodeled by Cid back in Hammerhead.
Head to the indicated point to see and hear about what is happening at home. Then the mission is complete.
Once everything is said and done you'll be in the Regalia on your way back to Hammerhead. Technically we've moved on to the next story mission, but we're going to do some more side quests first. Head to the Diner and pick up the new Side Quest that has appeared there. It's on the counter in front of the guy, separate from speaking to him as the Tipster.
Side Quest - Scenic Delivery
Suggested level: 1
This appears after completing the Main Story Mission Ill tidings, at the Diner in Hammerhead.
You'll probably want to rest/camp before heading out, as the story mission puts you out at the evening. Unless you want to travel at night and encounter Daemons, that's totally your call. When you're ready, drive to the destination indicated by the mission.
*Camping at the camp spot just N of Hammerhead should yield another of the camp quests similar to the race at the beach at Galden Quay. This one has you stirring a pot, just move the L stick left and right until the event is done. The next morning Dino should also call you, but ignore him for now and head on to this mission's objective.
Just in case it isn't clear, when you get to the store indicated you can switch to different types of items by pressing L1 and R1 (not all stores have this). Buy the item and head back to the guy at Hammerhead to give it to the Tipster in the Diner to complete the mission.
*Just in case it hasn't come up yet in your game, you may need to refill the Regalia's gas tank by now. To do that you have to stop in an area (like Hammerhead) that has a gas pump. Then just go up to the gas pump and you can do it. It always costs 10 Gil no matter what your fuel level is, so try to plan a bit unless you're free with your money.
After this mission is complete, another side quest will be available, Hunters and Gatherers. Pick it up, but set your quest to Hunters and Gatherers.
Hunter Quest - Varmints in the Wasteland
You can just run straight to this one. You'll need to defeat the 5 Mesmenir. If you've followed this guide these are probably the strongest enemies you've fought so far. They can take a lot of punishment compared to what has come before, but they don't hit too hard, so just be aware and fight smart and you'll be good.
Return to Hammerhead and turn the quest in. Pick up the Hunter Quest Gergers in the Dust. However, on the way is Hunter and Gatherers, so set your quest to that.
Side Quest - Hunters and Gatherers
Suggested level: 6
*Before heading out you may want to upgrade your weapons at the guy in the truck at Hammerhead. You should have plenty of Gil to do so by now, and they are quite a bit better than your starting equipment. Unless you have Masamune, which is a Pre-Order item, it's better than the 2 hand weapon in the store.
This quest is received after finishing Scenic Delivery.
It is very close to Hammerhead, so head out on foot form there. These are flying enemies, and they can be annoying. Warp Strike is very useful against them to knock them down. When you take them out you'll get the item. We'll turn this in shortly, but for now switch to the Hunter Quest Gorgers in the Dust.
Hunter Quest - Gorgers in the Dust
Suggested level: 7
From the end of Hunters and Gatherers make your way to where the mission is indicated.
This mission has you killing 3 Flexitusk. When you have defeated them, return to Hammerhead and turn in both Hunters and Gatherers and Gorgers in the Dust. Turning in Hunters and Gatherers unlocks Emergency Delivery, but we'll ignore that for now.
Side Quest - Gone Hunting
Suggested level: 5
This quest is received after making the delivery for Cindy in The Errand Prince.
Dave can be found at the Longwythe Rest Area, which is SW of Hammerhead. He's in front of the little garage across from the motel and next to the Diner. Give him the envelope and you'll need to gather intel on the area, even if you have, so talk to the Tipster in the Diner.
With the quest destination now revealed, head there. Check the area and you're sent to a new destination. There are enemies in this area, and you'll have to kill them. The item you need will be on one of them after they are dead.
Return to Dave and finish this quest.
Hunter Quest: Mineside Mischief Maker
Suggested level: 7
This quest can be acquired at the Longwythe Rest Area Tipster. You have to kill 7 Goblins.
This quest can only be done at night, but you are given the option to wait when you first pick it up.
*If this is your first experience with the game world at night, be careful. More powerful enemies called Daemons appear at night, and you could run into some that could wipe you out.
Be cautious and head to the area indicated for the quest. When you arrive at the area with the Monster Quest symbol the Goblins should spawn. They aren't too bad compared to other quests so far.
You can either run back to turn the quest in or hit the nearby camp area to get back to the much safer daylight. When you do get back and turn it in, pick up the Hunter Quest The Hunter-Slaying Herd.
Hunter Quest: The Hunter-Slaying Herd
Suggested level: 8
You can get this quest at the Longwythe Rest Area from the Tipster. You have to kill 2 Magnanir and 4 Mesmenir.
Head to the indicated area and begin the fight. These guys aren't very hard, but they can soak up a fair bit of damage. It helps to focus on the weaker ones so you can thin the herd, then finish the bigger ones.
Turning in this Hunter Quest should raise your rank to 2 if you've done all the ones in this guide so far.
Side Quest - The Aspiring Artisan
Suggested level: 6
This quest comes in when you get a call from Dino shortly after Story Quest Ill Tidings. You can find Dino in the same place he was, the ferry dock at Galden Quay.
*This could be the first time you've driven to a quest objective that isn't at a major area but is far enough away to drive. This world is pretty laid back, and you can park your car wherever you want, so Ignis will drive the car to the nearest road of your objective and park, even if it's in the middle of the road.
When you get to the area indicated by Dino head toward the indicated area. A ship should drop some Imperial Soldiers, so deal with them. It's also possible more can show up.
When the battle is over, you'll find your objective on the E side of the search area if you're looking on the mini-map. It's a chunk of stone up against a couple of larger rocks pushing up against one another.
Once you have it head back to Galden Quay and deliver it to Dino. Completing this quest makes the quest A Stone-Studded Stunner available, so grab it, but we'll be waiting on it for a little bit. Instead, head to the Tipster in Galden Quay and get the Hunter Quest: Peace to the Beach.
Hunter Quest: Peace to the Beach
Suggested level: 11
This quest is received from the Galden Quay Tipster.
When you reach the indicated area you have to fight 3 Rubyshears. You'll want to be very defensive against these guys. They hit pretty hard, but if you lay on the Dodge/Guard button you'll be able to counter a lot. When you're done turn it in at a Tipster.
Story Quest - Legacy
Suggested level: 5
Enter the Garage for a scene with Cid, and then head to the indicated area.
*Cid will be available to remodel weapons after this, and you should have one, the Drain Lance. He wants a Metal Scrap. You can find one in Galden Quay, on the ground by a flower pot by the door opposite the lodge you can stay in by the Galden Quay Tipster. Give it to him and he'll remodel the weapon.
After that you'll want to head to the Prairie Outpost to gather information. You'll also find Dave here with another quest, which I'll detail after Legacy. Head into the building and talk to Monica to continue with Legacy.
Now you'll head for the nearby Tomb of the Wise to meet up with Cor. This is your first Royal Tomb, so head inside. After Cor tells you some stuff you'll get your first Royal Weapon, the Sword of the Wise. Talk to Cor again and he'll suggest you visit another Royal Tomb nearby, so head on over.
Story Quest - The Power of Kings
Suggested level: 6
There will be some Imperial Soldiers, but Cor's additional power makes it all the easier.
Closer to your quest target you'll run into some large enemies called MA Veles, which is like a mech-type assault robot.
When you get to the entrance to the next Royal Tomb there's a weapon called Bioblaster up and to the left of the entrance on the ground. You can get up there by taking a natural ramp up to that area. There's another item on the right side too.
Cor gives you a key, then leaves you to your own devices. Head into the dungeon area and toward the quest objective. There's a metal scrap on the left side of this first room. Continue forward and go right at the fork and there's a generator you can turn on. Then the paths converge.
At the next for go left and you'll find a Carbon Bangle. Then go right through the door. Go right at the next fork to find a Rusted Bit. Then head left. The door on your left is locked. The next door on your right is locked so continue forward. Skip the next 2 right hand passages and go all the way to the end to get an Oracle Ascension Coin.
Backtrack to the passage that has a hole about hip-level and you can crawl through. On the other side head right and you'll see an item, however there's an ambush! Fight off the Goblins. When you're victorious pick up the Oracle Ascension Coin and head back the way you came.
At the other end of this area is a narrow gap you can squeeze through. On this side if you take the first right or go straight they can meet up in the same area, creating a baseball diamond-like shape. There's a room you can enter on the left if you go straight, so let's start there.
You'll be ambushed by more Goblins in here. There's a generator you can turn on in the fenced area. Go back out and head left. Go left at the intersection and all the way to the end to find an Elixir. Go back a bit and into the nearby room. There's another door on the back-left side that goes into another little room. Inside you find... Nothing! But on the way out you get jumped by some spiders instead!
When they are gone go through the other door in this room. You'll find an Auto-Crossbow just inside. Continue forward and go into the left passage for the item, then head straight through the doors. There's an Arachna in here, and it might not be unreasonable to think of it as the dungeon mini-boss, though if you've followed this guide you should be more than strong enough to handle it.
When it's dead look at your map and you'll see you're near the baseball diamond-shaped area. Go out the S door and head E down the part of the tunnel you haven't been down yet. There's a Laser Sensor in the Dead End.
Backtrack to the Arachna room and go the final remaining direction, crawling through the small entrance to the other side. At the 4 way fork there's nothing on your right, and straight ahead isn't actually a passage the game lets you go through, leaving left as our choice. Unlock the door and head inside to get your second Royal Weapon. That's 2 Royal Tombs down.
With that done return to the entrance and you'll get a phone call giving you your next story mission. Before that though let's take care of another quest.
Side Quest - Dust to Dust
Suggested level: 8
You get this from Dave after completing Gone Hunting. You'll find Dave at Prairie Outpost for this one.
If you just finished The Power of Kings you're pretty close to this one. You should see some long necked beasts called Anak in the search area. You'll need to take them down. There's also some Daggerquill flying around.
Once they are all dead look by the broken down car near the tree and you'll find the item you're looking for. Run it back to Dave to complete the quest.
Before continuing with the story head back to Hammerhead and get a new Quest called The Ever Regal Regalia.
Side Quest - The Ever Regal Regalia
Suggested level: 7
This quest becomes available at Hammerhead after completing the Main Story mission The Power of Kings. Once you have the quest head toward the appointed destination.
As you're heading up toward the tunnel you'll find a Blackstone Shard on the right side of the path. Inside the tunnel are a couple Goblins. Keep heading forward and you'll reach the area you need to search. The item isn't a blue one, but a can with a symbol floating above it. Right next to it is a Mega Phoenix.
If you continue down the tunnel you'll run into a rather large group of Goblins. Continue forward more and you'll run into some more Goblins. Just after the second goblins there's a thing on the wall you can read that gives Ignis a new recipe. Through the other end of the tunnel and outside you can go up through a fence that has a door in it and you'll suddenly receive the quest Tired of Running.
This quest is finished anyways aside from returning to Cindy.
Side Quest - Tired of Running
Suggested level: 5
You'll find this person hiding in the boxcars just ahead and to your left. You can heal them with a potion.
With that done go back through the tunnel the way you came and return to Cindy for The Ever Regal Regalia, which unlocks another Ever Regal Regalia.
Side Quest - The Ever Elegant Regalia
Suggested level: 8
*It's important to note that the Wax you received from the first Ever Regal Regalia quest isn't automatically applied. Talk to Cindy after you get this quest and choose to Customize. Go down to where it says Components and you should see Install. Go in there and Select the Wax, and then go to the bottom where it says Select to confirm your order. It's free because you went and got the Wax.
Head to the area indicated on the map. The tracks lead to a gate that lets you into the area. Follow the path up into a smaller area with an elevator. The ore is right out in the open. This mission is more about getting this area onto your map for way later in the game, as it's a level 50 dungeon.
With the ore in hand head back to Cindy and give it to her. You'll get the third stage of the Ever Regal Regalia Quest, but it's out of reach until we progress the story further.
Side Quest - A Better Engine Blade
I didn't notice exactly where this came from, but I think it's something you're scripted to get, so you should have it if you've been following this guide. Speak to Cid and he'll offer to remodel it for a Rusty Bit. You should have got a Rusty Bit during The Power of Kings, so see that mission section if you don't have it.
After turning this in talk to Cid several more times to unlock the quests A Better Drain Lance II, A Better Engine Blade II, A Better Auto-Crossbow and A Better Bioblaster. I did not have any of these items yet, so don't worry if you don't either.
Hunter Quest: Raindrops in the Night
Suggested level: 15 (I was 14)
You can pick this quest up at the Hammerhead Diner. Your target only comes out at night, so wait there if it isn't night. Be wary of Iron Giants as you're heading toward the destination, they are probably twice your level right now so it's best to just get outside the battle zone if they appear near you.
Head into the search zone and when you get near a metal tower the Jumbo Flan will drop down and the fight will begin. FF veterans will be used to Flans being highly resistant to physical attacks and weak to magic, so it's best if you have magic equipped for this fight. You don't really have to though, I don't really ever use magic in this game because I don't really like the magic system, it's too onerous having to refill and reset the magic. Your parry will still do some pretty decent damage and even needling away at him everyone zaps its HP away.
Overall I don't consider it that hard of an enemy compared to some of what has already come in this guide. When it is defeated return and turn in the quest.
Hunter Quest: Squash the Squirmers
Suggested level: 14
You can get this quest at the Longwythe Rest Area Tipster. This must be undertaken at night.
Head to the appointed location to kill 5 Flan. Even with a physical leaning party you'll be able to mop them up as long as you parry the worst attacks. Return to the Tipster to turn the quest in.
Story Quest - Declaration of War
Suggested level: 8
When you're ready to continue with the story head to Prairie Outpost to meet with Monica. Then head to the appointed place to speak with Monica (who somehow beat me here?) and begin the operation. Move through the narrow gap and meet with Cor.
Open the door, I guess the big man can't use all those muscles to do it, and go left for a hi potion. Taking the other path leads to a battle. Proceed onward and open another door. On the other side is another battle. Use your warp attack to get up to the snipers on the platform and get them out of the way.
Continue on, picking up the Hi Elixir on the way. Follow the path around, up the stairs, and open another door. Yet another battle in here. Go through the door here after the fight and go left for a Muscle Stimulant. Continue on and drop down to finish this part.
After reuniting with the gang there's boss fight against MA-X Cuirass, a very large mechanical mech. There's also a bunch of soldiers. I recommend focusing on the boss, and each time your Skill Bar fills up to 1 bar, use Cor's special ability to deal lots of damage.
Start of Chapter 3
*You may want to visit the city of Lestallum before I do in this guide so you can get access to the stuff there, see below.
**You may want to visit Lestallum is for the shops. The best weapons for this part of the world can be found in this town (aside from hunter weapons for use against Daemons in Meldacio Hunter HQ) and there are plenty of other good shops too.
***Additionally, the garage shop at the gas station has some upgrades for the Regalia you can buy that enhance performance and such.
***Verinas Mart - Ravatogh also has an upgrade for the Regalia.
After the fight from the end of Chapter 2 and the story-related stuff that comes with it and you return to our heroes you'll be driving, and get no say in your destination until you reach Coernix Station - Alstar. There should be 2 quests you can see as available. Before you can get too far though there's a phone call.
Prompto will also probably ask about heading to the Chocobo Forest area immediately, agree unless you don't want to. However, let's pick up those 2 quests now.
One of them is Dave, and he wants another Dog Tag found. The second is with someone Gladio knows. You can speak with her, but I'll detail it in this guide when I do her quest.
Next head in the Diner and choose the first option. You'll probably get info on the quest for the Dog Tag, so choose it again to get the rest of it to pop up.
On your World Map you'll see an area called The Nebulawood, and there should be a ? mark already visible there. Go there and you meet a fisherman who gives you the quest Fishing Buddies. More on the later, see that mission section.
Next let's head for the Wiz Chocobo Post. It should have been revealed at the Coernix Station - Alstar Tipster. There should be a ? mark already visible on your map. Going there and talking to the guy will prompt Ignis to ask you if you want to head to the Disc. Agree to begin the quest Pilgrimage.
*There's an accessory here called the Camera Strap. It's on the corner of the main building on the wooden deck area not far from the guy who acts as the Tipster here. This accessory lets Prompto take slightly more shots each day.
If you try to approach the Tipster you'll get more information on Chocobos, as well as the quest related to them. Talk to the guy again for Tipster services. This should reveal Cauthess Rest Area, SW of the Chocobo area. Go ahead and travel there.
Go talk to the Tipster for information about the area. This should reveal 2 more outposts. Head for the one NW of you, Coernix Station - Cauthess.
*I forgot to look in other locations but there are new weapons available here. If you've followed this guide you have the money to upgrade.
There's no Diner here, so now head to the other Outpost you were shown, Taelpar Rest Area, which is S of your current location. When you get there head into the Diner and get information about the area. A fishing location to the E will be revealed.
Now, aside from Lestallum, which I'll detail when the story takes us there, you should have access to the Rest Areas of this new part of the world. At this point there is another place we could head to, but for now this guide is going to focus on the fair amount of stuff available, starting with some of the lower level quests.
Side Quest - The Ever Gleaming Regalia
Suggested level: 10
This becomes available after completing the previous installment of this quest chain. Note you have to progress the story far enough to get into this area of the world.
Once you reach the search area you'll find the item by a wrecked out old vehicle by the nearby building. Return the item to Cindy. Don't forget to speak to her again for another Ever Gleaming Regalia quest and then again to add the Fibreglass coating to your Regalia.
*The next quest in this chain is lvl 26, so you probably want to wait for a bit to do it.
Side Quest - Final Resting Plains
Suggested level: 10
You receive this from Dave in Coernix Station - Alstor, provided you've completed them up until this point as per the guide. You'll also have to speak to the Tipster in the same area after getting the quest for its location.
When you reach the area you'll find some Garula in the way, so defeat them. It should be an easy battle. You'll find the Dog Tag up against the little building here. Return it to Dave. Afterward head to Cauthess Rest Area and you should find him there to pick up the next quest in his chain, A Rocky End.
Side Quest - A Rocky End
Suggested level: 12
This quest is unlocked after completing Final Resting Plains. You must advance the story far enough to access that area. Dave will be at Cauthess Rest Area to pick up this one.
The search area is a little big, but you'll find the Dog Tag SW of where the three roads in this area meet to form a 3-way intersection, way back by the cliff. I've included a couple screen shots as it can be a little trickier to find than previous missions so far.
Head on back to Dave once you've got it and turn it in. He should now be available for another quest in Taelpar Rest Area, Swallowed by Shadows.
Side Quest - Swallowed By Shadows
Suggested level: 17
This becomes available at Taelpar Rest Area after completing Dave's quest A Rocky End.
Head up into the designated area and you'll see a structure with a windmill. There are enemies called Hundlegs, take them out. Afterward you'll find the item in the structure back behind some piled logs. Once you have it head back to Dave and turn it in.
He's now available in Old Lestallum, which we haven't been to in this guide yet. Open you map and head for where the new ? mark has appeared and talk to Dave for A Back Woods Burial, though we aren't going to do it yet.
Exploration
Instead, visit the Diner and get the information for this area. You should get info on A Back Woods Burial if you grabbed it, so speak to the guy again for the rest of the information.
This should reveal and area called Verinas Mart - Ravatogh, so head there. It's W/NW of Old Lestallum.
*On your way you may see a car broke down on the side of the road. If you stop and talk to him you'll unlock the quest My Beloved Chariot. It requires that you bring him a repair kit, which you can get at the Garage in Hammerhead, but I'll redetail this quest in its own section further on.
Once you arrive head to the food cart guy who functions as a Tipster and get the information for this area. Don't worry about the Danger Area for now.
If you head N toward Callatein's Plunge you'll find an area called Burbost Souvenir Emporium. There's no Tipster there but you may want to drop by anyways.
In the S part of the World Map at Leirity Seaside there's an Outpost called Cape Caem, but there's not much there for you at this time, so you can just drive by if you want to explore it.
There's also the Hunter HQ Meldacio up toward the still blockaded area called Vesperpool. I didn't notice this one during the initial pass in the guide, so I'm adding this later, therefore I could be wrong about this place being accessible at this point.
*If the above is accessible, there are some extremely powerful weapons here for use against Daemons, but they are also very expensive (10k).
Now most everything on the E side of Lestallum should be on your map, so let's return to our pile of quests we have available still.
Side Quest - Emergency Delivery
Suggested level: 11
This is part of the quest chain with Takka. You have to progress through the game to leave the first area (unless maybe you can buy it at a store, haven't checked at this time, but you can check the shop section if I forget to update this and see if you can buy it in the first area anywhere).
This quest requires you to get a Garuda Steak. You can find these enemies in other places aside from where the quest indicates, and you may have it already if you've been following this guide (I did). If not head to where the game says and take them down, they shouldn't be too hard at this point.
When it's complete return to Hammerhead and turn the quest in. You should be able to pick up his next quest, Everyone Loves Beans, but we'll do some lower level ones first.
Hunter Quest: Cranky Crustaceans
Suggested level: 18
This Hunter Quest can be picked up at the Longwythe Rest Area.
Head to the area and you'll be facing 3 Shieldshears. They hit pretty strong unless you are well above the suggested level, which you probably aren't even if you have been following this guide, so don't be afraid to stay on the defensive and do some Parries/Counters and/or pull back, warp strike and then pull out. Also dole out your abilities whenever possible. Prompto's is pretty good against them.
When it's done, head back and turn it in.
Hunter Quest: The Gourmands of Vannath
Suggested level: 17
This Hunter Quest can be picked up at Galden Quays. It has you fight 3 Sparkshears, which are another variety of the heavy-hitting crab from the previous quest above this one. You're probably getting used to fighting them by now, and they are a level weaker than the previous ones, so there's that too.
When it's done turn it in and collect your next hunter quest from the same location.
Hunter Quest: Stealers of Lives
Suggested level: 17
This Hunter Quest can be picked up at Galden Quays. It can only be done at night, and puts you against 7 Glamhoth.
Like any pack of small animals they aren't too bad with just a couple, but if the whole group happens to turn on you you'll want to defend or even better warp out.
When you're done head off to pick up the next quest below.
Hunter Quest: Galloping Garulas
Suggested level: 12
This Hunter Quest can be picked up at the Coernix Station - Alstor. It puts you against 3 Green Garula and 3 Garula. These guys are soak up a fair bit of damage, but they aren't very dangerous offensively.
Return to Coernix Station - Alstor when you're done and accept another Hunter Quest: Beasts Wallow in the Wetlands.
Hunter Quest: Beasts Wallow in the Wetlands
Suggested level: 14
This Hunter Quest can be picked up in Coernix Station - Alstor. It pits you against 5 Yellowtooth. They are pretty quick, and can take you to the ground forcing you to mash Circle to escape.
Once they are defeated head back and turn the quest in. Then head to Wiz Chocobo Post and pick up your next Hunter Quest.
Hunter Quest: Red in Tooth and Claw
Suggested level: 12
This Hunter Quest can be picked up at the Wiz Chocobo Post. It pits you against 9 Voretooth.
I'm not sure I agree with the suggested level of this quest. First 9 is a lot of anything, but these guys seem pretty strong for their level. They can also poison you. Be defensive if you have troubles, especially while you work on thinning their numbers down at the start.
When you're done return to Wiz and turn the quest in. Then pick up the next Hunter Quest.
Hunter Quest: A Behemoth Undertaking
Friends of a Feather is another quest you may have, and it tracks this too.
Suggested level: 15
This Hunter Quest can be picked up at Wiz Chocobo Post. This quest is special, as it leads to you getting the ability to rent Chocobo and the associated trophy.
Head toward the Campground Ausace Haven from Wiz Chocobo Post. There should be a path that leads between the two. On that path is the entrance to the stone walled area that contains Deadeye.
There's really only one way to go in here, so follow the way until you see an item on the ground which is a Valetooth item. Right after you should run into a pack of the same monsters. When you're done continue on and go right at the fork. In this dead end is a Twisted Helixhorn.
Go back the other way, picking up the Valetooth bristles on the way. At the next fork go right again and you'll find a Behemoth Horn. Head back to the fork and go the other way. Keep moving forward, keeping an eye out for some Valetooth Bristles on your left.
Crawl into the tunnel for a scene and meet our quarry. Once it has moved on leave the tunnel. Continue forward and keep an eye out for more bristles by a fallen tree a bit on the left. Continue forward and there are more bristles on your left.
Go under the logs and keep left. There's more bristles here. Further on the path you'll find more bristles. You'll reach a dead end so hop the fence.
At this part you have to follow Deadeye to its lair without being detected. To do this you have to stick to the rocks and stay in cover so he doesn't sense you.
Rather than explain this part I decided to film it, so see the video below for this section. It also includes a no-magic strategy for fighting the boss.
When you reach the end of the area squeeze through the cliff and into the next area. You'll reach a fire draw point. You can use the fire in the boss fight to blow up barrels to damage him, but as stated previously in this guide I don't like the magic system in this game, so I do the fight just fighting him like any other monster.
See the video if you need help with the fight or stealth section:
After the battle be sure to head up to the high area near the exit to find a Broken Harmonica, then leave this area and return to the Chocobo outpost to turn the quest in. After you do you'll be able to rent Chocobo. If you do so you'll get the trophy for it.
You can also do Chocobo races now, see the Chocobo Racing section for more.
When you're ready, it's on to the next quest.
Side Quest - A Stone-Studded Stunner
Suggested level: 15
This is part of Dino's quests, so you pick it up in Galden Quay if you haven't.
Head for the indicated area. You'll need to find 3 stones. One is on the E edge of the search area. One is on the N/Slight NW edge of the search area. One is on the S edge of the search area. Then just make the delivery to Dino.
He should offer you another quest, Reliable Royalty. Let's go!
Side Quest - Reliable Royalty
Suggested level: 20
This quest is received from Dino at Galden Quay after completing A Stone-Studded Stunner.
When you arrive at the specified area you'll find the Sapphire in the N part of the search area. You'll probably have to clear out the enemies from the area. The stone itself is at the base of a huge Gem Rock, you shouldn't have trouble finding it.
Once you have it return to Dino. He should then offer you the quest No Pain, No Gem, but let's leave it for later due to level.
Side Quest - Professor's Protege
Suggested level: 14
This quest is available at Coenix Station - Alstor when you first arrive. Speak to the lady to find out she wants you to get her some red frogs.
Head to the area and start looking around. They aren't all on the shore or anything, and actually they are quite well hidden. I had picked up a few before I realized it or I would have detailed where they are. When I got struck I just moved from one side of the search area to the other starting at one end and slowly moving down. It's a bit tedious but it helps if you're not seeing them.
When you have them return to the professor. After this a ? mark should appear at Cauthess Rest Area, which is the next quest in this chain.
Side Quest - The Professor's Protege - Yellow Frogs
Suggested level: 15
This quest can be found at the Cauthess Rest Area after completing the quest above this one. She's up on the second floor of the building, and there's some stairs you can take to get up there. Once you have the quest head to the indicated area.
There's one frog NW of the fishing are symbol on the map. There's on on the SW bank by a rock. There's one on the S edge of the search area at the base of a large rock formation on the side closest to the water. There's one on the SE midway up the rocky area on the side closest to the water. The last one is in the grass by a tree in the NE.
When you have them all take them back to the professor. A new ? mark should appear in Old Lestallum for the next leg of this quest. You can pick it up if you want, but it will be detailed later in the guide.
Side Quest - Pilgrimage
Suggested level: 16
You get this quest from a ? symbol in the Wiz Chocobo Post.
If you head to where the quest sends you you find the way blockaded, and some Imperial soldiers come out, including a large mech. The mission is over after the fight, you don't actually go in there right now, so don't worry about how weird the whole thing is and just move on to the next quest for now.
Side Quest - A Backwoods Burial
Suggested level: 20
This is part of Dave's quests. He should be in Old Lestallum if you haven't picked it up yet and are here. You also have to get info from the local Tipster on its location. Once you have all that head to the designated place.
When you arrive at the indicated area you'll be ambushed by some Havocfangs. After you defeat them you'll find the Dog Tag right next to the building on the outside. Take it to Dave to complete the mission and he should be ready to offer you another quest, Washed Away.
Side Quest - Washed Away
Suggested level: 22
This is part of Dave's quests. This one should become available at Old Lestallum once you complete A Backwoods Burial. When you reach the area you'll find a bunch of Sahagin, so take them out. I'm not sure if it's part of the mission or if I was just unlucky but not long after engaging the Sahagin Imperial Troops dropped into the area, making the battle harder.
The Dog Tag is up on a little rock ledge in the N part of the search area. When you have it return to Dave. You can see another Dave quest on the map, but let's not worry about it for now.
Side Quest - Where the Wild Chocobos Are
Suggested level: 8
This quest becomes available at Wiz Chocobo Post after completing A Behemoth Undertaking.
This takes place in the same area as where you went with Deadeye, so head there once again. You'll see a Chocobo once you enter the area, so follow the only way you can go. You'll probably run into some enemies along the way, but just continue forward, seeing the Chocobo sometimes as you go.
You don't have to go all the way to the end. When you go under the log the Chocobo will be running around this area. You have to intercept it so you can get close enough to hit X and take the photo. It's not hard, just watch it and cut it off somewhere.
Once that's done return with the photo to complete the quest. This should unlock the quest Bird on the Brink from the same area.
Side Quest - Bird on the Brink
Suggested level: 9
This quest becomes available at Wiz Chocobo Post after completing the quest Where the Wild Chocobos Are.
Head to the area indicated (you may have to clear some enemies) and you'll find a chocobo on the ground. Give it a potion and it will be saved. Then head back to turn the quest in. This should unlock the quest A Feathery Feast.
Side Quest - A Feathery Feast
Suggested level: 10
This quest becomes available at Wiz Chocobo Post after completing Bird on the Brink.
I had the item already, so I'm not sure where you get an Aegir root. Sorry!
Head back to turn it in. This should unlock the quest Chase That Chocobo!
Side Quest - Chase That Chocobo!
Suggested level: 12
This quest becomes available at Wiz Chocobo Post after completing A Feathery Feast.
Head to the indicated area. You may encounter another quest where someone is calling for help. If that happens you can find him behind some rocks just off the road. He needs a potion to get better.
You'll find the Chocobo down behind a large, fallen object. Before you can do anything though you get ambushed by a group of Sabreclaws. After you defeat them heal the Chocobo with a potion and then return to Wiz Chocobo Post to turn the quest in.
There is not a new quest to pick up in this line.
Side Quest - Everyone Loves Beans
Suggested level: 22
This is part of Takka's quest line. It should be available in Hammerhead after completing Emergency Delivery.
Head to the indicated location and you'll see the wrecked van and some Havocfangs you need to take out. After they are defeated you'll find the item you need on the ground. Return to Hammerhead and turn it in. This should unlock the quest Lestallum's Finest, but we'll ignore it for now due to its level.
Moving On
There are a few more side quests available, but you should be strong enough by now to do the next Regalia quest, which gets the Super Charger. However, it's in a part of the world we can't access yet, so let's move the story ahead.
Story Quest - Burden of Expectation
Suggested level: 10
To continue on with the story you must go to Lestallum, if you haven't already been to use the deluxe hotel for tallying XP at 1.5 times and/or the shops. Head to the indicated area and you'll then have to head for the inn, so do so. You'll be forced to rest after the meetings.
Choose whether you want to see the sights or not. There's free EXP/AP to be had if you do. If you do go to the places and then you'll need to return to the inn. After that you'll be put on the trail of another Royal Tomb.
Story Quest - The Sword in the Waterfall
Suggested level: 19
*Some of the Lestallum Sidequests should be available now. However, I will leave them for when this guide next starts doing side quests again, since as mentioned, right now I want to open up the next area for another Regalia quest.
Head to the indicated area and you should have no problem seeing the waterfall. Be careful as you head down there, there's a very strong, very large snake here you'll probably not want to tangle with. Further up the river you'll find a path on the right that leads behind the waterfall.
Head inside and follow the path. There's an item along the left wall, so watch for that. Further up you'll fight some Flans, and then there's a slide. You'll see a path off to the right but ignore it, there's a different way to that part. At the bottom of the slide is another fight.
Continue on the the path and you'll run into another slide, take it down. At the bottom you'll run into an Arachne you need to fight.
Now you have two options:
1: Head into the next part of the Dungeon.
2: Backtrack toward the exit.
2 sounds stupid since you just got here, but the thing is you can teleport at the end of the dungeon, so if you don't collect the items on this route now you have to run all the way back here from the end of the dungeon. This guide follows option 2.
Head left at the bottom and ignore the right. Follow this way up and around and you should run into some more Flans. Continue on until you reach a gap you can go under. Ignore the little land bridge and grab the nearby item, then cross. Ignore the little left path after the bridge, nothing there. Also ignore the little space you can crawl through and instead continue past it to grab the item. Then go back and go through the hole.
There's an item on your left on the other side, then continue forward. You'll eventually run into a battle. Don't underestimate the Ronin, he's pretty vicious actually. At the fork go right, there's an item on the very edge of the ledge. Go back and go the other way. Follow the other path up for another item. Now you can slide back down.
Head back to where you fought the Arachne. Go left again but this time take the right path you ignored previously. Head left at this little for for an item in the dead end. Go back and take the right fork. After the fight there's an item in this area.
Now go back again to where you fought Arachne. There should be a little ramped ledge you can go up. If you look at your mini-map you'll also see a green line. This indicates a ledge up here you can use to shimmy across.
On the other side hug the wall on your right and follow it around. You should run into some Flan. Keep hugging that wall and you should find a ramp. Go down, fight the Imps, and there's a dead end here with an item called the Friendship Band. This increases the range an ally can do the link-up moves.
Back track to where you shimmied over to this area. There should be a natural ramp right here, follow this path.and you'll run into another Arachne. There's an item up here, as well as a ramp that continues on. Follow this long, windy path and there should be an little area down on your left on the other side. There's an item down here. Go back up to where you came off the windy path and go the other way. Follow this to another dead end with an Ancient Dragon Tooth.
Now backtrack to where you shimmied over that first ledge. There's another path by the fire draw point up here to its right (if you're looking on the minimap) that leads up to your destination. There's an item up to the left of where the lightning draw point is up on the rock. Further on this path you should run into some Flans and a Ronin (if you didn't backtrack at the beginning this may be your first time seeing one. Don't underestimate it!). After the fight the path should lead you to another place you can shimmy across.
On the other side you can see your objective, but there's also another path. However, there's a locked door here you can't do anything with (yet) so don't worry about it. Instead go complete the objective. There are some enemies in this room you'll have to deal with, but after they are finished you can grab your next Royal Weapon.
This also unlocks the Armiger bar, which is a special ability you can use in combat when the bar fills up. Basically think of it like a super attack, where you get supercharged and do more damage more quickly. If you don't want to manually backtrack out then accept the teleport to leave.
Return to Lestallum to finish this quest.
Story Quest - The Way of Gods and Kings
Head to the outlook and we'll see the mysterious stranger again. You learn his name is Ardyn, and he offers our intrepid group some help.
*Any EXP you have will be forcibly tallied once you talk to him at his car, so you may want to go rest at the inn for 1.5x EXP before continuing.
Follow him to his car and he'll decide he's going to tell you what to do and who is driving your car. Agree to drive, it's what will happen no matter what you choose.
Story Quest - A Dubious Drive
At this part you have to follow him. If you get too far away you'll fail. I haven't tested how far you have to get behind to fail, as there's really no reason you should fail since the game handles a lot of the driving even on the Manual Setting.
Along the way you'll be forced to pull over. The next day the adventure continues.
Story Quest - Onward to the Disc
Suggested level: 20
Before speaking with Ardyn you can see a scene with Lunafreya if you listen to the little group gathered around the radio. It should be marked with a ? mark.
After that you can head on by talking to Ardyn.
*If you want to do anything else right now, do it. You'll be stuck inside this quest for a bit. Don't worry though, nothing is missable or anything, you just will be stuck in the mission for a while.
There's another driving sequence where you have to keep up, shouldn't be a problem. When you arrive the gates open at Ardyn's call, and he bids us farewell.
Story Quest - The Archaean
Suggested level: 20
Go through the gate and follow the path until you exit the Regalia. Head in, grabbing the item just outside the tunnel as you go. Following the path after that eventually leads to another Royal Weapon. After that there's a bit of a scene and Noctis nearly falls. Press Circle to get up.
After that we see Titan, and he doesn't seem happy to see us. You're down to a party of two for now, so follow the path the only way you can. Avoid the ground with flames, too much time on them and your characters can Overheat.
Take out the birds you encounter on the path. The left area here has some magic you can draw but no items, so continue on. In this area that turns in on itself there's an item in the middle of the way. Continue on and drop off the little ledge. Head over to where Gladio is standing to continue on.
You'll have to start shimmying across here. Titan shows his face again as you're crossing, and he's still not pleased. His hand gropes out toward you as you're moving but you shouldn't be in any danger from it.
On the other side run down, grabbing the item on the left side as you head down. There's another item even further left down just a little bit. You'll then reach a little tunnel Noctis slides through.
Trudge on from here and you'll get a call that Imperial Troops have been spotted. Follow the path, watching for an item on your left. A little way beyond here is a group of Imperial Soldiers you have to fight.
Story Quest - The Trial of Titan
Suggested level: 20
Head to the indicated point so Noctis can try to talk with Titan. However, he's having none of it, so it's time for battle! Block the first two hits and you'll have to run away instead however. Be ready to hit Square as you run, as he's going to be punching at you.
When you drop down into the little bowl area that's a dead end, Gladio will help lift you out. Now you'll be running from his hand, so get moving! Once you're on the cliff Point Warp to the area below you.
After this there is a series of scripted blocks against Titan. Then you will come into the battle proper. See the video below if you need any help:
Story Quest - The Hexatheon's Blessing
Suggested level: 21
*You're without the Regalia for now, so you'll either have to hoof it or use a Chocobo. Since not having the car won't do, we are going to continue with the story.
When you're back in control you'll see Umbra. Then you'll have to chase them. This will lead you to Gentiana, whom Noctis is familiar with. Then you'll make another entry in Luna's book.
Then it's off to touch the first Runestone of Ramuh. Along the way, assuming you're going there immediately, you'll probably encounter a mech on the road by an Imperial Ship on the ground.
Follow the indicator after that and you'll find the first rune back in a cliff-type area. Then the second one will be revealed, so head there. There are Imperials in the area, but you can skirt them if you want and head up the trail to the second target.
Story Quest - The Trial of Ramuh
Suggested level: 22
On the way back down from the second target you'll find Imperials making their way up the hill you'll have to engage. After that make the fairly long trek across the way to your next target. When you arrive you'll head into a dungeon.
In the first room there's an item on both sides of the second rock. Head through the tight area into the next room. Follow the route until you reach an area you have to slide under. In this room you'll get in a fight that includes Bombs. After the fight get the items, including an Oracle Ascension Coin. There's also an Oracle Card hidden behind a rock near the door.
Continue on and you'll reach a fork. There's an item straight ahead, as well as to the right. Go down the final path and follow it around to where it meets the other path and there's an item there too called the Thieves' Way, which reduces the MP cost of Phasing.
At the next fork go right for a fire draw point and an item. Then continue on At the next fork go left and you'll find a Magic Flask. When you try to head through into the next area you'll be ambushed.
After the battle go through the tight space again and you'll find an item right on the other side. Continue on to hear a creepy voice. Then Prompto disappears! Continue on the path and you'll reach a fork. There's nothing to the right so head left. You'll probably be engaged in battle from far away even if you aren't sure where the enemies are. Continue forward and you'll find them.
When the battle is finally over it's time to collect some items. Back track the way you came down to where the enemies were and there should be an item you probably saw on your way down. Then continue forward until you reach a 3-way fork. Go right. This stretches back into a dead end with an item.
Go back to the fork and go into the little cave on the straight path. Follow the path inside and you'll see an item, but there's also an ambush. After you collect the item head back to the fork and take the final path.
There's an item right before the little gap you have to crawl through. In this big room you can go left or right. Go right and you'll find a locked door like the one in the cave behind the waterfall. If you head left you'll find the owner of the voice we heard earlier...
I don't know if there's anything that happens based on your answer to it, it attacks either way. If you have your Armigar it helps a lot. If not, Prompto's Piercer is pretty good too. After the fight follow the path and touch the final stone.
Story Quest - Engaging The Empire
Suggested level: 23
You'll get a call from Cindy letting you know she has found the Regalia (finally!) but the bad news is it's in an Imperial Base, just as expected.
The place is pretty far away, but you don't really have any choice but to make your way there by foot or Chocobo. When you finally arrive you'll be instructed to make camp nearby so you can plan the infiltration.
Once the operation begins, a terrible bit of stealth play comes in. You have to use Warp Strike to take out guards when their backs are turned.
When you get control follow the others and then step into the base. The game will hold your hand for the first kill, and then there's a guy on the right you have to warp strike too. Head into the base and Ignis will save you from a search light. Then follow him. After the short scene head the way Ignis is going and you should run into a couple soldiers. Don't warp strike them immediately, let them move apart a bit. Then hit the one on your left, then the right. You'll then be able to see a third guy you'll want to hit.
After that head for the laser fence (you can step into this light). In this room is more guys you have to hit, but I didn't bother figuring it out. If you get caught you'll have to fight them, which is no big deal.
There's a Magitek Booster in the building near the next laser fence. When you head in you'll see the Regalia. However, first there's a big mech and some soldiers to deal with.
When indicated you need to go destroy the big red tower. Open the laser fence and head that way. There's another mech in here and more soldiers. From here follow the path, checking the buildings for items, and you'll eventually reach the red pillar, which is protected by another mech and more soldiers.
First though, lay into the generator. Then, when indicated hold L2 to perform a Summon. Ramuh appears, and devastates everything...
After that run back to where the Regalia was. You'll soon be back on the open road. Return to Lestallum and meet with Iris to complete this mission.
Now that we have the Regalia, we are almost to the point where we can access that final locked area.
Story Quest - All Set to Sail
Suggested level: 25
*You'll be warned you won't be able to return for a while, but it's nothing to worry about unless you have other stuff you want to do first, as we'll be locked into another story mission for a bit.
When you're ready, agree to continue. Iris will be joining you in the car, and Ignis should be setting out for your next destination. You'll be stopped before you make it terribly far with a new problem to deal with.
*Before we can complete this, we have to switch to another quest.
Story Quest - Imperial Infiltration
Suggested level: 25
Cross the bridge and follow the road straight to where it leads to the front of the base. For whatever reason you can run right in the front... You can avoid the enemies by staying in the grass area and moving up toward the fort. Then follow it around to the area indicated by the quest. Chances are though as you're heading around you'll be engaged by a mech and 2 soldiers.
After that head for the indicated place up on the watch tower. Up on this area are more enemies, so dispose of them then move to the top.
This will begin another stealth section. This time you have to track the Base Commander as he is walking and then capture him. If you fail it makes you restart.
Stick to the area you start in, staying up against the wall as you follow. Around the first bit of stuff in your way is a soldier to you have Warp Kill. Then move up the nearby tower and Warp kill the guy up on the stairs. Now there should be an area across from you you can Warp to. On this walkway is another guy you'll want to Warp Kill. Follow this path to the end and jump off toward the left. Move up to the fence and you should be able to Warp to a point on the other side. Move along this area a bit and then you can Warp to another structure in front of you. From here Warp to yet another structure across from you and wait. You'll be able to get the guy from here when the time comes.
When he separates let him move off by himself around the building, then you can jump down and get him. Just move up to him from behind or hit Triangle when indicated.
Once indicated follow the way in front of you and heard toward the indicated point. You can fight with just the two of you or run to the area indicated to get your other allies back. Like last time go right for the generator, and then take out the enemy forces. Save your Armigar if you have it though, as there's another fight coming up.
Ignis will return after the fight and reveal our hard work was for naught as the guy escaped. Try to leave and another battle begins. Use your Armigar and Pronto's move whenever available and you'll take her down. Afterward the game will take you out of here automatically.
Story Quest - All Set to Sail - Continued
Suggested level: 25
You'll be forced to rest, and then you'll be back on the road.
During the ride you'll be asked if you want to stop at Malmalam Thicket. Agree if you want, it gets the quest in your log, but I'll detail this quest later on, so it's back in the car.
Further along you'll be offered the chance to stop at a seaside parking lot. Other than listening to some conversations and finding an item on the ground I'm not sure if there is any significance to this stop.
You'll be offered a third stop, but there's not much down here but some ingredients, a treasure at the very end if you follow the way, though nothing too special, a camping spot and a fishing spot. Head back to the car when you're ready.
And finally you'll arrive. When you talk to Cindy you'll have to part ways with Iris, so do so when ready. Speak to Cindy when she will let you and you'll be instructed to speak with Talcott. Speak with Iris afterward.
*You'll have to agree to continue, which will lock you into a story quest until it's done. Agree when you're ready and this quest is complete.
Story Quest - Party of Three
Suggested level: 26
*If your Hunter rank is high enough you may want to get the Hunter Quest - Divine Beast of the Underworld from Meldacio Hunter HQ, as it's for the boss of the dungeon in this mission.
Right at the start Gladio will inform you he has business to take care of. I agreed to let him go, and imagine he probably goes no matter what you pick. Don't worry, this is only for the duration of this quest you are locked in right now.
After some other stuff you'll be driving in the Regalia down a party member. You'll be near a blockaded entrance to the Vesperpool, but it will open for you as you approach. Further on you'll run into some enemies.
*You can avoid them by taking the dirt road on your left, but Prompto will ask to take a photo if you travel on the regular road, so your call.
When you arrive at the quest location you'll find a now familiar face, old Ardyn, and he's going to help us yet again despite being with the enemy in a hostile zone...
*There is an item and weapon shop in this area, so feel free to check them out.
Follow him through the swamp and we'll see another familiar face, Aranea. She will actually join your party, bringing you back up to 4.
You may find the way into the temple blocked. You can only get into this place during the evening/night hours, so approach again during that time and you can enter.
Follow the long path that leads down into the dungeon. In the first room the right leads to a dead end, but there's no treasure there. Head the other way and you'll reach a room with three options. Go left first and you'll see a treasure, but stuff falls and covers it... In the other way that dead ends is a Chrome Bit.
Head the way that continues on and you'll have left or right to choose from, at least on the map. The right route is blocked, but there are probably some skeletons. Head the only way available and you'll run into more skeletons and a Reaper in this room. After the battle open the door and continue on.
Go left to the dead end for an item and then head the other way. On your left out on an open area is a platform with a Magic Flask, and some enemies.
A little further ahead is a ledge you have to shimmy on. Head down the stairs and continue on the next floor down. You'll see an item ahead, but some skeletons will appear too. Continue on and down another set of stairs to the next floor down.
You'll be jumped again in the open area as you continue forward on this floor. Further down you'll find a door to open. You'll be up on some raised platforms and there are 2 bridges. However, trying to cross either one results in you falling and enemies appearing. On one end of this room is a passage that dead ends with an item there. There's only one way out of here, so head that way into the next room.
There's more enemies in this room, so clear them out. Head up the stairs. Right leads to the room you were in previously, but all bridges are broken so go left. In here go right and follow the way down. You should find some stairs leading down to a door. Open it and go in. This room is empty except a door on the right, so open it. In this room are some enemies and a Mythril Shaft.
Head back up to the last fork and go the other way. An enemy appears and smashes the bridge. You'll then have to fight the Iron Giant plus some other enemies. When it's over, interestingly enough the broken bridges repair themselves.
*This can be a little wonky, wander around the area and they should repair if they aren't when you first approach them.
Ignore the way you need to go now and head left. The other bridge here should fix itself so you can get the item. Continue back into the other room and the other bridge leading to an item should repair itself.
Now head to the bridge that lets you continue on in the dungeon. Down here is a large platform/bridge leading to the other side. As you head out there enemies will appear. Continue on, grabbing the item near the door you need to go through.
*In this next area you'll in some of the dead ends you'll see these round gold things on the ground. Don't worry for now.
Move through this round room into the next area. You'll see some square rooms with little branching corridors. The one on your right has an item in it. The little dead end room you pass next also has an item in it.
A little further down you should run into some enemies. There's no item in the third little square room. A little further down you get jumped again. There's no item in the next little square room either, so keep going. You'll get jumped yet again. There's nothing in the next square room either.
Head down the stairs and you'll reach another room. Go straight across and into the dead end on the other side to find an Oracle Ascension Coin. Stepping out into the large open area will begin a boss fight.
This boss fight is pretty simple, basically just defend until it's on the ground, and then lay into it. When you defeat it you'll find the Mythril you need on the ground.
*Remember that item that debris fell on and that passage that was blocked? Just like the bridges the debris will fix themselves now. Down the blocked passage is an elevator which leads down to a room where you'll have to face an Iron Giant and 2 Lichs. You should be able to do a summon in here. On the ground is a Sapphire Bracelet (I haven't checked but this elevator may be related to those gold circles on the ground toward the end of the dungeon.
**The item which was buried is a Megaelixir.
With the Mythril in hand it's time to leave this place. Outside Aranea takes her leave and offers to take you to Lestallum for the next part of your quest. Accept when ready.
Story Quest - A Precious Source of Power
Suggested level: 27
When you arrive at the power plant there's trouble. There's only protective gear for one, so let's send the Chosen One in by himself. Head in the indicated direction and you'll find the "hunter" sent in ahead of you...
In the power plant exterior grab the item and then cross the little bridge. Time for battle! More enemies appear after the first ones you deal with, but it should be no problem. After that leave the plant and this one is complete.
Sidequests
Now that we have access to the Vesperpool it's time to start cleaning up more Sidequests.
*From this point on you can start doing all the necessary stuff to build up your Upgradable Weapons like the Engine Blade, which become the best weapons in the game. You'll definitely want to keep an eye on this. See the Weapons and Upgradeable Weapons section for more, and get started if you haven't been doing any at all up to this point!
Side Quest - Tending the Land
*I'm not sure if you can get this right here, but it's around this time for sure. You may have to do another event with Iris at the house if you picked the flower with Gladio during one of the Camp Quests.
This is available at the house in Caem from Iris. Head up to the indicated area and sow the seeds. Then go sleep. After that you have to wait until the crops are ready to harvest.
They carrots are ready after you sleep somewhere after planting them.
When you pick them a person appears, Tony. Apparently he's into these carrots and will trade you items for them.
*He possesses the Ulwaat Berries for the Side Quest - Berried Memories.
When you can't grow anymore carrots you have to do quests or hunts for the soil to regenerate.
Side Quest - The Ever Valorous Regalia
Suggested level: 26
This quest is part of the chain you get from Cindy. You've had it for some time if you've followed this guide, but it required access to the Vesperpool, which we just got. Head to the indicated area.
The Supercharger isn't hard to find, but there's some rather strong enemies in the area you'll have to clear. Once they are dead the item can be found there by the broken down vehicle.
We'll turn this in soon, but there's another quest in this area we can take care of while we're here.
Side Quest - No Pain, No Gem
Suggested level: 25
This is part of Dino's quest line. You've had this quest for a while if you've been following this guide, but it required access to the Vesperpool.
Head to the indicated area. It reveals a dungeon and gives you the quest The Myrtlewood. However, we'll worry about that later. If you hang left when you enter the first big area you will find the gemstone.
When that's done, go turn in the Regalia quest. There's another one, but the level is pretty high so we'll leave it be for the time being. Be sure to equip the Super Charger on the Regalia.
Now head down to Galden Quay and turn in Dino's quest (assuming you didn't just start using this guide right at this quest). He will give you a quest that we will also put on hold for now.
Side Quest - Fishing Buddies
Suggested level: 11
Now you've had this quest for a REALLY long time if you've been following this guide. The reason is because I didn't want to spend any time fishing until I had the Exploration talents that give you AP and EXP for catching fish.
You'll need to catch a Crag Barramundi. The quest recommends the Sweet Jamming: Custard as the lure. You can get one at the fishing shop in Galden Quay (possibly others too, haven't checked). The time is during the Day.
Turn the quest in to the nearby guy.
Side Quest - The Perfect Landscape
Suggested level: 8
This quest should become available just after reaching Lestallum and meeting with Iris. When it's time for you to leave for the next story quest this and some others in the area should become available. I ignored it in favor of progressing the story for access to the Vesperpools.
It is available from a rotund gentleman who reminds me a lot of John Candy (R.I.P) down near the viewing platforms.
All you really have to do is head to the indicated point and press X to take the picture. You'll need to do this twice for this mission, so after the first picture head to the next area.
Once you have both photos return to Vyv. This will unlock another quest, An Eye for Islands.
Side Quest - An Eye for Islands
Suggested level: 10
This quest is unlocked by completing The Perfect Landscape, and is received from Vyv in Lestallum.
You will need to go to Galden Quay for this one.
Prompto declines the first place you come across. If you head to the ferry dock you can get the photo. Once you have it return to Vyv. This should unlock another quest, Aftermath of the Astral War.
Side Quest - Aftermath of the Astral War
Suggested level: 12
This quest is received from Vyv in Lestallum after completing An Eye for Islands.
The quest leads you to a watchtower where you can take the photo at the top. The second shot is easily obtained right from the road.
Return to Vyv after you have them. This will unlock the quest Of Gods and Kings.
Side Quest - Of Gods and Kings
Suggested level: 14
This quest is available from Vyv in Lestallum after completing Aftermath of the Astral War.
You'll need to head to the area and take the first photo outside the big gate. Then head inside and get one of the tomb itself. Once you have them head back to Vyv. This should unlock the quest Vyv's Volcanic Inspiration.
*Don't worry about the tomb itself being empty, I'll make sure you get them all when the time is right.
Side Quest - Vyv's Volcanic Inspiration
Suggested level: 20
This quest is received from Vyv in Lestallum after completing the quest Of Gods and Kings.
It takes place on the Rock of Ravataugh, which you probably haven't been to but maybe the base if you've been following this guide. So first, head to the area. You'll find the entrance past the fences on the NW side (you can see the passages between the rocks on your World Map). Once inside the dungeon proper you'll get the quest The Rock of Ravatogh, which I will detail separately in its own section.
Follow the narrow path up until you reach a larger room with a fork. Left is a dead end so go right.
*I'll detail any items you may be seeing along the way in the quest entry for the dungeon rather than here.
Unless I'm not seeing something you need to Sprint to climb parts of the steep hill, so if you're slipping try that. Follow this very narrow path until it opens up into another large area. You can step on the lava but you may want to climb the rocky left side until the path splits. At the split both ways will get you up, so take the longer route with battles that isn't on fire or the fiery path. It doesn't really matter right now as there's items on both sides and we'll be returning here, so climb however you want.
At this point both paths converge an a fiery section you'll have to climb. Remember that time on this type of surface causes Overhead, which damages your characters. Just ahead is the photo spot, so take it.
Once you have the photo you can either return to Vyv, or continue on with this dungeon. See The Rock of Ravatogh quest section for more. This should unlock the quest A Place to Call Home.
Side Quest - A Place to Call Home
Suggested level: 22
This quest is available from Vyv in Lestallum after completing Vyv's Volcanic Inspiration.
You must return to Insomnia, where the game started. You must return to the hill that overlooks the city like you did when you first heard the city was in danger. The enemies here are higher, but the rest is the same.
Once you have it return to Vyv. This should add the quest The Pen is Mightier than the Sword, and as part of that quest, Leide Imperial Base, Duscae Imperial Base and Cleigne Imperial Base.
Side Quest - The Pen is Mightier than the Sword
Suggested level: 25
This quest is available from Vyv in Lestallum after completing the quest A Place to Call Home.
This adds 3 other objectives:
Leide Imperial Base
Duscae Imperial Base
Cleigne Imperial Base
You need photos of all three, so let's start in the E of the world map and work our way west. So on to Leide Imperial Base.
At Liede head for the marker. Chances are you'll find a few regular enemies in the way, but then a ship probably will come and drop some Imperial Troops. What they drop doesn't seem fixed as one time it was level 40 enemies (I ran even though I could have beat them) and some level 24 enemies (when I returned). So be aware of that. Once they are clear snap the photo.
*This is still an active base, and should give you the quest Formouth Garrison.
Next is Duscae Imperial Base, so head there. If you let Ignis drive you to the destination he takes you pretty much right to the picture spot. I didn't get attacked this time until after I took the picture, and a few 47 guys dropped.
*There doesn't seem to be a quest for here, but if you head right from the front door and follow it around you can find a Chrome Bit and an Electolytic Converter. I also ran into a Coeurl here if you need the whiskers for weapon improvement.
Now to the last one, Cleigne Imperial Base. This photo is easy to get to, and I didn't get attacked at all.
When you have all three return to Vyv. This should unlock the quest The Cursed Canvas, but it takes place in Altissia, which we haven't arrived at yet in this guide.
Side Quest - Iris Quest
This "quest" becomes available after A Precious Source of power, and you'll find her near the viewing platforms of Lestallum. All that happens is she gives you a moogle doll which you can use as a decoy in battle.
*This may also require you went with Iris on the "date" not long after you first arrived in Lestallum.
Side Quest - Van, Interrupted
Suggested level: 10
This quest becomes available from a merchant at a spice stand in the Lestallum market not long after first arriving in Lestallum and advancing the story from there a little.
You may have already picked this up and maybe even done as it's been ignored by this guide for quite a while. If you haven't though, head to the indicated area.
Take the stairs near the parking spot on the bridge down and head toward the indicated area. You'll see a truck surrounded by some flying enemies. When they are dead go around the back of the truck and you can get the cargo. Then return to the merchant.
This should unlock the quest Van Interrupted, Again.
Side Quest - Van, Interrupted Again
Suggested level: 15
This quest becomes available from a spice merchant in the Lestallum market after completing his quest, Van, Interrupted.
Head to the indicated area and you'll find the vehicle just off the road surrounded by Voretooth. Once you have the cargo return to the merchant.
Side Quest - Mind the Trap
Suggested level: 10
This quest becomes available from a young boy in one of the stalls in the Lestallum market not long after arriving in Lestallum for the first time and then advancing the story a bit.
All you have to do is head to the indicated area and you'll find the hunter in question standing here. The hunter will say the agreement's fine, but he needs some traps removed, so go do it.
I can't say if I'm just blind or what but I actually had a bit of a hard time seeing these, so I decided I would make a video for this part.
Once you have disabled the traps, return to the hunter, then to the boy back in Lestallum Market.
Side Quest - Steam Valve Inspection
Suggested level: 10
I think this became available after the story quest A Precious Source of Power.
You need to check on 8 valves. I just threw a video together rather than do a a few paragraphs of explaining where to run through the area.
When you're done report back to Holly. This should unlock the quest Power to the Pylons I - III
Side Quest - Power to the Pylons I-III
Suggested level: 15
This quest is available from Holly in Lestallum after completing the quest Steam Valve Inspection.
This quest has 3 parts, 1 for each pylon. Obviously we'll start with I, then II and finally III.
*Pylon 1*
Head to the indicated area and you'll find a rather large search area. Below are some screenshots of where you need to go (look for a stationary lift by the structure):
Climb to the top of the ladder and you'll find a lever you can interact with. Then it's on to the next one.
*Pylon 2*
More of the same. Head to the one where you can see the vehicle up there parked by it. Climb the ladder and interact with the lever, and grab the item before you go.
*Pylon 3*
You may want to drive to this Pylon if you were just at 2, as even though it's not that far away there's stuff in the way between you and it.
*You may encounter a quest called A Little Slip-Up here (it was night when I was here, not sure if that matters). They are at the base of a large rock near where you probably heard them call for help.
Once again make for the one with the broken down vehicle up there by it and interact with the switch.
Once all 3 are done return to Holly. This should unlock the quest Holding Back the Dark.
Side Quest - Holding Back the Dark
Suggested level: 20
This quest is available from Holly in Lestallum after completing the quest Power to the Pylons.
*This quest is a lot easier if you've done the exploring in the area, which this guide advised a long time ago. If not you'll have to make the drives without fast travel (or don't fast travel if you don't want to anyways of course).
Head to Burbost Souvenir Emporium and interact with the device. You will then be sent to Coernix Station - Cauthess to do the same thing. Then it's on to Cauthess Rest Station. You'll be ambushed at this light.
*I got a Glass Gemstone after this, not sure if that was random or supposed to happen but this is an item for upgrading weapons with Cid.
After the battle report back to Holly to finish the quest.
Royal Tomb
If you look at you map, SW of Coernix Station - Cauthess, you can see an area called Thommel's Glade. If you go here and head up the path you'll find a Royal Tomb with a Royal Weapon, the Shield of the Just.
Side Quest - Ace of Carapace
Suggested level: 15
This quest is available from a weapon merchant in Lestallum shortly after arriving there for the first time and advancing the story a little more.
Head to the indicated location.
*There are some of these enemies outside the quest area, and if you kill them it does NOT complete the objective, so don't be confused or fooled by this.
After you defeat them you'll get the requested item, so return to the weapon dealer and turn the quest in. This should unlock the quest Tails Spin.
Side Quest - Tails Spin
Suggested level: 20
This quest is available from a weapon merchant in Lestallum after completing the quest Ace of Carapace.
Just like with Ace of Carapace, you can find the enemies outside the mission area but they will NOT count for the mission.
Make sure you're on the proper side of the river to reach the mission area, then take out the Spiracorns. There are also some crabs in the area, so be ready for that.
Once you defeat them and get the item return to the merchant in Lestallum. This should unlock the quest Sting Your Praises.
Side Quest - Sting Your Praises
Suggested level: 25
This quest becomes available from a weapon merchant in Lestallum after completing the quest Tails Spin.
Like the others it only counts if you kill the ones in the quest area.
Once you have the item return to the weapon merchant in Lestallum.
Side Quest - Fishing, Naturally
Suggested level: 23
This quest becomes available after completing the quest Fishing Buddies. You may also have to progress the story to finishing A Precious Source of Power, but I'm not sure I didn't just overlook it.
For this one you have to catch a Cherrycomb Trout, which can only be caught during evening (look at your clock on your mini-map and you can see what time of day it is. Evening shows a setting sun, and is something like 2pm to 7pm).
*You may want to save your game at 2pm, or before whatever time you start, just in case.
The lure you need is Whiskers: Crystal, and you can get it at Dory of the Deep, the fishing shop in Schier Heights (S part of map).
I got the fish on my first try... So I don't know how hard it might be, but since you can see the fish in the water it shouldn't be too bad.
Head over to Navyth and give it to him. He gives you a rod but it's inferior to the one you can buy at the shop in the Vesperpool.
This should unlock the quest Navyth's Challenge, but we're going to wait, as the difficulty goes up a lot and we need access to better equipment.
Side Quest - The Professor's Protege - Gigantoad
Suggested level: 28
This question is available from the professor in Old Lestallum after completing the quest The Professor's Protege - Yellow Frogs.
*I am only focusing on the current objective. For information on this dungeon if you want to complete it while you're here see the quest associated with this place: Side Quest - Malmalam Thicket.
Once you arrive hike up into the area. As you enter the dungeon you will be told to slay a Gigantoad, and you'll be able to see where to go thanks to the quest objective. Follow the path until it opens up into a larger area. Head straight across into the next path. It will eventually lead to a river, and you can see the edge of the search area.
Head up the river and you'll find the Gigantoad, along with some Shieldshears. Once it's dead you can head back to the professor. This should unlock the quest The Professor's Protege - Wyvern in Verinas Mart - Ravatogh.
Side Quest - The Professor's Protege - Wyvern
Suggested level: 35
This quest is available in Verinas Mart - Ravatogh after completing the quest The Professor's Protege - Gigantoad.
*This section just focuses on the objective for this quest. If you want to do the quest associated with the Ravatogh dungeon, see the quest entry Side Quest - The Rock of Ravatogh
You're already in the Ravatogh area, so head up to the dungeon. We've already been there in this guide, but just in case you can see where to access the path to the dungeon on the NW part of this area on the World map.
Once inside the dungeon follow the path to the first fork and go right. Remember you need Stamina to climb this hill at parts or you slip. Once you've climbed the hill follow the path until you reach an area with lava running down a hill. Climb this area, keeping in mind being on the lava causes Overheat, which damages your characters.
At the fork I found some Wyvern to the left, and even though it was outside the quest area it gave me the clear for the objective.
*I had went right first and ran up to where you can see the lava flow coming from at the top of the hill and I saw a Wyvern flying there, not sure if that was necessary or not to the ones being there on the left side of the fork.
When you have the item return to the professor.
Side Quest - Lestallum's Finest
Suggested level: 28
This quest becomes available after completing the quest Everyone Loves Beans.
Head to Lestallum's market and go to the indicated stall. He doesn't have what you need, the shipment was waylaid. Well, we've been there before, so time to go get it. When you arrive at the indicated area you'll find the item surrounded by enemies.
Once they're down, take the shipment back to the shop in Lestallum, and then return the ingredient to Hammerhead. This should unlock the quest A Meat Most Magnificent. However, we will put this on hold as we can get this item through a hunter quest we will do later.
Side Quest - Malmalam Thicket
Suggested level: 35
*If your Hunter level is high enough you may want to pick up the Hunter Quest Malmalam Mirage from Old Lestallum.
You should have been put onto this quest when you were riding with Iris toward Caem. Otherwise I imagine you'll get it if you enter the Malmalam Thicket. It's in the S part of the map.
Make the hike up the path to the dungeon proper.
Once inside follow the path. At the first turn you can find an item up against the nearby rock. Continue on, keeping an eye on your left for another item not far along. A bit further from here you'll reach a larger open area.
There are some ingredients on the left, and the other path continues into the dungeon. Keep an eye on the right for an item as you continue forward. When you reach the river head upstream.
In this big area clear the enemies then head to the right side where the river runs around a large rock to find an item by the wall. Then climb the other nearby waterfall to find an item on the left. Staying up here, cross the other way and head up this path. Just down this path is the monster you have to defeat.
Don't underestimate this guy, he hits like a train and there's poison around him. When he's defeated head into the Royal Tomb and claim your Royal Weapon.
Side Quest - On the Hunt for a Harvest
Suggested level: 10
I didn't notice this quest but it seems to have unlocked after I talked to the vendor in Lestallum for the quest Lestallum's Finest. It's at the same stand.
Reaching the next destination you'll find a man to speak with. Doing so leads you to another nearby area where you must kill some enemies. When they are finished pick some of the nearby ingredients to get the Green Bean, and then head back to the guy you just talked to.
*Very near this farm, just to the N, is the quest New to the Road, which is another wrecked motorist you have to help with a Repair Kit.
Then head back to the shop owner in Lestallum to turn the quest in. This should unlock the quest Wild About Onions.
Side Quest - Wild About Onions
Suggested level: 12
This quest becomes available from a merchant in Lestallum after completing the quest On the Hunt for a Harvest.
Head to the indicated area and pick up the onions. That's it. Seriously. No trap, no ambush, no helping random farmer A. Just a vegetable to be picked.
Head back to Lestallum to turn it in. This should unlock the quest Vegging Out.
Side Quest - Vegging Out
Suggested level: 20
This quest is available in the Lestallum market after completing the quest Wild About Onions.
This is another freebie like the last one, so pick it up and take it back to Lestallum.
Side Quest - The Myrlwood
Suggested level: 36
This quest is gained by stepping foot into the Myrlwood dungeon for the first time. We've been there in this guide for a professor quest, but if you haven't it's in the W part of the Vesperpool area.
Hike up and head into the dungeon proper. Follow the path until you reach a large open room. When it does keep right and you'll find a Megaphone next to the wall. Continue following the wall and you'll find an Oracle Ascencion Coin between a rock and the wall. Ignore the path that continues forward for now and keep circling this room. In the S portion you'll find another item against the wall. There's a Mandrake Flower just ahead of where you entered this room.
Now head to the ignored path that continues forward. At the fork go left and you'll find a big room with a waterfall. There's a camping spot here and a fishing spot. There's also some items on the left and right side of the fishing pond, 2 on the right and 1 on the left.
Head back and take the other path, which opens into another big room. There's an item on your left as you enter. Head down the path and at the bottom a battle with the boss will begin.
He's really not very difficult at all, and I was even given the chance to summon and defeat it, making it all the easier, but really it would have been fine to just fight it.
When it's dead look by the tree for an item.
*If you have the sidequest The Professor's Protege - Myrtwood Firefly you can complete this now. The firelies are in the boss area. There's one by the tree in the middle, one in the S on a ledge near the royal tomb and the last is in the N of the room in the dead end by the cliff/ramp.
Now head into the Royal Tomb to claim another Royal Weapon and we're done here.
Side Quest - The Professor's Protege - Myrtwood Firefly
Suggested level: 45
This quest should become available from the Professor near Meldacio Hunter HQ after completing the quest The Professor's Protege - Wyvern
*This quest entry just focuses on this objective. For a full walkthrough of this dungeon see the quest Side Quest - The Myrtwood.
You should be familiar with this area by now but just in case this dungeon is located in the W portion of the Vesperpool.
Hike up to the dungeon entrance and head inside. When you reach the first large room the way forward is pretty much straight across. At the next fork go right and you can see the start of the search area.
The fireflies are in the final room. You have to defeat the boss of the area before you can pick them up. One is found by the tree in the middle, one in the S on a ledge near the royal tomb and the last is in the N of the room in the dead end by the cliff/ramp.
When you have them leave the area and head back to the professor. This should unlock the quest The Professor's Protege - Griffon in Coernix Station - Cauthess. However, it's quite high leveled so we'll tackle some other stuff first.
Side Quest - A Need for Noodles
This becomes available after completing A Previous Source of Power. It's in Lestallum, and should come up if you go near the Noodle Cart.
Head to the Noodle Cart in Lesallum to further this quest after Gladio suggests it. This will change the quest to The Perfect Cup.
*I got the 80 sidequests tophy complete here.
Side Quest - The Perfect Cup
Suggested level: 35
This quest becomes available after Gladio suggests he would like a great Cup Noodle.
Head to the indicated restaurant and get info on the area. This reveals the location of your target, so head there (S of Prairie Outpost). I found the beast in the S part of the search area, but it's rather large so you shouldn't have too many problems finding it.
Once it's defeated go set up camp nearby to enjoy the fruits of your labors.
Side Quest - Mountains of Misfortune
Suggested level: 35
This quest is received from Dave at the Meldacio Hunter HQ after competing the quest Washed Away.
Head to the indicated area. When you reach the search area keep heading N/NW until you see a lone Cockatrice. You'll know you're in the right area because the search area will shrink and quest objective update. Take out the creature and grab the dog tag.
Return to Dave to complete the quest. This should unlock the quest The Witch in the Woods in Verinas Mart - Ravatogh. You have to speak with the tipster and get information to reveal it.
Side Quest - The Witch of the Woods
Suggested level: 40
This quest is available from the Tipster at Verinas Mart - Ravatogh after completing the quest Mountain of Misfortune. You have to get information from the Tipster to reveal the quest.
Head to Malmalam Thicket to begin and make the climb toward the dungon. Along the way you should find Dave on the path near one of the signs that say No Hunters Allowed. Once you get your next objective take a path on your left instead of the one that goes into the dungeon to reach the hut. Watch for an Earth Gemstone along the way. Speak to the lady here, who also runs a little store.
Now head into the dungeon. You have to go all the way to where the Royal Tomb is (see the quest Side Quest - Malmalam Thicket for a guide) to find the tag. It's on the ground right next to a rock that is right by the front of the tomb.
Once you have it return to the lady at the hut in the woods outside the dungeon. Then return to Dave, who is now at the Hunter HQ.
Side Quest - The Ever Illustrious Regalia
Suggested level: 45
*Don't think the headlights sounds useless or anything as these headlights make it so you can drive at night without running into Daemons and being forced to stop like happens without them.
This quest is available from Cindy in Hammerhead after completing the quest The Ever Valorous Regalia.
*You'll want to bring along items that can cure Toad!
To reach the area in question you must head to the Parking spot E of Hammerhead, th eway that leads to Insomnia (you can't go to the city or anything, but the area where people normally would in this world, by Ustium Gorge).
Take out the enemies gathered at the front gate here and move through. Go right and you'll find an opening in a fence. Follow this path down and down more until you reach a hole in the ground with a ladder. This is the dungeon entrance for Crestholm Channels.
You'll also get the Sidequest - Crestholm Channels.
*There are very dangerous monsters in here. You'll want to be very strong, and maybe have some of the Daemon weapons from the Hunter HQ. Yojimbo is a regular enemy you will see that is particularly dangerous. There are 2 fights you will have to participate in, but you can run or fight other stuff as you want.
For now though we will just focus on this quest. See the section for the above sidequest for the guide for this dungeon.
At the bottom of the ladder go down the path on the right, all the way until there are some stairs in front of you and another way to go on the right. Go right and slide down here. Go left when you land and slide down another way. Continue forward when you land and then go left, sliding down yet again.
Down here is the first battle you must participate in for this quest. There's a naga creature (remember the snake with human head that wanted to know what happened to its baby earlier in the game? It's one of those, but bigger and badder). It's a tight fit, especially with the creature's bulk. Worse, it can inflict the Frog status ailment, so be ready for that.
*You have to defeat this because you can't climb a ladder later on because you will be within its fight range.
When it's dead exit this room and go up the stairs. Follow this path until you reach another room. Here is the second unavoidable battle, against a Giant Black Flan (think it had a different name though). You have to defeat this guy so you can climb the ladder in this room.
Once it's dead climb the ladder into the tunnel. Over here climb another ladder. Up here there's a shimmy point on your right, and then a pipe you shimmy across to the other side of the room. In this next room you'll see a door with 4 lock symbols, but it doesn't matter for this Regalia quest so don't worry abou it for now. Instead climb the nearby ladder. Follow the path to another room and climb a ladder into another tunnel. On the other side climb another ladder.
At the top of the ladder is a machine. Turning it one removes one of the locks on that door back there, and also turns lights on in the dungeon, which eliminates most enemy encounters in here, so activate it. Then go over and open the nearby door.
You'll reach a junction with several ways you can go. If you contiue straight a bit you'll see 4 tunnels down below you just a bit. Don't hop down there yet though. If you keep going straight you can find a door that you can open from this side that leads back to the start of the dungeon.
Now backtrack and jump down to those 4 tunnels. Take the one that is second from the right most one and it will lead down to where the Regalia part is.
*If you continue on down this area you can activate another machine, which will help you later with the quest for this place.
Return to Cindy to complete the quest. Don't forget to install the new component afterward!
*You may also want to stay and complete this place. If so see the Side Quest - Crestholm Channels.
Side Quest - Crestholm Channels
Suggested level: 45
*If your Hunter level is high enough you may want to pick up the Hunter Quest - Serpent of the Abyss, as the boss of this dungeon is the target.
This quest becomes available the first time you enter Crestholm Channels. You can find this place by going through the first checkpoint that would normally lead to Insomnia. On the other side of the checkpoint go right and you'll find an entrance through a fence. Follow this down to the dungeon.
*There are some very dangerous monsters here. Watch out for Yojimbo in particular. There are a couple of fights you can't avoid, but you can run or fight from most of the enemies as you wish.
*You've been here if you've been following this guide, but for those who may not have I will do the dungeon from the start.
Once you've climbed down into the dungeon go left up the first set of stairs. There's a machine you can activate here, so do so. I'm not sure if it will turn lights on, as I activated a different machine. If it doesn't don't worry, it's still important.
Jump back down and continue to follow this way all the way down until you see stairs in front of you and another way on the right. Go left of the stairs and into the little tunnel to find an item.
Go right and you'll slide down. When you land go straight, and up the stairs on your right. Follow this way around until you see an entrance on your left. There's an item here, as well as a machine. Activate the machine, it's important later.
After that go back the way you came, but go down the other way you didn't go when you turned left. Follow this and you'll end up dropping into another room. There's a Friendship Band up the nearby stairs but you'ld have to clear the room (unless that machine turned on the lights, I turned a different one on first).
When you're done here either way go right and you'll see another way to go. Go this way and you'll fall again. A long way this time. Worse you land in a room with a giant snake (remember the naga with a human head in the dungeon earlier in the game that wanted to know what happened to its baby? This is one of those, but bigger and meaner). It can also inflict the Frog status ailment, so be ready for that.
*You must defeat this, as there's a ladder further on you can't climb if it's alive due to it engaging combat.
When it is defeated leave this room and go left, heading up the stairs. If you follow the way right you'll find magic you can absorb and Iron Shavings at the end. Then back track and go the other way at the stairs. This leads to another room, and in here you'll have to fight a Giant Black Flan.
*You must defeat this, as you can't climb the nearby ladder if you don't.
Climb the nearby ladder, go through the little tunnel, and climb another ladder on your right. On your right up here is a shimmy point. Then shimmy across the pipe that stretches across the room.
In this next room you'll see 4 locked symbols (2 should be unlocked already, 3 if you were here for the Regalia quest already). Ignore it for now and climb the nearby ladder. Follow this path to another room. There's an item in here against the far wall, a rather interesting accesory called Auto-changer.
Climb the ladder in here and then anther one on your right. Up here you'll see another machine. Activate it if you haven't. If lighs haven't come on they will now. Go right, grabbing the item, then go the other way. At the fork go straight. On your left you'll find an item, and a door you can open that leads back to the start of the dungeon. Turn around and continue down this path and you'll see another item and a door. Open the door and lower the ladder on the other side.
Now backtrack to the 4 way fork. Go right (Would have been left when you first approached the fork). Some monsters appear here. After they are gone open the nearby door. Follow this path and you'll reach an area slightly above the room below. Go right for an item. Then go the other way, staying up here. There's an item in the last left side dead end.
Continue on and you'll be on another ledge. There's an item on your right and a ladder you can lower on your left.
Now use the map to return to the entrance of the dungeon. Climb back down and go right. Go through the door you unlocked earlier. You'll see 4 tunnels nearby and slightly below you. Jump down and go through the one that is second to the right one. If you follow this path down and forward you'll find the final machine you need to activate. Further still is a ladder you can lower.
*The Regalia part for Side Quest - The Ever Illustrious Regalia is down here too.
Once the machine is activated drop down the ladder you just dropped and retrace your path to where that big 4x lock door was. Go through that door and you'll find yourself facing a Dragon!
This guy is no joke. He hits hard and has some varying attacks, some of which I'm not sure can be phased through like the fire rain.
It drops an item called Drooping Whiskers.
When you have defeated this beast head to the E side of the area. There's a ladder you can climb down here but it leads to a locked door, so don't worry about it for now.
The other ladder lets you out of this area, or you can just telelport out.
Side Quest - The Rock of Ravatogh
Suggested level: 30
This quest is received the first time you enter the dungeon at Ravatogh.
Once you arrive in the dungeon proper, follow the path. At the first fork left is a dead end with an item. After that go right. There's an item on the nearby rock as you start that way. At the next hill remember you can slip and fall without using stamina to run up the hill.
About midway up the hill on the left is a Strong Bone, then continue up. At the top of the steep hill go left and get the item in the dead end here. Then follow the path up to the next area. Left of the entrance is a Supple Tail. Then climb the hill, keeping an eye out for the Tiny Feather on the left not far up.
At the fork on this hill go left. Climb this area a bit and take the enemies out. There's an item nearby, and then a section of cliff you'll see you can climb if you approach it. Climb a second cliff. At the top keep an eye out for an item on the left and continue forward.
Keep an eye out for a glass gemstone on the left asy ou continue past the camp. It's by a magic draw point. Continue on this path for a little while and it will eventually lead to a cliff. Below you can see a nest in the area, so drop down. Continue on from here and you'll slide into another area.
In this big area head to the NW and you'll see a little path that leads further on. Follow this long path and you'll find a Royal Tomb. Head inside and get the Royal Weapon.
The path to the N takes you off the mountain. I didn't see any treasures along the way.
Side Quest - Formouth Garrison
Suggested level: 46
I can't remember for sure, I thought I wrote it down but I think you'll get this quest if you go near the base. It's located SE of Prairie Outpost.
First you have to head to the indicated vantage point. You will then be asked if you want to begi the infiltration.
If you go left from where you start you'll find an Electrolytic Converter in the building. Back where you started, you can go through the gate. The soldiers there don't react to you. When you're ready approach the generator to begin the battle.
*I got a Dynamo during this battle, which is for one of the weapons upgrade quests.
When you have finished the myriad of soldiers in the area and destroyed the generator reinforcements come flying in.
They seem to drop one ship at a time. First are some assassins. next are 2 mechs and maybe a bunch of soldiers. I'm not sure if they came around at the same time as the mechs or later. Next are the boss mechs. Don't underestimate them, they are quite strong. You'll probably want to focus on one at a time until you bring one down.
Defeat them and the missio is complete. You should get a Strange Engine.
Hunter Quest - Wild Beauties
Suggested level: 22
This hunter quest is available at Hammerhead.
Head to the indicated area and you'll need to defeat 3 Anaklaban.
Return to Hammerhead to turn this in and for the next Hunter Quest.
Hunter Quest - Bounty-Hunted Beauty
Suggested level: 28
This Hunter Quest is available at Hammerhead.
You need to kill 3 Anakadam and 3 Anak.
Return to Hammerhead to turn this in.
Hunter Quest - Sting in the Tail
Suggested level: 25
This quest is available at Longwythe Rest Area. You need to kill 5 Saphyrtail.
When you're done return to the rest area and turn the quest in.
Hunter Quest - Beast Over Brawn
Suggested level: 27
This quest is available at Longwythe Rest Area. You need to kill 2 Grandhorn and 3 Dualhorn.
Return and turn this quest in when you're done.
Hunter Quest - Feetfalls in the Dark
Suggested level: 20
This quest is available in Galden Quay. You need to kill 5 Hobgoblins.
Return to Galden Quay when done.
Hunter Quest - A Nightmare Came by Ferry
Suggested level: 28
This quest is available in Galden Quay. You must kill 5 Seadevil.
Return and turn this quest in.
Hunter Quest - Untamed Wild Horses
Suggested level: 25
This quest is available at Coernix Station - Alstor. You must kill 7 Spiracorn.
Turn it in when complete.
Side Quest - Savior of the Species
Suggested level: 18
*I'm not sure when this one shows up (it couldn't be before access to the Vesperpool I don't think) but I don't think it appears if you don't physically go to the Wiz Chocobo Post, as I have checked the map for quests multiple times at this stage and this wasn't on the map, but was as soon as I came here. It also probably requires completing the previous quest from this guy, Chase That Chocobo!
This quest is available at Wiz Chocobo Post.
When you get to the indicated area you'll get into a fight with some Sahagin. After the battle interact with the egg and then head back to Wiz Chocobo Post to deliver the egg.
Now you must wait for the egg to hatch.
*You'll get a phone call from the guy at the Chocobo Post when it's time. You have to let time pass in the game. From this point the egg hatched when I had finished the mission Hunter Quest - Rookie Hunter Tragedy (see below to see how many missions I did in that time. I don't have a hard time estimate on how long it actually takes).
Return when he calls. You'll get to see the chick, but that seems to be all for now.
Hunter Quest - Exorcism in the Nebula Woods
Suggested level: 19
This Hunter Quest is available at Wiz Chocobo Post. You must wait until night and defeat 3 Mindflayer.
Return to Wiz Chocobo and turn this in when finished.
Hunter Quest - Thunder in Them Thar Hills
Suggested level: 21
This quest is available in Wiz Chocobo Post. It must be night and you must defeat 5 Thunderbombs.
Turn it in to a Tipster when done.
Hunter Quest - Hammer the Cannibals
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available at Cauthess Rest Area. You must defeat 3 Skarnbulette and 3 Bulette.
Return to Cauthess Rest Area when you're done.
Hunter Quest - Things From the Past
Suggested level: 41
This quest is available at Caauthess Rest Area. You must defeat 3 Necromancers.
Return to a Tipster when done.
Hunter Quest - Secure the Mountain Pass
Suggested level: 12
This quest is available in Lestallum, from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you look on the map. You must defeat 9 Sabreclaw.
Return to Lestallum to turn it in.
Hunter Quest - Cool Callatein Mist
Suggested level: 22
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster in the middle of the city if you look on the map. You must do it at night and you must defeat 5 Ice Bomb.
Return to Lestallum to turn it in.
Hunter Quest - To Sting in Anger
Suggested level: 22
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster pretty much in the center of the city if you look on the map. You must defeat 3 Brutal Bee and 5 Killer Bee.
Return to Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Help Needed in EXINERIS
Suggested level: 24
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you look on the map. This also takes place in Lestallum, over at the power plant. Approach the power plant gate to enter.
You must do this at night and you must defeat 8 Garchimacera. This many in a small space can actually give them a suprising advantage, so try to stay on the fringe and keep them all on one side of you. At the level you should be at by now though it shouldn't matter too much.
Return to the same Tipster in Lestallum.
Hunter Quest - To Catch a Frog
Suggested level: 27
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you look at the map. You must defeat 2 Hekatontoad.
Return to Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Long Necks on the Plains
Suggeseted level: 28
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you look on the map. You must defeat 5 Arba.
Return the Lestallum when it's done.
Hunter Quest - They Came Back From the Mountain
Suggested level: 30
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster who is basically in the middle of the city if you look at the map. You must defeat 5 Megaloclaw.
Return to Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Rainstorm Duel! Poison Frog of Wennath
Suggested level: 32
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster who is basically in the middle of the city if you look at the map. You must defeat 1 Gaiatoad.
Return to Lestallum when you're done.
Hunter Quest - Acquit Not Evil
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available in Lestallum from the Tipster who is basically in the middle of the city if you look at the map. You must defat 3 Alphagin and 2 Sahagin.
Head down the stairs from the Parking Spot the game sends you to and follow the wall. You'll be able to get around and over to where the enemies are.
Head to Old Lestallum to turn it in.
Hunter Quest - The Last Spiracorns
Suggested level: 29
This quest is available in Old Lestallum. You must defeat 2 Duplicorn and 3 Spiracorn.
Return to Old Lestallum when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - Shear Force
Suggested level: 34
This quest is available in Old Lestallum. You must defeat 3 Mightyshears. You can access the area where they are from the S of the search area.
Return to Old Lestallum when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - Blobs Ashore
Suggested level: 35
This quest is available in Old Lesallum. It must be done at night and you must defeat 3 Gelatin.
Return to Old Lestallum when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - Malmalam Mirage
Suggested level: 51
This quest is available in Old Lestallum. You must defeat 1 Bandersnatch.
This quest is for the boss of Malmalam Thicket. If you've already beaten him you have to beat him again. See the Side Quest - Malmalam Thicket if you need any directions.
Head to Verinas Market - Ravatogh next.
Hunter Quest - Deadly Extermination
Suggested level: 37
This quest is available in Verinas Market - Ravatogh. You must defeat 3 Soldier Wasp and 3 Killer Wasp.
Return to Verinas Market - Ravatogh when you're done.
Hunter Quest - Verinas Mart Under Threat
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available in Verinas Mart - Ravatogh. You must defeat 7 Wyvern nearby.
Head back to Lestallum after this.
Hunter Quest - Avenge the Anglers
Suggested level: 24
*If you've been following the guide up until now we already did Lestallum, but I totally forgot to check this guy for quests. He's the one in the Market area.
This quest is available in Lestallum. It's the Tipster in the market area near the hotel. You must defeat 3 Ablinogin.
Return to Lestallum when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - Ruler of the Brave Skies
Suggested level: 30
This quest is available in Lestallum. It's the Tipster in the market area near the hotel. You must defeat 1 Griffon.
Return to Lestallum when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - Off With Their Heads!
Suggested level: 31
This quest is available in Lestallum. It's the Tipster in the market area near the hotel. You must defeat 2 Arbagadol and 3 Arba.
Return to Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Disquieted Queens
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available in Lestallum. It's the Tipster in the market area near the hotel. You must defeat 3 Killer Queen.
Return to Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - The Web-Weaving Princess
Suggested level: 41
This quest is available in Lestallum. It's the Tipster in the market area near the hotel. You must defeat 1 Ariadne and 3 Kokyangwuti.
This takes place in the dungeon Greyshire Glacial Grotto (near Burbost Souvenir Emporium).
Return to Lestallum when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - In a Heat Haze of Glory
Suggested level: 52
This quest is available in Lestallum. It's the Tipster in the market area near the hotel. You must defeat 1 Aramusha at the Power Plant in Lestallum. Ride the elevator right by where you enter to get to where the target is.
He can wreck you pretty hard with a couple of his moves, so go in prepared for this guy.
Head to Meldacio Hunter HQ next.
Hunter Quest - Voltage Fluctuation
Suggested level: 29
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ. You must defeat 9 Thunderoc.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Threat From the Thicket
Suggested level: 33
This quest is available in Meldacio Hunter HQ. You must defeat 7 Killer Wasp
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Softly Now, Mighty Foes
Suggested level: 35
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ. You must defeat 3 Lich. This takes place in the Steyliff Grove dungeon.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Mission: Invincible
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ. You must defeat 3 Black Flan.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Divine Beast of the Underworld
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available at the Meldacio Hunter HQ. It takes place in the Steyliff Grove dungeon and the target is the boss of the dungeon.
*Don't worry if you've defeated him, he's there again so you can get him. If you need a guide to get back through see the Main Quest - Party of Three.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Hunter HQ Last Line of Defense
Suggested level: 42
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ. Your target is 3 Mushmahhu and 3 Mushussu.
Return to Meldcaio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Lovable Little Gluttons
Suggested level: 44
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ. Your target is 5 Regaltrice.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Felling the Mad, Old Trees
Suggested level: 46
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ. You must defeat 1 Treant.
Return to Hammerhead when finished.
Hunter Quest - Rookie Hunter Tragedy
Suggested level: 39
This quest is available at Hammerhead. You must defeat 3 Ashenhorn.
Return to Hammerhead when finished.
Hunter Quest - Serpent of the Abyss
Suggested level: 58
This quest is available at Hammerhead. Your target is Jormungand, the boss of Crestholm Channel dungeon. Remember he can pack a whallop, so go in prepared.
*If you need a walkthrough for this dungeon see the Side Quest - Crestholm Channel.
Head to Longwythe Rest Area next.
Hunter Quest - In the Drylands, It Rains Spines
Suggested level: 40
This quest is available at Longwythe Rest Area. You must take down 3 Gigantuar. They are very quick and do a guaranteed 1k damage in true cactuar style. Prompto's Piercer is very effective, as it outdoes their speed.
Head to Coernix Station - Alstor
Hunter Quest - Reign Triumphant
Suggested level: 32
This quest is available at Coernix Station - Alstor. You must defeat 1 Garulessa and 3 Garula.
Return to Coernix Station - Alstor.
Hunter Quest - The Rogues of Ryedielle Ley
Suggested level: 35
This quest is available at Coernix Station - Alstor. You must defeat 3 Cockatrice.
Return to Coernix Station - Alstor.
Hunter Quest - Marsh Madness! The Giant Awakens
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available at Coernix Station - Alstor. You must defeat 1 Catoblepas.
*This quest is also the source of Catoblepas Brisket for Side Quest - A Meat Most Magnificent. You can repeat this quest by returning to the Tipster in Coernix Station - Alstor and taking the quest again. Once you have the Catoblepas Brisket head back to Hammerhead.
Side Quest - A Meat Most Magnificent
Suggested level: 38
This quest is available in Hamemrhead. You must have completed the quest Lestallum's Finest.
You must have access to the Hunter Quest - Marsh Madness! The Giant Awakens. We just did it if you've been following the guide.
*You may have to do it more tan once. I didn't get a brisket the first time, but did the second time.
Head to Hammerhead once you have the item.
Side Quest - The Professor's Protege - Griffon
Suggested level: 50
I messed up on this one and accidentally completed it without noticing. I can't remember where the Griffon for the quest is, but there's the Hunter Quest - Ruler of the Brave Skies in Lestallum, from the Tipster in the market near the hotel that you can get access to a Griffon from too. That may be the culprit.
Once you have the feather return to the professor in Coernix Station - Cauthess. This should unlock the quest The Professor's Protege - Rainbow Frogs at Meldacio Hunter HQ. See that section for more information.
Hunter Quest - Baby Snatchers
Suggested level: 44
This quest is available at Cauthess Rest Area. You must defeat 3 Bussemand and 5 Hobgoblin.
Head for Taelpar Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - Horned Hunting Hazards
Suggested level: 23
This quest is available at Taelpar Rest Area. You must defeat 3 Dualhorn.
Return to Taelpar Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - Hunters of Secullam Pass
Suggested level: 34
This quest is available at Taelpar Rest Area. You must defeat 5 Coeurl.
Return to Taelpar Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - Reclaiming Shier Heights
Suggested level: 37
This quest is available in Taelpar Rest Area. You must defeat 3 Redlegs and 4 Hundlegs.
Return to Taelpar Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - A Roaring in the Night
Suggested level: 37
This quest is available in Taelpar Rest Area. You must defeat 2 Iron Giants.
Head to Old Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Herald From the Depths
Suggested level: 40
This quest is available in Old Lestallum. You must defeat 1 Karlabos. There's an entrance down into this area near the entrance to the tunnel on the nearby road.
Return to Old Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Starving Beast Seeks Food
Suggested level: 47
This quest is available in Lestallum. You must defeat 1 Aspidochelon
Head to Verinas Mart - Ravatogh when finished.
Hunter Quest - Red Lightning of Ravatogh
Suggested level: 44
This quest is available in Verinas Mart - Ravatogh. You must defeat 3 Copperoc and 3 Thunderoc.
Return to Verinas Mart - Ravatogh when finished.
Hunter Quest - Pointiest Pins in the Volcano
Suggested level: 47
This quest is available at Verinas Mart - Ravatogh. You must defeat 3 Reaperking.
Return to Verinas Mart - Ravatogh when finished.
*This isn't the end of all the Hunter Quests, but pretty close.
Now head for Caem, which is where you took Iris and where you should be ready to forward the story if you have been following this guide.
Side Quest - Iris at Caem
This quest is available if you did the Camp Quest with Gladio where you searched for the flower with him. This is just a scene with a reward.
Side Quest - Crazy About Cactuars
Suggested level 20
This quest is available from Talcott after you spend the night in the house at Caem.
This gives you two other sub quests, A Cactuette of Wood and A Cactuuette of Mortar.
A Cactuette of Wood
This is located at the Wiz Chocobo Post shop.
A Cactuette of Mortar
This is located in Lestallum at a shop in the market area.
Now return to Talcott at Caem.
Side Quest - Berried Memories
This quest is available at Galen Quay from the Tipster Cactura. You get the Ulwaat Berry from the guy who buys Caem Carrots. See Side Quest - Tending the Land for more.
Side Quest - Costlemark Tower
Suggested level: 55
*If your Hunter level is high enough you may want to pick up the Hunter Quest - Fiend of the Fallgrove which is at Cauthess Rest Area. It is for the boss of this dungeon.
This quest becomes available the first time you enter the official start of Costlemark Tower. You can only enter the dungeon at 5pm or later night hours.
When you hit the stairs follow them down. You'll reach a room with enemies. Continue on and you'll enter another room with enemies. There's bombs here with crowns, and they regenerate when they explode. Focus on them first. There's an item in here, a Radiant Lance.
Continue on to a third room with yet still more enemies. When finished head to the right side and shimmy across the ledge for an item, Thieves' Way II.
Now cross the fallen pillar in the left side of the room. In the next circular area you'll get in another fight. There's an item to the left of the entrance, Orichalcum, another weapon you probably already have at least one of already. Head down the ramp.
At the bottom go right. There's nothing on your first right. Enemies and an item on the second. Continue forward and you reach another circular room with enemies. From here the way links up with another, so backtrack back to that area with the two right side dead ends and back to the first circular room. This time drop off to your right.
Down here you get in a fight with a bunch of Bombs, some with crowns, and some Hobgoblins. Once you take them out there's an item where you landed. After the fight a section of the inner railing should crumble, allowing you to drop down 1 level.
*If you've already been here you'll fall 2 levels. To get back up to the previous level head forward, then left up some stairs.
Go around the newly broken hole to grab an item, then open the door. Going right and then right again in this next room takes you to the other side of that first area we just explored.
*There's a gem for Dino's quest line in the upper right dead end here. Crawling through the nearby tunnel takes you back to that first area. Continue into the dead end room for some enemies and an item, a Durandal, which you probably already have one of.
Backtrack and head straight to another dead end with an Oracle Ascension Coin. Circle around and take the stairs down another level. Take the first right all the way back to a door, go in here to find some enemies and an item (this is the room you fall into if you fall 2 levels instead of 1 earlier). Watch out for Yojimbo, it's can be a pretty mean character.
Backtrack until you can go right and head that way. You'll get in a fight in the next room. In the adjoining room is some magic and an item. Then continue on. You'll reach a ramp, and get in another fight. At the bottom of the ramp grab the item and continue on. Cross the bridge and you'll get in a fight. There's 2 Yojimbo here.
There's an item on the left before you enter the next room. Head right and down the ramp. Down here you'll find a large open room. DON'T step on the red switch thing on the floor, as it teleports you back to the entrance.
*Try to go through the NW floor first. If you can then follow the directions a couple paragraphs down where NW is listed. This is the correct passage to the boss. I'm not sure if you have to go through the SE first or not, but I think I checked all the floors before going down one and the NW one didn't open at first, but feel free to check and see.
Head to the SE part of the room and you should be able to interact with the panel on the floor. When it finishes lowering interact with it again and it should open. Down here is a wall you should be able to open after the fight. Then interact on the left. A Yojimbo will appear. Then interact with one on the floor. Open a wall down here. Another fight. Open the floor. Floor again.
Follow this path to an open room where lots of enemies appear. For how large this area is there isn't much here. Left and right are all empty dead ends. There's an elevator in the middle of the room, and just behind it a gap you can go under that leads to another of those locked doors.
Back in the room with the teleport you should be able to interact with the NW floor now. Interact with the floor again when it stops. Interact with the wall and it's a battle. Then interact with the wall.for another fight. Interact with another wall. Then another. Drop down and it's another fight. Interact with the wall for another fight. Interact with another wall. Interact with another wall. Interact with the floor and Yojimbo will appear. Interact with another floor for another fight. Open the wall for another fight. Open a floor. Open the floor again. Open the wall across from you, not the one off a bit in a dead end. Open the wall. Open the floor. Open the wall. Open the wall. Open the wall. Open the wall. Open the wall. Drop down. Open the wall. Open the wall. Drop down. Open the wall. Open the wall. Open the floor. Open the wall. Open the floor.
You should now be in a circular room with an elevator in the middle.
This guy is quite tough, so be ready. He drops a royal weapon after you kill him. Step on the teleport when you're done to leave, or ride the elevator and backtrack, whatever you want.
Side Quest - A Treasure Beyond Measure
Suggested level: 55
*This entry only focuses on getting the quest item. For a walkthrough of this dungeon see Side Quest - Costlemark Tower.
This quest is available from Dino at Galden Quay. You must have completed the quest No Pain, No Gem.
*It must be 5pm or later (evening - night) for the door of this dungeon to be open.
Head down into the dungeon. You'll eventually reach a room with enemies, continue on. You'll reach another room with enemies. Be aware the Bombs with crowns don't die when they explode themselves, you have to defeat them.
Continue on. You'll reach a third room with enemies. Defeat them so you can cross the fallen stone pillar on the left side.
Continue into the circular area for another fight then go down the stairs. Ignore the path on the right and drop down straight ahead instead.
This part is something else actually. A ton of Thunder Bombs and some Hobgoblins appear. However, there's a crowned bomb here to, and it's a tight space to have a bunch of bombs that can explode repeatedly. Focus on them first.
When the fight is over a section of the inner railing should crumble, allowing you to drop down another level.
*If you've been here you'll fall 2 levels. If that's the case go forward and then left and there are some stairs that lead up to the previous level.
Up here head through the door and go right. Take the next right. There will be another area on your right and some Hobgoblins should jump out at you. The gem is in the upper right dead end here.
Return to Dino to complete the quest.
Side Quest - A Feline Feast
Suggested level: 20
This quest is available at Caim, behind the lighthouse from the cat. After you get it go see the woman in the kitchen at the house. She'll tell you she needs a Dark Allural Sea Bass. You can catch these at the fishing spot just west of Caem. Or you can go buy catfood at a store, your call.
The lure for this fish is Deadly Waters: Coraldevil. The time it appears is night.
Return to the house in Caem to have the meal for the cat prepared, then give it to the cat.
Hunter Quest - The Pride of the King
Suggested level: 47
This quest is available in Hammerhead. You must defeat 1 Behemoth.
Side Quest - Balouve Mine
Suggested level: 50
This quest appears when you first enter the Balouve Mine, which you go near for the first Regalia quest.
Get out of the elevator on B1. On your left between the containers is an item. Continue on and go left into the dead end for another item, a Rainbow Pendant. A bit along the path from the dead end is another item on the ground. Then keep going. Left into the first dead end there's an item.
The second left leads down to another level. Follow this path to a fork and head right. There's an item down this way, and the access to the elevator. Backtrack and go down the other fork. This leads to a bridge and you CAN fall down, so be aware of that, and the Ronin that is standing on the bridge.
Cross the bridge and you have two options. Let's go right first. Follow this path and go left into the dead end to find an item. Continue on and head down the ramp, grabbing the item on the way. Down here the left path leads to the elevator, and there's an item along the way.
Backtrack and head the other way. In the next room there's some stairs and an item against the wall. Up those stairs is another item. Straight across from where you entered should be a door you can open. Head through and follow the way, grabbing the item by the big fans. There's also a circlet in the nearby left-side dead end.
Nearby is a ladder you can take down. Down here is a door you can open. Go right at the fork and follow it all the way to the elevator. There's a Friendship Band by the elevator on the right. There's a couple items down that other path too.
When you try to head back you get locked in, so head to the elevator. Skip the first stop and get out on the second, B2. Let's back track to that path earlier where we went right and go left this time (It's SE of this floor's map).
There's an item right on your left if you didn't grab it earlier, then go up the stairs. In this room is another item, and at the other end is another path. In this next room go up and follow this path. There's an Emerald Bracelet at the top.
Back where you entered is a ladder you can go down. Then go down another on the next level.
You'll probably end up in combat with the boss and other enemies at this point, so other stuff will have to wait. After the battle there's an item down at the bottom where the boss was, an Oracle Ascension Coin. Up the first set of stairs and to the right is another item. The tunnel leads to the first area we went, where the Goblins locked the door on us, so ignore it.
Climb the nearby steps one level and go left, dropping down a little ledge. Ahead is another item. Head up the nearby stairs and up another set to where we first drew aggro from the enemies in this area. If you follow the way around you can find an item in the dead end.
From that item go back a bit and into another dead end. You can push your way into the tight space to get through to the other side. In here left leads to another one of the locked doors, and the right path leads to the Royal Tomb and Royal Weapon.
After that the mission is complete, so you can teleport out.
Hunter Quest - Fiend of the Fallgrove
Suggested level: 66
This quest is available at Cauthess Rest Area. The target is the boss of the Costlemark Tower. See Sidequest - Costlemark Tower if you need instructions on how to get through this dungeon.
Return to Cauthess Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - A Daemonic Orchestra
Suggested level: 52
This quest is available in Cauthess Rest Area. You must defeat 7 Ereshkigal.
Head to Longwythe Rest Area when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - A Fistful of Gil
Suggested level: 61
This quest is available at Longwythe Rest Stop. Your target is 1 Yojimbo.
Head to Old Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Scrap it Now!
Suggested level: 61
This quest is available in Old Lestallum. Your target is 3 Leukorn.
Head to Verinas Mart - Ravatogh when you're finished.
Hunter Quest - Feathered Giant of the Firesmoke
Suggested level: 67
This quest is available in Verinas Mart - Ravatogh. The target is 1 Zu.
You must make your way through the Rock of Ravatogh to reach the Zu, so see Sidequest - Rock of Ravatogh if you need more information on that.
Head through the dungeon like you're going to the Royal Tomb and in that huge area (remember the nest?) you will find the Zu.
Head to Meldacio Hunter HQ.
Hunter Quest - Serpent of Risorath Basin
Suggested level: 54
Thsi quest is available in Meldacio Hunter HQ. Your target is 1 Midgardsormr.
Turn this quest in at your preferred Tipster
*Your Hunter rank should be 7 at this point. And with that we will jump back into the story.
Main Quest - Brave New World
Suggested level: 29
You need to take the elevator in the lighthouse down to the dock. There's an item up here behind the elevator. Cid is also here in case you need him.
You will be warned that you will lose access to the open world for a while, and it's true. You're heading for the island city of Altissa. If you're comfortable to continue on then agree.
Umbra will appear, giving you another chance to leave a note for Lunafreya. After that the elevator descends. There's an item on the right as you get out of the elevator. Go outside the tent on the dock by the boat and go left. Follow this around for another item. Speak to Cor for a Magic Flask.
Approach the boat and talk to Cid to set sail.
Main Quest - Altissia, City of the Sea
Suggested level: 29
You can skip the sailing portion (I'm not advising to, just saying it can be done) by presing Triangle.
It's nice to see signs of civilization. This game is beautiful, but one thing I don't like is aside from Lestallum, none of the places in the main world area feel like anyone actually lives there. However, that's just my opinion.
When you get off the boat head through the building and you'll see a security checkpoint. Defering to Ignis gets you in for free. Cid botches it and you have to pay (no idea what happens if you don't have the money).
You are now officially in Altissia. Your objective updates to searching for the Maagho, but let's not do that first and instead start exploring this place.
Checking the nearby tourist kiosk you can learn about the Gondolas, which are the primary way of making your way around.
Rather than try to guide through every little alley, I'll just list where the important stuff is. And here's a screenshot of the area for extra reference:
Near the first bridge to the N you can get the quest to see Lady Lunafreya's dress. You'll find the dress at a shop in the SE part of the city where yellow gondola routes run, near the first Main Quest goal here in Altissia. However it's on the river bank. If you look at the map you can see some bridges that will get you over there.
In that same district with yellow gondola routes are 2 regular shops, 1 weapon shop and the hotel.
In the district where the blue and purple lines can both be accessed is another shop, and a little stand where you can throw airplanes at the statue (Noctis does it, it's not a minigame or anything).
Fishing spots:
One in the first area you arrive at, E/SE of the gondola symbol in the S.
One at the Altissia Docks gondola stop.
One right by the Leville Station.
Take the purple gondola line if you want to go to the Arena (See Totomostro Arena section).
*That pretty much does it, so let's continue on with the story.
Take the gondola to where the game indicates and you'll be in a little bar area. Go talk to the guy behind the counter.
Main Quest - The Summit
Suggested level: 30
You can ask him about a few things, or choose nothing more. When he is finished talking a woman shows up, so speak to her.
Head to the Leville, the hotel here in Altissia. Here you'll encounter Gentiana, who informs you can use Umbra's powers to travel back to the past. Basically what this means (for now) is you can go back to the mainland again. You can use this power at any place you can rest.
Before we take advantage of that power though, return to Maagho. Speak to the proprietor and get the information on the area. It will reveal the location of the painting for Side Quest - The Cursed Canvas.
However, first we'll tackle something else.
Believe it or not there are some Hunter Quests available here. Take the first one.
*Leave the Hunter Quest - A Lost Painting for last, it's related to the other painting quest.
Hunter Quest - Bewitched Blade Stains the Waters
Suggested level: 17
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 1 Ronin.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - A Nightmare Upon the Water
Suggested level: 20
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 2 Hecteyes.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - Ill Weeds Grow in the Night
Suggested level: 22
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 3 Alv.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - Back Alley Spook
Suggested level: 26
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 2 Mindflayer.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - The Case of the Disappearing Hunters
Suggested level: 29
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 2 Tonberry.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - Will o' the Wisps out on the Town
Suggested level: 31
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 2 Grenades.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - Tourists Fade into the Night
Suggested level: 35
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 2 Salpinx.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - The Tragic Facts
Suggested level: 41
This quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 1 Master Tonberry (aka Jedi Tonberry).
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - King of the Great Escape
Suggested level: 50
This quest is available at Altissia, at the Maagho. Your target is 1 Bavarols.
When finished return to the Maagho.
Hunter Quest - A Lost Paintint
Suggested level: 32
AND
Side Quest - The Cursed Canvas
Suggested level: 30
The Hunter Quest is available in Altissia, at the Maagho. The Side Quest is earned by doing Vyv in Lestallum's quests.
From Palsino Street Station go left and up the stairs. Turn around and go up these stairs. Go right and up another set of stairs. Continue forward until you go down some stairs. Go left when you get down and into the building with the guard out front.
Just past the magic points are some stairs that go down, take them. Down here is a room with a painting.
*My game glitched here and the ghost was floating around before I arrived, so if that happens to you that ISN'T what 's supposed to happen. You want to be able to approach the painting without the enemy being there already.
When you approach the painting the ghost comes out. After you defeat it leave the area and The Cursed Canvas will complete.
*With that finished, go to the hotel and speak to them like you want to stay. You will see an option to Call Umbra. Use Umbra's power to return to Past Lucis. You can do this from anywhere you can rest.
*When you arrive you'll get a quest, Let Sleeping Mountains Lie. Let this be, it leads to the Adamantoise, and it's pretty much the last or one of the last things you'll do.
Go turn in Side Quest - The Cursed Canvas.
Side Quest - Daurell Caverns
Suggested level: 28
I noticed this place while fishing, surprised I missed it for so long. This is SE of Daurell Spring.
Head inside and you'll reach a fork. You'll see an item nearby, so grab it.
Before we clear the place let's the the lay of the land and look for treasure.
Go left at the fork and you'll reach a gap you can crawl through. Continue on watching for an item on your right. Further on you'll end up sliding down and falling. Behind where you land is an item. Follow the path, watching the left for an item. Continue on a little further and there's a gap in the wall on the right with another item in it.
A bit further on is a green poison pool. Watch along your left for an item, and a bit further down another item. There's a third item not much further on near a fork. Go right until you reach another room and there's an item in here. Go back and take the other path, the area you can climb leads back to the beginning.
There's a second fork nearby. Going straight leads to a fishing area. There's also an item down there. Take the other path to continue on. You'll reach a little room and there's an item in here. Continue on. At the next fork right leads to a dead end with an item. Left continues on.
This leads to another poison pool that looks a bit like a dead end, but if you go back into the pool you'll find a ramp you can go up. Up here leads to some rickety looking scaffolding. Follow it along, and you'll see a ladder. Going down it will lower it so you can access it from the area below. You'll soon reach a shimmy point.
On the other side follow the path, grabbing the item on the way. Pick up the item here at the ledge and Daemons appear, jump down and fight them. Beat them and the quest is complete.
Side Quest - Navyth's Challenge
Suggested level: 28
This quest becomes available from Navyth in the Vesperpool area once you complete the quest Fishing, Naturally.
He wants a Vesper Gar. There are some different lures in the nearby shop that can do it, including Stinker: Malboro and Stinker: Malbodoom.
Fish in the Vesperpool Fishing area. The fish you need will be a big gold circle. This fish is very difficult to catch. I got it at level 7, with Death Spin Pole and Nereld (Nereid maybe? Hard to read it on my screen) and Dragon's Beard line. I failed many times before I caught it.
You'll know when you've hooked one as it's different from many of the other fish you catch.
Head to Navyth when finished.
Head to Galden Quay next. Navyth is over near the fishing area.
Side Quest - Angler's Nightmare
Suggested level: 33
This quest is available in Galden Quay from Navyth after completing the quest Navyth's Challenge.
This is the final test of fishing skill, though honestly I found the Liege of the Lake to be harder.
My fishing level was 10 for this quest. I looked at 8 but couldn't find the fish. No idea about level 9, didn't check.
For gear I used the rod Death Spin and the reel Nereid, which can be bought from the Vesperpool fishing shop. *If you're struggling there's a better reel in the Arena in Altissia.
Line is Dragon's beard, also from the Vesperpool shop.
Lure is Big Blaze Bahamut. This gained through the quest Liege of the Lake, which can be accessed by camping at the camping spot in The Vesperpool area.
Here's a video for reference:
Turn it in nearby when finished.
Side Quest - The Frogs of Legend
Suggested level: 60
This quest is available at Meldacio Hunter HQ from the Professor. You must complete the quest The Professor's Protege - Griffons.
These are difficult to find, as your only hint is water. This pretty much leaves the option of walking along the bank of ever river and lake until you find them. Keep your ears open too, as you can start to hear some croaking once you get close enough to one.
Or just see the video below:
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished. You'll get a Ribbon, which in true FF style protects from almost all status ailments.
Hunter Quest - A Most Behemoth Undertaking
Suggested level: 62
This quest is available at Wiz Chocobo Post. Your target is 1 Behemoth Tyrant.
Remember where you fought the Behemoth for the quest to get access to renting Chocobo? You need to go there again, all the way to the end to find this guy.
Head to Cauthess Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - Cruel Giants of Duscae
Suggested level: 65
This quest is available in Cauthess Rest Area. Your target is 3 Ganymede. These guys are pretty nasty in my opinion. I don't normally eat food before most fights, but one that replenishes HP rate is very useful for this one, as 3 gravity attacks in a row has a way to taking out a lot of health.
Head to Taelpar Rest Area when finished.
Hunter Quest - Old Denizens of the Woods
Suggested level: 63
This quest is available in Taelpar Rest Area. Your target is 3 Elder Coeurl. Be aware they are capable of healing themselves. You'll know they are doing this as the withdraw from battle and go lay down. Even more annoyingly, they will kill you if you physically attack then during this time, so hit them with a ranged weapon to make them stop.
Head to Old Lestallum when finished.
Hunter Quest - Rulers of the Banks
Suggested level: 62
This quest is available at Old Lestallum. Your target is 3 Coraldevil and 3 Seadevil.
Head to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - Breeding Season: Hen Extermination
Suggested level: 62
This quest is available in Meldacio Hunter HQ. You must defeat 2 Royalisk.
Return this to any Tipster you wish.
*At this point I'm 3 stars shy of Hunter Level 9, but that seems to be all that is available for now. You shouldn't really have any quests left at this point except the mountain one which we still are ignoring for now, until the game is complete.
Now let's move on with the Story again.
Main Quest - The Summit
Suggested level: 30
Head to the place indicated by the game, the First Secretary's estate.
*You'll get a warning that you won't be able to return to the city once negotiations begin, but this isn't true. Through the power of Umbra you will be able to access this place again just like Past Lucis.
When you're ready, agree.
This will begin what you could call a mini game I suppose. How you react to her questions determines the level of trust she will have in you.
I expressed Gratitude first. Then I showed concern for Accordo. I was truthful. I was truthful again. I showed concern for the city. I agreed with her. I suggested further measures. I acted confident. I agreed amicably. I empathized with her position. I thanked her.
This combination should win her unreserved trust, and this quest is complete
Main Quest - Into the Fray
Suggested level: 31
This quest will have you with just Noct. Follow the path, dealing with or running from the soldiers. The path will lead you up to a dead end. Move to the proper area and Noct will eventually jump over the ledge.
On the bike or whatever you'd like to call it block the incoming attacks and parry them away to stay safe. You'll then warp onto Leviathan with Triangle.
Into the Fray is complete.
Main Quest - The Trial of Leviathan
Suggested level: 31
Next you'll engage Leviathan in 1 on 1 combat. At first you're swimming around, truly a David and Goliath situation. If you've followed this guide up until now you're crazy strong for this part of the game. In this part I defeated Leviathan with just 2 or 3 Warp Strikes.
Once you've done enough at this stage, Noctis goes is super mode, and basically you're flying around with infinite Armigar power, including the ability to shoot from a distance. From this point on it's hardly a boss fight and more of Noctis just being incredibly powerful.
Damage Leviathan enough and it will enter a Vulnerable state where you can start breaking off parts of its body. This continues until you have broken a lot of Leviathan's body parts. Not long after this the battle will be complete.
Main Quest - Off the Rails
Suggested level: 31
You'll be on a train, unable to move at first. When he gets up you'll be free to roam until the train stops. Head forward. The train may seem empty at first, but their are items to be had. Head this way until the end, then turn around and do the same thing the other way.
Main Quest - The Hand of the King
Suggested level: 33
Eventually the train will arrive at the station. This is a large area, but there's really not that much to it. There's some items that can be found by running to either end, but nothing too great.
If you go down the stairs near the elevator you can find 3 more items
There's an item and weapon shop here. However, there's nothing you didn't already have access to.
There's another train you can board. There's an item in the room with the Tipster. Getting his info reveals where you already are, and where you're going. There's also a rest area.
*This is the only 1.1 EXP area I've ever seen.
When you're ready head to the elevator and take it.
*In case you're not aware, Ignis is blind now. Unfortunately this will be the case for the rest of the game. EXCEPT when you travel back to the past. In Past Lucis or Past Altissia he is not blind. So don't worry, he'll still drive you around.
I took Ignis along,I doubt the option to leave him even works.
*This dungeon can't be returned to, and in this game that means there are no items here that are unique or anything, so if you don't want to break your neck searching for items don't worry about it.
When you arrive in the Quarry turn around and head back the other way. There's an item up this way, and further on up you can return to the train station.
Head back down and follow the path deeper into the dungeon. The path snakes down into the area below. You'll see a small pool along the way, there's an item on the other side. There's another pool a little further on by a construction vehicle, there's another item in the back there.
Down a bit further you'll fight some enemies. Follow the quest objectives and eventually your way is blocked. Head to the next objective, which is back where we just came from. When you check the machine it doesn't work, so you need a key for the generators. Head to the quest objective down below, the ramp leading there should be nearby.
Following the path there are a couple items along the way if you turn off the main path. There's also a camp here (can't use Umbra here). When you reach the area where the key is it's on the shelf.
Head toward the new objective, but go left instead of right when it moves ahead of you further a bit. There's an item up here. Continue to the objective and it's the first generator. All you have to do is interact with it.
There are a few extra paths aside from the way you need to go. The one just to the left of the path you need to take has an item. Continue on, ignoring the stairs on the right. Down these stairs is the next generator. Down the rest of the stairs and you're back where you first tried to activate the machine. Kill the enemies and activate it again.
Now the way that was blocked is no longer blocked. There's some paths off to the left before the newly unblocked exit, but I didn't see much there other than some nice views.
This new path leads down into some water. Down here the quest objective leads you to a tree that looks like it has some purple sacs. A Malboro appears!
As any FF veteran knows this is a nasty customer who is very good at inflicting virtually all status Ailments with its bad breath. You should have a Ribbon if you've been following this guide, but you probably won't even need that. You'll whittle it's health down, but it won't go down, and will instead heal a bit after a time.
Soon you should notice some smaller Malbor appearing, turn your focus on them. When the Malboro goes Berserk you have to just avoid it for a time. You can still attack it if you want, but it's now spewing Bad Breath, and you can't kill it during this time anyways.
Instead run to the place the game is indicating with some Red Arrows. After this you can finally defeat the Malboro.
*Ignis should learn a new ability, Libra Elementia.
Approach the purple sacs again and Noctis will open the way. In here is another Royal Tomb, and another Royal Weapon.
*Now you should only have 2 left.
Afterward you can return to the station, unless you have a reason you want to stay.
Back at the station there's a guy you can talk to to continue on.
*You won't be able to return here EVER, but there's nothing else here anyways so it doesn't really matter.
*You may want to return to the past and rest somewhere for 1.5x EXP. Every little bit helps.
When you're ready, continue on.
Main Quest - Expres Train for Trouble
Suggested level: 34
After some scenes and talking Noctis will get up, but things look weird and Ardyn is here. Move toward him and Noctis will attack, even if you don't press X.
Chase him through the train. He goes into one of the rooms on the right, so interact with the door. Continue after him.
When it's over you'll be awoken by Prompto. Head toward the quest marker (There's no items here) and eventually a soldier will smash through the window. Continue on after that, and further down a wall of the train will be blown out.
Jump out here and fight the enemies. You must defend the train from the Imperial assault. Watch for the Imperial Shock Troopers, as they will suicide bomb the train. If the train's HP hits 0, it's game over.
When the tank appears, Point Warp to it. Noctis will take it out, then warp over to the top of the train, which is now moving.
Ships will soon appear, and you'll need to destroy some. Easiest way is to Point Warp up to one and kill the Shock Trooper inside, which will explode and destroy the ship. Alternately you can get on one of the guns on the ship and use it to destroy other ships.
When you have destroyed 4 Point Warp back onto the train.
Due to an unfortunate trick by Ardyn, Prompto is knocked from the train and is gone from your party for now.
Main Quest - No Turning Back
Suggested level: 34
You'll wake up on top of the moving train, and you need to make your way to the front. There will be enemies along the way, but if you've followed the guide up to this point you are way overpowered.
*If you're too quick you'll have to just wait, as you'll hit an invisible wall at a certain point of the train. Other enemies may appear while you wait.
Eventually the objective will change to holding out until the train gets out of the tunnel. Not long after that this mission will be complete.
Main Quest - Where She Lived
Suggested level: 34
When you gain control follow Aranea. You'll meet 2 more recurring characters from the FF series, Biggs and Wedge. Thsi time around they will be helping you operate the train you've been riding.
Before speaking to Biggs, you can look around the area. There's a few items spread around the area.
When you're ready, speak to Biggs. Then go speak to the retainer. Return to the trains to speak with Biggs. This opens a Restaurant, Rest Area, Weapon and Item shop. There's nothing in the shops you haven't already had access to.
When you're ready, depart from this area by talking to Biggs again. This completes this mission.
Main Quest - Into the Arctic Crevasse
Suggested level: 36
Once again you'll be on a moving train, waiting to arrive at your destination...
Turn around and starting heading back toward the end of the train. There are more items to be found on this trip. Once you reach the back head toward the other end if you want, there isn't any items the other way though.
Eventually the mission just suddenly completes.
Main Quest - Breath of the Glacian
Suggested level: 37
You'll be outside the train, and a fight will commence. Then a second fight. Then a miniboss called Deathclaw appears. Back on the train head forward and you'll run into a snowstorm inside the train blowing strong wind at you, so push forward.
After the scenes you'll gain another Royal Weapon (just one more!).
This mission is complete.
Main Quest - The Imperial Capital
Suggested level: 37
When you next gain control head to the objective and you'll be ambushed. Even worse, your weapons are sealed! Run away from the enemies toward the quest objective.
When you reach the Regalia you'll enter a bit where you have to drive the Regalia, but it's pretty easy. There is debris and stuff like shipping containers in the way, so don't crash. Outside the tunnel you'll see explosions, which are Imperial attacks on you but ignore them. All you need to focus on is not crashing. At the end the Regalia is wrecked and you must continue on foot.
*This does not affect the Regalia when you travel to the past, so don't worry.
There's an item if you head back from where you start. Then backtrack and continue forward, watching for another item on your left by some wreckage.
Further on you pass under a train and are separated from Ignis and Gladio. Still weaponless, run from the enemies. There's a debris ramp that goes up into a train. The right door out the train is a dead end, so head left. Ahead of you are some stairs, so head up.
At the top you'll enter a building and Noct will put the ring on.
Mission complete.
Main Quest - A King's Struggle
Suggested level: 38
*The Main Quest - Zegnautus Keep is also here, I must have looked away when it changed, so I'm not sure exactly where. All the information you need is here though.
This starts off with a tutorial on using the Ring. For now you have the Death Magic, which is cast by holding Circle. Be aware it takes time to charge the spell. This spell also heals you. With that you can fight now.
There's items on the left and right side of this first room, along with a door you can't enter right now. Further on the quest marker leads you to a box you can interact with, which opens that locked door in the first area.
Follow this path to another room with another box and an item nearby. Activate the box and then backtrack toward where you activated the first box. Go through the right side door (go left if you need to rest, but we'll head that way soon anyways). This leads to some stairs which lead up to a control console, activate it.
Heading back should lead to gaining another power (maybe both, I went down the left path first and got one too). If it's the Triangle one it uses all your MP to insta-kill any Daemons in the area. If it's holy you'll do damage to enemies when you phase (Square).
Backtrack and head through the door that is almost straight across. There's an item immediately on your right, and the blue light door is a rest area. All blue light doors are rest areas. You can use them to heal if you need, and you can save your game inside these areas too.
*In case you missed the game message, Umbra is sealed with your weapons, so no past traveling right now.
Head through the right passage and go through the door, then another. You should learn the ring's third ability if you haven't yet.
When finished there's an item on the right side dead end, and there are 3 more if you go through the fence on the left and check this area. Across the way is the next door. There's an item on your left as you continue forward.
Following the path leads you to a room with an elevator. There's items on the left and right. Interact with the elevator and there's some enemies. Kill them and step on the elevator.
Up here there's an item in the left dead end, then continue forward. In the next 2 dead ends there's an item on the right. Continue on and you'll see an item straight ahead of you, then continue following the path right.
Here you'll encounter wandering Axemen. Unfortunately Death magic doesn't work on them, but the Triangle move and Holy both do. which means you either avoid them using the hiding spots in the wall, or use the Holy move or Triangle move to kill them.
*It's really your call, they'll be easier to kill later when you get the final Royal Weapon here, but do as you will.
Ignore the left path that leads to the quest objective and continue forward, you'll find a dead end with 2 items. Backtrack and take that other path. Along this way you'll see an item. When you pass by an enemy grabs you, but it's nothing to worry about.
The door dead ahead leads to another rest area. Go right here and you'll find a Security Card in the dead end room. Backtrack and head the other way at the rest area. This leads to a Level 1 security door, which can open with the keycard we just got. Go through the next door and you'll see 3 other ways to go, however only one is accessible right now so take it.
Follow this path, there's a room on the left with an item in it. Follow this path to a long room and make your way through it. Continue down the next passage and there's another room on your left with an item in it. Continue on and you'll reach a fork (be aware there are several enemies around here). Go straight and back to a room that's in a dead end. There's a device here that upgrades your keycard to level 2.
Backtrack to the path you didn't take and go down it. There's another rest area down here. When ready enter the nearby level 2 door. Along this path are 4 doors, but they are level 3 so we can't do anything at the moment (we can get them in a moment though, so don't worry). Continue on this path and at the end you see Prompto in a chair.
Go down the other path and there's an item on the left. The right room gets you to Prompto, but first go straight, and this leads to a dead end room with 2 items. Backtrack and enter that other room. There's an item on the left, and a gap that leads to the other room on the right.
In here you'll be attacked. This includes an Arachne. It is susceptible to the Triangle move, so you may want to try to fire that off as soon as possible. After the battle there's a gap in the boxes you can use to reach where Prompto is.
Rescuing Prompto reveals he really isn't there unfortunately. Use the nearby machine to upgrade your keycard to level 3 and exit this room via the door.
Now head toward those 4 locked doors. 3 of them have items (if coming from Prompto's room it's the first left one with no item).
Now backtrack to the room that had 3 ways to go and 2 were locked. Another one of these can be accessed now. This leads you to an elevator. Up here is a large octagon shaped area (like a Stop sign). There are also some paths that extend out on the corners. There's items on the lower left one and the upper right one. The upper left one leads to a console you can't use yet, but try to anyways to update your objective.
The path across from where you entered this area leads further into the facility. Be aware here's an Gargantua (type of Iron Giant) in this room, you can beat him with the Triangle move if you want.
Your goal here is an elevator on the right side, but you have to go left to reach it. Head down both sets of stairs and go right, you can cross underneath here and take some stairs up to an item. There's another item on the N side of the room on the floor by some stacked boxes. If you head toward the E side of the room you can find some stairs. Take them all the way up and follow the path toward an elevator. There's another item up here. Take the elevator down to the main floor of this room. S from the stairs you just took is another item, a Shield.
Pretty much straight across from the stairs that first brought you down here after the Iron Giant will take you up to the area with the elevator you need. Ignore it for a moment though and take other nearby stairs. Follow this way to another item. Now go into the indicated elevator. Up here you can pick up the Generator Keycard. It blinks red and is in the NE corner of the little area.
Now backtrack to that console we couldn't activate before in the octagon shaped room. Activate the console and try to head toward the elevator. You'll be attacked and knocked down into the area below.
*The Trophy Faithful Heir should pop here if you've followed this guide up until now. If not, see the Trophy Guide section for more information.
You'll finally be armed with a weapon in addition to the ring now. Though it's a Royal Weapon it doesn't drain your health with the ring on. With this sword you should be back to being way overpowered if you've followed this guide up until now.
Once you have control look around this area. There's an item and some notes you can read. Continue on when you're ready.
In the next room there's an item up to the left, jammed back in a tight spot by some boxes. There's another item visible to your right as you continue forward. Following this path leads to another rest area. Down the other path some poison gas will start spewing out. Take the left path at the fork and follow this until you see a dead end room. Go in here for an item and to temporarily escape the poison if you need. Some enemies will appear in here.
Head back out when you're ready, and go left. At the next fork go straight to find an item in the dead end, then take the other path. At the next path go straight and you'll find an item in this dead end. Backtrack and go the other way to the room indicated by the quest marker. There's an item on your right as you enter. Interact with the console to remove the poison gas from this area.
Now backtrack all the way back to where you first entered the poison area, near the rest area. Take the path you didn't take then. Along this way you'll run into a room that dead ends, there's an item in there. Continue on and just to your left in the dead end is another item. A bit further on is 2 tiny dead ends and a path forward. In the dead end in front of you there's an item behind the barrels.
Go through the door and you'll find the device to upgrade your keycard to level 4, and a vending machine that sells the standard items such as potions and what not. Unlock the nearby door and continue on.
This leads to a room with enemies and a door, continue on. In the next room head left. This leads to a resting place, and some other dead end rooms. The first one to the right has 2 items in it. The next one has a Chobham armor. The final room has an item in it too.
Backtrack and take the other path when ready. In this next area take the only path available toward the quest objective. This leads to an elevator, so interact with it. You'll have to fight a miniboss. The goal isn't to kill him, just to survive until the elevator arrives. When it does hop in.
*I'm pretty sure he can't be defeated here, as he heals after his health reaches a certain point. You're welcome to try though.
Up here the power is out. Go right at the fork and follow this path. Ignore any offshoots to the path until you reach the quest indicator. In this room is an item on the right, and a box you can interact with up the little stairs.
With the power on, we can continue.
*There's a good chance you'll run into the miniboss from before. Ducking into any room should break combat.
Head right when you leave this room and it dead ends into a rest area. From the rest area, the room on your right has an item in it. So does the next room on your right. The next rooms on your right have 2 items in them. Go right out of these rooms and head up the nearby stairs. The power goes out again.
Up here there's only one way to go for now, and you run into another spider enemy. Use the Triangle move with the ring if you want to insta-kill it. Nearby are some metal bar doors that will still open in the power outage. Follow this path to the quest indicator and turn the power on again. There are also 2 items in here.
The miniboss should appear again, so leave the room. The right path leads to the same area as where you just came from. Go down the only other path you haven't been down. There's an item on your left here as you are going forward. This path leads to another elevator that takes you up some more.
Up here follow the path. In this first room there's an item to your right. Continuing on leads to a square room with multiple exits. Go through the door ahead of you.
In this room you can see a control panel and a picture on the wall with some lights. In this area you can change what doors are locked an unlocked. The only one you can interact with right now is the left on, A, but just go through the door in here you can already go through. There's an item in this room up behind the cages. In here on the floor is the Panel B keycard.
Return to the room where you can control the locks. Turn on Panel B. This unlocks the door to the room you need to enter in the E most room if you look at your map. In here is an item, and Keycard C. Backtrack again to the room where you can control the locks.
Now, you can't have all 3 on at once, so turn on A and C to access a dead end room just above the room you're in now.. Now go out the door to your right, then left, then left again. There's an item in here.
With A and B on you can access another dead end room through the left door (There's an item behind the desk in this first room). Go through the other door. In here is what looks like a meeting room with screen and a hologram in the middle. There's 2 items in here.
Backtrack to the control room and turn on B and C. This will give you access to the room where the quest indicator is. Exit the door on the right to continue on.
There's a vending machine in this next room, then continue on. Just before another door is an item. Go through this door and on the right is a rest area. Head the other way when ready. There's an item in the dead end room on your right. Continue through the next room and you'll arrive in the room with the quest indicator. There's an item in here, then head back into the smaller room. In here you can upgrade to the level 5 security card.
Backtrack and go down the only other path you haven't been down here. There's a couple dead ends to your left and right in the next room but there's nothing in them. Ignore the quest indicator for and head behind this circular area. There's an item on the other path up here. On your way back to the circular platform you should see a control panel on the back of this circular area. It creates an elevator that will take you up.
This will lead to an ambush. Ignore the route near the elevator switch as it's locked by a level 6 door. Instead go back around and down the other way. At the fork go left to find 2 items. Go the other way to find 2 items to the and the device to upgrade your keycard to level 6.
You'll be ambushed again after upgrading the card. Now head down the other path behind the elevator and through the level 6 door.
Down this way you'll find a rest area. Continue on, watching the left dead end for an item. In the next room there's a dead end room with an item in it, then continue on down the only path available.
Down this hallways enemies spring to life, as do two electrical devices, trapping you. When you defeat the enemies a door should open, leading to more enemies you passed earlier, but you're still trapped. Luckily Gladio and Ignis arrive and save you.
You're no longer alone anymore, and now only Prompto is gone.
Main Quest - Reunion and Recovery
Suggested level: 40
After reuniting with the others continue on and the previous quest should transition to this one. You'll arrive in a control room looking area with only one way to go (2 other locked doors) so go on in. There's 2 items in the smaller room, and 1 in the room with the hologram.
Go back to the room with the locked doors. The furthest control panel from you on the left has a red light on it, go to that one. This unlocks one of the doors, so head that way.
In the room on your left is 2 items. In this next area are a bunch of cells. Go up to the fork and go left to find an item. Down the other dead end is an item in a cell.
Approach Prompto to save him, no trick this time. With your team intact you need to return to the circular elevator room where the quest indicates.
Upon entering this area the door will be opened automatically thanks to Prompto... Watch the scenes to learn about Prompto.
*It would seem that Prompto is either an Imperial or was kidnapped at some point in his life by the Imperials. What's worse, he seems to have been exposed to the Magitek Soldier Program (that's why he can open the door after you rescue him). You should have learned this by reading notes up until now in this dungeon, but the Magitek soldiers are made from regular humans, the result of an experiment with Daemons. However, it's not clear to me how this is possible, as through the story you learn that Noct and Prompto have known each other since they were kids, but did not become friends until high school, so I guess it probably happened when he was a kid, possibly around the time the experiment was first being done. Why he's normal or how he came to be back in Lucis and friends with the Prince remains to be seen. I'm not sure if this is something that ties into the future DLC that will be coming out for this game.
In this room there's an item behind the devices on the right, and another behind the throne. Interact with the device on the left and you'll have your equipment restored.
*All features, including Warp Strike and Umbra are restored. You'll still have the ring too if you like it.
Head back toward the direction where you got trapped and then saved Prompto. Remember the locked level 7 door? It's open now. Follow this path and you'll find a room with magic energy stored various places. On the left side in a dead end is an item. There's 2 vending machines in here, one for items and one for weapons, but there's nothing you haven't already had access to.
Follow the only path available and you'll reach a room where you get ambushed by that mini boss from before. Now you can kill him finally, and it turns out he's the previous ruler of the Empire. Through the next set of doors is a rest area and the other way is where you need to go, an elevator.
When you get off head up the only way available into the large open area. Here you will do battle with Ravus. If you've followed the guide up until now he'll barely even be able to hurt you. Just keep striking him from behind for Link Attacks. The first time I beat it we were about the same level, and it was a little more challenging then, so if that's the case for you be a little more cautious. He's slow, but many of his attacks can be heavy.
After that fight you'll then be fighting a bunch of different Daemons. The game says to return to the elevators, but for now you just need to keep fighting until the elevator arrives. Once it does, you have to leave your friends behind again already and go get on it alone. It's near the stairs you came up into this area.
In here is another mini game of sorts where you must get to the closing door in time. Head straight, fight if you want but there's no reason to really. It's easy to get there, really only one path.
You should remember this room as the octagon shaped room. There's the elevator for you to ride in the middle. When it arrives below just run straight, you can't miss it.
Main Quest - World of Ruin
Suggested level: 44
When next you're really back in the game after all the events from the end of the last quest you'll be in Galden Quay. However, the world is quite dark, and clearly time has passed. Head forward and Daemons will spawn all over the place. Fight whatever you want but just continue on toward shore whenever you're ready.
On shore it's more of the same. There's no Regalia, and no Chocobos available, so you're on foot. Follow the road that leads up and out of Galden Quay. Beware the Daemonwalls, they're high leveled.
When you get up to the main road a vehicle comes along. You'll be driven by an older but familiar face over to Hammerhead. There's an item shop here with the basics, and the weapon shop sells the anti-Daemon weapons like the Durandal. You can talk to Talcott about the fate of some stuff in the world at this point.
When you're ready approach the gate to begin the final stretch of the story portion of this game.
Main Quest - The Cure for Insomnia
Suggested level: 45
You'll arrive immediately in combat, and should pretty much just think of this area as a war zone. If you open your map you should see a rest area already marked nearby, and one further off to the W. The one in the W is your goal
*There are some items spread around the area, but nothing too interesting. You'll find them if you decide to explore further and fight some of the monsters here.
Now, I said consider this place a war zone because some of the strongest monsters in the game are running around here. In particular, dead straight ahead of where you start (down quite a ways) is a crazy strong monster.
I'm not detailing fighting anything here because you don't have to fight anything here. You don't lose access to this place, so you can do whatever you want with the monsters here at your leisure.
From where you start move forward, keeping to the left side. Keep an eye out for a path off to the left. Not far along here there should be an alley on the right, take it. Follow this straight ahead, ignoring a left path to go through a tight alley. When you come out here go left, and keep an eye out to your right for a structure that will let you go down stairs into the underground.
Use the switch near the gate to open it. In here you will have to do some fighting to continue on. When the battle is over head to the other end of the room where you came in from and open the gate. This leads to some stairs that take outside.
Here you'll find a miniboss you must defeat to continue, a Behemoth King. If you're barely at the level threshold this may be kind of hard, though he's similar to the other large behemoths you may have fought through the game, like the one to use Chocobo. If you've followed this guide up to this point then he's not too bad at all.
After it's defeated head left down the road a bit and you can find another underground entrance. This leads to a rest area (the final one). Be sure to save your game!
*Before moving on, be aware Ifrit is your next battle. If you want the trophy Chosen King make sure your game is on Normal difficulty before proceeding. This isn't missable, you can do it again any time, I'm just letting you know it's time for that battle.
Head back up and go to the gate to begin the final bit when you're ready.
You'll first encounter Ifrit sitting in his chair, just like the Prologue. After that you'll fight him. Either Warp Strike him or use a ranged weapon.
When this phase is over he gets up to fight you for real. He's covered in fire most of the time, so anything that improves your fire resistance including food and accessories is a good choice. Then just get behind him and keep striking him. A heavy weapon is a good choice as from behind you'll do more damage, and more base damage means more increased damage.
Even on normal I didn't find him very hard. Since you can come back and do it any time I didn't bother making a video for it. Just get stronger and come back if you fail for some reason.
Once it's finished with Ifrit you'll be in the courtyard. Head up the stairs to the building for the very final bit of your journey through the story. Inside the building just head forward and you'll be indicated to an elevator eventually, push the button to call it, then the one inside.
Up here follow the only path available. Once inside the throne room and back in control you'll be with just Noctis. Head up the stairs on the right and over the fallen rubble on the left. Point Warp to the place once you reach the dead end.
You will now have to fight Ardyn. You could say this whole battle is like fighting Noctis. Ardyn can Warp Strike and Point Warp around. Stay glued to him and heal if necessary.
Once the battle reaches a certain point you will both go into Armigar mode. You could pretty much consider the battle over at this point, as you can just hold down the attack button.
Final mission complete! Congrats!
Post Game
After the credits and some other scenes you'll be asked if you want to save your game, which you absolutely should.
When you load that game you'll be at that last rest area before the Ifrit battle, or whatever your last area you saved was, as that is what the game says.
If you thought the game was over even after everything we've done in this guide, then you are wrong! There is more stuff to do now that the story is complete.
You'll want to head to the rest area and return to Past Lucis. You should get a quest called Into Unknown Frontiers if you have completed the 3 Imperial bases. 2 are part of the story, the third is in the Hammerhead area, SE of Prairie Outpost, NW of Hammerhead. We did this earlier in the guide.
Side Quest - Into Unknown Frontiers
Go see Cindy in Hammerhead. After she does her thing you will see a very different Regalia, the Regalia Type-F.
If you're a FF veteran and you've been thinking that a FF with no airship is weird, then good news! You now have an airship of sorts!
You can't just take off or land anywhere though. The Take Off text will turn white when you can. To land you have to be above a road, more like a plane take off and landing less like a traditional airship.
Secret Dungeon - Pitioss Ruins
Warning - Calling Pitioss Ruins frustrating would be putting it mildly. Even the most patient of gamers will find the platforming that takes place in this dungeon will really test their nerves. Just so you know what to expect.
This flying car has a use though. Look at your map. In all the times you've been running around you may have noticed a strange yellow line down in the Rock of Ravatogh area. If you haven't noticed it look on your map. In the N area of the mountains, NW of Verinas Mart - Ravatogh, you'll see it. Go there in flight mode and you can access a hidden area.
*The earliest the door opens to the Dungeon is 20 (8pm).
You need to land on the small dirt landing strip. It can be difficult, so I put a video together to show how I do it, just in case anyone reading this needs it.
Once you've landed there's some items and such in the vicinity. When you're ready, head left of the landing strip to continue on towards the secret dungeon. You could consider the "road " you need to follow where the ground is clear of rocks and such. It kind of snakes up through this area. Keep your heading at N.
Fight or run as it pleases you.
Eventually to the NE you should be able to see a building at time when the rocks aren't blocking your view. That's your goal.
When you get close to the area where the building is keep an eye out for a dirt path you can actually see that leads into a rather tight space between some rocks. This will lead you up to the building.
When you reach the building climb the stairs, and jump the gap. A bit further on the other characters will leave you party. You can only access this area with Noctis. When you reach the gate, there's a hole on the right side you can jump through.
If it's 8pm or later the door to the dungeon will open if you approach round gold symbol. You'll start moving down via an elevator. If you go forward at the right time you can get on a ledge and get an item.
*You can't pass through the red light.
Head forward and you'll be in a larger room. Gown down the stairs where the large ball is and go right. You'll see a wall moving out and in. There's an item on the ground, as well as access to another passage where you can see another wall moving in and out, head in there.
After the second wall you'll be in a narrow passage, follow it and jump the gap. Jump another gap. Head up this ramp slowly, as it's narrow at the top. Attack the red face wall and it should disappear.
You're back where you started, but now you can access a ramp with an item on it. You can climb the left ramp up here and use it to reach a stone platform below another landing where there's more red light. There's an item out on a little ledge here.
Now climb to the higher platform with red light. Near where the red light is you can slide down and you will pass over another of the round gold switches. Down below you land is another switch. This will make the nearby big ball roll out, and you can slip behind it into another area.
*The first time I think it made me watch the ball, I'm not sure I could move so you may have to go up around and activate it again.
In this new area grab the item and head up the stairs. Use the wall that moves in and out as a bridge. Over on this ledge you can see an item on a smaller ledge, use the other wall that is moving in and out as a bridge to get you over there.
Now head through the narrow gap. If you turn immediately right and use the moving wall you can reach an item over in the right side dead end. Continue right to the edge and you should be able to drop over a bit and down to another platform with an item. Then drop onto the nearby stairs.
There's another gold circle switch, but it's inactive right now. If you go left when you land here you can see a moving wall. You can jump over here and get an item. From here jump a gap, avoid the moving wall and move to safety. Follow this next sliding wall back and you can access another little room. There's an item in here. Head over to the bridge and you should see a glowing switch you can jump over to, so go for it.
That inactive switch from earlier is active now. You can save yourself some time by falling into the black. This will put you up on a platform you've already been on, and you should be able to see the glowing switch over to the right. Trace your path over there again to step on it. This opens the door here so you can some items out of a chest.
Now fall into the black again behind and you'll be on that same platform again. On your left is another moving wall, if you ride it out as far as it will go you can get over to the area over here. To your right you should see a falling spike trap. Through here you have to go left and left again, and there are a couple more spike traps.
*If they hit you it's the same as falling into the black, so don't worry.
Get past these spike traps and you'll be on top of a metal cage, and see a glowing switch. This raises the cage that was blocking a chest and some other items back where you first.
You'll have been raised up to another area with only one way out at the moment, and that is by smashing the face wall. This takes you out to a little platform with an item. Then there's a small platform you can jump to which you can then jump back to a familiar area.
You can slide down and activate the nearby switch again, and then off the ledge again to make the ball from before roll. Without the cage in the way it will stay in place over by the wall. Above it a round gold panel should be glowing.
Go through the entrance the ball was blocking again and take this path up to where you can get on the left-side moving wall again, and back through the 3 spike traps. You should be above the kneeling statue. Jump onto it, then the ball, then over to the panel.
*Grab the items in this area if you haven't!
This panel makes a statue's head get broken and it falls so you can access the left side path in this area that has been a dead end until now. Follow this path to a ramp and take it up, which leads to a statue's arm you can climb on. Use this to access another glowing switch up on the wall.
*You can use the area up here to jump onto the statue's head, where you can then get an item over on the broken pillar and another an a nearby narrow ledge.
Activating this switch causes the metal ball on the stairs to come out and smash through the door, opening the way. There's only one way to go, so move onto the ball and over to the next platform. Jump over to the next area using the 2 circular platforms.
When you see the spinning cylinder of spikes jump over to the left side. At the ball ignore the left path and continue straight. Over here use the pipes to jump over to the next area. Jump the next gap and you should be able to interact with the switch here.
This will cause the area you just came from to start spinning. Jump on and as it spins move forward so you stay on level ground. Make your way to the other side so you're able to get up on level ground over here. You should see some little ledges sticking out of the ground, which allow you to ride the spinning room all the way to the top. At the top move onto the yellow part and you can jump over to an area on the right side of the spinning area where you can see another cylinder with spikes spinning around.
Head left, onto the narrow beam and jump over to the next area. There's an item on your right. The left looks like a dead end but you can actually jump over onto a narrow beam. There's an item at the end. There's also some other items on some ledges below.
Now do the same thing, ride the orb to the top but on the left side this time. Squeeze by the cylinder with spikes. Jump 2 gaps and you can get an item on the edge of a beam.
Ride the orb up yet again and on the right side you can see a steep ramp you can jump to. There's an item at the top, then jump to a ledge below. Jump over to the spinning cylinder with spikes and then over the fence. Jump a gap and there's an item on your right. Jump several more gaps ahead of you until you reach a narrow opening in the wall.
Slide down, grabbing the items here, then smash the face wall.
Now head for the orb yet again. Ride up on the right side but stay on the little platform you'll be able to stand on as it rotates toward the top. If you look down into the orb you'll see spikes. Drop off just on the other side of the spikes, where there's a ledge. If you follow this ledge to the right side of the orb you can jump over and follow a little path to an item.
Now, you have to ride the yellow orb yet again. Ride it like you just did but this time watch the spikes closely. In the top set you will see a gap that you can drop between. It's tricky, but if you follow the rotations of the orb you'll notice it comes to a stop sometimes. This gives you a better chance to line up the jump.
When you make it between the spikes you'll slide down and activate a round gold switch, causing the ball here to roll forward. Be sure to pick up the Magic Flask, then follow where the boll rolled to. Jump to the ball, then jump the gaps over to a metal beam. Jump up to the metal beam on the right, then up to another.
Up here grab the item in front of the statue, then go down and activate the switch. This will open a door on the left, but it falls out more like a platform. To access it go back up by the statue, out on the narrow beam, and jump over to some small ledges. Then use those ledges to get over to the door.
There's a few spike traps here, time your jump so you can get across to the narrow platform ahead and slightly right. Here look back and you'll see some other spikes raising and falling, but you can jump on them. Ride this up to a ledge. Now you must time it so you can get under this spike trap up here and jump over to where you can see an item.
Now get back to the point where you were riding on the spike trap. If you look there's an area on the other side, but you have to find the right timing to make the jump. It can be tricky, and I certainly died a few times before I made it. Over here you need to time it so you can go under the two spike traps and step on the top of a third one off to the left.
Use this spike trap to get on top of the next one. Jump to another and you're by a fence. Jump to another and you can access a landing with a switch and an item. The switch opens a door across the way. Go back on the spike platform and use it to jump over to the landing on the other side of that little fence. Follow this around jumping some more until you reach some beams. Follow the beams up to a platform.
Grab the item and then move out on the narrow beam. Jump to the other beam. Grab the item here, then move out on to another beam and jump over to another area.
Now drop down and go over to the door you recently opened. In here jump the gaps so you avoid the spinning cylinders. There's an item on the second one. To get to the third platform you must move to the middle of the second and jump over so you land between the two cylinders. Jump over to the next area.
Go right for an item, then left to continue on. Jump on the cylinder and over to the beam. Go left for an item, and then jump onto this other cylinder, and over to another item. Backtrack to the other beam, and use the cylinder here to get you over to the next beam. Do the same here over to the next platform.
Grab the item up here then look right. There's a narrow ledge you can jump over to. Jump some more until you reach a beam by the other two doors in this area, which are still closed. The one on the other side of the room has a gap you can jump to from up here.
Up here is a spinning wheel with a wedge cut of of it, so you can step into it and ride it. Jump off on the other side and follow the path up. You can jump off to your left for an item, then get back up here. Ride another stone and jump over. Then jump over to another rotating stone. Making this next jump can be a little more difficult, so just make sure you get up to jump for the next platform as soon as possible.
Continue up here, then slide down a ramp to a switch. Grab the items here, and then head across the the 4th unlocked room across from where you landed.
In here there's square platforms moving around, jump on one. You'll need to move with it so you can avoid being pushed off or spiked. Around the first set of spikes you'll need to jump over to a platform, then wait for your chance to catch your ride once more for just a moment, long enough to jump down to a small platform jutting out below.
From here jump over to another platform, then follow this over to a ramp where you can jump over to. Up here you should be able to see an item. To get it you have to wait until you can jump to one of the circling platforms, run along it, and jump onto that other platform. Chances are you'll run into the spikes and die.
When you make it and don't die grab the item, then wait for another platform to come around. Jump on it and use it to access an area behind the spikes here in the direction the platform is moving. You'll have to jump up on a platform and then jump over some spikes. You have to time it so you'll land on the moving platform when you jump the spikes.
Once you land you can get off on the left. There's an item down to your right. Up the stairs you can head left and follow the path and you can move on top of the spikes. Move out on the thin ledge and jump over to the next spike platform. Follow this way and you can make a couple more jumps. You'll reach an area where you can jump left for an item and right over to a wooden ramp.
Up the ramp move carefully through the spikes. You can see a platform with a switch and an item you must jump to.
This opens the door at the end of the 4 door room. The door that was closed before is now turning around in a circle. Jump on it then move quickly left or right onto the small platforms. When the door swings the other way move onto it and jump over to the next area.
It can be tricky, you have to jump so you're heading up the door while it's still angled rather high.
When you finally make it you'll move down into another area. There's a bunch of spinning spikes and a large skull moving back and forth across the room. You'll need to learn the path here as you don't have a lot of time to make it where you need to get to.
Once the spikes start moving away go left. Drop down near the red light you can see and then jump across to another platform. Follow this until you can jump on a round platform, over to another platform, and then down to a lower area where you should be safe from the large spinning spike device. When it passes in the direction you just came from run up the stairs and there's a platform you can get on.
Ride this to the other side of the room. Get off and head over the gaps, grabbing items along the way. Follow this path until you can jump to another area that is below the spike device. Up here wait until the spike device is moving away from the way you originally came from and go up the ramp. You should be able to move inside the spike device.
Move up the ramp and wait. When the spike trap is in a certain position you can move onto a platform. Go left and you'll reach a dead end where you can see a hand. Wait for the spike device to come back your way and it will have some ledges you can jump on. Jump over to another platform to get an item. Drop down over here and look in the nearby corner. You should see an item that looks like it's floating over a gap. Move close to it and you can get it.
Up the nearby stairs is an item. Go back down and continue on. You'll go down some stairs, around a couple corners, and jump a gap. Here should be a face wall you can take down. There's an item here, and 2 more out on the narrow area you can move out onto.
Backtrack to the stairs you came down and wait. You can board the spike device again here. Up the ramp turn around and jump the gap. Wait here until you can exit the spike device. Grab the item and then head right to move up the stairs. Up here you must walk out on a narrow ledge and jump through a gap in the fence.
Grab the item and it will seem you're in a dead end, but wait for the spike device to come by, and you can jump over onto a platform. Ride it and jump back over to a platform on the side you just jumped from. There are 3 items over here.
Jump back in the spike device and move up the ramp in here. From up here you can jump over to a platform where there's a door. However, you can't get in yet, but there are items on the left and right.
Get back on the spike device and jump the gap so you're above the skull. Get on the skull and wait until you can jump over to a stone ramp. After jumping down a few levels you should be near a face wall, so break it. To the right in here are some items. Across are some ledges you can jump on that lead back to the entrance of this place.
Climb the ramp by where the face wall was and follow this path. At the top of this area there's an item by the far wall. Wait for the spike device to come and you can jump on a platform. This platform will allow you to reach some stairs on the left.
Up these stairs you can jump over to a beam. Grab the 2 items, then make the jump over to another platform. Follow this path until you need to drop down from a beam to another beam below you. Then drop down another. There's a beam here you can see with 3 items on it, so make the jump.
After getting those items get back to where you jumped to that beam and take the other nearby beam. Jump over to the next beam. In front of you is an item. Then follow the other path. From here you can drop down onto the spike device when it is in position, then over to another platform. Jump from here and you can get down to where you can access a round gold switch.
That door from a bit earlier is now accessible. You'll be dropped down into a little area where some red light blocks your way. Drop down onto a nearby platform, then down onto a steep ramp.
This part is a little weird. The way the platforms are tilted here you can move onto different sides of some of them without falling off. It's kind of hard to explain this part, as you must move around the platforms so you can climb up them taking advantage of how they are turned.
When you reach the top you can see an item down and in front of you a bit. Jump to there. Then jump across to another nearby platform. From here you can move into a very close gap. This leads out to a thin platform where you can drop down to another platform below. From here jump across to another platform nearby. Climb up a bit and then jump to another platform.
This part is quite difficult. You'll see a long thin platform with an item on it. You must land on this. The problem is Noctis is going to roll when you land, meaning you need to try to land as far back as possible for he will just roll off.
When you finally make it turn around and move back along this thin platform. Follow this path until you can move onto some metal bars. Jump to some other metal bars. Jump to another gap. Follow the twisting path up here, and up to a ledge you follow around before jumping to another platform nearby. Here you can drop down behind the metal bars.
There are some items here. Then move further up and turn around, you can jump across and get a couple more items. Drop back down to continue on. There's a thin ledge you can move out on and jump over to another platform from. From here you can drop down onto another platform. If you climb this platform a bit you can drop down to yet another platform.
Down here you'll find an item, then a winding path that continues on. When you hit a room that looks like a dead end there is a tight passage you can move around into. Along this path a little further you'll see a place you can drop. Down here there's a mechanism spinning, but you can drop down whenever.
*There are a bunch of items here, so take your time as you move around, they can be hard to see. I haven't encountered anything particularly good though.
The camera will suddenly move out, and you'll see Noctis from a distance. The trick here is not falling off either side as you make traverse this area. Your ultimate goal is to move downward.
When you reach a lower area where there are some stone blocks you can walk behind you'll want to start jumping left. Your vision is obscured so it can be hard to see exactly where to jump. This should lead you to a tight gap you can move upward through.
The camera returns to normal and you're moving down. You'll come to a beam where you can then jump a gap. This area here will suddenly rotate half a turn if you move forward where the platform extends a little (which you need to do), but you won't fall or anything. Head right and you can drop down to another platform. Turn around and make your way up the slanted path. This will lead to an area with a gap you can jump.
After jumping the gap and moving to the other side, wait here as things rotate, and drop when the platform in front of you is more below you. Follow this as this area continues to rotate and you should reach a dead end. However, on the left you can move up here as the room turns. There will be another path you can go up, and then another that will give you a good view of the statue. Jump to your left and continue forward.
Down here you should be right up by the statue, so jump over onto it. The statue will fall back. Head down its body to find Genji Gloves. Then move up toward the left side (statue's right arm) and you can get down on its weapon. Fall down and you'll slide along the blade and down into an area.
This should start rising as an elevator. At the top is a ton of items. After getting them drop out the other side onto a beam. Follow this up and it will thin. The left path leads up to a statue, but if you stick right where the path thins out you can move onto another area platform.
From here you can drop onto some metal bars. Follow the path here until you jump a gap to the right. Grab the item here and then drop down to more bars below you. If that isn't working for you after you get the item jump from the left side. Follow the bars up a ramp, then take another ramp up.
From here you can jump over onto the statue and get the item. Then move carefully down its back onto the beam. From here you need to jump toward the left and land on the L-shaped beam. Then move up that beam and jump to the nearby platform. Move up this ramp and turn around and you should see some bars you can jump to. Follow this path that twists and winds on itself as it climbs until you reach a smaller gap you can go through.
Drop down through a hole here and then head right over to some stairs. Climb these stairs and follow the path. You'll reach a door with a switch in front of it. A door opens, and there's also a chest here by you.
Head onto the door and jump right. There's an item here, and if you look right in this gap you can see a ledge you can jump where there's another item. Jump to another ledge, then another. A couple more and you'll reach a ramp. Climb all the way up and you'll run into some spikes with a narrow path between them. Move through them carefully, then follow the path. You'll enter the open room but be higher up, and see an item in front of you.
Jump to another nearby beam. Down the stairs is a face wall and some treasure chests. You're now linked back to the very beginning of this dungeon, a good sign! Go back up the stairs and take the ramp you ignored up. Hop the gap, continue forward, and jump to the round platforms, then the nearby thin platform, and then over to the ramp.
Jump to another thin platform, then another. Then you have to jump to some smaller round platforms, and then over to a beam. Up here you'll find a ramp you can take down. It leads to some stairs and a face wall, so destroy the wall, which gives you access to this area easier, and then head up the stairs.
Up here you must jump a few small gaps, which makes it harder in some ways. I jumped straight to the second platform, then the other two. Once you're on the final beam jump to the next platform.
This next part you have to move down the ramp, jump diagonally, then jump to the stepping stones. When you make it and you're standing at a gap, watch below for a platform that is moving up and down, time it so you land on it. From here step onto the next little platform and you should be able to jump to a switch.
This switch opens another door, which you should be able to jump to and use as a platform. Jump to a gap, then another, then you should be able to jump over and touch a glowing switch, which opens another dooor.
Head in here and up the stairs. There's a treasure. Come back down and up this other set of stairs. You should be able to climb up a piece of beam which will get you on top of this door. Jump up on another nearby beam, and then use this to get high enough to jump to yet another beam. Follow this beam up then jump over to a round platform.
From this round platform you should see some beam sticking out of the nearby pillar, jump on it. Jump from here to a round platform that is partially blocked by stone. From here you can jump to the switch.
Inside the newly opened door is a treasure, but then you'll want to climb back up so you can use the raised door as a platform. Jump across the gaps until you reach a narrow beam with items on it. Follow this beam to a face wall. Destroy it to link up another shortcut and get an item.
Go up the nearby stairs. This dead ends into an elevator.
Up here is your prize the Black Hood Accessory. This little beauty makes Noctis automatically evade a large number of attacks, those he can Phase through, making it a very powerful accessory. He will also automatically block attacks that can be blocked. The catch is it doesn't seem to work while you're attacking. So basically this makes it so that Noctis will auto dodge and block as long as you aren't attacking yourself. In other words, just by standing there you will become extremely difficult to kill, holding square no longer needed at all.
An effective way to use this Accessory is to tap circle to attack, that way you aren't always in attack mode but you can still attack quickly, or use it so you can easily get around enemies to back attack.
Side Quest - A Legend is Born
Suggested level: 55
*This is only available post game after completing the story.
Now head to Lestallum and speak with Randolph, whom we haven't met before. Apparently he makes great weapons, and wants us to defeat the blue bennu, so let's go do that.
It's a large bird, similar to the Zu from the Hunter Quests. Compared to stuff you've faced in this guide up until now, this guy shouldn't give you much trouble.
Return to Randolph when finished. You will receive the 2 handed weapon Iron Duke.
Side Quest - Dreadful Legend
Suggested level: 65
This quest is available in Lestallum from Randolph. You must have completed the Side Quest - A Legend is Born. Your target is 1 Malbodoom and it brats. This fight really wasn't too bad, honestly it didn't even attack me all that much so I don't know, maybe something was wrong with it or what.
When it's defeated return to Lestallum. You will receive the Dragon Lance.
Side Quest - Legend Wrapped in an Enigma
Suggested level: 75
This quest is available in Lestallum from Randolph. You must have completed Side Quest - A Dreadful Legend. Your target is all the Tonberry Knights, and this must be done at night.
These two are pretty nasty customers. They fight just like the Master Tonberry (Jedi Tonberry Round 2) but they are far more dangerous. They are quite aggressive so you can Block and Parry them a lot, which is a good strategy to fall back on if you're having any troubles.
Return to Lestallum when finished. You will receive the Ziedrich
Side Quest - Cursed Legend
Suggested level: 85
This quest is available in Lestallum from Randolph. You must have completed the Side Quest - Legend Wrapped in an Enigma. Your target is 1 phalaris.
The main problem with fighting this guy is you can get hurt just from attacking him or being near him. However, his slow bulk allows you to easily get behind him and dish out increased damage from back attacks for pretty much the whole battle.
Return to Lestallum when you're finished. You will receive the Soul Saber.
Side Quest - Wonderous Weapon
Suggested level: 99
This quest is available in Lestallum from Randolph. You must have completed the Side Quest - Cursed Legend. Your target is 1 Naglfar. This must be done at night.
There's a strong possibility you'll want to leave this quest alone for now and continue leveling up. If not then continue on.
Naglfar appears at the Imperial Base SW of Old Lestallum. You'll have to go inside the grounds.
To call this guy strong is an understatement. He's level 120 and he hits like two trains running into each other at full speed. He has a lot of strong attacks and no qualms about throwing them out often. The quest takes place at night, which can make it difficult to get your best food buffs, but you'll probably want to eat something from a restaurant at least.
Return to Lestallum when finished.
Locked Doors in the Dungeons
I can only imagine how long you've been curious about the locked door in many of the dungeons up until now. Well, now that we're in the post game we can finally access them.
*This requires having defeated the bosses in every dungeon except the Secret Dungeon (where there's no fighting anyways) and having completed the main story quests. If you have done that, head to Meldacio Hunter HQ.
There should be a ? quest available here from a woman named Ezma. She has the key to unlock those doors. Now 9 Quests should have been added to your log. 8 for different dungeons and 1 for the quest of completing all of them. Let's go from lowest to highest.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Keycatrich
Suggested level: 55
You will receive this quest from Ezma in Meldacio Hunter HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more information.
This is the first dungeon you entered early on in the story with Cor, Keycatrich Trench. If you don't remember the way see Main Quest - Power of Kings. It should also be marked as the objective on your map so that should help too.
When you get to the door open it and head in.
*It's extremely easy to get disoriented in here as there's no map. The way in here was blocked when you came through, so if you come to doors blocked with spears you got turned around. You can still see the N on your compass, so you can use that to help if you need, but the path twists and turns a bit so, you know.
In the first room fight the enemies grand the item and continue on. Do the same in the next room. Same in the third room. Same the the fourth room. Same in the fifth.
The sixth room will bring you to a 3-way. We'll call them left middle and right if you're looking from where you first entered the room.
Right leads to a dead end with an item. The middle also leads to a dead end with an item. The left path will continue through the dungeon.
The next room is back to enemies and items and one path forward. So is the next room. The next room should be a camp with one way forward. There's a Dominator in here. Next room is back to the usual.
You should now be at another 3-way. Once again we will call them left, middle and right once more. The left path leads to a dead end with item. The right path leads to a dead end with an item. Middle path continues forward.
Next room is more of the usual for this place. So is the next one. So is the next one.
You should be at another 3-way. Left, middle and right once again. Right leads to a dead end (I may have got the item on first pass, didn't see one). Left leads to a dead end with a Wizard Shield. Middle is the way forward again.
Following this last set of straightforward paths will lead you to the boss.
The boss of the area is a large flan. When you defeat it grab the Hyper Magnum off the ground.
Now on to the next dungeon.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in the Grotto
Suggested level: 65
This quest is part of Ezma's chain in Meldacio Hunter HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more information.
This quest is for the dungeon behind the waterfall near Lestallum. If you need any help see Main Quest - Sword in the Waterfall.
When you reach the locked door unlock it and head in.
Seems this dungeon is built similar to the previous one. You enter a room, fight an enemy, pick up an item and continue on. Second room is the same. Third room is the same. Fourth room is the same. Fifth room is the same. Sixth room is the same. Seventh room is the same. Eighth Room is the same. Ninth room is the same.
The tenth room is a camp with Vigilantes you can find. The eleventh room continues the previous pattern.
The twelfth room finally breaks the pattern. There's a 3-way here, so let's use the left, middle and right designations again.
Left is a dead end with item. Middle is a dead end with item. Right is the way.
Keep going until you hit another 3-way. Left is a dead end with item. Right is a dead end with item. Middle is the way.
Keep going and you'll run into another camp along the way, Platinum Ingot you can pick up.
Keep going until you hit another 3-way. Right is a dead end with item, Middle is a dead end with item, Left eventually leads to the boss.
Boss is a Yojimbo-type enemy. On the ground afterward is an Executioner, another gun.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Foclaugh
Suggested level: 65
This quest is available from Ezma at Meldacio Hunter HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more information.
This dungeon is close to the Chocobo Wiz Post.
Head all the way to the end, open the locked door, and enter the dungeon.
This dungeon operates under the same way the previous 2 have. Enter a room, defeat an enemy, grab and item and then move on.
Follow the path to the first 3-way. Right is a dead end with item. Left is a dead end with item, Middle is the path. These directions assume you're entering the 3-way room for the first time.
You should soon reach a camp with an Organyx.
Next 3-way. Left is dead end with item. Middle is a dead end with item. Right is the path forward.
Following this path will lead you to the boss, a form of the Iron Giant family. Grab the Enhancer off the ground when finished.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Daurell
Suggested level: 72
This quest is available from Ezma in Meldacio Hunter's HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more information.
This is the dungeon near Daurell Spring in Schier Heights. The way to the locked door is up a ladder where you fight the Iron Giant boss.
You may be confused how to lower the ladder (or maybe not) but I haven't seen any other way up here but to Point Warp during the boss fight. So pretty much get the battle almost over then port up there and let you people finish it so you can lower it after the battle.
Once you have access head to the locked door and enter the dungeon.
Same setup as the previous dungeons. Enter room, fight enemies, grab item, move on, look for 3-way, take path (or treasure paths if you want) reach and defeat boss.
Follow the path to the first 3-way. Left is the way forward, Right and Middle are dead ends with treasure. Directions assume you're entering the 3-way room for the first time.
You should run into a camp while traveling. There's a Moogle Charm here too.
Along the way here you'll run into an enemy called Custard, a type of Flan. They are invulnerable to everything but magic. However, the Ring of Lucis Death Magic (Circle) and Holy (Square) also works if you don't use much magic like me.
Continue down to he next 3-way. Lett is a dead end with treasure. Right is a dead end with treasure. Middle is the way.
Continue to the next 3-way. Left is a dead end with an item. Middle is a dead end with an item. Right is the path forward.
You'll reach a camping spot with a Duel Code.
This should eventually take you to the boss, one of the Naga type enemies. Grab the Precision Lance after your victory.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Balouve
Suggested level: 78
This quest is available from Ezma in Meldacio Hunter HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more information.
This one is for the dungeon E of Longwythe Rest Area, the mine Balouve.
Head back through the dungeon to where you fought the boss. The entrance is up a few floors from the bottom floor, and you have to go through a gap you squeeze through to get there.
I'm going to assume you've grasped the pattern of these dungeons by now.
Following the path you'll eventually reach a camp with an Apocalypse on the ground.
At the 3-way Middle and Right are dead ends with treasure. Left is the way forward.
Continue to the next 3-way. Middle and Right lead to dead ends with treasure. Left is the way forward.
This will lead you to the boss, this time of the Mindflayer family. Be aware that if he grabs you he can kill you instantly.
Grab the Death Penalty off the ground when you're done.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Steyliff
Suggested level: 86
*Be aware, this dungeon is going to feel like it's never going to end. It is many times longer than the previous ones. The path is almost always straightforward, there's just a ton of rooms and fights. It may feel at times like you're stuck in some kind of repeating glitch or something but it does eventually end if you keep plowing forward. Come stocked with plenty of items!
This quest is available from Ezma in Meldacio Hunter HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more information.
Steyliff is the Dungeon in the Vesperpool where you went during the story to get Mythril.
*Remember you can only get in here during evening/night.
Head into the dungeon and go all the way to where the boss was. You can get to the locked door to enter the area for this quest.
This dungeon looks different than the ones we've done, but the concept remains the same.
Following the only path available from the beginning you'll eventually reach a camp.
Continue until you come to the first 3-way. Left is a dead end with item. Right is a dead end with item. Straight continues on.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
Continue to the second 3-way. Once again Left and Right are dead ends with treasure. Middle is the path forward.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
You'll then reach another 3-way. Middle and Right are dead ends with treasure, Left continues into the dungeon.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
After a while you'll enter another room with a camp.
Eventually you'll finally reach the boss, it's a Dragon like thing. When you defeat it grab the Flayer off the ground.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Crestholm
Suggested level: 92
This quest is available from Ezma in Meldacio Hunter HQ. See Locked Doors in Dungeons for more.
This is the dungeon E of Hammerhead, near where one would begin traveling to Insomnia, were it not barricaded and under Imperial control.
Head into the dungeon and make your way to the end where you can find the locked door.
To access the locked door here look for a ladder on the N side of where you fought the boss. It goes down to where the door is.
This dungeon continues the pattern the majority have them have been. Enter room, defeat enemy, grab item, move on, watch for 3-way, reach and defeat boss.
You'll reach the first 3-way rather quickly. Left is a dead end with item. Middle is a dead end with item. Right is the path forward.
Continue to the next 3-way. Middle and Right are dead ends with treasure. Left is the way.
You'll reach a camp after this.
You'll reach another 3-way rather quickly. Left and right are dead ends with items. Middle is the path forward.
You'll reach another 3-way. Left and Right are dead ends with items. Middle is the path forward.
You'll reach another camp.
This path should eventually lead you to the boss, another Dragon type. When it is defeated grab the Gigas Bangle off the ground.
Side Quest - A Menace Sleeps in Costlemark
Suggested level: 99
This is the final locked door dungeon. Costlemark is S of the Chocobo Post.
*Remember that this is a dungeon you can only access in the late evening/night hours.
Head to the part of the dungeon where there are a bunch of glowing panels on the floor. You'll probably remember this but keep interacting with the floors and walls to progress through this area.
Eventually it should let you out into a big room. There's an elevator in here that takes you back up to the previous room where you started going through the floor/walls. However, back behind that elevator is a hole in the wall that leads to the locked door dungeon.
*You'll be warned you can't use items in here. As such you are going to need to fight in a way where you minimize risk even if it takes longer.
This dungeon is more like A Menace Sleeps in Steyliff than the other dungeons. It looks the same and it's more about a long 1-way path most of the time.
Following the only available path you'll eventually reach a camp, which is the only way to heal in this dungeon.
At the first 3-way it's also like Steyliff. Left and Right are short paths to treasure (no enemies) and the Middle one continues on.
You'll eventually reach another camp.
You'll eventually reach another 3-way. This time however Left and Middle are the treasures and Right is the way forward.
Along the way here you'll run into the boss from Crestholm, the dragon Jormungard or whatever it is exactly. I'm not even going to pretend this is easy, and it would help you immensely to equip your people with Fire resistant gear and eat food that resists or even better negates fire.
He is NOT the final boss though, so don't forget to grab the item on the ground before continuing on.
They also aren't nice enough to put a camp right after him, you'll have to go through 1 more room of enemies and then there's a Camp.
Along here you'll run into a room with like 5 Iron Giants, and that one too can be pretty hard.
You'll come to a 3-way just after the Iron Giants. There are several Braindrainer. You can avoid them by going Left immediately, which leads to the way forward, but you'll have to fight them if you want the items in the dead ends (Oracle Ascension Coin and a Mega-Potion or something)
You'll eventually reach another camp.
You'll eventually reach another camp.
This path eventually leads to the boss, another version of Jormungard, the the Dragon from earlier called Bifrost. This battle was pretty much a slog. By the end it was just Noctis and Prompto because Ignis and Gladio were too stupid to run away when it does Fire Rain or the Fire Explosion move, and eventually I couldn't save them.
You'll make your life easier by preparing Fire resist foods and equipment.
Pick up the Dark Matter Bracelet when the fight is over.
Now return to Ezma in Meldacio Hunter HQ, assuming you have cleared all the locked door dungeons.
For all your efforts you get a Hunter Medal, which appears in your Treasure section of your items. I do not know yet if it serves any other kind of purpose.
Side Quest - Let Sleeping Mountains Lie
When you're ready for this one head to Longwythe Rest Area and speak to Dave. You will then be in the Longwythe Dinter and be told friends you made during your journey are here, and you have X out of 14. If you've followed this guide up to here you should have all 14.
They are:
Dave (Various locations) - At the door of the Diner
Coctura (Galden Quay Tipster) - In the Diner.
Dino (Galden Quay Docks) - In the Diner
Vyv (Lestallum) - In the Diner
Professor Sania (Various locations) - In the Diner
Navyth the Fisherman (Various locations) - In the Diner
Ezma (Meldacio Hunter HQ, only available if you defeated all bosses in the dungeons and then did the locked dungeon quests) - In the Diner
Kimya (The Myrlwood) - In the Diner
Cid (Story related) - In the Diner
Takka (Hammerhead Tipster) - In the Diner
Iris (Story) - In the Diner
Talcott (Story) in the Diner
Holly (Lestallum) - In the Diner
Wiz (Wiz Chocobo Outpost) - Some cards on one of the booth tables
When you're done speaking to everyone head out. You now need to go see Monica.
This will lead to a short battle with the Adamantoise. You just need to stay alive, don't worry about damaging it. This will unlock the Hunter Quest - Lonely Rumblings in Longwythe that will let you fight the Adamantoise.
Hunter Quest - Lonely Rumblings in Longwythe
Suggested level: 99
This quest is available in Hammer head from the local tipster Takka once you have completed Side Quest - Let Sleeping Mountains Lie. See that quest if you have questions.
Taking this quest will make it automatically begin.
You'll be able to see the Adamantoise in the distance. Get on your Chocobo and head over there.
I wouldn't classify this battle as difficult. Actually the Adamantoise doesn't really even do that much to fight back. It is, however, the size of a mountain, and has the health to match.
See this video of the fight for more information:
You probably won't do as much damage as I'm doing unless you've got all end game stuff from the locked dungeons. It won't matter if you don't.
The food I ate was the Golden Tail Soup, which you get from Cooking Skill level 10.
This yields the trophy Tortoise Toppler, and is the last trophy you should need if you've followed this guide to this point. You will NOT get the trophy until you turn the quest in.
You will receive the Adamantite Bangle, which increases max health by 10k, but I haven't noticed any way to break the HP limit of 9999.
If you've followed the guide to this point this should also raise you to Hunter Rank 9.
Hunter Quest - Devils Cry Curses
Suggested level: 72
This quest is available in Cauthess Rest Area. Your target is 1 Molokujata.
After everything else you've been through in get to this point he should be no problem.
Hunter Quest - No Stopping the Great Stink
Suggested level:38
This quest is available in Lestallum, from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you 're looking on the map. Your target is 1 Malboro.
Return to the same Tipster when finished.
Hunter Quest - Trembling Killers
Suggested level: 57
This quest is available in Lestallum, from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you're looking on the map. Your target is 5 Ziggurat.
Return to the same Tipster when finished.
Hunter Quest - An Omen Crawls Upon the Ground
Suggested level: 68
This quest is available in Lestallum, from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you're looking on the map. Your target is 2 Grootslang.
Return to the same Tipster when finished.
Hunter Quest - Bones Seek an Offering
Suggested level: 72
This quest is available in Lestallum, from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you're looking on the map. Your target is 1 Iseultalon.
Return to the same Tipster when finished.
Hunter Quest - Dead General Strikes Down the King
Suggested level: 99
This quest is available in Lestallum, from the Tipster pretty much in the middle of the city if you're looking on the map. Your target is 1 Ayakashi.
This is a Yojimbo-type enemy, and he's pretty strong. He's level 110 and hits pretty hard. However compared to some other stuff that has taken place before this point he's not too bad, but pretty far up the list over all, so come prepared.
This gives you another Ribbon, which definitely doesn't hurt.
Hunter Quest - Breeding Season: Rooster Extermination.
Suggested level: 70
This quest is available in Meldacio Hunter HQ. Your target is 1 Kingatrice and 3 Basilisk.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - People-Eating Snake Has Got to Go
Suggested level: 78
This quest is available in Meldacio Hunter HQ. Your target is 1 Hvitromr.
Return to Meldacio Hunter HQ when finished.
Hunter Quest - A Wall in Our Way
Suggested level: 84
This quest is available in Meldacio Hunter HQ. Your target is 1 Daemonwall.
You have to go into the Steyliff Grove dungeon to get to this. Go all the way through the dungeon like you're trying to get to the bottom where the boss would be and you'll run into this enemy blocking the way.
This guy comes out of the wall (as if the name didn't tell you that). However, he moves down the hallway while a bunch of small enemies like skeletons and flan appear. Ignore them and just lay into the wall with everything you have. I'm not sure how long you have, maybe to the teleport that activates behind where this encounter takes place, but either way he's the biggest threat and you should take him down quickly.
Mop up the enemies and this encounter is over. Head back to Meldacio Hunter HQ.
After this you should be Hunter level 10, the highest you can get (rank Alleyway Jack). Your reward is a Dark Matter Bracelet.
END of Final Fantasy XV Pre DLC content
So far as I know, if you have followed this guide up to this point you have completed pretty much everything there is to do as far as quests and such. I will update this guide as the other DLC content is released.
Trophy Guide
The World Wanderer
Platinum Trophy, earn all others.
Insomnia's Waking Nightmare
Insomnia's Waking Nightmare is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Departure
Departure is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
No Turning Back
No Turning Back is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
The Open World
The Open World is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Living Legend
Living Legend is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Dark Clouds
Dark Clouds is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
A Way Forward
A Way Forward is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Party of Three
Party of Three is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Seaworthy
Seaworty is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Callings
Callings is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
The Heart of a King
The Heart of a King is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
In the Dark
In the Dark is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
End of Days
End of Days is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Redemption
Redemption is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Homecoming
Homecoming is story related, you'll get it if you play the Main Quest Missions.
Chosen King
The Chosen King is earned by defeating the story boss Ifrit on Normal difficulty. He is available to fight even after you complete the game, as you're returned to just before the end of the final quest, so you can get this any time.
Learner's Permit
Learner's Permit is earned by getting behind the wheel of the Regalia for the first time.
Chocobo Jockey
Chocobo Jockey is earned by unlocking the ability to rent Chocobo and then riding one. You can unlock the ability to rent Chocobo by completing the Hunter Quest - A Behemoth Undertaking.
Regalia Pilot
Regalia Pilot is earned the first time you pilot the Regalia Type-F. To unlock the Regalia Type-F you must do 2 things. First is complete the story. The second is to clear the 3 Imperial Bases. 2 of them are cleared during the Main Quest missions, and the third can be found in the Hammerhead region, NW of Hammerhead.
Quadruple Threat
Quadruple Threat is earned by equipping Noctis with a weapon in each of the 4 slots he has available.
Faithful Heir
Faithful Heir is earned by obtaining all the Royal Weapons. Here's the list:
Sword of the Wise - Story related
Axe of the Conqueror - Story related
Bow of the Cleaver - Dungeon - Balouve Mine (See Sidequest - Balouve Mine)
Swords of the Wanderer - Story related
Blade of the Mystic - Story related
Star of the Rogue - Dungeon - The Myrlwood (See Side Quest - The Myrtlwood)
Sword of the Tall - Tomb of the Tall near Fallgrave (empty) - Go to Costlemark (Side Quest - Costlemark Tower) and defeat the boss at the end.
Shield of the Just - Find Saxham Outpost on your map, it's SW of The Disc of Cauthess. W of Saxham Outpost is Thommel's Glade. There's a Royal Tomb here with the shield.
Mace of the Fierce - Dungeon - Rock of Ravatogh (see Side Quest - Rock of Ravatogh)
Scepter of the Pious - Dungeon - Malmalam Thicket (see Side Quest - Malmalam Thicket)
Trident of the Oracle - Story related
Katana of the Warrior - Story related
Sword of the Father - Story related
New Power
New power is obtained by learning your first ability in the Ascension menu.
Self-Improved
Self-Improved is obtained by learning 20 skills in the Ascension menu.
Self-Mastered
Self-Mastered is obtained by learning 50 skills in the Ascension menu.
Angling Rookie
Angling Rookie is obtained by reaching Fishing Skill level 1.
Survival Rookie
Survival Rookie is obtained by reaching Survival Skill level 1.
Photo Rookie
Photo Rookie is obtained by reaching Photography Skill level 1.
Cooking Rookie
Cooking Rookie is obtained by reaching Cooking Skill level 1.
Angling Expert
Angling Expert is obtained by reaching Fishing Skill level 10.
Every fish you catch will increase the Fishing Skill. There's really no other way to power level it, though you get more fishing experience for catching harder or rarer fish, so fish in higher end ponds if available.
Survival Expert
Survival Expert is obtained by reaching Survival Skill Level 10.
Every step Gladio takes increases his Survival Skill Experience. You'll have to decide how quickly you want this by how much you run around.
Photo Expert
Photo Expert is obtained by reaching Photography Skill level 10.
Prompto takes photos on his own, but there are some things you can do to speed it along, though there's really no need as there are trophies that take way longer, so you should get this even if you don't try eventually.
You can get the Camera Strap from the Wiz Chocobo Post, it's on the ground near the shop. This makes Prompto take more photos per day.
Cooking Expert
Cooking Expert is obtained by reaching Cooking Skill level 10.
This should be no problem, as cooking anything increases the skill, and there are things that can be made from ingredients that can be purchased at stores if need be.
Just Hangin' Around
Just Hangin' Around is obtained by using the Point Warp skill to reach a Point Warp area where Noctis hangs. These are usually above your head, and you should be indicated to do this very early on in the story before a fight.
Brother-in-Arms
Brother-in-Arms is obtained by using L1 to have one of your party members use an ability for the first time.
Blind Spot
Blind Spot is obtained the first time you attack an enemy from behind and it creates a Link Strike.
Noct You Like a Hurricane
Noct You Like A Hurricane is obtained the first time you Block then Parry an attack and it leads into a Link Strike.
The Power of Kings
The Power of Kings is obtained the first time you use the Armigar ability, which is earned through the story and activated by pressing L1+R1 at the same time when the bar in the lower left corner is full.
Magical Worker
Magical Worker is obtained the first time you use the Elemancy menu to craft a spell.
Black Mage
Black Mage is obtained the first time you use a spell you crafted in the Elemancy menu in combat. To do so equip the spell in the Gear section like a weapon, then select it in combat and cast it.
Divine Intervention
Divine Intervention is earned the first time you summon one of the Six. You must have gone far enough in the story to have at least done the part with Titan. Then, in certain situations you may see L2 Summon appear at the bottom of your screen.
Hold L2 at that time to initiate the summon.
*I had actually summoned a couple of times before this finally popped.
High Five for Justice!
High Five for Justice! is obtained by playing the Justice Monsters pinball game for the first time. You can find these in the Diners around the various settlements.
Immortal Photobomb
Immortal Photobomb is earned by having Geldiana appear in one of the photographs Prompto has taken. So far as I know there is no way to really control this, aside from progressing far enough in the story to meet Geldiana. After that it's random.
Spinning a Yarn I
See Weaving a Tapestry for more.
Spinning a Yarn II
See Weaving a Tapestry for more.
Spinning a Yarn III
See Weaving a Tapestry for more.
Spinning a Yarn IV
See Weaving a Tapestry for more.
Spinning a Yarn V
See Weaving a Tapestry for more.
Weaving a Tapestry
Weaving a Tapestry is earned by completing 80 sidequests. There are way more than this available in the game, so just plug away and use this guide for any information you need.
My First Hunt
My First Hunt is earned by completing your first Hunter Quest. You can get these from the various Tipsters (people who sell food) around the world.
Tortoise Toppler
Tortoise Toppler is earned by defeating the Adamantoise. This battle is accessed through the quest Let Sleeping Mountains lie, which appears in your quest log the first time you use Umbra's power to travel back in time to Past Lucis.
See Side Quest - Lonely Rumblings in Longwythe for more information.
END of Guide
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