Tales of Xillia 2
Tales of Xillia 2

Link Artes

Learn to trigger and optimize devastating cooperative attacks by mastering Link Artes between Ludger and his linked partner in Tales of Xillia 2.

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Link Artes

Link Artes are powerful cooperative attacks performed by Ludger and his linked partner. Mastering their use is crucial for maximizing damage output, breaking enemy guards, and efficiently clearing battles. This section will guide you through understanding, executing, and optimizing your Link Artes usage.

Understanding Link Artes

Link Artes are triggered when your main character (usually Ludger) or your linked partner uses a specific Arte while the Link Gauge is sufficiently filled. The Link Gauge is displayed on-screen during combat and fills as you attack enemies, take damage, and perform successful evasions or blocks. Once a segment of the Link Gauge is full, a "Link Arte Ready" prompt will appear, indicating you can initiate one.

Each character pairing has a unique set of Link Artes, often reflecting their individual fighting styles and personalities. For example:

  • Ludger & Jude: Focus on rapid, close-quarters combat and enemy binding.
  • Ludger & Milla: Combine physical and elemental attacks, often with area-of-effect properties.
  • Ludger & Leia: Utilize healing and support alongside offensive strikes.

Executing Link Artes

To perform a Link Arte:

  1. Establish a Link: Ensure Ludger is linked with a partner by pressing the designated Link button (typically L1 on PlayStation).
  2. Fill the Link Gauge: Engage in combat. The gauge fills faster when you:
    • Land successful attacks.
    • Exploit enemy weaknesses.
    • Perform perfect evasions or blocks.
    • Utilize specific character abilities (e.g., Milla's Bind attacks rapidly fill the gauge).
  3. Initiate an Arte: Once a Link Gauge segment is full, use any Arte with your active character. If a compatible Arte is used, a Link Arte will automatically trigger after the initial Arte's animation.
  4. Overlimit Bonus: During Overlimit, Link Artes can be chained together more easily and frequently. This is the prime time to unleash a barrage of powerful cooperative attacks.

Optimizing Link Arte Usage

Efficient Link Arte usage can turn the tide of battle, especially against tougher foes and bosses. Here are some strategies:

Link Gauge Management
  • Target Multiple Enemies: Using Artes that hit multiple enemies, like Ludger's Crossfire, is an extremely fast way to build the Link Gauge. This is particularly effective in encounters with numerous weaker enemies.
  • Milla's Bind: If Milla is your linked partner, her Bind attacks (e.g., Binding Sphere) are exceptional for quickly filling the Link Gauge. Each successful bind instantly grants a significant boost. Consider linking with Milla specifically for rapid Link Arte generation.
  • Accessories: Equip accessories that boost Link Gauge acquisition, such as the Link Master's Symbol or Link Gauge Booster. These can be found in various treasure chests throughout dungeons like the Rusalle Highroad or purchased from shops later in the game.
Strategic Link Arte Chaining

During Overlimit, you can chain multiple Link Artes together. This is where the real damage potential lies. Experiment with different character pairings and their unique Link Artes to find devastating combos. A common strategy involves:

  1. Initiating Overlimit.
  2. Using a powerful Arte with your main character.
  3. As the Link Arte triggers, immediately input another Arte command for your main character to chain into the next Link Arte.
  4. Repeat until Overlimit ends or you run out of available Link Gauge segments.

Some Link Artes are quicker to execute than others. For rapid chaining during Overlimit, prioritize Link Artes with shorter animations to maximize the number of attacks you can get off.

Character-Specific Tips
  • Ludger: As the protagonist, Ludger has Link Artes with every character. Pay attention to his weapon changes (Swords, Hammers, Dual Pistols) as they influence which Artes he can use and thus which Link Artes might be available.
  • Jude: His Link Artes often involve quick, martial arts-style attacks that can stun or launch enemies, setting them up for further combos.
  • Elize: Her Link Artes frequently incorporate Teepo, offering both offensive and healing properties. Her Teepo Roar Link Arte with Ludger can be surprisingly potent.
  • Alvin: His Link Artes often involve powerful, wide-swinging attacks that can hit multiple targets or break enemy guards.

Trophy Hunting: 4050 Link Artes

One of the more time-consuming trophies in Tales of Xillia 2 requires you to perform 4050 Link Artes. This will naturally accumulate over multiple playthroughs, but if you're aiming for a quicker platinum, consider these grinding strategies:

  • Early Game Grinding: In areas with low-level enemies, you can easily spam Link Artes without much risk. The Sapstrath Highroad or Arklund Quag are good early-game spots.
  • Overlimit Spam: Focus on building Overlimit as quickly as possible. Equip accessories like the Spirit Symbol or Mystic Symbol to increase Overlimit duration or gauge fill rate.
  • Milla Link: As mentioned, linking with Milla and having her use Bind Artes is incredibly efficient for filling the Link Gauge. You can set her AI to prioritize these attacks.
  • Low Difficulty: Play on Easy difficulty to quickly defeat enemies and move to the next encounter, allowing for more Link Arte opportunities.

By understanding the mechanics and applying these strategies, you'll be a Link Arte master in no time, making your journey through Tales of Xillia 2 much smoother and more enjoyable!