Unlock the hidden treasures of Arcadia with our comprehensive Skies of Arcadia: Side Quests Guide! Dive into an exhilarating journey beyond the main storyline, exploring every nook and cranny of this epic RPG universe. Our guide covers everything you need to know, from Finding Side Quests and mastering the art of Completing Side Quests, to understanding the myriad Rewards and Benefits that await. Discover our top Recommended Side Quests to enhance your gameplay experience and gear up with vital Tips for Tough Quests that will test your skills. Set sail and let the adventure begin!
Skies of Arcadia: Side Quests Guide
Finding Side Quests
Are you ready to dive deep into the world of Arcadia and uncover every hidden gem and secret? If so, you’re gonna want to hunt down some of the game’s amazing side quests. These missions aren’t just fun; they also offer great rewards and tons of lore. Here’s how to track them down.
Talk to Everyone
The first rule of finding side quests in Skies of Arcadia is simple: talk to everyone. NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) often drop hints or directly offer side quests. Whether you’re in a bustling city like Valua or a quiet village like Horteka, make sure you have conversations with the inhabitants. Sometimes, a regular-looking character will give you a quest that leads to fantastic rewards.
Explore Thoroughly
Rushing through the main storyline can make you miss out on loads of side content. Take your time to fully explore each area. Check out nooks and crannies, back alleys, and hidden paths. Treasure chests may not be the only things hidden away; secret entrances might lead you to characters who need your help.
Keep an Eye on Rumors
Pay attention to the rumors you hear in taverns and shops. NPCs often talk about strange happenings or people needing help, which can be clues leading to side quests. This is particularly true for barkeepers and shop owners, who tend to know all the local gossip.
Look for Notice Boards
Some towns have notice boards where the residents post requests for help. These boards usually contain a list of side quests you can undertake. Make sure to read every note posted, as they might lead you to an adventure you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Use Your Journal
Your in-game Journal is a very useful tool. It keeps track of all your main quests and side quests, so you can always check there if you’re not sure what to do next. Make it a habit to review your Journal regularly to ensure you haven’t overlooked any incomplete side quests.
Return to Old Locations
As you progress in the game, revisit locations you’ve been to before. Some side quests become available only after you’ve completed specific parts of the main story. For example, new characters might appear in previously visited towns, or existing characters might have new requests for you.
Pay Attention to In-Game Events
Special in-game events or changes in the world can trigger new side quests. If a major event occurs, it’s worth backtracking to see if any new opportunities have arisen. For instance, after a major battle or plot twist, NPCs might have new quests related to recent happenings.
Monitor Your Crew
Your crew members often have their own side quests and personal stories that unravel as you talk to them. Check in with them regularly aboard your ship and see if they need any assistance. Completing their quests can unlock powerful abilities and deepen your understanding of their backstories.
Tips for Specific Side Quests
- The Moonfish Quest: Look for small glowing fish scattered around the world. Capturing them and showing them to Maria and Doc allows you to trade them for valuable items.
- Piastol the Angel of Death: After encountering Piastol, make sure to check Delphinus’ deck regularly for new notes or challenges from her.
- Baobab Tree in Horteka: Once you’ve progressed enough, talking to the Elder in Horteka and giving him different items can yield surprising results.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your Skies of Arcadia experience. Happy questing, sky pirates!
Completing Side Quests
Side quests in Skies of Arcadia are more than just little distractions. They can score you valuable rewards, help level up your characters, and even reveal hidden parts of the story. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned air pirate, here’s a quick guide to completing those side quests.
1. The Moonfish Quest
One of the earliest side quests you’ll encounter is the Moonfish Quest. You start this after meeting Maria and Doc. You need to find and catch Moonfish scattered around the world. These little critters aren’t always easy to spot, so keep an eye out for their telltale glimmer. You can find them in towns, dungeons, and even aboard your own ship!
Why complete it? Every Moonfish you bring back to Doc rewards you with different items, some of which are pretty powerful and rare. Additionally, this quest reveals more about the mysterious girl, Maria.
2. Wanted List
As you travel through Arcadia, you’ll come across the Wanted List. These are bounties on various infamous air pirates. Defeating these baddies not only gives you cash rewards but also boosts your Swashbuckler Rating. You can find the list of targets by talking to the Sailor’s Guild in any major city.
Pro Tip: Before challenging these foes, make sure your party is well-equipped and adequately leveled. Some of these battles can be quite tough!
3. The Piastol Questline
Piastol is a mysterious warrior with a personal vendetta against Vyse. You’ll encounter her as part of the Moonfish Quest. Each time you deliver a certain number of Moonfish to Doc, Piastol will challenge you to a duel.
Why complete it? Beating Piastol gets you amazing items and further unravels her story, adding depth to the world of Arcadia. Plus, the battles are thrilling tests of your skills!
4. Crew Recruitment
Another essential side quest is recruiting crew members for your ship. These crew members aren’t just for show; they offer extra abilities in ship battles and can provide various support functions. Look out for potential recruits in every town and talk to everyone. Some crew members will only join after you’ve hit specific story milestones or completed certain tasks.
Crew Spotlight: Polly the Cook, for example, can be found at Polly’s Place tavern in Sailor’s Island. Having her onboard boosts your ship’s morale, which is crucial during tough battles.
5. Discoveries
Arcadia is brimming with hidden Discoveries waiting to be unearthed. These can be anything from ancient relics to mythical creatures. Some are visible while others require a bit of exploration and intuition. Use your Compass to help locate them.
Tip for Discovery Hunters: Head to the Sailor’s Guild regularly to get hints about new Discoveries and sell the ones you’ve found. The sooner you report a Discovery, the more gold you’ll earn.
6. Trading and Building Relationships
Throughout your journey, you’ll meet various merchants and townsfolk who offer side quests involving trading specific items, usually rewarding you with rare goods or crucial upgrades. Talk to everyone, revisit places, and be ready to trade items you don’t need.
Example: In Maramba, helping the flower seller Nassy by trading certain flowers can net you unique items not found anywhere else!
Final Tips
- Save often: You never know when a side quest will lead to a tough battle.
- Explore thoroughly: Many quests are hidden or triggered by talking to the right person at the right time.
- Keep track: Use a notebook or phone reminders to track side quests and their progress.
Side quests in Skies of Arcadia are genuinely fun and rewarding. Take your time, enjoy the side adventures, and watch your characters grow stronger for the challenges ahead. Happy adventuring!
Skies of Arcadia: Side Quests Guide
Rewards and Benefits
One of the most exciting parts of Skies of Arcadia is the variety of rewards and benefits you get from completing side quests. These aren’t just for fun; they can seriously boost your game. Let’s dive into what you can expect.
Gold and Loot
Who doesn’t love gold? Completing side quests often rewards you with substantial amounts of gold. This can be a game-changer early on when you’re looking to upgrade your equipment or need healing items.
But gold isn’t the only loot you’ll score. Many NPCs will reward you with items that can range from consumables to rare equipment. Some of these items are exclusive to side quests, making them incredibly valuable.
Experience Points (EXP)
Side quests frequently give you a nice chunk of EXP, which helps your characters level up faster. Higher levels mean stronger characters with better stats, more powerful abilities, and an easier time against tough enemies and bosses. Sometimes, a few extra levels can make a difficult part of the main story a breeze.
Discoveries and Collectibles
Venturing off the beaten path often leads you to unique discoveries and collectibles. These items not only fill out your collection but also provide bonuses. Some discoveries yield special rewards when sold to the right buyer or can be exchanged for rare items. Plus, they add a ton to the game’s lore and your understanding of the world.
Unlocking Special Skills
Completing some side quests can unlock special skills or abilities for your characters. These skills can range from powerful attacks to useful support actions that aren’t available through regular leveling. This can give you a strategic edge in battles, letting you customize your team’s capabilities even further.
Building Reputation
Your actions during side quests can build or lower your reputation. A good reputation might net you lower prices at shops, new dialogue options, and even NPCs who are more willing to help you. And let’s face it, being a renowned sky pirate is pretty cool.
Recruiting Crew Members
Certain side quests allow you to recruit new crew members for your ship, the Delphinus. These crew members bring unique abilities that can improve your ship’s performance, from better combat capabilities to faster travel. Their unique skills can hugely impact your gameplay experience and effectiveness in various challenges.
Extra Story Content
Side quests often include rich storylines and character development that you won’t find in the main plot. They provide background details, personal stories of side characters, and sometimes even hidden lore that enriches the main narrative. It’s like getting an extra slice of the story pie, and who doesn’t want more pie?
Replayability
Every side quest you unlock and complete adds to the overall replay value of Skies of Arcadia. Not only is there satisfaction from ticking off every box, but the rewards you gather on the way can make future playthroughs more varied and fun.
Take your time and enjoy uncovering everything Skies of Arcadia has to offer through its side quests. The rewards and benefits make the adventure much more exciting and layered, adding depth to your sky pirate journey. Happy questing!
Recommended Side Quests
In Skies of Arcadia, taking on side quests is essential for getting the full experience of the game. They’re not just about extra loot—they give you deeper insights into the world and its characters. Here’s a list of recommended side quests that you should definitely check out.
The Moonfish Quest
Where to Start: Crescent Isle
Once you get your hands on the Moonfish Lens, you’ll want to start this quest right away. Collecting Moonfish not only helps you connect with Maria and her strange pet, but also rewards you with some valuable items and upgrades.
Why Do It: You get rare items and upgrades for Fina’s Cupil weapon. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with Maria and get more backstory.
Tips: Keep your eyes peeled; Moonfish can be found all over the world, so check every nook and cranny.
Wanted Battles
Where to Start: Sailor’s Guild
Head to the Sailor’s Guild in any port city to find bounties for notorious air pirates. These battles are challenging but worth it.
Why Do It: You earn lots of gold and some rare items. Plus, defeating these pirates boosts your Swashbuckler Rank, earning you more respect and better discounts.
Tips: Make sure your party is well-equipped and stocked with healing items before taking on these tough foes. Don’t forget to save your game often!
Moonberry Hunt
Where to Start: Everywhere!
Moonberries are essential for unlocking your party members’ special moves. While not a quest in the traditional sense, systematically searching for these berries makes a significant impact.
Why Do It: Unlock powerful special moves and make battles much easier.
Tips: Some Moonberries are hidden in treasure chests, while others are dropped by enemies. It’s worth taking the time to explore old areas thoroughly.
Discoveries
Where to Start: Pretty Much Everywhere
Discoveries are hidden throughout the world and are marked on your map with a yellow exclamation point. Roaming around the world map and exploring off the beaten path can yield some fantastic finds.
Why Do It: You earn tons of gold by reporting discoveries to the Sailor’s Guild, and it’s cool to uncover the game world’s lore.
Tips: Always have your speed set to slow when near a potential discovery site. Also, listen closely to NPCs as they often give hints about where these secrets might be.
The Piastol Questline
Where to Start: Sailor’s Guild - Arcade
Piastol is a bounty hunter with a deep grudge against Vyse and his crew. Tracking her down for battles is a side quest you shouldn’t miss.
Why Do It: You gain tons of experience points, valuable items, and an important sub-story that adds depth to the main narrative.
Tips: Piastol battles are tough, so keep your levels high and make sure you have strong healing spells and items.
Black Pirates
Where to Start: Various Locations in Mid-Ocean
Similar to the Wanted Battles, Black Pirates are notorious criminals who need to be taken down. You’ll encounter these side quests scattered through various parts of Mid-Ocean.
Why Do It: Another great source for gold, rare items, and upping your Swashbuckler Rank.
Tips: Always have an escape plan since Black Pirates are tough and often bring backup. Don’t be afraid to retreat and come back stronger.
The Armada Base Rescue
Where to Start: Esperanza
In this quest, you’re tasked with rescuing captured sailors from the Valuan Armada. It’s a complex mission with hidden dangers and sweet rewards.
Why Do It: You earn rare equipment, lots of experience points, and the satisfaction of saving fellow sailors.
Tips: Stealth is key here. Move carefully to avoid alerting guards. Use items that boost your stealth abilities if you have them.
Optional Bosses
Where to Start: Scattered across World Locations
There are several optional bosses hidden in various locations. These fights are some of the toughest in the game but offer immense rewards.
Why Do It: Epic loot, bragging rights, and tons of experience. Plus, they test your party’s mettle and strategy.
Tips: Save before these battles—each boss has special moves that can wipe your party. Experiment with different combinations of skills and items to find the best strategy.
Conclusion
Side quests in Skies of Arcadia are more than just filler—they’re an integral part of the adventure. They offer great rewards, richer lore, and a chance to fully immerse yourself in this fantastic world. Happy questing, air pirate!
Tips for Tough Quests in Skies of Arcadia
So, you’ve navigated ship battles, explored floating islands, and now you’re staring down some daunting side quests in Skies of Arcadia. Don’t sweat it! We’ve got your back with some solid tips to help you through these tricky challenges.
1. Level Up Strategically
Before diving headfirst into difficult quests, make sure your crew is in tip-top shape. Grinding can be tedious, but it’s essential. Focus on leveling up your main party members: Vyse, Aika, Fina, and Enrique. While exploring, utilize areas with stronger enemies to level up quickly. Remember, balanced improvements across all characters will give you a better shot at surviving tougher battles.
- Pro Tip: Use Fina’s “Lulamere” spell to quickly end battles with weaker enemies. It speeds up the grinding process significantly.
2. Optimize Equipment
Equipment is key. Make sure your party has the best gear available. When you’re tackling tougher quests, prioritize weapons and armor that boost defense and magic resistance. Visit shops regularly and don’t forget to check for hidden treasures in explored areas.
- Pro Tip: Equip Vyse with light-based gear and weapons for an extra edge against dark creatures that often appear in harder quests.
3. Manage SP Wisely
Your Spirit Points (SP) are crucial. Spirit Points fuel your special abilities, so manage them wisely. Start battles with abilities that raise your SP, like “Focus” from Aika. Consumables like “Sacres” and “Sacres Crystals” can also be lifesavers—stock up before heading out.
- Pro Tip: Fina’s “Lunar Blessing” ability can regenerate SP over time during battles, saving you on consumables and freeing up your turns.
4. Know Your Enemy
Understanding your enemies’ weaknesses and attack patterns can turn the tide of battle. Use Fina’s “Revealing Eye” to learn about enemy stats and weaknesses. Exploit elemental weaknesses using “S-Moves” and specific weapon affinities.
- Pro Tip: Some enemies have specific elemental weaknesses. Equip weapons of the corresponding element and use magic spells to exploit these vulnerabilities.
5. Save Often
Quests can be unpredictable. Always save before and after big battles or significant quest milestones. Use multiple save slots to backtrack if necessary. Trust us—you don a’t want to redo long sections because of an unexpected defeat or poor decision.
- Pro Tip: Utilize both manual saves and quicksave features if available. Quicksaves can be a lifesaver between larger, planned saves.
6. Utilize Crew Abilities
Don’t forget your ship’s crew! Characters like Drachma and Belle have unique abilities that can turn the tide of naval skirmishes and tough ship battles. Upgrade your ship and crew regularly for buffs that may significantly help during challenging side quests.
- Pro Tip: Certain crew members provide passive bonuses. Optimize your crew composition based on the toughest challenges you anticipate facing.
7. Exploit Time-Sensitive Opportunities
Some quests have deadlines or optimal timing. Missing these windows can make quests tougher or even impossible to complete. Track your quest journal and focus on timely side quests before moving on to main story arcs.
- Pro Tip: Prioritize quests with limited windows first. Sometimes these quests offer unique rewards that can aid in later, tougher missions.
8. Consult the Map
Your map not only aids navigation but highlights key locations and quest markers. Regularly consult the map to strategize the most efficient routes and avoid unnecessary encounters.
- Pro Tip: Set markers on your map for locations you need to revisit. It keeps you organized and cuts down on travel time.
By combining these strategies, you’ll be able to tackle even the toughest side quests in Skies of Arcadia. Prep your crew, gear up, and dive into those challenges headfirst. Good luck, and happy sailing!