Approaching the Nord Mines Walkthrough

At Mountain Forest Camp, find and collect the missable Gold Beetle near a tree. Then, choose to rest to advance the story.

After a dream sequence and meeting More, who becomes your first Follower, you'll learn about Archetypes (job classes) and the bond system.

The next day, view your map and select the Nord Mines.

In Nord Forest Trail, take the lower path at the first split to find Gluemoss.

Continue on the upper path; a tutorial will explain Fae Sight for sizing up enemies (blue = weaker, yellow = same level, red = stronger, white = unknown).

Defeat weaker enemies on the field by attacking them directly. If hit by a weaker enemy, you won't enter a Squad Battle. Lock onto enemies with L1/LB to close the distance quickly.

Loot the item nearby for a Sturdy Straw.

A tutorial will explain starting Squad Battles. Deplete an enemy's break gauge before initiating a Squad Battle for an advantage. If you get hit before depleting the break gauge, the enemy gains the advantage.

Defeat the Wild Corvo that appears.

On the north side of the next area, defeat another Wild Corvo before looting the item for Bouncy Bark.

At the next split, the south path has a moth-like creature (Nocross) guarding Bouncy Bark.

The north path has a merchant and another item, Sturdy Straw.

Continue east, defeating enemies and collecting items. Grab Medicine along the way.

Find an item to the south (watch for a Corvo) for Gluemoss.

Continue north to find an Old Coin.

At the end of the area, a cutscene triggers a battle with State Army Soldiers. Your character will automatically use Cyc on the first turn.

On your second turn, guard against Mage Fire, as your character is weak to it. Guarding mitigates damage and prevents weakness exploitation but prevents dodging.

Defeat the soldiers, healing as needed. You cannot control Grius or Strohl during this fight.

After defeating the soldiers, you will be able to enter the Nord Mines.