To level up Pictos...

[hammerinn]

I just keep fighting high level enemies and hope the randomness hits the ones I like?

[The Tempted Man]

or go to NG+ with someone elses save

[tenchu400]

I don't think it's quite as random as one would think. But killing new enemy groupings have a chance of dropping upgraded pictos.

[hammerinn]

Only new enemy groupings? So there is a finite amount of level ups if that is true.

[Weiss]

Originally posted by hammerinn:

Only new enemy groupings? So there is a finite amount of level ups if that is true.

Like for weapons, iirc the max level for the Pictos is 33 too. If you find an "upgrade" for one of your Picto already at level 33 it will be converted into money

So the best way to level them up until 33 is too check all the breakable rock once you have the ability ; check all the merchant to buy some you already have ; and go into NG for finding (again) the same Pictos at higher level to put yours at 33.

[Evilsod]

The expectation is that you go into NG+ and beyond. Picking them up there will give higher level pictos.

The ones from the start of the game have jumped to level 23. It looks like later game ones even in NG+ will be 33 (judging by the one I got from the Abbest Caves from the chromatic mob).

[Ratsplat]

Drops aren't random. Essentially, every weapon is tied to specific enemies, and if you kill one of a higher level, they will drop it.

Same with Pictos it seems. You cannot farm new gear. This is why it is best to kill every enemy group at least once.