Custom Order

The Custom Order system in Tales of Xillia 2 is your primary method for upgrading and enhancing your equipment. Unlike traditional shops, Custom Orders allow you to craft specific gear by providing the necessary materials and Gald. This guide will walk you through the process, highlight key strategies, and point out essential materials.

Accessing Custom Orders

To initiate a Custom Order, you'll need to visit a shop and select the "Custom Order" option. This will bring up a menu displaying available equipment for crafting. The selection expands as you progress through the story and discover new materials.

Understanding the Custom Order Interface

Equipment List: This shows all craftable items, categorized by type (Weapons, Armor, Accessories).
Required Materials: For each item, you'll see a list of specific materials and the quantity needed.
Gald Cost: In addition to materials, there's a Gald fee for each Custom Order.
Stats Preview: Before crafting, you can preview the stats of the new equipment to determine if it's a worthwhile upgrade.

Collecting Materials: Your Top Priority

The core of the Custom Order system revolves around material acquisition. Here's how to efficiently gather what you need:

1. Monster Drops

Many Custom Order items require materials dropped by specific enemies. Pay close attention to the enemy data in your Monster Book (accessible from the main menu) to identify which foes drop the materials you're looking for.

Example: If you need Sharp Fangs for a new sword, check the Monster Book for beasts that drop them. You'll likely find them from wolf-type enemies in areas like the Rusalle Highroad or Arklund Quag.
Strategy: Equip accessories that boost item drop rates, such as the Hunter's Monocle, and consider using food items that have similar effects. Repeatedly battle the target monsters until you have the required quantity.

2. Gathering Points

Throughout the world of Elympios and Rieze Maxia, you'll encounter sparkling gathering points. Interact with these to obtain various raw materials.

Types of Gathering Points:
- Plants: Yield items like Mystic Herb, Sweet Pepper, or Mushroom Set.
- Minerals: Provide ores and stones such as Iron Ore, Silver Ore, or Rare Metal.
- Water: Found near rivers and lakes, offering items like Fresh Water or River Fish.
Strategy: Make a habit of checking every gathering point you pass. They respawn after a certain amount of time or after you leave and re-enter an area. Some materials are exclusive to certain regions, so explore thoroughly.

3. Shop Purchases

While most high-end materials are found through drops or gathering, basic components can often be purchased directly from general stores in towns like Dacian City or Trigleph. This is a good option if you're only short a few common items.

Commonly Purchased Items: Cotton, Leather Scraps, Small Bone.
Tip: Always check the inventory of local shops as you arrive in new areas; their stock often updates with new, more advanced materials.

4. Treasure Chests and Event Rewards

Don't overlook treasure chests scattered across dungeons and fields. They frequently contain rare materials that are otherwise difficult to obtain. Additionally, completing certain side quests or character episodes can sometimes reward you with valuable Custom Order components.

Example: A chest in the Voltea Woods might contain a Quality Fabric, crucial for crafting advanced armor.

Prioritizing Custom Orders

Given the constant need for Gald and materials, it's important to prioritize your Custom Orders:

Weapon Upgrades First: Stronger weapons directly translate to higher damage output, making battles easier and faster. Focus on upgrading Ludger's weapons first, then your most frequently used party members.
Armor for Key Characters: Prioritize armor for characters who frequently take damage or have lower defense stats.
Accessories for Stat Boosts: Accessories offer unique stat boosts or resistances. Craft them to cover weaknesses or enhance specific roles within your party. For instance, a Spirit Ring can greatly benefit a spellcaster.
Debt Repayment Consideration: Remember that Gald is also needed for debt repayment. Balance your Custom Order spending with your financial obligations. Early in the game, it might be wise to only craft essential upgrades.

Advanced Custom Order Tips

Material Farming Routes: Once you identify key materials you need, establish efficient farming routes. For example, if you need Monster Fluid, repeatedly clear the Sapstrath Highroad of its slimes and insect-type enemies.
Elemental Weaknesses: Crafting weapons with elemental properties can be incredibly effective against specific enemies. If you're heading into an area known for fire-weak monsters, craft a water-elemental weapon.
Check for New Recipes: New Custom Order recipes often become available after major story events or by discovering new materials. Always check the Custom Order menu after significant progress.
Utilize the "Auto-Sort" Feature: When managing your inventory, use the auto-sort feature to quickly identify materials you have in abundance or are running low on.

By diligently collecting materials and strategically choosing your Custom Orders, you'll ensure Ludger and his allies are always equipped with the best gear to face the challenges of Tales of Xillia 2.