Grind Achievements
Achieving certain achievements in Dragon Quest XI S often requires dedicated grinding for levels, gold, or specific items. This section focuses on strategies and locations that are optimal for efficiently boosting your party's stats and accumulating the necessary resources to unlock challenging achievements and progress through the game's tougher content.
In the First Forest area, you'll encounter a Skullrider enemy. Mounting this creature allows you to climb footprints on walls, a mechanic crucial for progression and potentially for finding hidden items or areas. The fountain near the end of the dungeon serves as a healing and saving point, making it an ideal spot for grinding levels. Aim to get the Hero up to level nine here before proceeding. After using the Yggdrasil Root, you'll face a boss fight against Jarvis and his Shadows.
Jarvis has 260 HP, 99 MP, 66 Attack, and 52 Defense. He is very weak to fire attacks (-110%). His Shadows have 70 HP, 9 MP, 40 Attack, and 44 Defense, and can cast Snooze. Prioritize defeating the Shadows first, then focus on Jarvis. Serena's healing is vital, while the Hero can use Sizz to damage all Shadows simultaneously. If you struggle, consider grinding more levels or attempting to get pepped up before the fight.
Defeating Jarvis rewards you with the 'Yggdrasil's Chosen' achievement, awarded for encountering new allies. After this boss, open the door behind Jarvis to trigger a cutscene, after which you'll wake up in Hotto. More cutscenes follow in the bar. Veronica and Serena will officially join your party. Ensure you set their tactics to 'Follow Orders' in the 'Misc.' > 'Tactics' menu. Train Veronica in Vim and Heavy Wands, and Serena in Wands. Erik can learn Cobra Strike in Knives. Consider purchasing a Scale Shield for Serena and Feathered Caps for both girls.
| Achievement | Requirement | Location for Grinding |
|---|---|---|
| Yggdrasil's Chosen | Encounter new allies. | First Forest (before Jarvis fight) |
| Worrywart | Ensure everyone is 100% fighting fit. | Early game areas for Heal spell practice. |
| Expert Itemologist | Collect 500 different item types. | Any area with diverse drops and chests. |
The 'Worrywart' achievement is unlocked by ensuring all party members are healed. Once Hero learns 'Heal' at level 5, practice using it. When both Hero and Erik are pepped up, use the Pep Power 'The Real Decoy.' Return to the purple dot NPC to complete this side quest (4/40).