Exploration: Basics

Learn the treasure system, save crystals, and fast forward options in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. Master exploration with our comprehensive guide.

As you explore the world of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, you'll encounter various interactive elements that aid your journey. This guide covers the treasure system, save crystals, and the fast forward feature.

Treasure System

Treasure chests, urns, and crystals can be found throughout the game. These function on a percentage spawn chance, meaning they may not always appear when you approach them. Some chests have a 100% spawn rate and often contain magicks and technicks, with many not respawning. When treasure does spawn, it can contain gil (most of the time) or items. To obtain specific items, you may need to repeatedly open chests until the desired item appears. For example, a chest might have a 75% chance to spawn and a 50% chance to contain gil, leaving a 50% chance for an item. If the item is an Iron Sword, there's a 25% chance it will be that specific item.

The Diamond Armlet accessory can alter chest contents and percentages. While it doesn't change the chest's appearance rate or gil chance, it significantly impacts item drops. With the Diamond Armlet, item drop chances increase, for instance, a 25% chance for items could split into a 95/5% distribution for two specific items. However, the Diamond Armlet is rarely used outside of a specific late-game area.

Save Crystals

Save Crystals are large crystals found throughout the world that serve as save points. There are two types: blue Save Crystals and orange Gate Crystals. Both types fully restore your party's HP/MP and cure status ailments. Gate Crystals also offer a teleportation function when used with a Teleport Crystal, an item obtainable from hunts, enemy drops, or purchases. You must touch a Gate Crystal to activate its teleportation ability.

Fast Forward

Introduced in the International Zodiac Job System, the Speed Up Multiplier is an option that allows you to accelerate the game's speed, affecting characters, enemies, and animations. The default setting is x2, with an option for x4 speed. You can toggle this feature on and off by tapping the [L1 button]. Holding L1 and using the directional pad allows you to adjust speeds without accessing the options menu. This feature does not affect the in-game timer or areas influenced by the real-time clock.