Post-Game Exploration & Collectibles
Congratulations, hero! You've vanquished Bellum and saved the Ocean King. But your adventure in the Great Sea isn't truly over. Phantom Hourglass offers a wealth of post-game content, from completing your collection of Ship Parts to uncovering every last Heart Container and Spirit Gem. This section will guide you through maximizing your completion percentage and discovering all the hidden treasures that remain.
Heart Container Hunt
While many Heart Containers are acquired through story progression and dungeon bosses, several are hidden or require specific actions to obtain. Aim to collect all 16 for a full life bar!
- Beedle's Shop Ship: Check Beedle's rotating inventory regularly. He occasionally sells a Heart Container for a hefty sum (usually 1,500 Rupees). This is often one of the last you'll acquire.
- Treasure Maps: Several treasure maps lead to Heart Containers. Ensure you've dug up every marked spot on your charts. For example, the map found in the Temple of Courage leads to a Heart Container in the Northwestern Sea.
- Minigames:
- Cannon Game (Bannan Island): Achieve a high score in the cannon minigame on Bannan Island. Practice aiming for the farthest targets.
- Shooting Gallery (Mercay Island): Master the shooting gallery on Mercay Island. Precision and speed are key to earning enough points for the prize.
- Islands: Revisit islands you may have rushed through. Some Heart Containers are found in plain sight after certain events, or require a specific item you might not have had on your first visit. For instance, check the secret cave on Dee Ess Island after acquiring the Bombchus.
Spirit Gem Completion
To fully power up your Phantom Sword and achieve maximum damage, you'll need to collect all 20 Spirit Gems of each color (Power, Wisdom, and Courage). Many are found in dungeons, but a significant number are scattered across the Great Sea.
- Power Gems:
- Islands: Thoroughly explore every island. Many are hidden under rocks, in bushes, or require specific items like Bombs or the Boomerang to reach.
- Minigames: The Ship Race on Mercay Island offers Power Gems for achieving certain times.
- Fishing: Catching larger, rarer fish can sometimes yield Power Gems.
- Wisdom Gems:
- Puzzle Solutions: Revisit islands with puzzles you might have skipped. Some require keen observation or specific item usage.
- Ghost Ship: After defeating the Ghost Ship, revisit its location. Sometimes, a Wisdom Gem can be found floating nearby.
- Trading Sequence: The lengthy trading sequence often rewards Wisdom Gems at various stages. Ensure you've completed all trades.
- Courage Gems:
- Enemy Drops: Certain tougher enemies, especially those in the later dungeons or on specific islands, have a chance to drop Courage Gems. Farm them if needed.
- Hidden Chests: Use your Boomerang to hit switches or activate mechanisms that reveal hidden chests on islands or in caves.
- Submarine Exploration: The various submarines encountered in the Great Sea often contain Courage Gems in their treasure chests.
Ship Part Collection
There are 20 unique Ship Parts to collect, allowing you to customize your steamboat's appearance and stats. Each part offers different defensive values. Collecting all of them is a true test of your seafaring prowess.
- Beedle's Shop Ship: Beedle is your primary source for Ship Parts. His inventory changes daily, so visit him frequently. He sells parts for varying amounts of Rupees, and sometimes for rare treasures.
- Salvage Arm: Many Ship Parts are found in sunken treasure chests. Use the Salvage Arm at marked spots on your map, especially in areas where you've defeated bosses or completed significant events. check the depths around the Temple of the Ocean King after its final challenge.
- Minigames:
- Cannon Game (Bannan Island): Achieving top scores can sometimes reward unique Ship Parts.
- Ship Race (Mercay Island): Winning races with excellent times can also yield rare parts.
- Trading Sequence: Completing the entire trading sequence, starting with the Hero's New Clothes, will eventually reward you with a valuable Ship Part.
- Postman's Deliveries: The Postman occasionally delivers letters containing Ship Parts as rewards for specific achievements or simply as gifts from grateful NPCs.
- Defeating Enemies: Certain powerful enemies, particularly those found in the later sea quadrants, have a small chance to drop Ship Parts upon defeat.
Treasure Chart Completion
Ensure you've found and used every Treasure Chart in the game. Each chart leads to a valuable piece of treasure, often Rupees, rare materials, or even Heart Containers and Ship Parts. Double-check your charts against a comprehensive list to make sure no stone (or sea bed) is left unturned.
- Dungeon Chests: Many charts are found within the main dungeons.
- Island Exploration: Some are hidden in plain sight on islands, requiring a keen eye or the use of your shovel.
- Minigame Rewards: Certain minigames may offer Treasure Charts as prizes for high scores.
By diligently pursuing these remaining collectibles, you'll not only achieve 100% completion but also fully appreciate the vastness and hidden depths of the Great Sea. Happy hunting, Link!