Updated for Nov 2022 - Version 1.24
Any % (Story - Casual) Guide By: D_Winds
Borrowing the guide format from relxert. I'm playing on PS5, having Soul Break under L1 instead of Circle. The run assumes no DLC and pre-order content is involved.
Before a new game, change Menu settings to turn off equipment confirmation and turn on short Soul Burst, as well as others that avoid extra blue boxes and long loadtimes (lower graphics settings, etc.). There have been more settings added in the recent patch, but I recommend at least to turn off Auto Dismantle.
TUTORIAL Tiamat Activate: during loadscreen, use double Resonance, (left+right), once loaded, dash twice forward, and Lightbringer (L2+O) into Tiamat Attack x3 into Raging Slash about 3 times, until LB runs out. LB again once you have 2 bars, and just keep attacking, re-Resonancing, until she Breaks. Hope your party does enough damage before Tiamat breaks you.
You can press Options to eliminate Blue Boxes that are more than 1/1 instantly.
Lessons #1: Target > Attack x2 > Raging Slash >| Attack x3 or Spinning Slash (3 swings), depending on if you got the first checked box > (if first goal not met) Attack > Evade > Guard into SoulShield (if Goblin uses Mince) > Attack #2: Attack > Raging Slash > Spinning Slash x2 L1 (SoulBurst) #3: Soul Shield > Attack > Raging Slash > Spinning Slash > Soul Burst #4: Soul Shield > Stone Throw 3x + Step (X) forward > Soul Burst (cxan do it in 2 Stone Throws if you get behind the Goblin) #5: Step and roll forward > Lightbringer > Spinning Slash while alternating Lock Ons when one hit away from death (do not Soul Burst)
Giant Orb. You can get the Interact circle halfway full if you pre-press it before it spawns, so do so if you are walking towards it (cubes, the giant white egg, any door, etc.).
CHAOS SHRINE I
Running as Duelist, steal the Stone Throw from the Goblin. Keep Resonance up at all times. Around enemies, Menu > Change Job from Swordsman to Pugilist
Dark Vent #1 Stone Throw x3 > Weak Spot > Soul Burst Steal Fire 3x from a middle Bomb Open chest to receive a Mace. Walk backwards, equipping Mage over Pugilist, and use Waterga + Water against the Cactuar hiding on the balcony. At the stairs after the wolves, charge a Quakega, turn around, and kill at least 3 Wolves If you still have a bar of MP, use Waterga against the 2 Goblins+Bomb on the bridge, followed by Soul Burst, and another Waterga on the 3 bats afterwards. Should be Lv 5 with Mage now. Dark Vent # 2 Attack > Fire x3 > SB Should be Lv 6 with Mage now. Open chest to receive key. Head into the opposite room and take out Ton with 3 Weak Spots, followed by a Menu and Auto Optimize. Chaos Advent Activate: Resonance, L1 his attacks into a Weak Spot. Between phases, switch Mage (should be Lv7 after Ton) into Pugilist. Phase 2: Resonance, L1 his attacks into a Weak Spot.
Before Pravoka Seagrot, open up Menu, remove Jed and Ash from party, give Jack Neon's avatar, and use 2 shards on Mage to unlock White Mage.
PRAVOKA SEAGROT
After the spider web, menu in Mage job swap for White Mage. Steal Fire 3x from the Bomb, also SBing the 2 spiders. Haste (you'll be using this for faster movement throughout the game). You can gain a small boost forward with "Chain Cancelling", where at the full extension of the Mace animation when using Haste, switch to your 2nd job with Triangle, causing Jeon to step forward. Use 1 Fire through the web and SB 2 more Spiders. After the door, menu in Aftershock for WHM. Couerl Activate: Resonance Fire 2x > Attack x2 into Aftershock > Weak Spot > Soul Burst Grab the key that drops If low on MP, touch cubes and reHaste. Steal another Fire x3. Dark Vents #1 Fire x2 > Soul Burst as Duelist Dark Vents #2 Fire > Weak Spot > Soul Burst as Duelist Touch the cubes before ropes; resets enemy positions Sahagin 3x Weak Spot x2 > Soul Burst (should kill 2 or 3) Dark Vent #3 Weak Spot > Soul Burst Captain Bikke Activate: Resonance WeakSpots > Repeat > Soul Burst (can break Pirates for some more MP if they got caught in a WS on Bikke)
WESTERN KEEP Open chest to receive a key . Haste here, switching jobs to WHM and Marauder. Steal Fire 3x from the Shadow If you see a Cactuar, you can break it with Fire x2.
While in 1st elevator: Auto Optimize, but add in the 23% Pugi armor.
Soul burst as many enemies as possible to build MP, via Mara to level it up.
Black Knight Activate: Resonance Phase 1: Sundering Blow (charge3) > Attacks > Repeat > Soul Burst Phase 2: Lightbringer > Sundering Blow c3 > Soul Burst
For easier leveling, consider changing jobs at boss death animation to the one you want to gain some levels on (Pugi/Duelist for all bosses from Bikke - Tiamat).
REFRIN WETLANDS Difficult Route: Do not optimize until right before Elemental Fusion. You want to pop all Dark Vents with your Duelist/Pugilist gear on. Use Haste after touching white circle, as it doesn't last the whole running distance. Dark Vent #1 Attack c3 > Attack > Attack > Soul Burst Dark Vent #2 Sundering Blow > Soul Burst Steal Death Lament from Shadow if you see it.
Elemental Fusion Activate: Haste, Phase 1: Sundering Blow c3 against ElementMinion> Repeat on Sphere > Soul Burst Phase 2: Death Lament > Sundering Blow c3 > Repeat x2 > Soul Burst
CRYSTAL MIRAGE
Steal the Water x3 from the first elemental enemy.
Take out a Cactair beside the stairs if you see one, with Water. Ogre Haste Activate: Resonance Attack 6x via Marauder Counter with Sundering Blow > Attack > Soul Burst
Big Menu here, where you unlock Flee and Brutal Tackle (with your Anima Shards), and optional, but Summon Tachi and Reinforce. Steal Fire 3x from the Elemental after using the first teleporter, use it to break the crystal to open a pathway Steal Firaga (and then Fire 3x) to kill crystals. Kill the crystal up the invisible path to open the pathway. While running, Auto Optimize and add in Reanimated Sickle. Beside the Shadow near the end, get its Fire x3, and run up through the 2 invisible paths, and activate the next beam on the platform away with 2 more Fires.
Dark Vent #1 Ground Pound > Fire > Soul Burst
Chimera Activate: Haste Phase 1: BT c3 > Soul Burst Phase 2: Lightbringer > BT c3 > Soul Burst
FLYING FORTRESS
Now most movement speed is done with Flee if low on MP, followed by Haste if you have extra bars.
Optimize in elevators. Flip switches as necessary, watch a run for proper path Dark Vent #1 Attack c3 > Attack > Repeat > Soul Burst
Tiamat Activate: Hastega, (ST) Phase 1: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Phase 2: ST > Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
I personally choose Earth Crystal first because Great Malboro is the hardest fight of both choices so I prefer to be overlevelled for it.
HALLOWED MASSIF Flee
Dark Vent #1 Attack c3 (let Vent spawn 1 enemy) > Soul Burst
You'll have lots of MP in this map to use Haste+Flee simultaneously. Kill as many enemies as possible before avalanche (Ground Pound c3)
Dark Vent #2 + GP c3 > Soul Burst
Other 3 Dark Vents GP c3 > Soul Burst
Cubes pre-boss, big menu , remove Sophia , and unlock Berserker. Reinforce gets equipped now if not done already. Zombie Dragon Activate: Haste, Summon Tachi Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Remember to now start equipping Mage between cutscenes, as you want it to become Lv 17 for the next big menu.
CAVERN OF EARTH Flee Dark Vent #1 GP c3 > Soul Burst Demon Walls Attack until broken with Mace Cursed Griffon Ground Pound c3 > Attack 3x > Soul Burst Grab the key that drops Dark Vent #2 Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Lich Activate: Haste, Flee, Summon Tachi Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst, extra Grounds Pounds if not broken
WICKED ARBOR Flee only Kill plant with 3 charge mace attack Steal Fira 2x from Bomb Use Fira to 1-shot the other 2 plants. Great Malboro Activate: Resonance Phase 1: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Phase 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
Avoid Ensnare, Tongue Tied, and Bad Breath
MT GULG All Dark Vents Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Marilith Activate: Haste, Summon Tachi, Lightbringer Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
RUINS OF MACHINA Flee only Pull levers, watch a run for the proper path Soul Steal Quake 3x from the Elemental Dark Vent #1 Quake 3x > Attack > Soul Burst After door, Flee+Haste. Dodge laser by going all the way right, then all the way left, then you'll have opening to run through. Can be done in 2 fires of the laser. Dark Vent #2 Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Big menu at the cubes, unlocking Black Mage and it's Seal of Blood, replacing Summon Tachi. The rest of your hoarded Anima Shards are given to Berserker, to get the ability that buffs it's Brutal Tackle, plus whatever extra break/damage/affinity is available.
Cray Claw Activate: Seal of Blood, Haste Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst, extra Grounds Pounds if not broken
SUNKEN SHRINE Make sure you optimize right away so you equip the mace to 1 hit the control panels Kill all control panels with 1 Attack while in White Mage (electric attack). Dark Vent #1 Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst
Prince Sahagin Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Grab the card that drops
Malboro
Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst - try to break one of the reactors when the enemy is near them, for good break bar depletion
Avoid Bad Breath
Grab the card that drops
Kraken Activate: Haste, Onslaught, SoB Phase 1: Hit one of the electrical units to stun him and Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
Phase 2: Hit another unit.
Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
CORNELIA II H+F Captain Bikke Activate: SoB Attack (Mace) > Soul Shield Counter > Attack (Mace) > Soul Shield Counter > Brutal Tackle c3 > Attack until dead
ANCIENT'S TOWER Activate crystals, watch a run for the proper path
Open the chest before the final crystal activation Dark Vent #1 Attack until Soul Burst
Iron Giant With 2 MP, this is very tough Activate: Haste Phase 1: Counter attacks via Mace until you have an opening for Brutal Tackle c3. Best opportunity is after a Smite or during Great Wheel animation if you are directly next to him Deal chip damage via WHM if necessary and then Soul Burst Phase 2: Activate: SoB
Brutal Tackle c3 > Attacks via MAR until SB
VIGILIA COURT Destroy all shield generators, watch a run for the proper path Optimize while in elevator Open the chest after the 4 power generator room for a chance at a lv 100 axe All Dark Vents Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Dark Vent Room Go left, right, middle. Optimize during right vent burst animation Behemoth Activate: Haste, Reinforce, SoB Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
TERRA TORTURA Destroy the 3 statues, watch a run for the proper path. I personally go right, left, middle. Look for the blobs, attack them for that refill of MP All Dark Vents Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Astos Activate: Haste, Reinforce, SoB Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Ultima Weapon Activate: Lightbringer Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
CORNELIA II If you can, Steal a Dark Flare off a Ahriman on the way to the Fiend Fight
Final cubes, use the rest of your shards on Berserker and Black Mage. Use SoB before entering the cutscene. Fiend Fight
Flare on Ogre, not locked on,, should break at least 3 enemies, SB them with L1.
Mind Flayer: Cyclone Rush x3 > Soul Burst, or double Dark Flare and clean up
If some enemies still alive: Skeletons: Attack > Repeat Ahriman: Ground Pound* > Soul Burst Optimize during Ahriman Soul Burst animation
Friends Fight Cyclone Rush > Soul Burst Target Neon and Sophia first since they interrupt the easiest Activate Haste, Lightbringer as necessary
CORNELIA III Unlimited MP to spam, so use Haste+Flee. Will be used three times by the time you get to the final door. Take the ladder shortcut Crystal Room Attack > Repeat > Soul Burst the giant crystal (angle is awkward) Darkness Manifest Activate: SoB Phase 1: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Activate: Reinforce Phase 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
While walking, pre-input on those doors!
Tutorial Tiamat
Double Resonance, Lightbringer, charge 3 times the basic attack of Swordsman into Raging Slash. Do this ~3 times for the Soul Break (SB) kill.
Tutorial 1
Self-explanatory.
T2
2 attacks + Raging Slash (RS) = SB
T3
Soul Shield (SS) + 3 attacks + RS = SB
T4
SS (3 stones) to steal the enemy ability, step in + stone (x3) = SB
T5
Lightbringer, each Goblin is 2 attacks + RS = SB.
Chaos Shrine
Use Duelist. When climbing up stairs, SS Stone Throw. Dark Vent is step in + stone (x3) = SB. Steal Fire from a Bomb (gives 3x Fire). At end of hallway, head right and use 2 Fires against Cactuar, SB and take the drops. Return to hallway and open chest for Mace. Menu, switch Swordsman for Mage, and Auto Optimize (AO) your gear. Best to AO at the start of each dungeon.
Continue through the dungeon, applying Resonance as much as possible, running with Mage now. Against Dark Vents, attack middle one only, dies to 3 Weak Spots. Do your SB with Mage to maximize EXP gain.
Chaos Advent
Use the last Fire remaining. If now weak to Fire, cast Firaga. Otherwise, Weak Spots. Phase 2 can be Weak Spots exclusively. Use regular attacks to build up MP. And like for every boss, Resonance.
Pravoka Cavern
First set of Cubes, switch Jed for Neon. AO. SS Bomb.
Coeurl
Charge a Quakga, casting it when the kitty lands. Throw out 3 Fires. Steal its Thundara if it casts, sending it right back. Toss in some Quakras.
Beside next cubes, grab Chest for Ronin unlock, then hit cubes, Job Tree. Mage should have 4 points. Sink 4 Anima Shards to get 8 and unlock White Mage (WHM). Equip it, over Mage. Replace Duelist for Ronin. AO.
Haste to increase movement speed. I won't mention where specifically in this guide. Touch cubes to replenish MP.
2 Dark Vents can die simultaneously with a evenly spaced fully charged Iai. Ronin won't need to go beyond lv4, so switch to WHM to let it gain more EXP.
Bikke
Dies to ~6 fully charged Iais. Use regular slashes if low on MP.
Western Keep
SS Fire off the Phantom (I forget its name). Eventually, you'll get to the elevator. Menu and switch Ronin for Marauder, AO. While waiting for 2nd elevator, kill the enemies for some easy EXP. Touch cubes after the ride to unlock Ground Pound (GP) for Marauder (2 Anima Shards may be needed).
Black Knight
2x fully charged GPs, for both phases. Swing the axe around a bit to reclaim MP or finish off the boss.
Refrin Wetlands
Dark Vents get GP'd with 1 charge. If a Phantom uses Death Lament, SS it. Final cubes pre-boss, sink enough Anima Shards to unlock and equip Brutal Tackle (BT). Unlock Summon Tachi (ST), and add that too.
Fused Elemental
After taking out the fire/water thing, 1 fcBT (fully charge Brutal Tackle). Same thing for Phase 2. Use Death Lament to freeze the boss.
Crystal Tower
Use Hatega pre-Ogre. There are invisble paths to access crystals early.
Chimera
ST+ Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 dead, assuming not flying. fcBT Phase 2, which won't fly.
Flying Fortress
Do menus during the elevator ride. Not every white/red crystal needs touching. Try to get to boss with 6 MP (SS enemies along the way).
Tiamat
ST + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 down, Phase 2 will still have the buffs on you, so another fcBT should allow Regen Skip. If not, reclaim 2 MP and try again.
Hallowed Massif
First cubes, menu. Job Trees. Marauder unlocks Berserker branch. Duelist and Pugilist unlock Thief, Thief needs a few Anima Shards to unlock Flee. Equip it. Should use all your shards collected since Refrin boss. Ash becomes Berserker, Neon becomes Sophia who becomes Dragoon.
Flee now replaces Haste when 1 MP to use. If plentiful MP, use both for extra speed.
Dragon Zombie
ST+ Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 down, Phase 2 will still have the buffs on you, so another fcBT should kill. Heal Poison with Potions.
Cavern of Earth
Ground Pound 2 charges should break the moving walls and vents.
Lich
If 4 MP, ST + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 down, Phase 2 will still have the buffs on you, so another fcBT should kill.
Wicked Arbor
Fira from Grenade one-shots flowers.
Great Malboro
fcBT. Repeat for phase 2.
Mt. Gulg
Just run through lava. Potion of low HP. Continue with GP against Dark Vents.
Marilith
Should have 6 MP. ST + Haste + Lightbringer + fcBT = Phase 1 dead. fcBT for Phase 2.
Ruined Machina
Cubes, menu. Should have enough Job Points or Shards for Bereserker from Swordsman. Unlock it, equip Berserker over Marauder, and sink the rest of the Shards to bring it above Lv5. Equip Cyclone Rush (CR) if you got it from the left branch. Equip Reinforce too. AO.
Once you get the Ubercanon, cubes, Haste+Flee. It tracks horizontally slow, so you could dodge it in two shots theoretically. CR the Dark Vent.
Crayclaw
Reinforce + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. fcBT for Phase 2. Attack the sides of the scorpion to stun it.
Sunken Shrine
Flee+Haste, then touch the cubes out of the way. Proceed with only Flee, as specified prior.
Generators die to a single attack from WHM, assuming it's a lightning weapon. At some cubes, level up Berserker some more into Breaker. AO.
Sahagin Prince
fcBT it's behind. If it jumps around, try GPs instead.
Malboro
Try to lure it towards the wall canisters, and blow them up with a WHM hit. Otherwise, let party's Resonance and GPs take it down, you're likely low on HP and Potions from back-to-back minibosses.
Kraken
Break an electric dome. Reinforce + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. Break another dome fast. fcBT for Phase 2.
Cornelia
Flee+Haste
Possesed Bikke
fcBT + random strikes = dead
Ancient's Tower
Kill the giant pots with WHM hits to replenish MP. At pre-boss Cubes, level up more Berserker with garther Anima Shards.
Iron Giant
2 MP. fcBT on it's behind. If your level is low, this fight will be a slog. Replenish MP with quick WHM hits. Repeat fcBTs. Phase 2's a bit easier.
Vigilia Court
Grab the chest beside a barrier for a potential Lv 100 Axe.
Behemoth
If 6 MP, Reinforce + Haste + ST + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. fcBT for Phase 2. If 4, forget the ST.
Terra Tortura
Break the glowing goop for MP replenish.
Astos
If 6 MP, Reinforce + Haste + ST + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. fcBT for Phase 2. If 4, forget the ST.
Cornelia
At Cubes, level up some more Berskerer with Anima Shards.
Cornelia Mob
Kill the weak enemies first to minimize distractions. GP works fine against all.
Friends
fcBT usually one shots if not interrupted.
Chaos Shrine 2
Take the ladder shortcut. Infinite MP means Haste+Flee, maybe 3 times to traverse the entire way.
Crystals
WHM one hits into a SB.
Darkness Manifest
If 6 MP, Reinforce + Haste + ST + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. Add ST for Phase 2, and finish with a fcBT. If 4, forget the ST.
FAQ
Huh?
Brief Guide. Watch actual runs to get the nitty-gritty deets.
My Brutal Tackles aren't killing, REEEE?
Likely your axe and/or equipment level are too low. Pick up more chests if you desire more consistency.
But the other run was doing something else?
Route isn't fully fleshed out yet. Different runners are doing different things.
+++
Updated for Sep 2022 - Version 1.12
Any % (Story - Casual) Guide By: D_Winds
Borrowing the guide format from relxert. I'm playing on PC, with a PS4 controller, having Soul Break under L1 instead of Circle. The run assumes all DLC and pre-order content is involved.
Before a new game, change Menu settings to turn off equipment confirmation and turn on short Soul Burst , as well as others that avoid extra blue boxes and long loadtimes (lower graphics settings, etc.).
TUTORIAL Tiamat Activate: during loadscreen, use double Resonance, (left+right) + Lightbringer (L2+O) Attack (charge2) > Raging Slash about 5 times. Hope your party does enough damage before Tiamat breaks you.
You can press Options to eliminate Blue Boxes that are more than 1/1 instantly.
Lessons #1: Target > Attack x2 > Raging Slash > Spinning Slash (3 swings) > (if first goal not met) Attack > Evade > Guard/SoulShield > Attack #2: Attack x2 > Raging Slash > L1 (SoulBurst) #3: Soul Shield > Attack 3x > Raging Slash > Soul Burst #4: Soul Shield > Stone Throw 3x + Step (X) forward > Soul Burst #5: Step forward > Lightbringer > Spinning Slash while alternating Lock Ons when one hit away from death (do not Soul Burst)
You can get the Interact circle halfway full if you pre-press it before it spawns, so do so if you are walking towards it (cubes, the giant white egg, any door, etc.).
CHAOS SHRINE I
Running as Duelist, steal the Stone Throw from the Goblin. Keep Resonance up at all times.
Dark Vent #1 Weak Spot 2x > Stone Throw > Soul Burst Menu > Optimize Equipment Steal Fire 3x from a middle Bomb Open chest to receive a Mace. Walk backwards, equipping Mage over Swordsman, and use Watera x2 against the Cactuar hiding on the balcony. At the stairs after the wolves, charge a Quakega, turn around, and kill at least 3 Wolves If you still have a bar of MP, use Waterga against the 2 Goblins+Bomb on the bridge, followed by Soul Burst. Use 1 Fire on the Bats, and Soul Break any that die. Should be Lv 5 with Mage now. Dark Vent # 2 Weak Spot x2 > Fire x2 > Switch to Mage > Attack > Soul Burst Should be Lv 6 with Mage now. Open chest to receive key. While running past the last mob, menu job switch Duelist for Swordsman, and Auto Equip Optimize. Chaos Advent Activate: Resonance, Lightbringer Phase 1: Spinning Slash > Soul Burst via Mage Phase 2: Attack > Raging Slash > Repeat > Soul Burst via Mage Should be Lv 7 with Mage now.
Before PS, open up Menu, switch Jed for Neon, give Jack Neon's avatar, and use 2 shards on Mage to unlock White Mage.
PRAVOKA SEAGROT
After the web, menu in Mage job swap for White Mage. Steal Fire 3x from the Bomb Haste (you'll be using this for faster movement throughout the game). After the door, menu in Aftershock for WHM. Couerl Activate: Resonance Fire 3x > Attack x2 into Aftershock > Repeat > Soul Burst Grab the key that drops If low on MP, touch cubes and reHaste. Steal another Fire x3. Dark Vents #1 Fire x3 > Soul Burst as Duelist Dark Vents #2 Weak Spot x2 > Soul Burst as Duelist Touch the cubes before ropes; resets enemy positions Sahagin 3x Weak Spot x2 > Soul Burst (should kill 2 or 3) Dark Vent #3 Aftershock > Soul Burst Captain Bikke Activate: Resonance Aftershock > Repeat > Soul Burst
WESTERN KEEP
Haste (start of most dungeon will do this) Open chest to receive a key Steal Fire 3x from the Shadow If you see a Cactuar, you can break it with Fire x2.
While in 1st elevator: Auto Optimize, but add in the 23% Pugi armor.
Soul burst as many enemies as possible to build MP, via Duelist to level it up to Lv7 or 8. While in 2nd elevator: Switch Duelist for Marauder. Black Knight Activate: Resonance Phase 1: Sundering Blow (charge3) > Attacks > Repeat > Soul Burst Phase 2: Lightbringer > Sundering Blow c3 > Soul Burst
For easier leveling, consider changing jobs at boss death animation to the one you want to gain some levels on (Pugi/Duelist for all bosses from Bikke - Tiamat).
REFRIN WETLANDS Difficult Route: Do not optimize until right before Elemental Fusion. You want to pop all Dark Vents with your Duelist/Pugilist gear on. Use Haste after touching white circle, as it doesn't last the whole running distance. Dark Vent #1 Attack* > Attack > Attack > Soul Burst Dark Vent #2 Sundering Blow > Soul Burst Steal Death Lament from Shadow if you see it.
Elemental Fusion Activate: Haste, Resonance Phase 1: Sundering Blow c3 > Repeat Soul Burst Phase 2: Death Lament > Sundering Blow c3 > Repeat x2 > Soul Burst
CRYSTAL MIRAGE Ogre Hastega Activate: Resonance Attack 6x via Marauder Counter with Sundering Blow > Attack > Soul Burst Steal Fire 3x from the Elemental after using the first teleporter, use it to break the crystal to open a pathway Steal Firaga (and then Fire 3x) to kill crystals. Kill the crystal up the invisible path to open the pathway. While running, Auto Optimize and add in Reanimated Sickle. Beside the Shadow near the end, get its Fire x3, and run up through the 2 invisible paths, and activate the next beam on the platform away with 2 more Fires.
Dark Vent #1 Sundering Blow > Fire > Soul Burst
Chimera Activate: Resonance, Haste Phase 1: Reanimated Sickle c3 x2 > Soul Burst Phase 2: Lightbringer > Reanimated Sickle c3 x2 > Soul Burst
FLYING FORTRESS Touch cubes. Menu Marauder > Brutal Tackle Assign Ground Pound/Brutal Tackle abilities Duelist > Use shards to get Thief Pugilist > Use shards to get Thief Thief > grab Flee now If extra shards, unlock Summon Tachi from Ronin, and Onslaught from Pilgrim. Flee+SummonTachi+Onslaught goes on Jack. Now most movement speed is done with Flee if low on MP, followed by Haste if you have extra bars.
Optimize in elevators. Flip switches as necessary, watch a run for proper path Dark Vent #1 Attack c3 > Attack > Repeat > Soul Burst
Tiamat Activate: Resonance, Hastega, Onslaught Phase 1: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Phase 2: ST > Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
I personally choose Earth Crystal first because Great Malboro is the hardest fight of both choices so I prefer to be overlevelled for it.
HALLOWED MASSIF Flee Switch Neon to Red Mage, and Ash to Berserker.
Dark Vent #1 Attack c3 > Soul Burst
You'll have lots of MP in this map to use Haste+Flee simultaneously. Kill as many enemies as possible before avalanche (Ground Pound c3)
Dark Vent #2 + GP c3 > Soul Burst
Other 3 Dark Vents GP c3 > Soul Burst
Zombie Dragon Activate: Resonance, Haste, Summon Tachi Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
CAVERN OF EARTH Flee Dark Vent #1 GP c3 > Soul Burst Demon Walls Attack until broken with MAR Cursed Griffon Ground Pound c3 > Attack 3x > Soul Burst Grab the key that drops Dark Vent #2 Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Lich Activate: Resonance, Haste, Flee, Summon Tachi Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst, extra Grounds Pounds if not broken
WICKED ARBOR Flee only Kill plant with 3 charge mace attack Steal Fira 2x from Bomb Use Fira to 1-shot the other 2 plants. Great Malboro Activate: Resonance Phase 1: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Phase 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
Avoid Ensnare, Tongue Tied, and Bad Breath
MT GULG All Dark Vents Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Marilith Activate: Resonance, Haste, Summon Tachi, Lightbringer Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
RUINS OF MACHINA Flee only Pull levers, watch a run for the proper path Soul Steal Quake 3x from the Elemental Dark Vent #1 Quake 3x > Attack > Soul Burst After door, Flee+Haste. Dodge laser by going all the way right, then all the way left, then you'll have opening to run through. Can be done in 2 fires of the laser. Dark Vent #2 Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst
Cray Claw Activate: Resonance, Haste Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst, extra Grounds Pounds if not broken
SUNKEN SHRINE Make sure you optimize right away so you equip the mace to 1 hit the control panels Kill all control panels with 1 Attack while in White Mage (electric attack). Dark Vent #1 Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst
Cubes pre Sahagin Prince Add in BreakDamage+ abilities for MAR, and unlock Holy for WHM, using Shards if needed. You can also unlock Cyclone Rush from Berserker, which replaces all instances of Ground Pound henceforth (and Reinforce can replace Summon Tachi). Rest of Shards will go to levelling up Ash's Berserker.
Prince Sahagin Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Grab the card that drops
Malboro Activate: Resonance Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Avoid Bad Breath Grab the card that drops Kraken Activate: Resonance, Haste, Onslaught Phase 1: Hit one of the electrical units to stun him and Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
Phase 2: Hit another unit.
Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
CORNELIA II H+F Captain Bikke Activate: Resonance Attack > Soul Shield Counter > Brutal Tackle c3 > Attack until SB
ANCIENT'S TOWER Activate crystals, watch a run for the proper path
Open the chest before the final crystal activation Dark Vent #1 Attack until Soul Burst
Iron Giant With 2 MP, this is very tough Activate: Resonance, Haste Phase 1: Counter attacks until you have an opening for Brutal Tackle c3. Best opportunity is after a Smite or during Great Wheel animation if you are directly next to him Deal chip damage via WHM if necessary and then Soul Burst Phase 2: Activate: Onslaught Brutal Tackle c3 > Attacks via MAR until SB
VIGILIA COURT Destroy all shield generators, watch a run for the proper path Optimize while in elevator Open the chest after the 4 power generator room for a chance at a lv 100 axe All Dark Vents Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Dark Vent Room Go left, right, middle. Optimize during right vent burst animation Behemoth Activate: Resonance, Haste, Reinforce, Onslaught Phase 1 & 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
TERRA TORTURA Destroy the 3 statues, watch a run for the proper path. I personally go right, left, middle. Look for the blobs that refill MP All Dark Vents Ground Pound c3 > Soul Burst Astos Activate: Resonance, Haste, Reinforce, Onslaught Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Ultima Weapon Activate: Lightbringer Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
CORNELIA II If you can, Steal a Dark Flare off a Ahriman on the way to the Fiend Fight Fiend Fight Holy on Ogre, should break at least 3 enemies, SB them with L1. Mind Flayer: Cyclone Rush x3 > Soul Burst, or double Dark Flare and clean up If some enemies still alive: Skeletons: Attack > Repeat Ahriman: Ground Pound* > Soul Burst Optimize during Ahriman Soul Burst animation
Friends Fight Cyclone Rush c3 > Soul Burst Target Neon and Sophia first since they interrupt the easiest Activate Haste, Lightbringer as necessary
CORNELIA III Unlimited MP to spam, so use H+F. Take the ladder shortcut Crystal Room Dia > Attack > Repeat > Soul Burst the giant crystal (angle is awkward) Darkness Manifest Activate: Reinforce Phase 1: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst Activate: Onslaught Phase 2: Brutal Tackle c3 > Soul Burst
While walking, pre-input on those doors!
Tutorial Tiamat
Double Resonance, Lightbringer, charge 3 times the basic attack of Swordsman into Raging Slash. Do this ~3 times for the Soul Break (SB) kill.
Tutorial 1
Self-explanatory.
T2
2 attacks + Raging Slash (RS) = SB
T3
Soul Shield (SS) + 3 attacks + RS = SB
T4
SS (3 stones) to steal the enemy ability, step in + stone (x3) = SB
T5
Lightbringer, each Goblin is 2 attacks + RS = SB.
Chaos Shrine
Use Duelist. When climbing up stairs, SS Stone Throw. Dark Vent is step in + stone (x3) = SB. Steal Fire from a Bomb (gives 3x Fire). At end of hallway, head right and use 2 Fires against Cactuar, SB and take the drops. Return to hallway and open chest for Mace. Menu, switch Swordsman for Mage, and Auto Optimize (AO) your gear. Best to AO at the start of each dungeon.
Continue through the dungeon, applying Resonance as much as possible, running with Mage now. Against Dark Vents, attack middle one only, dies to 3 Weak Spots. Do your SB with Mage to maximize EXP gain.
Chaos Advent
Use the last Fire remaining. If now weak to Fire, cast Firaga. Otherwise, Weak Spots. Phase 2 can be Weak Spots exclusively. Use regular attacks to build up MP. And like for every boss, Resonance.
Pravoka Cavern
First set of Cubes, switch Jed for Neon. AO. SS Bomb.
Coeurl
Charge a Quakga, casting it when the kitty lands. Throw out 3 Fires. Steal its Thundara if it casts, sending it right back. Toss in some Quakras.
Beside next cubes, grab Chest for Ronin unlock, then hit cubes, Job Tree. Mage should have 4 points. Sink 4 Anima Shards to get 8 and unlock White Mage (WHM). Equip it, over Mage. Replace Duelist for Ronin. AO.
Haste to increase movement speed. I won't mention where specifically in this guide. Touch cubes to replenish MP.
2 Dark Vents can die simultaneously with a evenly spaced fully charged Iai. Ronin won't need to go beyond lv4, so switch to WHM to let it gain more EXP.
Bikke
Dies to ~6 fully charged Iais. Use regular slashes if low on MP.
Western Keep
SS Fire off the Phantom (I forget its name). Eventually, you'll get to the elevator. Menu and switch Ronin for Marauder, AO. While waiting for 2nd elevator, kill the enemies for some easy EXP. Touch cubes after the ride to unlock Ground Pound (GP) for Marauder (2 Anima Shards may be needed).
Black Knight
2x fully charged GPs, for both phases. Swing the axe around a bit to reclaim MP or finish off the boss.
Refrin Wetlands
Dark Vents get GP'd with 1 charge. If a Phantom uses Death Lament, SS it. Final cubes pre-boss, sink enough Anima Shards to unlock and equip Brutal Tackle (BT). Unlock Summon Tachi (ST), and add that too.
Fused Elemental
After taking out the fire/water thing, 1 fcBT (fully charge Brutal Tackle). Same thing for Phase 2. Use Death Lament to freeze the boss.
Crystal Tower
Use Hatega pre-Ogre. There are invisble paths to access crystals early.
Chimera
ST+ Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 dead, assuming not flying. fcBT Phase 2, which won't fly.
Flying Fortress
Do menus during the elevator ride. Not every white/red crystal needs touching. Try to get to boss with 6 MP (SS enemies along the way).
Tiamat
ST + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 down, Phase 2 will still have the buffs on you, so another fcBT should allow Regen Skip. If not, reclaim 2 MP and try again.
Hallowed Massif
First cubes, menu. Job Trees. Marauder unlocks Berserker branch. Duelist and Pugilist unlock Thief, Thief needs a few Anima Shards to unlock Flee. Equip it. Should use all your shards collected since Refrin boss. Ash becomes Berserker, Neon becomes Sophia who becomes Dragoon.
Flee now replaces Haste when 1 MP to use. If plentiful MP, use both for extra speed.
Dragon Zombie
ST+ Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 down, Phase 2 will still have the buffs on you, so another fcBT should kill. Heal Poison with Potions.
Cavern of Earth
Ground Pound 2 charges should break the moving walls and vents.
Lich
If 4 MP, ST + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 down, Phase 2 will still have the buffs on you, so another fcBT should kill.
Wicked Arbor
Fira from Grenade one-shots flowers.
Great Malboro
fcBT. Repeat for phase 2.
Mt. Gulg
Just run through lava. Potion of low HP. Continue with GP against Dark Vents.
Marilith
Should have 6 MP. ST + Haste + Lightbringer + fcBT = Phase 1 dead. fcBT for Phase 2.
Ruined Machina
Cubes, menu. Should have enough Job Points or Shards for Bereserker from Swordsman. Unlock it, equip Berserker over Marauder, and sink the rest of the Shards to bring it above Lv5. Equip Cyclone Rush (CR) if you got it from the left branch. Equip Reinforce too. AO.
Once you get the Ubercanon, cubes, Haste+Flee. It tracks horizontally slow, so you could dodge it in two shots theoretically. CR the Dark Vent.
Crayclaw
Reinforce + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. fcBT for Phase 2. Attack the sides of the scorpion to stun it.
Sunken Shrine
Flee+Haste, then touch the cubes out of the way. Proceed with only Flee, as specified prior.
Generators die to a single attack from WHM, assuming it's a lightning weapon. At some cubes, level up Berserker some more into Breaker. AO.
Sahagin Prince
fcBT it's behind. If it jumps around, try GPs instead.
Malboro
Try to lure it towards the wall canisters, and blow them up with a WHM hit. Otherwise, let party's Resonance and GPs take it down, you're likely low on HP and Potions from back-to-back minibosses.
Kraken
Break an electric dome. Reinforce + Haste + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. Break another dome fast. fcBT for Phase 2.
Cornelia
Flee+Haste
Possesed Bikke
fcBT + random strikes = dead
Ancient's Tower
Kill the giant pots with WHM hits to replenish MP. At pre-boss Cubes, level up more Berserker with garther Anima Shards.
Iron Giant
2 MP. fcBT on it's behind. If your level is low, this fight will be a slog. Replenish MP with quick WHM hits. Repeat fcBTs. Phase 2's a bit easier.
Vigilia Court
Grab the chest beside a barrier for a potential Lv 100 Axe.
Behemoth
If 6 MP, Reinforce + Haste + ST + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. fcBT for Phase 2. If 4, forget the ST.
Terra Tortura
Break the glowing goop for MP replenish.
Astos
If 6 MP, Reinforce + Haste + ST + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. fcBT for Phase 2. If 4, forget the ST.
Cornelia
At Cubes, level up some more Berskerer with Anima Shards.
Cornelia Mob
Kill the weak enemies first to minimize distractions. GP works fine against all.
Friends
fcBT usually one shots if not interrupted.
Chaos Shrine 2
Take the ladder shortcut. Infinite MP means Haste+Flee, maybe 3 times to traverse the entire way.
Crystals
WHM one hits into a SB.
Darkness Manifest
If 6 MP, Reinforce + Haste + ST + fcBT = Phase 1 Dead. Add ST for Phase 2, and finish with a fcBT. If 4, forget the ST.
FAQ
Huh?
Brief Guide. Watch actual runs to get the nitty-gritty deets.
My Brutal Tackles aren't killing, REEEE?
Likely your axe and/or equipment level are too low. Pick up more chests if you desire more consistency.
But the other run was doing something else?
Route isn't fully fleshed out yet. Different runners are doing different things.
