Tips & Secrets

Beyond the basic mechanics and main story, Tales of Xillia holds many advanced strategies, hidden gems, and secrets that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. This comprehensive section is dedicated to uncovering these deeper aspects of the game, from optimizing your combat efficiency to finding rare items and unlocking special content. Whether you're aiming for a perfect playthrough, seeking to conquer the toughest challenges, or just looking for an edge, these meticulously detailed tips and secrets will help you master Rieze Maxia and Elympios.

Advanced Combat Techniques & Strategy

Understanding the Link System

The Link System is the cornerstone of Tales of Xillia's combat. Mastering it is crucial for high-level play.

• Partner Skills: Each character has a unique Partner Skill that activates when linked. For example, Jude can perform "Snap Pivot" to dodge attacks and recover TP, while Milla can use "Bind" to prevent enemies from moving. Learn these skills and link strategically based on the enemy and situation.
• Linked Artes: These powerful cooperative attacks are performed by holding L1 + a directional input after a standard arte. They consume both characters' TP but deal massive damage and often have unique properties. Experiment with different arte combinations to discover all Linked Artes.
• Over Limit (OL): Filling the Over Limit gauge allows for a temporary state where artes consume no TP, and Linked Artes can be chained indefinitely. This is your ultimate burst damage window. Save it for bosses or large groups of tough enemies.
• Switching Partners: Don't be afraid to switch your linked partner mid-battle using the D-pad. For instance, link with Elize for healing, then switch to Rowen for area-of-effect spells, or Alvin for breaking enemy guards.

Exploiting Weaknesses & Status Effects

• Elemental Weaknesses: Pay attention to enemy weaknesses (displayed after a few hits or by using certain skills). Using artes of the appropriate element will deal increased damage and contribute faster to staggering.
• Status Ailments: Don't underestimate the power of status effects. Poison, Paralysis, Silence, and Dizzy can turn the tide of battle. Characters like Leia (Stun/Dizzy) and Gaius (Paralysis) excel at inflicting these.
• Break & Stagger: Continuously attacking enemies, especially with their elemental weaknesses, will eventually "Break" them, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks and Linked Artes. Focus fire on a single enemy to break them quickly.

Optimal Character Builds & Equipment

• Lilium Orb Management: Plan your Lilium Orb progression carefully. While you can eventually unlock everything, prioritizing certain stats or skills early can make a big difference. For physical attackers (Jude, Alvin, Leia), focus on Strength and Dexterity. For casters (Milla, Rowen, Elize), prioritize Intelligence and Spirit.
• Accessory Customization: Accessories offer powerful stat boosts and unique effects. Don't just equip the highest defense item. Consider accessories that boost specific elemental resistances, increase TP regeneration, or provide status immunity for challenging encounters.
• Weapon & Armor Upgrades: Always keep your gear updated. Visit shops regularly and synthesize new equipment at the Item Shop. Prioritize weapons for your main damage dealers.

Hidden Collectibles & Side Quests

The Kitty Dispatch System

The Kitty Dispatch is a fantastic way to acquire rare materials, Gald, and even unique accessories without active grinding.

• Finding Kitties: There are 23 stray cats hidden throughout Rieze Maxia and Elympios. Each cat you find increases the number of areas your Kitty Dispatch team can explore simultaneously. Look in out-of-the-way corners, behind buildings, and in less-traveled paths.
• Optimal Dispatching: Send your kitties to areas that offer materials you need for weapon/armor synthesis or food recipes. Areas with higher "Danger" ratings often yield better rewards but take longer. Check the "Expected Rewards" before dispatching.
• Kitty Locations (Early Game Examples):
  • Nia Khera: Near the entrance to the Spirit Realm, behind the Elder's house.
  • Hamil: Near the well in the center of town.
  • Sharilton: In the manor's garden, near the fountain.

Treasure Chests & Hidden Items

• Look Everywhere: Many chests are well-hidden behind environmental objects, up short ledges, or in obscured corners of maps. Always explore every nook and cranny.
• Gald & Material Chests: These are plentiful and provide essential resources. Don't skip them!
• Unique Accessories & Equipment: Some chests contain powerful accessories or unique weapons that can't be bought in stores. These are often found in dungeons or late-game areas.

Sub-Events & Character Episodes

Don't rush through the main story! Many sub-events and character episodes offer valuable insights into the characters, provide unique items, and sometimes unlock new artes or skills.

• Check Map for Stars: Areas with available sub-events are marked with a star icon on the world map and mini-map. Always investigate these!
• Character Episodes: These are specific to each character and delve deeper into their backstories. Completing them often rewards you with powerful accessories or stat bonuses. They typically become available at specific points in the main story.
• Missable Content Warning: Some sub-events are time-sensitive or can be missed if you progress too far in the main story. It's generally a good idea to complete all available sub-events before moving to the next main story objective.

Efficient Grinding & Resource Management

Gald Farming

• Kitty Dispatch: As mentioned, this is a passive way to earn Gald.
• Selling Materials: After synthesizing all necessary equipment, excess monster materials can be sold for a decent profit. Prioritize selling common drops from areas you've out-leveled.
• "Rich" Enemies: Certain enemies, particularly larger monsters or those found in optional dungeons, drop more Gald. Seek these out if you need a quick cash injection.

Experience Point (EXP) Grinding

• Food Buffs: Always use food that boosts EXP gain (e.g., "Mabo Curry"). These buffs are invaluable for efficient leveling.
• Chain Battles: Engage multiple enemies in quick succession to build up a battle chain. Higher chains yield more EXP and Gald. Use Jude's Snap Pivot or Milla's Spirit Shift to quickly close distances and initiate new battles.
• Optional Dungeons: Areas like the "Magnus Zero" or the "Fezebel Marsh" (late-game) often contain tougher enemies that yield significantly more EXP than story areas.
• Elite Monsters: These powerful, unique enemies (often marked with a crown icon on the map) provide massive EXP and rare drops upon defeat. They respawn after a certain amount of time or after you leave and re-enter the area.

Material Farming

• Kitty Dispatch: Your primary source for many common and uncommon materials.
• Shop Leveling: Investing Gald into specific shops (Weapon Shop, Armor Shop, Item Shop, Food Shop) not only unlocks new inventory but also increases the quality and quantity of materials you receive from the Kitty Dispatch. Prioritize leveling the Item Shop early for better healing items and the Weapon/Armor shops for synthesis materials.
• Targeted Monster Hunting: If you need a specific material, check the monster book to see which enemies drop it, then go hunt them in their respective areas.

Post-Game & New Game+ Secrets

The EX Dungeon (Magnus Zero)

After completing the main story, the EX Dungeon, Magnus Zero, becomes accessible. This is the ultimate challenge.

• Location: Speak to the man in the medical office in Fennmont after the credits roll.
• Challenges: Magnus Zero features incredibly powerful enemies, unique bosses, and some of the best equipment in the game. Be prepared for a grueling gauntlet.
• Rewards: Expect rare materials, powerful accessories, and unique titles for your characters.

New Game+ Options

Upon completing the game, you'll unlock the option to start a New Game+ with various bonuses.

• Grade Shop: Spend your accumulated Grade points (earned from battles and achievements) to carry over specific elements to your new playthrough.
• Recommended Grade Shop Purchases:
  • EXP x2/x5/x10: For rapid leveling.
  • Gald x2/x5: For easy money.
  • Carry Over Items/Equipment: Retain your hard-earned gear.
  • Carry Over Artes/Skills: Start with a full arsenal.
  • Increase Item Capacity: Crucial for long dungeons.
  • Unlock All Skits: Re-watch your favorite character interactions.
• Difficulty Settings: New Game+ allows you to replay on harder difficulties like Unknown, offering greater challenges and rewards.

Cameo Battles

Keep an eye out for special cameo battles featuring characters from other Tales games. These are often tough, optional encounters with unique rewards.

• Location Hint: One notable cameo battle can be found in the Coliseum in Dradon. Prepare for a multi-character fight against familiar faces!