Prologue

As you begin the game, you’re thrown into a relatively epic fight between two creatures, and you’re one of ‘em. Unless you’ve managed to evade spoilers like Neo, you’ll know exactly the names of these creatures, and maybe a little more about what they represent.

To Kill a Dominant

Redeemable items can be gotten after completing “a chance encounter” in the main scenario.

Flashback

This is essentially a combat basics tutorial.
Basic attacks (X)
Magic (T)
Dodging and Countering (R1) (Precision dodging)
Eikonic Feat (O)- Phoenix Dash. Can be combined with Melee attack, or Magic.
Consumables. Can be bound to DPAD, or used from the menu.

Will Gauge: Indicated an opponents will to fight back. Break their spirit by landing attacks, and strike them while they are vulnerable.
Stagger: occurs when an opponents WIll Gauge is depleted. Deal as much damage as you can during this phase!

R2 + SQ to execute Rising Flames. R2 opens the Eikonic Ability submenu.

[cutscene: Mother passes by, Father returns.]

Sunrise, Sunset

Holding down L3 utilizes your “animal instinct” to point you in the right direction if you feel lost. Your current destination will have a marker on it. This is very useful throughout the game. Typically, I use this to FIND WHERE I NEED TO GO - then EXPLORE ELSEWHERE FIRST.

Make for the Throneroom

Training Grounds

From now on I recommend checking in on NPC's, they give you little tidbits and info about the current situation and storyline. If you want to maximize the experience, consider interacting with the environment every now and then.

“You put on quite the show for us Lord Rosfield, anyone who can do that DESERVES to be first shield. Age and Experience be damned.”

Castle Courtyard

Retire to your Chambers

Talk to the King, and the Lord for additional lore. Since there’s nothing else to do, go retire to your chambers after that.

A bunch of cutscenes follow.

Make for Stillwind

World Map: displays all locations (indicated by glowing pins) currently available for fast travel.
[Cutscene: Clive and the boys arriving at Stillwind]

Lost in a Fog

Timely Accessories: There are five timely accessories, each of which kind of “help you out” with the various systems. One helps you dodge better, chain attacks with only one button, etc. They’re essentially to help newer players or players struggling with certain aspects of combat.

Explore Stillwind

[cs gobbos]

Magic Burst Use (T) after striking with (S) to trigger a magicked explosion that deals big damage.

Battle: Goblins

Stillwind Village

Loot: Enemies drop gil or items sometimes. Loot is gathered automatically by approaching glittering icons.

Battle: Goblins

Just keep progressing through the village. Will have a few fights vs chumpy goblins.

Boss: Gigas

Formidable Foes: or “bosses”, I suppose. Tough enemies that you should attempt staggering!

Parry:

Partial Stagger: At 50% will, enemies will partially stagger.

Hitting them while theyre down: Beating on staggered enemies deals bonus damage! Up to 150% more per strike.

Following a Boss Battle, you get an extra screen with more rewards depending on how well you did.

Pursue the goblin leader

Equip your new gear! The Hard Leather Armlets you just got should be placed on the only other empty equipment slot you have.

Learn new abilities! This one requires a more in-depth discussion, but it’s a little self explanatory for now. Learn abilities by spending points on them. There are cheap ones down there you should be learning first, which gives you new moves in battle.

Boss: Morbol

Ah, a pretty cool fight for this early in the game. You’ll learn about cinematic attacks, and cinematic dodges. Use everything you’ve learned until now to beat this guy! You can actually die if you’re not careful.

The main advice I’d give here is dodge bad breath pre-emptively.and making it a habit to heal when you’re low, in tough fights.

Considering this was the “demo boss”, it’s so awesome already for such an early fight!

[cs: Clive and the boys celebrating the victory]

Make for Phoenix Gate

Fast travel to Phoenix Gate to start it off!

[cs: The boys telling the men about their epic adventure]

[cs: Clive talking to Joshua]

[cs: Guards at the front gate

Flight of the Fledgling

Interestingly, you’re playing as Joshua now, ey?

The objectives during this quest aren’t shown, but you can still see them if you check the journal.

Escape the Stronghold

Just keep progressing through the castle. You’ll fight some chumps along the way

Battle: Soldier

Battle: Soldier 2x.

Battle: Soldier

[cs: Tyler injured. Joshua helps. The big boys all come]

Follow Sir Wade / Slay the Invaders

Keep exploring the burning castle.

Battle: Soldier 4x

Battle: Soldier 5x

Boss: Knight of Blinding Dawn

Oh, this is surprisingly challenging for an early boss! His attacks are rather fancy so getting the precision dodge can be tricky. Make absolutely sure to dodge the Jump, and Double Jump attacks as they do a ton of damage.

This fight is another good early game reminder that you can use (O) to close gaps. Also, using (T) after dodging for a bonus magic attack is better sometimes because you won’t be in range for a melee attack.

[cs: post dragoon fight. Mysterious person appears]

Phoenix VS Eikon of Fire

Well, if that wasn’t epic… It’s a great sign of things to come.

[“Flashback ends”]

[TITLE SCREEN]

A Chance Encounter

Pursue the retreating Army

THIS IS WHERE THE DEMO ENDS

You can now learn two new Eikonic Abilities. Scarlet Cyclone and Heatwave. Scarlet Cyclone is a great AoE ability, and Heatwave is a nice defensive / offensive hybrid skill. Learn them asap!

You can now claim your Pre Order and special items from the menu.

Just keep making your way through the mountains. You’ll eventually find your target!

Boss: Shiva’s Dominant

Battle: Ironbloods

Battle: Tiamat

[cs: Ironbloods get !shocked”]

[cs: Clive reunites]

“Fleet as Flame, Fierce as a Wildfire”

A chance encounter indeed. The quest names are killing it!

Follow Cid to the Hideaway

Fast travel to the Hideaway

[cs: Cid explains to Clive why this place isn’t a bad place to hide.]

Hide, Hideaway

Finally, a minimap is available. Access it by pressing the pad. Main scenario markers are in red.

You can look around the Hideaway, but you really can’t do anything yet.

Speak with Cid in his Chambers.

[cs: Cid and Clive discuss what’s all this about]

Visit the Main Hall /

Speak with Blackthorne in the Smithy /

Speak with Goetz /

(Combining these quest objectives)

Goetz gives you a special something so the Blacksmiths will notice you. Speak to the Blacksmith and you’ll be introduced to crafting and reinforcing gear.

Forging: Crafting and reinforcing (upgrading) gear can be done at the blacksmith. So long as you have the recipe, and proper materials!

You should be getting an Iron Belt +1 for now.

Notices: Basically, new stock, recipes for crafting, quests, missives and anything else will show up as notices. A circular yellow icon appears in game, and on the local map to indicate recent updates.

Thank Goetz!

Speak with the man tending to the Bearers.

Speak with Tarja in the infirmary

(Combining these quest objectives)

Once this rather long sequence of event ha

[cs: Tarja and Otto haves a look at the bearers]

SIDEQUESTS UNLOCKED: Oh boy. It begins! Green Icons indicate sidequests.

NEW SIDEQUESTS:

Food for Thought

Make do and Mend

You also unlock a couple other features like the Orchestrion and The Thousand Tomes (both at the Fat Chocobo tavern).

Speak with Charon / Collect the Supplies

Shops: Basic RPG shops, they update every now and then as you progress the story.

Might as well buy the Broadsword and Iron Bracers…

The Arete Stone is now accessible. It’s basically a safe place to train your skills. More options become unlocked as you progress as well. Not really important for now.

You can now also Fast Travel to previously known points, or by discovering warmarks known as Obelisks. You can access the world map via Main Menu almost any time.

Make for the Greatwood

Well, if you’re done with whatever you need to do (Sidequests, upgrading, etc) - use the World Map and fast travel to the Greatwood.

Fanning Embers

A Hero’s Best Friend: Torgal has now joined the party to fight alongside Clive! Use DPAD Left to check the pet commands. Right now you have “Sic”, “Heal”, and “Ravage”. A basic attack, healing spell on clive, and aerial launch respectively. You can use the Ring of Timely Assistance to give Torgal commands “automatically”.

Escape the Greatwood alive

Just keep progressing through the forest.

Battle: Wolves

[cs: Spiky Lizard]

Battle: Plants

[cs: About the ancients]

Miniboss: Dragon Aevis

Battle:Wolves and Plants

It’s really easy to get lost in these types of maps, so use “Hold L3” to let Torgal guide you.

Boss: Fafnir

[cs: Cid shocks Clive with his skills]

Find the Road North

Many Battles: Hornets/ Plants, etc

Keep following the river, and using Torgal to guide you if needed after the battle with Wolves + a Dragon Aevis, there’s a treasure chest (meteorite) on the left of the “exit”.

[cs: Clive and Cid find some unexpected company]

Benedikta Harman… mmm…

Boss: Midnight Raven

Really cool fight! His attacks are very difficult to precision dodge or parry. Try as best as you can. Beat him up, and use Torgal heal as much as you can. Maximize stagger damage by using your eikonic abilities towards the end of a stagger!

[cs: Cid and Clive talk about Eikons]

Stage Replay and Arcade Mode are now available in Arete Stone. Check out each mode to know more details…

I’m pretty sure you get the Badge of Might accessory at this time… I could be wrong. Equip it, if it’s the case.

Cross into Orabelle Downs

You can go back to Hideaway if you like. There’s a new tier of items and upgrades you can take. Why not, right? You’ll have more than enough money for them - but might not have all the materials for all upgrades.

Fast travel to Orabelle Downs when ready.

Louder than Words

Obelists: Kind of like waypoints. Interact with it to active them!

Make for Lostwing

Refreshingly, the map feels a little more open, and you can use the minimap here.

Battle: Soldiers

There doesn’t seem to be any hidden items or treasure chests in this vineyard area…

Explore Lostwing

Talk to the child, who then directs you towards the church. There’s another obelisk here.

Pursue the Fleeing Soldier

Boss: Chirada

[cs: Clive and Cid talk in the bar]

[cs: Caer Norvent garrison]

[cs: Back at the bar]

The Dead of Night

New Stock. A reminder when new stocks become available at the shops as you progress. Oddly, there aren’t any new stocks in this case, haha. So just continue along

Speak with Quinten

[cs The boys talk to Quinten]

Gather Information from the Villagers

With the new seal in hand, the villagers seem more keen to talk to Clive.

Speak with Cid

[cs: Clive tells Cid about his findings]

Speak with Quinten

[cs: Cid Clive and Quinten]

Make for Caer Norvent

Head over to the Cutter’s Gate at the Southeast part of Lostwing.

Once at Norvent Valley, the fun begins yet again. Just follow the forest path straight until you reach an open area.

Battle: Soldiers

At the open area head west. There’s a treasure chest at the lakeside (Meteorite).

Battle: Soldiers

Battle: Plants

[cs: Cid and Clive scope out the Caer]

Enter Caer Norvent

Youre back in the world map, feel free to stock up

[cs: Benedikta]

Headwind

Important Items:

The Favor of Fire (Heatwave) (You can possibly miss this)

The Favor of Fire (Scarlet Cyclone) (You can possibly miss this)

The WIll of Fire (Rising Flames) Accessory (This one you can’t miss)

Find the captives

Inside Caer Norvent

Battle: Guards

After checking out the door, it’s no good - go out the window instead.

There are two paths, the up and the down. Both will shortly lead up to the same place… I suggest taking the down path first.

Miniboss: Royal Tognvaldr

After this, feel free to backtrack to fight extra enemies via the “up” path.

When you’re done, pass through the gate near where he spawned

There’s a treasure chest here which gives you The Favor of Fire (Scarlet Cyclone), an accessory that increases your Scarlet Cyclone damage.

Guarding and Breaking Through: Enemies sometimes shield up from the front.Circle them! Basic abilities might break it from the front such as Charged Magic or Burning Blade. Some Eikonic Abilities like Rising Flames can instantly break them too.

Battle: Many soldiers

Chapel (Location)

[cs: Benedikta and Cid get it on]

Boss: Chirada and Suparna

This one can get quite rough. Focus on Suparna, since her spells can be annoying, and she moves alot less so you can hit her more reliably.

After beating one, the remaining one absorbs the other, into a more powerful foe. I wonder if, getting both to low life will help shorten this phase. But, honestly, this phase is easier to handle than the 2v1 scenario.

Pursue Benedikta

Before crossing the bridge, there’s a room on the opposite side with a Meteorite in a chest.

There’s a room with treasures, The Favor of Fire (Heatwave) - which increasesHeatwave damage.

Battle: Soldiers

Enemy curing: A little good advice from the game, which tells you to focus down enemy spellcasters first - especially healers.

Battle: Multiple battles with soldiers

Keey going up and up

Miniboss: Royal Tognavaldr (part 2)

Save your Eikonic Feats for the mini-stagger at 50%, you can get him to stagger completely during this window

[cs: Clive and Benedikta]

Boss: Benedikta

The WIll of Fire (Rising Flames) Accessory - Increases the damage of Rising Flames.

[cs: Benedikta rages]

[cs: The Caer burns]

Wings of Change

The Power of Wind. You can now choose to use Garuda’s powers instead of Phoenix. Garuda’s Eikonic feat is Deadly Embrace. It pulls smaller enemies. More importantly, on Larger Enemies Deadly Embrace topple them if they become partially staggered (50% Will Gauge). Toppling enemies in this way deals significant damage.

Pressing L2 cycles between active Eikons. You can easily see ability cooldowns via the colored pips.

Head North

It’s a bit of an open field, but there’s nothing meaningful aside from the objective.

MINIBOSS: Soldiers + Imperial War Aevis

Nows a good time to practice toppling enemies while they’re at half stagger. (O) while on Garuda to do it.

Continue North

[cs: Meeting up with Gav]

[cs: Benedikta struggling]

Make for the Eye of the Tempest

You can go back the other way for a few minor items, but, more importantly head back to Hideaway if you need to restock on potions, and get new gear.

New items at Charon’s Toll

Bastard Sword (110/110)

Dark Sash (30)

Steel Crowns (30)

You can even get Bastard Sword +2 here.

The Dragons Aery

Practice on a few Wind Elementals (they drop more Clouded Eye, if that matters). Phoenix is a little better early on so you can “teleport” to them even if theyre flying. Try to use Garudas Deadly Embrace on enemies who 50% stagger.

Once you’ve had your fill, go towards the quest marker. A new obelisk will automatically activate.

Enter the Vortex

You’ll have another chance to restock, buy and upgrade gear if you haven’t. Proceed to fast travel into “The Eye of the Tempest” when you’re ready.

Awakening

I’m sure you’re aware… You’re in for some turbulence. More than you anticipate.

BOSS: Garuda

Eikon Battle: Ifrit v Garuda

[cs: a bunch of cutscenes]

That’s alot of epicness for one sitting, ey?t

The Wages of Guilt

Speak with Cid

Quest Lock: There are times that the game locks sidequest taking and progress until certain main scenario progress has been made.

You can do it now or later, but there’s an upgrade available in the Blacksmith. Stormcry (130/130). If you used the Pre-order weapon Braveheart, all future weapons are now more powerful.

There’s also new armor at Charon’s Toll.

Goldwork Sash (36/6)

Battlechains (35)

There’s also a special accessory you can buy, The Breath of Wind (Rook’s Gambit) - Which reduces the skills cooldown time by 2.7s.

Journey to the Kingsfall

[cs: After a little chat, you’re off to the next quest.]

The Hunter and the Hunter

Badge of Mettle can be found at the treasure chest in the inn. Does this refresh every so often with a unique item? Hmm…

Rendezvous with Gav.

Just a bunch of battles, with a little walking and story in between. Get ‘em!

Battle: Spiders

Miniboss: Minotaur

Battle: Spiders

Miniboss: Minotaur and Spiders

Boss: Knight of the Dying Sun + Imperial War Aevis

[cs: Helping out Gav at the river]

Return to the Hideaway

[cs: Returning to Hideaway, someones awake!]

Visit the Infirmary

No new items… But talk to the Moogle while you’re at it.Then head on over to Jill.

Speak with Charon

New stuff at the item shop and blacksmith.

New Sidequests:

A Place for Everyone

Moving Heaven and Earth

Buy the Gaia Blade (140/140) from Charon. Then upgrade it to +2 at the smith if you can.

Speak with Gav

Journey into Rosaria via Three Reeds

Before moving on, consider completing the sidequests offered in Hideaway. One can be completed (A Place for Everyone) right at the base, while the other requires a little adventuring (Moving Heaven and Earth).

When you’re ready, fast travel to Three Reeds via the world map.

[cs: Clive, Jill, and Torgal on the hill]

Homecoming

Make for Martha’s Rest

Wow, quite the map…

There’s a mini-boss near Coeurltail Falls. Bighorn.

Whispering Waters has 3x “Green” crafting materials, Briar Clam Shells. Another 6 more of these south of the bridge before you cross it. Nothing else seems of interest in the first area.

After Crossing the bridge

Take the sidequest What a Bird Wants along the way. It’s not a detour at all, as the objective is on the way to Martha’s Rest.

There’s also a small goblin encampment south of the bridge after crossing. There’s a pack of goblins with a Miniboss: Gigas, too. Might as well! Gives Bone Necklace crafting material.

There’s another Bighorn miniboss at the northeast end of this segment. Its the place right across Whispering Waters in your map. There’s a treasure chest with some Wyrrite… Worth it? Probably not, but combat is fun.

After Crossing 2nd Bridge

Before you go out exploring every nook and cranny, I suggest you first submit the side quest, and go check in on the main scenario quest marker.

If you’re curious, this whole area, and going to Crooked Nash’s Pier have some points of interest (bandit camp, another Bighorn) but nothing really worthwhile.

Speak with Martha

You unlock an Obelisk automatically upon getting here. Spear with Martha when you’re ready.

[cs: Jill and Clive talk to Martha]

The shop also contains nothing useful (Orchestrion Roll) if you shopped earlier at Hideaway.

Curiously you can explore further west at Sorrowise right now, if you wish. But I advise AGAINST IT. Just continue along the main scenario.

(There’s a chest with Goblin Coin near the courtesans)

Fulfill Martha’s Request

Put this on the backburner for now, as you’ll be completing a few other quests to fulfill this one. Namely Building Bridges, and A Bearer’s Lot

Building Bridges

Find Bernard

Go down the ladders near the gate. That’s the “shortcut” to get to the area. Otherwise, it’s a roundabout…

Rescue the man Being Attacked

BATTLE: Crayfish

[cs: Bernard promises to fix the bridge]

Report back to Martha

[cs: Talking to Martha about the current state of Rosalia on Bearers.]

A Bearer’s Lot

Make for the Glaidemond abbey

Before going to Sorrowise you might be thinking if you missed anything in the east side. There’s nothing important I found in my foray there for now, but have at it, if you will.

To get to Sorrowise, take the elevator on the western side of town.

Once there you can take the scenic route north for some nice familiar enemies. Megalocrabs and Adamantoise. It’s purely for fun since there’s no notable loot.

Whichever way you choose, “cross the bridge” into the southern section

Sorrowise (south)

On the westernmost end there’s a chest with Goblin Coin, with Megalocrabs nearby.

It’s a pretty big map, but I don’t suggest checking out the side areas (going towards XYZ)

Just go to the abbey once you’ve had your fill of this place.

[cs: The Father and the Bearers]

Report back to Martha

You can just straight up teleport from the local map to get there quickly.

[cs: Martha lamenting about the state of Bearers]

Homecoming (Pt. II)

Make for Eastpool

With the bridge repaired, it’s time to make your way to Eastpool.

[cs: Cid talk to Jill and Clive]

Holding On

Make for Eastpool

I highly suggest checking out the sidequests here first:

New Sidequests

False Friends

Crystalline Lifeline

Beast Against Beast

Finish up False Friends and Crystalline Lifeline (these resolve in the south) before exiting the town up the northern bridge.

Greensheaves (Location)

There isn’t anything special in the western half of this area (Greensheaves), but feel free to look around. Get the sidequest “Beast Agasint Beast’ at the middle area.

Rhiaannon’s Rise (Location)

This middle segment doesn’t have much either. A Goblin coin up that northern path. Head further east.

There’s two minotaurs in the southern area if you wanna have a little practice.

The Broken Hilt (Location)

Eastpool is right up ahead. If you’re curious about that long segment heading southeast, there’s a “miniboss” type enemy Wivre at the end, which gives you a Dragon Talon crafting material. It’s annoyingly mobile, and can be tough. (Don’t explore here, the main quest will lead you here shortly)

Enter Eastpool when you’re ready.

[cs: Clive and Jill arrive at Eastpool]

Once you regain control you’ll have some new gear.

Invictus (165/165)

Metian Cross (45/12)

Metian Bonds (45/12)

Make for Phoenix Gate

Eastpool

From the villagers, we gather that the blight has been encroaching slowly but surely. Crops aren’t too hot this harvest. One villager muses about the ancient structures, standing for thousands of years and noone has ever been inside. Hmm.

A little easter egg, the scarecrows are wearing the traditional FF Black Mage garb.

In any case, the town itself has a few minor chests here and there. The shop has nothing special, so go right ahead.

[cs: an old man recognizes Clive]

Fulfill the mayor’s request.

Back in the Day

Look for the old man by the well.

Check the well back in town. He’s not there, so ask the nearby villagers for his whereabouts.

Speak with the villagers

Talk to the villagers about the elderly bearer. We learn he always waits at the well - as if expecting something or someone. Apparently he was a cook at the old Rosfield estate. Also more tales about the sorry state of Rosaria after the Archduke passed.

Apparently Chocobokeeper may know something about the old boy.

Find the old man

He’s outside of town in the south. At the very edge of the cliff on the east / southeast.

[cs: The old man “recognizes” Clive]

Holding On (continued)

[cs: The Mayor thanks Clive, and explains the dire situation of Eastpool]

Make for Phoenix Gate

The Dim

Apparently, the Blight is closer than we imagined. You can’t even use magic in the blight, it seems.

The Dim obelisk is now activated once you pass this area.

Explore the Ruins of Phoenix Gate

You’re thrown into the world map, The Hideaway has nothing new, so make your way to the new fast travel point, Phoenix Gate Ruins.

[cs: Clive and Jill arrive at the ruins]

Buried Memories

Explore the Ruins of Phoenix Gate

Make your way down the path. Clive is surprised at the destruction he has wrought.

Follow the Hooded Man deeper into the Ruins.

[cs: Clive and Jill arrive at the actual Phoenix Gate]

Explore the Apodytery

Remember that you can hold L3 to find the way. This is basically a long hallway (and elevators) with many encounters. Good luck!

Miniboss: Fallen Guardian

Remember back in the forest with Cid? He stated that the Fallen must have built downwards. He wasn’t kidding.

There’s a treasure chest here with The Favor of Wind (Gouge) which increases it’s damage by 15%. This actually isn’t so bad.

Miniboss: Fallen Guardian (With chumps): This one can get annoying. The little guys can stunlock you. He spawns adds after 50% life or so, so save your big AoE skills for that. Preferably, Flames of Rebirth or Aerial Blast.

Boss: Iron Giant: Some tactics for large / tall enemies. Garudas Eikonic Feat (O) does amazing damage to them just USED REGULARLY. It launches you for a quick aerial combo if done next to them. Aside from that, try to stagger it once it hits 50%, then use the Eikonic Feat to bring it down. Don’t be shy to use skills during the Atomic Ray charging sequence.

[cs: Clive and Jill pondering about these creatures]

There’s a chest here where you land, The Favor of Wind (Wicked Wheel).

Boss: Lich: Surprisingly soft compared to Iron Giant. Staggers very easily too.

[cs Clives flashback]

Boss: Ifrit / Infernal Shadow

Patience wins it here. Avoiding Vulcan Burst can be a hassle, though. It’s a long process… but man… Each time I think it couldn’t get any better…

[cs: Bunch of stuff happen]

Meaning of Life

Wow, that was a lot. The most important ability to learn is Limit Break, found at the center of the ability list.

Ifrit Awoken. You have a new Eikon skill tree, but Ifrit and Phoenix share skill slots. More importantly, you unlock the Limit Break Gauge.

Found under Clives HP bar, you can use Limit Break by pressing L3 and R3 together - which greatly improves your combat capability, HP regeneration, and guard-breaking strikes.

Return to Eastpool

Slay the Soldiers Attacking Eastpool

A bunch of soldier Miniboss: Imperial Champion

[CS: Gav shows up]

Return to the Hideaway

Much needed break from recent events!

Righting Wrongs

Nothing new at the shop or smith, so head on over to Cids.

New Sidequests (don’t take them yet)

Visit Cid’s Solar

[cs: Jill and Clive talk to Cid]

Speak with Charon

New stuff available. Luckily you’re headed to Charon anyway.

The shop only had a new accessory, and a new potion (Limit Break Potion). More importantly, craft Flametongue (180/180) at the smithy.

Speak with Otto

Otto might find have a way for you to reach Oriflamme safely past the checkpoint. Find the Dame at the Veil… I’m quite excited to see her myself after all the hype Otto stirred up.

Alliant Report Unlocked: Speak to Gaute at the hideaways mess halls, it’s essentially a summarization of available quests to you. Don’t go chasing these just yet.

Speak with Gav

[cs: Gav, Cid, Clive and Jill recount the plan]

There are SIX new quests via the Alliant Report, and NPC’s in hideaway.

1 Needs of the Many (take it first but don't do it)

2 Red Letter Day (take it first but don't do it)

3 While the Cat’s Away (you can take this and do it asap)

4 Welcoming Commitee - go to Lostwing and take this one and the next one.

5 Dying on the Vine- go to Lostwing and take this one as well.

Ultimately, four of these are completed in lostwing. So go do “While the Cat’s Away” first. Do them or not, it’s up to you! I advise doing them, as it adds to the story. The NPC’s have a lot to say!

Make for Northreach

Conveniently, the next objective is near Lostwing. Teleport there, and exit town by the Northeast exit which is now open.

Keep going along the forest path until you reach the first major clearing.

The Old Road

On the north there’s a Dragon Aevis miniboss with a nearby chest. Defeat it and open the chest for Griffin’s Head Braid (Increases Burning Blade damage by 7%)

You’ll eventually reach a WIDE OPEN plain, and you can head to the camp from here. Honestly I looked around quite a bit but didn’t check every nook and cranny.

[cs: Clive looks for the Dame]

Bunch of story here, I’ll list down the objectives as a formality, but won’t place alot of notes where unnecessary.

Speak with Isabelle

Make for the Veil

Speak with Isabelle

Aid Isabelle in finding Tatienne

The Dame

Investigate Tatienne’s whereabouts

Three new sidequests areavailable at this point, but progress “The Dame” a little first. Just talk to the girl right outside the veil.

Speak with Tatienne’s chambermate.

The roommate is seated just nearby.

Investigate the garrison.

We get a name. Yannick. Came out easily enough after seeing we had the Dames brooch. It’s the last village on the way to Oriflamme. The soldiers seem to have an idea that Yannick's done something off.

Deliver your findings to Isabelle

Isabelle is a little concerned. Also, Moore isn’t a great place for Branded so, Clive investigating would get nowhere. Thankfully Isabelle has a friend in Moore that might be able to help.

Speak with Bertrand in Moore.

If you feel like completing the sidequests here, then go for it. They’re all “locally contained” here in Northreach and very quick to complete.

When you’re done, head out of down due north.

Royal Meadows

This place is huge. There’s two new sidequests here as well. I didnt check every little place, but here’s what I found.

The western watchtower doesn’t have much. Crafting supplies. But there is a point of interest at the very westernmost cape. Clive comments that it seems to be a non-working Arete Stone. The “Hand of Mimas’. Something for later!

but there is an armor item at the northern watchtower “Baywatch”: Demontamer’s Sash. It’s a little better than your currently equipped Metian Cross.

Go to the quest marker, for now.

Speak with the Traveling Trader.

It appears after all this arguing over a comb, the soldier eventually headed to the nearby ruins.

At this point you can do those two sidequests, All Bark and Playthings.

Make for the nearby ruins

Battle: Wolves

Well, good ‘ol Yannick isn’t very smart. Simping ain’t easy, cheap, or fruitful.

Speak with Isabelle in Moore.

Tatiennes story wasn’t too uncommon, but saddens the Dame nonetheless. She tells you of some concerning news from one of the looser tongued high-ranking military before sending you on your way.

Righting Wrongs (cont.)

Gather at the abandoned chapel

There’s a tiny path on the southeast part of town. Didn’t see it before eh? Follow that to reach the chapel.

[cs: Jill Clive and Cid talk]

Sneak into Oriflamme

You’re thrown into the world map, and you can go tie up some loose ends if you haven’t Sidequests, or anything of the like. There aren’t any new item restocks, so I suppose you’ll be on your way soon.

Teleport to Drake’s Head when you’re done. You’re given a warning that this is a “point of no return”. Hmm.

[cs: The party arrives]

The Crystal’s Curse

MISSABLE ITEMS:

Coral Sword

Proceed through the mines

Battle: Soldiers

Boss: Imperial Cannoneer. He heals up and phases once he’s at around 50%, so don’t dump everything on him before that.

After the battle you loot The Favor of the Inferno (Ignition) - Increases Ignition damage by 12%.

We’re introduced to a new term, Akashic.

Proceed onward and downward.

Warcry: Some barbaric enemies do warcries. Defeat them before they can do too much harm.

Miniboss: Akashic Champion

Af the end of the tunnel after the Akashic Champion, loot the treasure chest for Coral Sword (185/185). Right before kicking the metal grate down.

Outside Mothercrystal

Boss: Akashic Dragon. Abuse the living daylights out of Garudas Eikonic Feat (O). You can infinitely combo the big body with it, and easily reach him in the air. Dont be too greedy, because getting hit does HUGE damage. You won’t be able to survive as easily.

The Inner Sanctum

 Boss: Typhon. Patience again. Ifrit has “potions” called Firelight. It’s available from the left D-Pad. This is actually the first fight I noticed this…

Accessory: The Breath of Fire (Flames of Rebirth)

[Lots of cutscenes, and lots of time passes]

The Power of Thunder: Gain a new set ok Eikonic Abilities. Ramuhs Eikonic Feat (O) can lock on and fire projectiles on up to 9 targets.

Boss: Republican War Panther.

Home, Sweet Home

Cid the Outlaw

Technically there’s another main scenario quest here, but it’s too short to be relevant.

Well, quite a lot has happened. Teleport to the hideaway. Follow with the main scenario before you get too excited.

Return to the hideaway

Speak with Otto

Speak with VIvian in the map room.

After the cutscene, try talking to Vivian. She manages the “State of the Realm” system, where you can access “The Grand Cast”, and “Situation Map”. These are like in-game wikis that are “timestamped” to major events. So cool.

Speak with Harpocrates

Return to your chambers

Read Gav’s letter

There are couple new items and such, but lets wrap up this main scenario stuff first

The Reading Table: Important missives are delivered to Clive in his chambers. Check often!

You can also check out the Wall of Memories here. Artifacts important to Clive.

Almost there…

The Gathering Storm

Speak with Otto

After speaking with Otto, do some maintenance.

Go to the Blacksmith and craft Levinbolt (195/195)

The item vendor has a few new goodies.

The Golden Testament (Accessory) Increase Gil earned by 35%.

On Fortune and the Heavens (Accessory) Increase EXP earned by 15%.

The Wages of Warcraft (Accessory) Increases ability points earned in normal encounters by 25%.

Feel free to buy and use these or not. IMO the Ability Point one is okay and shouldnt mess with the “balance” of the game too much. Gil isn’t that useful right now.

Channeler’s Whispers (Accessory) Automatically charges magic. This one is actually not bad.

Crimson Tassels (Accessory) Increases LB generated by attacks. Good too.

Cobalt Tassels (Accessory) Increases LB generated by getting attacked. Bad, lol.

I’d buy the first two. Sell your Gil Bugs, Goblin Coins, and Black Blood for money.

Check your abilities, and when everythings in order go ahead and take that sidequest, Caulk & Bawl before heading out. It’s quite near your quest.

Find the Cursebreakers

Teleport to to Marthas Rest. Immediately, something feels off.

[cs: The local allies tell Clive and Jill some pretty bad news]

Pursue the garrison soldiers

Dark Clouds Gather

Make for Glaidemond Abbey

Take the elevator down on the east side of town. Nothing’s new here from the last time you’ve been around, so beeline over to the Abbey.

Clive is none too happy with how these thugs call themselves. I’d say its personal at this point.

After battle with soldiers, you get the accessoty The Breath of Wind (Gouge) which Reduces Gouge cooldown time by 3.0 seconds.

Search the Abbey

[cs: Clive and Jill find the Abbot, and one survivor]

Release

Make for Riddock’s Jump

The quest objective is some ways off to the east and south. Gotta make a U-Turn.

On the way you’ll forcibly encounter an Ahriman. Your first Notorious Mark (I suppose kinda like the old Hunt systems). These fights are always optional, you can mostly flee or ignore them. The rewards are great if you do decide to take them on. This is a whole other can of worms we won’t discuss here.

After releasing the remains, teleport back to Martha’s Rest.

Return to Martha’s Rest

After the events unfold, I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU TAKE THE “SIDEQUEST” THE WHITE-WINGED WONDER. It unlocks your mount.

Return to the Hideaway

Speak with Gav

[cs The outlaws cook up a plan]

A couple new systems open up here…

There’s a couple things unlocked again.

Alliant Reports - just like before. It’s a sidequest checking tool

The Patron’s Whisper, and The Hunt Board.

The Hunt Board - is how to interact with the Hunt system. Basically, kill bad-ass monsters and get badass rewards. Improve in rank and fight stronger ones!

The Patron’s Whisper - completing sidequests and hunts give Renown. Of which these “gifts’ can be claimed here.

Thankfully there’s only one sidequest right now, The Fruits of Her Labors. You sadly CANNOT TAKE ANY HUNTS right now. A little bit longer, man!

Once you’re done teleport to Hawk’s Cry Cliff, which is a new waypoint just west of Hideaway.

Bloodlines

Make for Amber

You can take on hunts now, if you wish. Angel of Death and Belphegor are waiting for ya!

Speak with several of the villagers

Speak with the locals

Looks like the situation around here is pretty dire. Obedience bought with fear.

Make for Port Isolde

Make your way to the port, via the map marker “Lostplume”. South of the Lostplume marker you’ll find a chest with the accessory Bull’s Horn Braid which increases lunge damage by 5%.

Cross the bridge, and you’ll battle with the Black Shields

Make for the Auldhyl Docks

There are a couple of small chests in Auldhyl but I didn’t find anything special. Obelisk now available here.

Make for Port Isolde (II)

As you approach, you’ll unlock the Port Isolde Obelisk.

Black Light Burns

Find an entrance to the Lazarus District

Enter the Lazarus District

Speak with Wade

Party Members: ??? Is this even a system

Black or White

Make for Bewit Bridge

It’s quite a ways back, but I bet Clive is hyped for this one. Mount Up - it’s easy to forget you have it.

Battle: Black Shields + Knight of the Lasting Dark

[cs: Events at port Isolde]

Return to Hideaway

Everything else is locked out, so return to Hideaway

Here be Monsters

Don’t get too excited, progress the main scenario a bit first

Speak with Vivian

Speak with Jill

Make the journey to Drustanus

Okay, time to take a little break here before moving forward.

Sidequests

There’s two available here. Culinary Pilgrimage, and Blacksmith’s Blues. I suggest doing the Blacksmith one, as it involves a hunt. Try to get all hunts done ASAP.

Travel to Drake’s Breath waypoint when ready.

[cs Clive and Jill travels to Drake’s Breath]

Fire and Ice

“Missable” Items:

The Breath of Wind (Aerial Blast)

The Grace of the Inferno (Will-o-the-wykes)

Mythril Wristlets

Make for Drake’s Breath

Alright! Keep going forward.

Miniboss: Akashic Minotaur

After the minotaur, in the next immediate area there’s a chest with Breath of Wind (Aerial Blast), which reduces Aerial Blast cooldown by 11.0s.

Boss: Akashic Morbol

Mount Drustanus

Miniboss: Salamander

[cs: Bridge over raging Volcano]

Miniboss: Red Mousse

After the Red Mousse, there’s a chest with Mythril Wristlets inside. A much needed Vambrace upgrade.

Boss: Flame Lizard

The Oratory

Make for the Comraich

Miniboss: Ironblood Fanatic

Miniboss: Ironblood Fanatic (on the bridge)

After the bridge fight, there’s a chest on the left side which contains Accessory The Grace of the Inferno (Will-o-the-wykes), which increases its duration.

Boss: Liquid Flame

After the Storm

Visit the infirmary

Progress the Main Scenario first before you get too excited.

Speak with Otto

Speak with Vivian

Make for Rosalith

Okay! Now for preparations and side stuff.

New sidequests: Cut from Cloth, and The Root of the Problem.

New Hunts: Sekhmet and Severian.

Value: Root of the Problem and Severian are close by.

Buy new items:

Platinum Sword (200/200)

Platinum Belt(50)

Platinum Cannons OPTIONAL if you haven’t got Mythril Wristlets

Upgrade your new items. Notably +2 Platinum Sword if you can.

Do your hunts, do your sidequests, and teleport to Rosalith waypoint when ready.

[cs: The party arrives at Rosalith]

Capital Punishment

Make to Rosalith Castle (?)

Wow, no walking to get here, ey? Right at the thick of it ASAP! I forgot to write down the official objective.

Kill the casters ASAP (Stone Scepter). They cast cure and protect. It’s actually super annoying if you try ignoring ‘em.

Miniboss: Stone Headsman(?) forgot his name

Rosalith Castle

Boss: Coeurl

Rescue Jill

Battle: Courtyard

Miniboss: Stone Headsman x2

Make for the throne room

Boss: Hugo Kupka

Be careful of Earthen Fury. Im not kidding when I say it will almost outright kill you.

Return to Hideaway

Bolts From the Blue

The Power of Earth: Titan Unlocked. Titans Eikonic feat is is Titanic Block. It can be used to fend off most incoming attacks. Immediately pressing (SQ) after a perfectly timed Precision Block will initiate a devastating counter.

Bolts from the Blue

There’s one new hunt (Muddy Murder). Craft Grindstone (225/225) from the Blacksmith.

Speak with Otto

“Mid”, lol.

Speak with Mid

Fulfill Mid’s request

-Getting to Work

Speak with Charon

Seems she’s quite the engineer!

Speak with Blackthorne

“What’s it look like?” Haha. I should use that one more often on my little girl.

Speak with Bardolph on the pier.

He’s too busy, but you both know of another carpenter friendly to the case. Bernard at Martha’s Rest. Let’s see if he’s available.

Make for Martha’s Rest

This is a decent time to take on the new mark, Muddy Murde (Flan Prince). Teleport to Martha’s Rest when ready.

Find Bernard near the ruins of Cressida

Exit to the north and make your way east. Reminder to mount!

Slay the Creatures

Once done, and Bernard is able to do his business in Cressida, teleport to Hideaway.

Speak with Mid

You’re rewarded with The Breath of Earth (Windup) Accessory which Reduces Windup cooldown time by 3.0s upon completing “Getting to Work”.

Bolts from the Blue (Cont.)

Visit the Infirmary

Speak with Gav in the Shelves

Torgal’s nose buried in yer nuts, ey?

Speak with Vivian

Speak with Byron

Speak with Otto

Return to Byron

Make for Velkroy Desert

1 New Hunt, 2 New Sidequests

Sidequests

Do No Harm

The Weight of Command

Hunt

A Hill to Die on.

Luckily the hunt is right at the desert as well

Teleport when you’re read. Velkroy Desert is south of Hideaway.

Riddle of the Sands

Make for the Dalimil Inn

Wow, quite the area. Proceed for now, fight the urge to explore.

Battle: Soldiers

Make for Drakes Fang

Gate’s blocked. Looks like we have to enlist the help of one of Cids past associates - if we can find her.

Speak with the townspeople 0/2

Speak with the Villagers

Speak with Ferda

Make for the bordello

Make for the Lock of Leisure

They know who you are now, surely.

Fulfill L’ubor’s request

-Follow the Crystals

Speak with the townspeople 0/3

FInd Byron

Speak with Byron

Exit via the northeast gate.

Rendezvous with the soldiers in the desert

Riddle of the Sands (Cont.)

Make for Drakes Fang

New sidequests available:

Hot Water (gives better than average rewards)

Making a Niche

Mount up and make your way south. Once you get there The Jaw Obelisk unlocks

Enter Drake’s Fang

You’re thrown into the world map. There’s nothing much you can do at this point, except a new missive. Once you’re ready, teleport to Drake’s Fang.

Into the Darkness

Missable Items:

The Favor of Lightning (Lightning Rod)

Make for Castle Dazbog

Battle: Orcs - a couple times

In a chest right after you open a gate, there’s an accessory The Favor of Lightning (Lightning Rod) which increases Lightning Rod damage by 9%. In the area before the first stairs.

Miniboss: Orcish Warlord

Boss: Undertaker

Rewards from this fight ssre The Favor of Lightning (Thunderstorm) Accessory - Increases Thunderstorm damage by 10%

Castle Dazbog

Miniboss: Lich

[cs: Clive looks at the heart]

In Kupka’s room, there’s an Accessory in a chest, The Favor of Earth (Upheaval) - Increases Upheaval damage by 8%.

Battle: Ifrit vs. Titan. Many forms of titan…

Remember, Ifrit has his own potion. Also, use TRIANGLE a lot. There’s a lot of dead space where only triangle can damage him. Use your newfound ability to block things (R2 + Square) on that unavoidable damage skill (Stonesthrow?).

Wow. That was a lot to take in. Haha.

Return to the Hideaway

Out of the Shadow

Speak with Otto

As usual, progress the main scenario first a little.

Speak with Vivian

Speak with Charon

Speak with Blackthorne

Speak with Harpocrates

Speak with Otto

Speak with Mid

New sidequests, hunts, and items come up at this point. Do it now or a little later, doesn’t matter. Try not to get too sidetracked, “finish” up this Hideaway part so you’re uninterrupted in your questing later is my suggestion.

New Sidequests

For Great Justice

Use your Loaf

New Hunts

Soul Stingers

Grimalkin

The Nine of Knives

The Breaker of Worlds

Buy Enhancer (230/215) from Charon (The other armor items may be irrelevant if you’ve been hunting).

Speak with Blackthorn

Gather the necessary materials

-Letting off Steam I

Speak with Blackthorne

I chose Gav, although I don’t know if this is too relevant.

Make for the river in the south of the Velkroy.

Teleport to the Dalimil Inn when you’re ready, then exit out the northeast side.

While you can now explore a huge portion of the desert (and you will, if you chose to do the hunts), don’t just go blindly “treasure chest hunting”.

Gather Stardust (0/5)

Deliver the Stardust

The dust is all there for the picking. Strangely easy… No monsters no thing haha. A good break from the intense action of earlier.

Speak to Blackthorne

Out of the Shadow (Cont.)

Report back to Mid

Speak with Mid’s assistant Helena

Letting Off Steam II

Make for Laubert’s Pass

Travel to Caer Norvent River Gate, or Lostwing, then head on over to the quest area.

The unexpected visitor is an Ahriman, much like the very first hunt you took on.

You get an Accessory for your troubles once you complete the quest, The Eye of the Warrior - Increases strength tonic duration by 10 seconds.

Report back to Mid

Out of the Shadow (Cont.)

Speak to Harpocrates

Gather the necessary materials

Letting off Steam III

Speak to Harpocrates

Naturally, I chose Jill. Wonder what happens if it’s Tarja.

Make for Northreach

Teleport to Northreach

You actually have to buy these items from these new merchants that spawn for this quest. Like legit buy from a shop UI. Note that one of them doesn’t have the merchant icon… Wonder if it’s an oversight.

Speak with Harpocrates

Out of the Shadow (Cont.)

Report back to Mid

The engine’s done! Now we need four more… ?

Speak to Mid

New Sidequest

Weird Science

Progress main scenario first…

Speak with Otto

Make for the Foredeck

Visit the old hideaway

Make for Boklad.

More sidequests are unlocked. Some are from the missive table!

Weird Science - which involves a hunt.

About Blackthorne (missive table)

A Bad Feeling (missive table)

Off the Record (missive table)

While you’re able to take these sidequests in Hideaway, you have to progress a little more to get rid of the “lock” to teleports. Go to Laetny’s Cleft, to the east, to unlock waypoints again.

Onward

Make for Boklad

Do all the sidequests and hunts you want at this time. There’s a sidequest, Get Cart, along the way here as well. This is surprisingly still part of the desert area.

Get Cart is legit ON THE WAY, so don’t be afraid to take that sidequest.

Boklad Obelisk unlocks as you walk towards the quest marker.

Find Goetz

Someone nicked Goetz’s trader pass… Luckily we have a friend in Boklad who can help.

Make for the Crimson Caravans.

Fulfill Eloise’s request

-To Catch a Thief

Speak with the furniture maker

Speak with the fishmonger

Speak with the children

Find Honza

Chase down Honza

Onward (Cont.)

Speak with Theodore

-Blood from the Stones

Search for the Cast Stones’ lair

Defeat the Cast Stones

Teleport back to Boklad, it’s faster. Also, the view of the waterfall here is amazing.

Speak with Eloise

You get an accessory for your troubles, The Breath of Lightning (Thunderstorm) Reduces Thunderstorm cooldown time by 2.7s.

Onward

MY NOTES END HERE! Most of what you see is a "info dump", and I'm refining going downwards everyday