How to Complete the Garuda: Trial by Wind

Learn how to prepare for and complete the Garuda: Trial by Wind Chronolith Trial in Final Fantasy XVI. Includes recommended equipment, accessories, and strategies for each stage.

The Chronolith for the Garuda trial, known as The Hand of Dione, is located in The Dhalmekian Republic. Travel to the Velkroy Desert Obelisk, then follow the northern wall through the ruins and a sandstorm to the northeast corner. Be prepared to fight bandits in the ruins.

Before starting the trial, save your game and ensure you are fully prepared. You cannot change abilities once the trial begins, but you can change equipment between stages.

Garuda Chronolith Trial Preparation

For an easier experience, progress the Main Quest to 'Back to Their Origin' to unlock all Side Quests. For equipment, the best weapon is the Gotterdammerung, obtained by completing the 'Blacksmith’s Blues IV' Side Quest. Recommended accessories include the Ouroboros belt (from 'Blacksmith’s Blues III'), The Founder’s Grasp vambraces (from 'Where There’s a Will'), and the Berserker Ring (for enhanced Precision Dodge, obtained at 85 Renown). Alternatively, use Genji Gloves for a flat damage increase.

The remaining two accessory slots should be equipped with items that reduce the cooldown or increase the damage of abilities used in each stage. This helps with completing Battle Technique Bonuses, which extend the trial time. Below is a list of Garuda-specific accessories:

Garuda Accessories List

• The Breath of Wind (Aerial Blast) — Reduces cooldown of Aerial Blast by -11 seconds (Found in a chest during the Fire and Ice main quest)
• The Will of Wind (Aerial Blast) — Increases Aerial Blast will damage by +12% (Acquired as a reward after completing the Garuda Chronolith)
• The Breath of Wind (Rook’s Gambit) — Reduces cooldown of Rook’s Gambit by -2.7 seconds (Purchased from Charon’s Toll shop at The Hideaway)
• The Will of Wind (Rook’s Gambit) — Increases Rook’s Gambit damage by +10% (Found in a chest during the Buried Memories main quest, after the Fallen Guardian)
• The Favor of Wind (Wicked Wheel) — Increases Wicked Wheel damage by +10% (Found in a chest during the Buried Memories main quest, after the Iron Giant)
• The Break of Wind (Wicked Wheel) — Reduces cooldown of Wicked Wheel by -2.7 seconds (Acquired as a reward from the For Great Justice II side quest)
• The Favor of Wind (Gouge) — Increases Gouge damage by +15% (Found in a chest during the Buried Memories main quest, after the Fallen Guardian)
• The Breath of Wind (Gouge) — Reduces Gouge cooldown by -2.7 seconds (Acquired as a reward for completing the Dark Clouds Gather main quest)

Stage 1 Walkthrough

For Stage 1, equip the 'The Favor of Wind (Gouge)' and 'The Favor of Wind (Wicked Wheel)' accessories to enhance the Gouge and Wicked Wheel abilities, which you will start with.

Stage 1 features the easiest enemies, making it ideal for earning time bonuses. Focus on completing Battle Technique Bonuses:

• Deadly Combo: Land a four-hit melee combo after using Deadly Embrace to pull an enemy in.
• Deadly Takedown: Use Deadly Embrace on a larger enemy when they are half Staggered to pull them to the ground.
• Ability Finish: Defeat an enemy with an Eikonic Ability.
• Multi Burst: Use 10 Magic Bursts.
• Full Gouge: This technique requires precise timing.