Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age - Side Quests, Hunts, & Hidden Espers | Spoiler Free Guide + Recommended Order & Timing

A checklist style guide for all the side content, including when the best times are for them to be completed.
The guide has no main story spoilers and minimal side content spoilers.

Introduction

Welcome to my guide! This guide will help you find and complete all the side content in FFXII.
This guide covers every side quest, hunt, hidden esper, and optional area in the game.
There are no main story spoilers and minimal side content spoilers so that you can enjoy playing and experiencing the game on your own.

Recommended Order & Timing (optional)

This guide has recommendations for when to do all of the side content. This is optional and is designed mainly so you can do the main story + all of the side content in order from easiest to hardest/ lowest level to highest level. I've designed the guide so you can easily deviate from the recommended timing & order to suit your own playstyle and desired level of challenge

The order & timing recommendations in this guide also works perfectly for new game minus!

Have fun!

I hope this guide will help improve your enjoyment of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age!

If you are new to the game, be sure to check out the 'Helpful Tips' section!
If you're a veteran or just curious be sure to check out the 'Alternate Game Difficulties' section!

Credits and Thanks

This guide would not have been possible without the following Guides/ Websites. A big thank you to the people that made them.

Jegged[jegged.com]
Final Fantasy Wiki[finalfantasy.fandom.com]
StrategyWiki[strategywiki.org]
Gamepressure[guides.gamepressure.com]
Game Skinny[www.gameskinny.com]
Split Infinty’s Guide on Gamefaqs Final Fantasy XII Boards[gamefaqs.gamespot.com]
Kayto the Obscure’s Spell and Technick Locations Guide

How to use this guide

Each main section has a timeline of the main story events (spoiler free).
Underneath each main story event is a list of side content you can do at that point in the game.

SIDE QUESTS Part 1

Things to note:
I have listed all of the side quests the earliest they become available.
⚠ Some side quests that become available early on are a higher level than the main story! (See 💀 & 🐤)

💀= A skull icon means this quest contains high level enemies and will be very difficult this early in the game!
🐤= A chocobo icon is the 💀 quest re-listed again at a point that aligns more with the main story's level.

The 🐤 is my recommended timing, but you can do it earlier for more challenge or later for less challenge.
Also, please note that the 🐤 side quests are still relatively more challenging than the main story content.

After the Rogue Tomato hunt

• Joining Clan Centurio - Speak to Montblanc in the Clan Hall.
  If you don't know where the Clan Hall is, speak to Tomaj in the Sandsea tavern.
  
  
• Desert Patient - Complete Rank I Hunt: Flowering Cactoid and speak to Dantro again.
  
  • Speak to Dantro's wife twice.
    
  • There are: 5 Semclam Shells/ 2 Phials of Nebralim/ 3 ValeBlossom Dews
  *You can only turn an item in once, so collect the desired amount before turning them in.
  *Give max amount for better reward + Give Great Serpentskin (See Hunts) for best reward
  
  You can start this quest After Barheim Passage if you'd rather do the Flowering Cactoid hunt later.
  ValeBlossom Dew is only obtainable after the Lost Cactoid side quest.

After Barheim Passage

• Ktjn - Speak twice to a viera in the Muthru Bazaar of Rabanastre. Visit her occasionally.
  (This guide will let you know when to visit her again.)
  
  *This quest's outcome & reward differs depending on what your attitude towards her is.
  
  • Positive attitude = accessory
    
  • Negative attitude = weapon
    
  • Both/ Mixed attitude = consumable items
  *The more you consistently have the same attitude, the better the outcome & reward.
  *The weapon path has the best reward.
  *All of the rewards for this quest will be available in shops sooner or later in the game.
  
  If you started this quest later in the storyline, she asks new questions after completing certain story events. After completing Pharos at Ridorana, she will ask a new question every 15 minutes.
  
  
• 💌Ann's Letter - This quest can only be fully completed After Draklor Laboratory.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for the 💌
  
  
• 💀Pilika's Diary (Lvl 16) - This quest is recommended After completing Tomb of Raithwall.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for the 🐤

After completing all story events in Bhujerba
(When you're at the desert teleport crystal)

• Ktjn - Visit Ktjn.
  
  
• Sunstones in Giza – Speak to Masyua in Giza Nomad Village. Be quick for better rewards.
  
  
• Urutan Eater - Speak to a moogle in the northeastern-most entrace of the Nam-Yensa Sandsea (The Sandscale Bank) while on your way to Raithwall's Tomb.

After completing Tomb of Raithwall

• Ktjn - Visit Ktjn.
  
  Note: Saying "I don't know your sister" is a mixed response. It is not a positive nor a negative response.
  
  
• July -
  
  • Head to Nalbina via Rabanastre Skyferry.
    
  • At Nalbina Town Front Gates, trigger a cutscene near the guards.
    
  • Bring the smell closer to the guards.
  Look for July in Charlotte's Magickery Shop in Archades later on in the game.
  
  ⚠ Missable quest: July disappears from Nalbina Town after completing all story events in Mt Bur Omisace
  
  
• Lost Cactoid - (Must have started the Desert Patient side quest)
  - Talk to the village boy Tchigri in Estersand South Bank Village.
  
  *It is possible to complete Desert Patient now.
  
  ⚠ Desert Patient involves areas with high level monsters. You may want to wait until you are a bit stronger.
  I have recommended a good time below. See When you reach Mt Bur-Omisace.
  
  
• Bhujerban Madhu - In Bhujerba, there is 1 bottle in each area. Find it and sell it to a buyer.
  
  1. Bhujerba Aerodrome - Buyer is sitting on railing talking to Imperial and Bhujerban.
     
  2. Rithil's Protectives - Buyer is the Shop Clerk Lady.
     
  3. Targe's Arms - Buyer is a female talking to a man sitting in a chair
     
  4. Mait's Magicks - Buyer is the Bhujerban Guru
     
  5. Travica Way - Bottle is near a kneeling man talking to a boy.
     Buyer is a man leaning against the wall across mait's magicks
     
  6. Khus Skygrounds - Bottle is on a large box with a moogle sitting on it.
     Buyer is a lady leaning on the steps.
     
  7. Clio's Technicks - Buyer is the Moogle Shop Clerk on the red carpet
     
  8. Miner's End - Bottle is located on boxes near Bashketi's Gambit Shop
     Buyer is a Bangaa Miner on a slope talking to a moogle sitting up on a ledge
     
  9. Bashketi's Gambits - Buyer is the Seeq Shop Clerk on the second floor
     
  10. Kaff Terrace - Bottle is on the railing behind a blue Seeq sitting on the floor
      Buyer is a female staring out into the sky
      
  11. Lhusu Square - The bottle is at bottom of the fountain. Buyer is sitting near Seeq vendor
      
  12. Cloudborne Row - Bottle is sitting on some boxes at a dead end
      Buyer is a Cloudborn Patron standing just outside the Cloudborne
      
  13. The Cloudborne - Buyer is the Seeq sitting by himself
      
  14. The Staras Residence - Buyer is Niray*
  *Cannot sell to Niray until Rank V Elite Hunt: Antlion is completed. Sell to someone else or come back later*
  
  
• 🐤Pilika's Diary - (Must have completed Rank I Elite Hunt: Rocktoise)
  - Talk to Pilika again. Tell Pilika "I've done nothing." for best reward.
  
  
• 💀Earth Tyrant (Lvl 30) - This quest is recommended When you reach Mt Bur-Omisace.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for the 🐤

After the story events in Jahara - Land of the Garif

• Viera Matchmaking
  
  • Find a Viera in Rabanastre Southgate.
    
  • Find the Lovestruck Man at the fountain in the center of Southern Plaza.
    
  • Find Lord Vain at Yamoora's Gambits.
    
  • Continue speaking with the Viera...

After Henne Mines

No side quests. See Hunts

When you reach Mt Bur-Omisace

• Ktjn - Visit Ktjn.
  
  Note: Saying it's a good idea for her to be a warrior is a negative response.
  Saying you're not so sure about her being a warrior is a positive response.
  
  
• 🐤Earth Tyrant - Search for a green Bangaa in Rabanastre Westgate
  (This quest enables you to enter the Wyrm's Nest area north of the Westersand)
  
  
  *You can complete Desert Patient now if you haven't already*

After Stilshrine of Miriam + all story events in Mt Bur-Omisace

• Ktjn – Visit Ktjn. After you speak to her she can be found:
  
  • Inside/ outside Migelo’s Shop if you were mostly positive to her.
    
  • Inside/ outside Clan Hall if you were mostly negative to her.
    
  • In one of the following locations if you were both/ mixed:
    
    • Opposite the Gambit shop
      
    • Bazaar
      
    • Northern Bazaar Exit
      
    • Airship Terminal
  
  
• 💀Three Medallions (Lvl 46) - This quest is recommended After Ancient City of Giruvegan.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for the 🐤
  
  
• 💀Necrohol of Nabudis (Lvl 57) -
  This quest is recommended After Ancient City of Giruvegan.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for the 🐤

When you reach the Phon Coast Hunter Camp

No side quests. See Hunts

When you reach Imperial City Archades

No side quests. See Hunts & Secret Espers

SIDE QUESTS Part 2

After Draklor Laboratory

• Foot Race Minigame - Speak to Rikken in Balfonheim Port - Saccio Lane. There are 100 tiers. The rewards are not that great. Play it if you enjoy it.
  
  
• 💌Ann's Letter - Board any airship route and speak to the Chief Steward.
  - Her sisters are on the other remaining routes.
  
  • Rabanastre ~to or from~ Nalbina
    
  • Nalbina ~ Archades
    
  • Archades ~ Rabanastre
    
  • Rabanastre ~ Bhujerba
    
  • Bhujerba ~ Balfonheim
    
  • Balfonheim ~ Nalbina
    
  • Balfonheim ~ Archades
  
  
• Cockatrice Round-Up - (Rank I Elite Hunt: Cluckatrice must be completed)
  (Need key item: “Feather of the Flock” from a chest in Giza(Rains), Tracks of the Beast)
  (See 'Useful Knowings' section for how to change Giza's weather)
  
  1. Return to Giza during the dry season and speak to Dania
     
  2. Search the following locations:
     
     • Eruyt Village
       
     • Rabanastre North End. After he's caught he stays in Rabanstre. Talk to him until he goes home
       
     • Jahara
       
     • South Bank Village in the Estersand. (Must complete Desert Patient + Lost Cactoid) *Ferry them in the correct order
       
     • Old Archades, Alley of Low Whispers
       *Afterward Go to Imperial City Archades. Take a cab to Tsenoble and go to the Grand Arcade. (Must have a Sandalwood Chop. Speak to a Chop Master in any shop to get one. See 'Useful Knowings' for tips)
       
     • Balfonheim Port, Sea Breeze Lane (Warp Crystal Area)
  3. Return to Giza during the dry season
  
  
• Hunt Club - Speak to the Huntmaster at one of the huts in Phon Coast, Hunter's Camp.
  
  *This quest involves hunting rare monsters and giving the trophies to 3 bangaas for rewards.
  
  • Atak = weapon rewards
    
  • Blok = armor rewards
    
  • Stok = accessory rewards
  *The rewards are purchased by talking to the Shifty Eyed Man near the Hunt Club.
  *There are 30 trophies in all.
  >> The Hunt Club Owner(Archadian Gentry) in Archades, Highgarden Terrace, awards zodiac gems for every 5 trophy monsters killed.
  
  See the 'Trophy Rare Game' and 'Hunt Club Rewards' section for more details
  
  
• 💀Jovy (Lvl 49) - This quest is recommended After Ancient City of Giruvegan.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for a 🐤
  
  
• 💀Fishing (Lvl 70) - This quest is recommended After completing Pharos at Ridorana.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for a 🐤
  
  
• 💀Hell Wyrm (Lvl 60) - This quest is recommended After completing Pharos at Ridorana.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for a 🐤

After Ancient City of Giruvegan + all story events in Balfonheim Port

The hunts: Roblon, Deathscythe, & Goliath can be done alongside these quests

• 🐤Three Medallions -
  
  • Go to Nabreus Deadlands (north of Salikawood). Speak to Ma'kleou (In The Muted Scarp)
    
    If hunting Roblon, do it later. You'll return here again
  Medallion 1
  
  • Return to Rabanastre. Go to Old Dalan's House and speak to Roh'kenmou
  (Dull Fragment)
  • Complete Rank I Hunt: Wraith & Rank V Hunt: White Mousse
    
  • Obtain the 'Dusty Letter' from the Private Residence in Lowtown, North Sprawl
    
  • Use the 'Sluice Gate Key' and 'Dusty Letter'. (Listen for something dropping)
  (Blackened Fragment)
  • Complete the Rank V Elite Hunt: Orthros
  (Grimy Fragment)
  • Speak to the kids (Kytes in North Sprawl and/or Filo in South Sprawl)
    
  • Speak to the Curious Woman in Rabanastre Southern Plaza fountain
    
  • Speak to Merchants in Muthru Bazaar
    
  • Look for the Imperial in one of the shops
    
  • Speak to the kids again (Kytes in North Sprawl and/or Filo in South Sprawl)
  • Give the fragments to Roh' kenmou
  Medallion 2
  
  • Speak to Roh'kenmu in Imperial City Archades in Charlotte's Magick Shop
    
  • Speak to Otto/Proper Gent in Old Archades Alley of Muted Sighs
    
  • Give the medallion to Roh'kenmu
  Medallion 3
  
  • Return to Ma’kleou in the Nabreus Deadlands
    
  • Journey into the Nabreus Deadlands to find the 3rd Medallion
    
    ⚠ If hunting Roblon, you must exit & re-enter the area after defeating it to access the medallion
  
  
• 🐤Necrohol of Nabudis -
  Explore this area with the medallions you obtained in the Three Medallions quest
  
  
• 🐤Jovy - Speak to Jovy in Nalbina Town after completing Hunts:
  III Atomos/ Elite VII Carrot/ VI Roblon/ VI Deathscythe/ VI Goliath
  
  
• 💀Treasures in the Great Crystal (Lvl 63) -
  This quest is recommended After completing Pharos at Ridorana.
  Full quest details are listed then. Look for a 🐤

After completing Pharos at Ridorana

⚠ Note: The next destination in the main story is the point of no return.
⚠ Create a manual save now since the game autosaves if you progress the story!

After saving, you can complete the main story now, if you want, before doing the rest of the side content.
The end game side content will be considerably more challenging than the rest of the main story.

👑End Game Side Quests👑

• 🐤Fishing - (Must have completed Desert Patient and Lost Cactoid quest)
  (Recommended: Complete Elite Hunt Rank VII: Ancient Man of Mystery,
  Don’t forget to complete the hunt by reporting back to Montblanc!)
  
  • Speak to Ruksel in South Bank Village of Estersand
    
  • In Balfonheim Port, Chivany Breakwater, speak to Fishing Enthusiast about rods.
    
  • Walk far away from him and then return. Pick up the item.
    
  • Return to Ruksel
    
  • Obtain perfect scores to reach new areas
    
    1. Downstream - Starting area
       
    2. Midstream - Achieve 5 perfect scores in Downstream
       
    3. Upstream -Achieve 5 perfect scores in Midstream
       
    4. Hidden Shoals - Obtain Cactoid Compact*❗ in Upstream (≤10% chance)
       (*❗Must have Matamune to obtain. See below)
       
    5. Den of the River - Obtain Cactoid Commendation in Hidden Shoals (≤10%)
  • Continue fishing to obtain a special badge (1 of 3). See 'Useful Knowings' section.
  
  How to obtain Matamune - (Must complete Elite Hunt Rank VII: Ancient Man of Mystery)
  
  Find 5 colored bottles during fishing
  • (Blue) - Change each letter to the next on the alphabet. In Echoes of the Past
    
  • (Black) - In the Central Control Area
    
  • (Green) - Skip every second letter, then again starting from the end.
    
  • (Red) - Capital letters form one word, lowercase letters another.
    In Babbling Vale in the Mosphoran Highwaste.
    
  • (Yellow) - Refers to windmills in Cerobi Steppe
  tip: Solve the final clues by using the first words to order the clues.
  
  - The riddle is referring to somewhere in Barheim Passage
  
  
• 🐤Treasures in the Great Crystal - Explore the Great Crystal and collect treasures.
  (Here is a map[jegged.com])
  
  
• Subterra - Return to Pharos at Ridorana to explore additional floors.
  
  • Penumbra
    
  • Umbra
    
  • Abyssal
    
  • Unknown *(The Seer Hunt) *Must first find & defeat a boss in Subterra to have access
    ***Go to the Unknown floor only when you’re ready to face The Seer (See Hunts)***
  tip: Letting orbs float away they will combine somewhere and multiply by 3.
  tip: when the black orb pedestal dimly lights up, 1/3 of orbs required has been placed.
  
  
• 🐤Hell Wyrm - (Must have completed Rank V Hunt: Vyraal)
  
  • Travel to Cerobi Steppe via the Strahl. Examine Windmill #10 in the Northsward area.
    
  • Bring the Ageworn Key to Sochen Cave Palace, Destiny’s March.
  
  
• 💀Omega Mark XII - (Must first have accepted the hunt for Rank VIII Elite Hunt: Yiazmat)
  
  • Return to the Great Crystal and face one of the ultimate challenges
    
    ⚠ Missable item: Drops the Omega Badge loot item when defeated. Lost forever if not picked up.

HUNTS Part 1

Things to note:
I have organized the hunts in order of their level/difficulty relative to the main story's level/difficulty.
Please note that hunts are still relatively more challenging than the main story content.

You can adjust the timing of the hunts below depending on how challenging you want them to be:
(🐤normal) Follow the timeline below as it is if you want a more standard challenge for all of the hunts.
(🐣easier) Doing a hunt later in the game than listed here will make it easier. The later the easier!
(💀harder) Hunts with a 🐤 icon can be done earlier in the game for a greater challenge! The earlier the harder!

After the Rogue Tomato Hunt

Mark Rank

Mark Name

Mark lvl

Notes

Rank I	Thextera	Lvl 6	(2nd Party Member recommended) Note: Your 2nd party member will leave when you return to Old Dalan
Rank I	Flowering Cactoid	Lvl 4	(Black Mage + 2nd Party Member recommended) (If not, doing this hunt after Barheim Passage is recommended)

After Barheim Passage

Rank I

Wraith

Lvl 9

After completing all story events in Bhujerba
(When you're at the desert teleport crystal)

Rank I	🐤 Nidhogg	Lvl 10	*Great Serpentskin can be used in a sidequest for a better reward! ~Be careful you don't accidentally sell it! (Obtained after completing hunt)
Rank I Elite	🐤 Cluckatrice	Lvl 15

After completing Tomb of Raithwall

Rank I Elite	🐤 Rocktoise	Lvl 16
Rank II	🐤 Wyvern Lord	Lvl 18
Rank II	Croakadile	Lvl 24
Rank II	Enkelados	Lvl 22

After the story events in Jahara - Land of the Garif

No hunts. See Side Quests

After Henne Mines

Rank II

Ixtab

Lvl 24

When you reach Mt Bur-Omisace

Rank III

Feral Retriever

Lvl 28

After Stilshrine of Miriam + all story events in Mt Bur Omisace

Rank III	Vorpal Bunny	Lvl 31	*You can ask Salve-apprentice(Alja) for it's exact location.
Rank III	🐤 Ring Wyrm	Lvl 32
Rank V	🐤 *White Mousse	Lvl 34	*White Mousse and Orthros can be hunted together in one trip
Rank V Elite	🐤 *Orthros	Lvl 34
Rank III	Atomos	Lvl 33
Rank IV	Braegh	Lvl 35

When you reach the Phon Coast Hunter Camp

Rank IV	🐤 Mindflayer	Lvl 35	*Must have full MP before entering hunt area.
Rank III Elite	🐤 Gil Snapper	Lvl 37	*See 'Useful Knowings' section if you need to change the weather. *Exit and re-enter hunt area until Bansat says its near/ sky thunders.
Rank V	🐤 Marilith	Lvl 38	*Hiding in a very bright sunlit area. Spawns when you get near it.

When you reach Imperial City Archades

Rank IV	Darksteel	Lvl 38
Rank V Elite	🐤 Antlion	Lvl 37	Hint: After the hunt, the lost key is found next to an NPC in Phon Coast .

Recommended: After acquiring the Secret Esper in the Zertinan Caverns

Rank V

🐤Bloodwing
💀 ⚠

Lvl 37

*The Barheim key is obtained in the Desert Patient Quest.
⚠ For New Game minus players:
Barheim Passage is (💀hard) at this point in the timeline.
I recommend this hunt After Draklor Laboratory for (🐤normal).

HUNTS Part 2

After Draklor Laboratory

Rank VII Elite	Ancient Man of Mystery	Lvl 45	*Defeat him once. Save the second fight for later in the game. ~Can steal 2 exclusive Genji Gear . One at 40% HP and one at 20% HP
Rank V Elite	🐤 Trickster	Lvl 44	*Exit and re-enter hunt area until Monid says it's close by. (He will not hint that it is close by a 2nd time. 30% chance to spawn)
Rank V	Lind Wyrm	Lvl 39	*Found in "Garden of Life's Circle". Must be cloudy but not raining. ~Change sunny weather by exiting and re-entering from Phon Coast.
Rank V	Vyraal	Lvl 41
Rank VI	Overlord	Lvl 43	*Enter Sochen Cave through Tchita Uplands
Rank V Elite	Belito	Lvl 49	*Must have defeated Trickster
Rank VII Elite	🐤 Carrot	Lvl 49

After Ancient City of Giruvegan + all story events in Balfonheim Port

Rank V	Piscodaemon	Lvl 46
Rank VI	Catoblepas	Lvl 46
Rank VI	Wild Malboro	Lvl 50	*Found where the Rafflesia boss was defeated
Rank VII	Diabolos	Lvl 46	*Need a key. (See Antlion Hunt)
Rank VII	Deathgaze	Lvl 50	*Speak to the son in each aerodrome to increase it's chances of appearing.
Rank VI	🐤 *Roblon	Lvl 43	*Can be done alongside the Three Medallions quest *Roblon/ Deathscythe/ Goliath can all be hunted in one trip *Roblon is found in an area with infinite skeletons
Rank VI	🐤 *Deathscythe	Lvl 44	*In the hunt area, reduce 1 or more characters to less than 10% HP.
Rank VI	🐤 *Goliath	Lvl 48

After completing Pharos at Ridorana

⚠ Note: The next destination in the main story is the point of no return.
⚠ Create a manual save now since the game autosaves if you progress the story!

After saving, you can complete the main story now, if you want, before doing the rest of the side content.
The end game side content will be considerably more challenging than the rest of the main story.

👑End Game Hunts👑

Rank VII	Pyleraster	Lvl 63	*At the entrance to the Pharos
Rank VI Elite	Ixion	Lvl 58	*In the main halls of the underground levels of the Pharos *Ride the elevator until the monsters in the halls disappear.
Rank VII	🐤 Fafnir	Lvl 68	*Entering Frozen Brook triggers the snowstorm to stop. Find another route.
Rank VII Elite	🐤 Ancient Man of Mystery	Lvl 70	*Return to and travel deeper into the Lhusu Mines. *Need a key. (See Antlion Hunt) ~Can steal 2 more exclusive Genji Gear at 40 and 20% HP

Recommended: After exploring the deeper levels of the Great Crystal

Rank VI Elite

The Seer

Lvl 67

*Battle starts as soon as you enter Unknown floor of Subterra

Recommended: After descending the Subterra of Pharos at Ridorana and defeating The Seer

Rank VII Elite	🐤 King Behemoth	Lvl 70	*Must have defeated Fafnir How to spawn: First, eliminate all enemies in Icefield of Clearsight. (Quickly, they can respawn) (If you exit and re-enter the area and see mandragoras (little plant creatures) in one of the shrines, you have succeeded. These don't have to be eliminated.) Next, go to Edge of Reason and defeat the Giruveganus. Now exit to Icefield of Clearsight , and then re-enter Edge of Reason (If you were quick enough, King Behemoth will now be there) ~The riddle after completing the hunt refers to something found on Mt. Bur-Omisace
Rank VIII Ultimate	💀 Yiazmat	Lvl 73	*Must have defeated all Marks & Hellwyrm *Located in Ridorana Cataract Colosseum You may take breaks & exit the fight/ save/ quit the game/ ride the Strahl/ buy items etc. Warning! ~If you retreat from Yiazmat DO NOT remain in the same zone . Yiazmat quickly regenerates health bars when idle. Zone out of the area to avoid this. Beware using Renew . Yiazmat can cast Reflect on the party. Renew reflected onto Yiazmat will fully restore his health He is weak to Dark element

SECRET ESPERS

Things to note:
I have also organized the Espers in order of their level/difficulty relative to the main story's level/difficulty.
Please note that Esper battles are still relatively more challenging than the main story content.

You can adjust the timing of the Esper battles below depending on how challenging you want them to be:
(🐤normal) Follow the timeline below as it is if you want a more standard challenge for the Esper battles.
(🐣easier) Fighting Espers later in the game than listed here will make it easier. The later the easier!
(💀harder) All Espers can be fought earlier than listed here for a greater challenge! The earlier the harder!

When you reach Imperial City Archades

Esper Name

Esper Lvl

Esper Location

Notes

Adrammelech	Lvl 39	Zertinan Caverns	(His location is blocked until After completing Tomb of Raithwall) .
Zalera ⚠	Lvl 40	Barheim Passage	*Need the Barheim key. See the Desert Patient Quest. *Can do the Bloodwing Hunt at the same time. ⚠ For New Game minus players: Barheim Passage is ( 💀 hard) at this point in the timeline. I recommend this Esper After Draklor Laboratory for ( 🐤 normal) .

After Draklor Laboratory

Exodus	Lvl 46	Mosphoran Highwaste	(Must first progress story to When you reach the Phon Coast Hunter Camp ) *Speak to the Learned Man in Mosphoran Highwaste
Cúchulainn ⚠	Lvl 45	Garamsythe Waterway	*Must first complete Hunt: V White Mousse* ⚠ For New Game minus players: Cúchulainn is ( 💀 hard) at this point in the timeline. I recommend this Esper After Ancient City of Giruvegan for ( 🐤 normal) .

After Ancient City of Giruvegan + all story events in Balfonheim Port

Chaos	Lvl 57	Necrohol of Nabudis	*Need 3 Medallions. (See Three Medallions in Side Quests part 2)
Zeromus	Lvl 51	Stilshrine of Miriam	*Need Stone of Condemner. Aquired from the Acolyte on top of Mt Bur-Omisace After Stilshrine of Miriam + all story events in Mt Bur-Omisace

After completing Pharos at Ridorana

⚠ Note: The next destination in the main story is the point of no return.
⚠ Create a manual save now since the game autosaves if you progress the story!

After saving, you can complete the main story now, if you want, before doing the rest of the side content.
The end game side content will be considerably more challenging than the rest of the main story.

👑End Game Secret Espers👑

Ultima

Lvl 63

Great Crystal

*Must first have completed the story events in the Great Crystal.
*Here is a map[jegged.com]of the Great Crystal.

Recommended: After defeating Behemoth King and Hell Wyrm

💀Zodiark

Lvl 66

Henne Mines
(North of teleport crystal)

*Speak to Geomancer Yugelu in Jahara. 10 Espers required.
Warning! There is no auto-save when entering the final room
with Zodiark

Trophy Rare Game (Hunt Club)

Here are the locations of all the trophy rare game.
They are listed in order of lowest to highest level and by location.
Be aware that, once killed, these do not respawn
If you are farming for any rare loot, be sure you are ready before defeating these.

Name (Trophy)
--->
An arrow pointing right means the next rare game is within walking distance.

Name (Trophy)
<---
An arrow pointing left means the previous rare game is within walking distance.

Tip: Having trouble spawning an enemy?

• Try zoning in and out of an area a couple of times.
  Each time you enter the area there is a chance it will
  spawn. When it does spawn it won’t despawn even if
  you zone out of the area. They will however despawn if
  you zone 2 areas away.
  
• For rare game that replaces other enemies, try zoning
  out 2 areas and coming back

Ancbolder (Mind Trophy)	Zombie Lord (Soulless Trophy)
Paramina Rift	Tomb of Raithwall
Defeat every enemy in the area then leave and re-enter	In-game timer must be between :00 and :29 minutes

Rageclaw (Sickle Trophy)	Skullash (Clawed Trophy)
Salikawood	Phon Coast
Kill 0 enemies. Appears at opposite exit in 60 seconds	40% chance of spawning among Pyrolisks

Wendice (Frigid Trophy) --->	Anubys (Ensanguined Trophy) <---
Sochen Cave Palace	Sochen Cave Palace
Defeat 3 or more Wendigos	Behind the Pilgrim’s Door *See 'Useful knowings' section for how to open

Kris (Odiferous Trophy) --->	Grimalkin (Whiskered Trophy) <--->
Tchita Uplands	Tchita Uplands
40% chance of spawning near either stone building	10% chance of spawning instead of a Coeurl

Bluesang (Cruel Trophy) <--->	Aspidochelon (Adamantine Trophy) <---
Cerobi Steppe	Cerobi Steppe
40% chance of spawning	40% Chance of spawning

Kaiser Wolf (Fanged Trophy)	Lindbur Wolf (no trophy)
Dalmasca Westersand	Dalmasca Westersand
40% chance of spawning after defeating Lindbur Wolf	Defeat 20 wolves without leaving Westersand

Myath (Eternal Trophy)	Ishteen (Bony Trophy)
Stilshrine of Miriam	Barheim Passage
Defeat 3 Dragon Aevises, then exit and re-enter	Odds of appearing rise 2% every 10 seconds while in area

Nazarnir (Maned Trophy) --->	Killbug (Metallic Trophy) <--->
Giza Plains (Dry)	Ozmone Plain
40% chance of spawning instead of a Sleipnir	A big chest when in-game timer is between :10 and :39

Alteci (Fell Trophy) <--->	Victanir (Maverick Trophy) <--->
Zertinan Caverns	Nam-Yensa Sandsea
Build a chain of 12 Malicants	40% chance of spawning

Bull Chocobo (Beaked Trophy) <---	Gavial (Fur-scaled Trophy)
Ogir-Yensa Sandsea	Garamsythe Waterway
40% chance of spawning	Wait 10-15 seconds

Biding Mantis (Scythe Trophy) --->	Dreadguard (Feathered Trophy) <---
Golmore Jungle	Feywood
In-game timer must be between :30 and :59 minutes	40% chance of spawning instead of a Mirrorknight

Melt (Slimy Trophy)	Arioch (Vengeful Trophy) --->
Henne Mines	Nabreus Deadlands
50% chance to spawn after flipping gate switch per entry	40% chance of spawning

Vorres (Gravesoil Trophy) <---	Dheed (Leathern Trophy) --->
Necrohol of Nabudis	Mosphoran Highwaste
Lure a Dark Elemental around the area near the Cloister of Reason entrance.	40% chance of spawning

Terror Tyrant (Hide-covered Trophy) <---	Abelisk (Reptillian Trophy)
Dalmasca Estersand	Ridorana Cataract
40% chance of spawning instead of a Wild Saurian	30% chance of spawning

Avenger (Vile Trophy)	Crystal Knight (Skull Trophy)
Pharos at Ridorana – Second Ascent	The Great Crystal
40% chance of spawning at bottom of stairs OR defeat all enemies in the area then exit and re-enter	Go in a clockwise loop from Waystone XX to Sagittarius Gate Switch and back. Here is a map [jegged.com]

💀Disma (Accursed Trophy)

Lhusu Mines

5% chance of spawning instead of a Dark Lord

Hunt Club Rewards (Hunt Club)

A list of all the rewards you can obtain from the Hunt Club.
Also lists how rare the item is outside of the Hunt Club and a few alternate ways of acquiring it.

Alternate acquisition rarity guide

🔹Guaranteed	= 100% chest spawn
🔸Rare	= 25% chest spawn
⭐Super Rare	= 15% chest spawn
⭐Ultra Rare	= 3% chest spawn
⭐Ultimate Rare	= 1% chest spawn

Weapon Rewards

Reward	Atak	Blok	Stok	Rarity	Alternate acquisition
Kiku-ichimonji	1	0	0	Common	Weapon Shop
Holy Lance	5	0	0	Common	Weapon Shop
Ame-no-Murakumo	10	0	0	Common	Weapon Shop
Stoneblade	15	0	0	💰Can only get in Bazaar	Bazaar
Eight-fluted Pole	10	5	0	⭐Ultra Rare	🖐Can steal from 'Abelisk' Trophy Rare Game
Orochi	20	0	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Lhusu Mines/ Site 11
Ultima Blade	25	0	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Pharos - 3rd Ascent/ Spire Ravel - 2nd Flight
Artemis Bow Artemis Arrows	12	5	5	🔹(Bow) Guaranteed in a chest 💰(Arrows) Can only get in Bazaar	The Great Crystal
Tula Grand Bolts	25	1	1	🔹(Tula) Guaranteed in a chest 💰(Bolts) Can only get in Bazaar	Pharos - Second Ascent/ Station of Suffering
Masamune	30	0	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Lhusu Mines/ Site 7

Armor Rewards

Reward	Atak	Blok	Stok	Rarity	Alternate acquisition
Platinum Armor	0	1	0	Common	Armor Shop
Minerva Bustier	0	5	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Pharos - Second Ascent/ Station of Banishment + 📜Hunt Reward (Lindwyrm)
White Mask	0	10	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Necrohol of Nabudis/ Cloister of Distant Song
Aegis Shield	0	15	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Giruvegan/ The Aadha Water-Steps + 📜Hunt Reward (Vyraal)
Dueling Mask	0	20	0	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Henne Mines/ Phase 2 Dig
Maximillian	5	10	5	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Lhusu Mines/ Site 6 North
Black Mask	5	12	5	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Pharos - First Ascent/ Horizon's Cusp
Grand Helm	0	25	0	🔸Rare	Henne Mines/ Phase 2 Dig
Lordly Robes	1	25	1	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Henne Mines/ Special Charter Shaft
Grand Armor	0	30	0	🔸Rare	Henne Mines/ Special Charter Shaft

Accessory Rewards

Reward	Atak	Blok	Stok	Rarity	Alternate acquisition
Thief's Cuffs	0	0	1	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Mosphoran Highwaste/ Babbling Vale
Ruby Ring	0	0	5	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Stilshrine of Miriam/ Walk of Prescience
Opal Ring	0	0	10	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Pharos - Second Ascent/ Station of Banishment
Golden Amulet	0	0	15	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Ogir-Yensa Sandsea/ Platform 1 - Refinery + 📜Quest/ Hunt Reward (Desert Patient/ Enkelados)
Cat-ear Hood	0	0	20	Common	Muthruu Bazaar
Turtleshell Choker	5	5	12	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Moshporan Highwaste/ Babbling Vale
Bubble Belt	0	0	25	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Feywood/ Ice Field of Clearsight + 📜Hunt Reward (Antlion)
Genji Gloves	5	5	15	⭐One of a kind	🖐Can steal from Rank VII Elite Hunt 'Ancient Man of Mystery' (Lvl 45)
Indigo Pendant	1	1	25	🔹Guaranteed in a chest	Lhusu Mines/ Site 9
Nihopalaoa	0	0	30	🔸Rare	Henne Mines/ Phase 2 Dig

Special Rewards

Reward	Atak	Blok	Stok	Rarity	Alternate acquisition
Zodiac Spear Zodiac Escutcheon	10	10	10	⭐Ultimate Rare ⭐Ultimate Rare	(spear) Henne Mines/ Special Charter Shaft (shield) Sochen Cave Palace/ Hall of the Wroth God

You will also receive 3 bonus rewards.

Bonus Rewards
A bonus reward is aquired once you've handed in all 30 trophies.
You will receive an award based on who you've given the most trophies to.

	15 or less	16+
Atak	Staff of the Magi (🔸Rare/ The Great Crystal)	Zodiac Spear (⭐Ultimate Rare/ Henne Mines/ Special Charter Shaft)
Blok	Ensanguined Shield (⭐Ultra Rare/ Necrohol of Nabudis/ Cloister of the Highborn)	Zodiac Escutcheon (⭐Ultimate Rare/ Sochen Cave Palace/ Hall of the Wroth God)
Stok	Sage's Ring (🔹Guaranteed in a chest/ Stilshrine of Miriam/ Ward of Steel) (🔸Rare/ Henne Mines/ Phase 2 Shaft)	Ribbon (⭐Super Rare/ Henne Mines/ Special Charter Shaft)

Helpful Tips

Here are some general tips that will be helpful throughout your entire adventure.

Easy way to make extra gil

An easy way to make extra gil is to always have a character steal at least once per enemy.
(You don't have to steal successfully every time, just activate steal at least once per enemy)
This will fill your pockets with extra loot and thus some extra gil! You're gonna need it!

Tips on saving gil

Here are some tips that can help you save a bit of gil when shopping:

• Since most enemies mainly use physical attacks, you can save gil by buying only the body part of an armor set and skipping out on the hats and helmets. Note that you'll be sacrificing magick defense though, so be sure not to do this too often!
  
  
• You can further save gil by only buying equipment for your currently active or most used party members. Then, whenever you buy new equipment you can give their hand-me-downs to any reserve members and sell off the older unused equipment for extra gil!

Having trouble with a Hunt/ Esper/ Optional Boss?

• Get equipped!
  Make sure you have the latest equipment and abilities available in shops for the point in the game you are in. Equipment plays a big role in your characters offensive and defensive power! Don't neglect it!
  
• Don't forget about accessories!
  Sometimes, the right accessories are just as useful in a battle as your equipment! Choosing the right equipment and accessories for the job can make all the difference.
  
• Master your gambits!
  Mastering the gambit system can mean the difference between a smooth fight and a battle going out of control. Make use of the ability to delegate important actions to your characters so you can let them handle those actions while you focus more of your attention on keeping the battle going smoothly.
  
• Find the Magicks! (And Technicks)
  Have you missed any of the magick and technick chests in areas you've visited? These abilities can turn the tides of battle in your favor! (See 'Secret Magicks & Technicks' section)
  
• Check the Clan Shop!
  Did you know there is a shop in the Muthruu Bazaar of Rabanastre that sells unique magicks based on your Clan rank? Don't forget to visit occasionally as your Clan Rank gets higher!
  
• Revise your strategy!
  There are many ways you can sway a battle in your favor. For example, good positioning of your characters, inflicting negative status effects on your enemies, equipping armor or accessories with elemental resistances, just to name a few. Consider all possibilities!
  
• You can do it!

Useful knowings

Here are some useful things to know once you've gotten a bit into the game.
If they don't make sense to you right now, just come back to this section at a later time.

Forgotten Grimoires

Makes monsters drop rarer loot. It is worth buying as soon as possible.

18,000 Gil	Hunter’s Monograph	Beasts & Avions	*Talk to Gatsly in Muthru Bazaar
19,000 Gil	Knight’s Monograph	Giants & Insects	*Talk to Weapon Merchant 30 times
20,000 Gil	Warmage’s Monograph	Amorph & Undead	*Read Hunt Board 20 times
21,000 Gil	Mage’s Monograph	Fiends	*Talk to Magick Merchant 25 times
22,000 Gil	Scholar’s Monograph	Constructs	*Talk to Armor Merchant 15 times
22,000 Gil	Dragoon’s Monograph	Dragons & Plants	*Read Hunt Board 40 times
25,000 Gil	Sage’s Monograph	Elementals	*Talk to Merchants 100 times

This one is only useful if you're making the Tournesol greatsword in the bazaar.
Buying it also unlocks an achievement in the Sky Pirate's Den.

250,000 Gil

Morbid Urn

Monsters drop Arcana
Rare monsters drop High Arcana

*Sell loot rewards from certain hunts

Use the Diamond Armlet in Cerobi Steppe only!

Diamond Armlet does not increase chances of getting rarer items in chests.
It will replace most items in chests with Knots of Rust and occasionally a meteorite.
Cerobi Steppe is the only area worth equipping it as it adds a (extremely rare) chance of getting superior treasure
This tip doesn’t apply to Trial Mode

How to change Giza’s weather

The weather in Giza cycles based on in-game play time. 2 hours of dry and 1 hour of rain.
The cycle does not begin until you revisit Giza after the story events in Eruyt village.
If you do not revisit Giza, it will remain the Rains indefinitely until you do.

tip: A Seeq Adventurer in Rabanastre south gate can hint at how long until the weather changes.

	the Rains	the Dry
It's only just become...	60-51 mins	120-101 mins
It's the middle of...	50-12 mins	100-12 mins
...has almost run it's course	11-1 mins	11-1 mins

Where to get more teleport stones

Montblanc occasionally gives you teleport stones.
You can steal them from bats in the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba (10% chance).
Skyferries begin selling them after entering Mt Bur Omisace for the first time.
You can also buy them from Dyce in Balfonheim Port near the Teleport Crystal.

How to open the Pilgrim’s Door of Sochen Cave Palace HINT

A5, A1

B1, B4

A4, A2

??, ??

Follow this path. Start from the Falls of Time. A below, B above.

How to open the Ascetic’s Door of Sochen Cave Palace HINT

Start by entering from the easternmost area.

Tips to enjoy Chop collecting a little more

Your first time in Imperial City Archades don’t bother talking to any NPCs until you've started the Chop Collecting Quest otherwise you'll just end up having to reread their dialogue again.
(You can speak to NPCs inside the shops and in Old Archades)
Talk to the Cab Guide in Nilbasse first to proceed with the main story and start the quest.

tip: The Tarot Reader in Rienna can tell you how many Chops are left in each area.
tip: 28 Chops must be collected and converted to Sandalwood to finish one of the sidequests.
tip: You can buy chops(optional) from Chop Master in Technick Store. Say your just passing by.

Hidden Merchant in the Necrohol of Nabudis

In the Cloister of the Highborn, to the very north, there is an invisible merchant in a corner.
tip: Return here after reaching the Pharos at Ridorana and he will sell Esunaga Magick.

Building Bridges in The Pharos at Ridorana

You can build green bridges by defeating enemies with green flames on their head.
You can also build red bridges after building all the green bridges and re-entering the area.

The 3 Badges and the Sword of Legend

You will get badges after completing the Fishing mini-game, the final Hunt, and the final Sidequest.
Sell them to get ‘Dragon Crest’ in the bazaar. It is a greatsword that has an 80% multiple hit chance. 100% with Genji gloves.
Since you will have defeated almost all of the superbosses by the time you get this weapon, it is mostly a trophy item.
It can be used against Zodiark if you have not defeated him yet.

Secret Magicks & Technicks

This section is just to make sure you haven't missed any of the Magick and Technick chests, as some can be truly invaluable on your journey.
I have listed everything by location and the order you would normally visit them.

🔹= Obtainable at any time
🔸= Located in a hidden area that can only be reached later in the game
💠= Also obtainable in another area
❗= Ultra Rare Chest (10%~20% Chance of spawning) (see below for exact locations)

Giza Plains

🔹Blind - Toam Hills (Dry) - Lower one foe's chance to hit.
🔸Regen - Nomad Village (Rain)💠- Restore one ally's HP over time.

Estersand

🔹Silence - Yardang Labyrinth💠- Prevent one foe from casting magicks.
🔹Poison - Sand-Swept Naze - Damage one foe over time.

Garamsythe Waterway

🔸Achilles - No. 4 Cloaca Spur - Render one foe vulnerable to an additional element.

Barheim Passage

🔸Toxify - East-West Bypass - Damage all foes in range over time.
🔸Shear - Zeviah Span - Lower one foe's magick resist.

⭐⭐After Ancient City of Giruvegan⭐⭐
🔸Scourge - (Merchant) The Lightworks - Inflict Sap and deal heavy damage to all foes in range.

Lhusu Mines

🔹Silence - Shaft Entry💠- Prevent one foe from casting magicks.
🔹Numerology - Transitway 1 - Deal damage that increases with successive hits.
🔸Expose - Site 9 - Lower one foe's defense.
🔸Scathe - Staging Area - Deal massive damage to all foes in range.

Dreadnought Leviathin

🔹Infuse - Sub-Control Room💠- Fully consume user's MP, changing one ally's HP to 10 times that amount.
🔹Sleep - Starboard Section💠- Put one foe to sleep.

Ogir-Yensa Sandsea

🔹Infuse - Platform 1 - East Tanks💠- Fully consume user's MP, changing one ally's HP to 10 times that amount.
🔹Sleep - Platform 1 - East Tanks💠- Put one foe to sleep.
🔹Reflect - Primary Tank Complex - Cause magicks to be reflected from one ally.

Nam-Yensa Sandsea

🔹Balance - Demesne of the Sand Queen - Deal damage equal to difference between caster's current and max HP to all foes in range.

Tomb of Raithwall

🔹Dispel - Royal Passage - Remove beneficial status effects from one foe.
🔹Vanish - Royal Passage - Render one ally invisible.
🔹Shades of Black - Cloister of Flame - Cast a random black magick on one foe.

Eruyt Village

🔹Haste - Fane of the Path - Speed up one ally's actions.

Henne Mines

🔹Bonecrusher - Phase 1 Dig - Consume HP to reduce the HP of one foe to 0
🔸Renew - Special Charter Shaft - Fully restores HP to all allies in range.
🔸❗Addle - (10%) Special Charter Shaft (Exact location below) - Lower one foe's magick power.

Paramina Rift

🔹Revive - Spine of the Icewyrm - Fully consume user's HP, reviving and fully restoring HP of one KO'd ally.
🔹Death - Karydine Glacier - Reduce one foe's HP to 0.

Stilshrine of Miriam

🔹Countdown - Ward of Velitation - Reduce one foe's HP to 0 after a short time.

Mosphoran Highwaste

🔸Stamp - Rays of Ashen Light - Inflict one foe with any status effects on the user.

Salikawood

🔹Charm - Quietened Trace - Cause one foe to confuse friend with foe.

Tchita Uplands

🔹Float - Oliphzak Rise - Allow all allies in range to walk on air.
🔹Blindga - Fields of Eternity - Lower the chance to hit of all foes in range.
🔹Regen - The Lost Way💠- Restore one ally's HP over time.

Sochen Cave Palace

🔹1000 Needles - Falls of Time - Deal 1,000 damage to one foe.

Zertinan Caverns

🔹Sight Unseeing - Canopy of Clay - Unleash an attack only available when blind.

Draklor Laboratory

🔹Gil Toss - 70th Floor - Room 7002 East💠- Throw gil, damaging all foes in range.

Cerobi Steppe

🔹❗Cleanse - (20%) Terraced Bank (Exact location below) - Remove Disease from one ally.
🔹Telekinesis - Old Elanise Road - Deal ranged damage with melee weapons.

Feywood

🔹Dispelga - White Magick’s Embrace - Remove beneficial status effects from all foes in range.
🔹Reflectga - Edge of Reason - Cause magicks to be reflected from all allies in range.

Giruvegan

🔹Sleepga - Haalmikah Water-Steps - Put all foes in range to sleep.

Nabreus Deadlands

🔹Warp - Lifeless Strand - Banish all foes in range.

Necrohol of Nabudis

🔹Faith - Hall of Ivory Covenant - Augment one ally's magick.
🔹Bravery - Cloister of Highborn - Increase one ally's physical attack damage.
🔹Protectga - Cloister of Distant Song - Raise defense of all allies in range.
🔹Silencega - Hall of Effulgent Light - Prevents all foes in range from casting magicks.

⭐⭐After entering the Pharos at Ridorana⭐⭐
🔸Esunaga - Cloister of Highborn(Hidden Merchant/ see 'Useful Knowings' section)- Remove harmful status effects from all allies in range.

Pharos at Ridorana – 1st Ascent

🔹Holy - Wellspring Ravel, 3rd Flight - Deal heavy holy damage to one foe.

Pharos at Ridorana – 2nd Ascent

🔹Gil Toss - Station of Ascension💠- Throw gil, damaging all foes in range.

Pharos at Ridorana – 3rd Ascent

🔹Flare - Spire Ravel, 1st Flight - Deal massive damage to one foe.
🔹Ardor - Spire Ravel, 2nd Flight - Deal massive fire damage to all foes in range.

Pharos at Ridorana – Subterra

🔹❗Wither - (10%) Abyssal (North) (Exact location below) - Lower one foe's strength.

Great Crystal

🔹Hastega - Uldobi Phullam Pratii - Speed up the actions of all allies in range.
🔹Shellga - Sirhru Phullam Pratii'vaa - Raise magick resist of all allies in range.

• Addle is useable by - Foebreaker, Archer, Time Battlemage
  
• Wither is usable by - Foebreaker, Monk, Uhlan

Cleanse Location	Addle Location	Wither Location
Cerobi Steppe 20% chance to spawn on top of a trap near the rock.	Henne Mines 10% chance to spawn near some carts in the middle of a hidden hallway.	Subterra - Abyssal 10% chance to spawn right in the center of the big boss room.

Alternate Game Difficulties

If you are looking for a more challenging Final Fantasy XII experience, here are two options to consider. The first option is easier. The second option is more challenging, but still very fun.

• Option #1 (IZJS Style) Play the game with only one job class per character.

  Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age is actually a remastered version of Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System(IZJS), which was only released in Japan. It is not a remastered version of the original FFXII release.
  
  In FFXII IZJS you selected one job for each character to use throughout the entire game, and the license boards were balanced around each character having a single job. FFXII The Zodiac Age adds the ability to have a second job board per character, however, the game was never rebalanced for this addition. Though your characters can now be 2x more powerful, enemies and bosses remain unchanged and their stats are identical to the IZJS version.
  
  Using the second job board is kind of like turning on 'easy mode' without realizing it.
  
  Single Class = Normal mode
  Double Class = Easy mode
  
  Don't farm the Trial Mode!
  The ability to acquire items and LP from Trial Mode was also not in the original IZJS version of the game. Obviously, using Trial Mode to farm powerful items and LP will make the game a thousand times easier.
  
  

• Option #2 (Master Quest) Consider playing New Game minus.

  If you're not playing the Steam version, you must complete the Trial Mode to unlock New Game minus.
  
  Don't be intimidated by this mode. It is actually quite fun and not as insanely difficult as it sounds. The difficulty is actually pretty fair and balanced. It's challenging for sure, but in a fun and engaging way.
  
  Don't let the fact that you cannot level up fool you into thinking that this mode will be a painstaking journey filled with unfair fights and one-shot deaths. Actually, it's quite the opposite. Weapons, armor, and licenses will be more than enough to make up for your low levels and battles will now be determined more by strategy than by simply using brute force.
  
  In my opinion, this is the most immersive way of playing FFXII gameplay wise. Your characters actually feel human and regular enemies feel like an actual threat and actually put up a fight. Boss fights that were once so easy are now more epic feeling. Your MP no longer feels like it's unlimited and Ethers are actually useful. Strategy plays a more important role than ever this time around.
  
  If you loved Final Fantasy XII and thought the game was too easy I highly recommend at least giving it a try, you may be surprised. I thought this mode sounded ridiculous when I first heard it. Like it was only for the most hardcore of hardcore gamers, but once I gave it a try I found it was actually pretty fun and more fair than I thought. I have heard rumors that this was the way the developers preferred it to be played and I have to say I agree.
  
  New Game Minus = Hero mode
  
  IZJS style applies here too.
  New Game Minus (Single Class) = Normal Hero mode
  New Game Minus (Double Class) = Easy Hero mode
  
  The order & timing recommendations in this guide are perfect for new game minus.

Updates

2-7-2025
Minor text edit: Made the warning to make a manual save before the point of no return a bit clearer, just in case.
8-22-2022
Discovered that the Foot Race Mini-Game can be played much earlier.
Moved the Foot Race Mini-Game side quest to After Draklor Laboratory.

[Corbolu]

Thanks a lot for this information. I recently used it for the Side Quest sheet in "The most comprehensive completion checklist": https://www.reddit.com/r/FinalFantasyXII/comments/1f9tfx2/the_most_comprehensive_completion_checklist/

[Flufferpup]

Hi, great guide, but I just wanted to point out that attempting to progress the desert patient quest at a certain time will result in only one nebralim spawning. The guide mentions it being next to the chocobo but the chocobo was missing, and the nebralim with it. I believe it was after bhujerba but before raithwall? I forget exactly, to be honest, but it is possible to lose out on the best reward if you attempt to do it too early.

[โอชาที่รัก]

I have also completed Trial Mode 100, taking 10 hours. very enthusiastic about getting items 91-100(3 ribbon, mesa and Tournesol), after completing stage 100 I chose new game, but didn't get items 91-100. very disappointing

[Yanchel]

yeah the creator is right the 4+ pts net you runeblade +3 hunting crossbow + 2 to -2 net you consumable and - 3 net you firefly -4 fuzzy Miter ( prevent from petrify)

Rune Blade are weaker in Zodiac Hunting crossbow are stronger in zodiac firefly is No exp accessories and Fuzzy miter is Stoneproof

[ezzypixel]

@Pitviper Hi, thanks for checking out my guide. The guide is correct. It's talking about Vaan's attitude towards Ktjn. So Having a positive/supportive attitude rewards you an accessory, and having a negative/reprimanding attitude rewards you a weapon.

[Pitviper]

I know this guide has been out for a while, but I believe you have Ktjn's rewards backwards? Gaining points, according to other sources, nets you the weapon. Negative points nets you the accessory.

[Lycaon~]

there are missable things in this ff , i started today and i would like to do all the achievements, thx

[Abahski]

Nice guide

[Alberto]

Omg this guide is perfect.

[ezzypixel]

@Skeleton Knight True, I believe that's possible. I recommended Behemoth King and Hellwyrm first before Zodiark because although Zodiark has less HP he is a much tougher boss than BK and HW, at least from my experience, but it is only a recommendation and is optional. If you are able to defeat Zodiark in 15 seconds then BK and HW will be nothing but oversized cupcakes..