Chapter 2: The Road to Hykros
Welcome, Wanderer, to the next leg of your journey in Aida! Chapter 2 marks your true departure from the immediate vicinity of Astra and sets you on a path toward the formidable Hykros. This section will guide you through every critical step, ensuring you're well-equipped and informed for the challenges ahead.
2.1 Preparing for the Journey
Before you embark on the main questline, it's highly recommended to perform a few preparatory steps. The enemies you'll encounter will be tougher, and having a solid foundation will make a significant difference.
- Weapon Upgrades: Ensure your primary weapons are at least Level 10. Focus on upgrading your favorite SR or SSR weapons first. You'll need Weapon Batteries I and Weapon Batteries II, obtainable from Supply Pods, World Bosses, and the Weapon Store.
- Matrix Upgrades: Check your Matrices. Even common (green) Matrices can provide useful stat boosts early on. Prioritize equipping Matrices that complement your weapon's elemental type or provide attack/crit boosts.
- Food Supplies: Craft a good stock of healing food. Recipes like Fiddlehead Pie (Fiddlehead x2, Brown Rice x2) or Sizzling Meat (Game Meat x2) are excellent early-game options for restoring HP and Satiety. Gather ingredients from the open world; Fiddleheads are abundant in Astra, and Game Meat drops from various wildlife.
- Exploration: Take a moment to clear any remaining Supply Pods or Omnium Towers in Astra. The Dark Cores and Gold Nuclei you collect will be invaluable for pulling new Simulacra and weapons.
2.2 Main Story Walkthrough: The Path to Banges
Your primary objective in Chapter 2 is to reach the region of Banges and eventually make your way to Hykros. This involves several key quests and encounters.
2.2.1 Leaving Astra
- Quest Start: "A New Destination"
After completing Chapter 1, you'll receive a communication directing you towards the outskirts of Astra. Follow the main quest marker, which will lead you to a small outpost near the border of Banges. - Encounter: Ravager Patrol
As you approach the border, you'll likely encounter a small patrol of Ravagers. These enemies are slightly tougher than the basic Hyenas you've faced. Focus on dodging their heavy attacks and using your weapon's discharge skills for burst damage. - Objective: Activate the Astra Omnium Tower
Before fully crossing into Banges, ensure you've activated the Astra Omnium Tower if you haven't already. This will reveal the map of Astra and provide a valuable fast travel point.
2.2.2 Journey Through Banges Outskirts
- Arrival in Banges: "First Contact"
Upon entering Banges, you'll be greeted by a new environment. The terrain here is more rugged, with industrial structures beginning to appear. Your first main quest objective will be to reach the Banges Tech Industrial Park. - Exploration & Supply Pods:
Keep an eye out for Supply Pods I and Supply Pods II scattered along the path to the Industrial Park. These often contain vital upgrade materials like Weapon Batteries, Matrix Data Packs, and even Gold Nuclei. Use your minimap to spot them. - Mini-Boss Encounter: "Scavenger Leader"
Near the entrance to the Industrial Park, you'll face a mini-boss, typically a heavily armored Scavenger Leader. This enemy has a shield that needs to be broken. Use weapons with high Shatter values (e.g., Scythe of the Crow, Thunderblades) to quickly deplete its shield, then unleash your strongest attacks.
2.2.3 Banges Tech Industrial Park
- Quest: "Industrial Intel"
Inside the Industrial Park, you'll be tasked with gathering information or retrieving a specific item. This usually involves navigating through several enemy groups. - Strategy: Stealth or Combat?
Depending on your playstyle, you can either attempt to sneak past some enemy groups or engage them directly. If you choose combat, use elemental weaknesses if possible. Many enemies in this area are vulnerable to Volt or Flame damage. - Item Location: "Data Chip"
The crucial Data Chip (or similar quest item) is often located within a secured terminal or a chest guarded by a stronger enemy. Look for glowing interactable objects or highlighted areas on your minimap.
2.3 Side Activities in Banges
While progressing through the main story, engage in side activities to strengthen your character and gather resources.
- Banges Omnium Tower: Activating the Banges Omnium Tower is a high priority. It will reveal the entire Banges map, making navigation and resource gathering much easier. The tower is usually located on a prominent high point.
- Ruins: Banges features several Ruins (e.g., Ruins A-01, Ruins A-02). These are excellent for gaining experience, obtaining Relic Shards, and practicing combat mechanics. Prioritize completing them on Easy difficulty first, then move to Normal and Hard.
- World Bosses: Keep an eye out for the World Boss in Banges, typically Robarg. While you might not be able to solo her early on, joining a group of other Wanderers is highly recommended for valuable drops like SSR Matrices and equipment.
- Exploration Points: Discover Scenic Points, activate Space Rifts, and open more Supply Pods. Each contributes to your exploration progress and provides valuable rewards.
2.4 Heading Towards Hykros
Once you've completed the objectives in the Banges Tech Industrial Park and gathered sufficient intel, the main quest will direct you towards the final leg of Chapter 2: preparing for your ascent to Hykros.
- Quest: "Hykros Ascent Preparations"
This quest will involve speaking with key NPCs in Banges, who will provide information and potentially require you to gather specific components for the journey. - Final Check:
Before initiating the final sequence of Chapter 2, ensure your gear is optimized. Consider upgrading your armor pieces, especially your gauntlets and greaves, for increased defense. - Chapter Conclusion:
The chapter will conclude with a cinematic sequence that sets the stage for your arrival at Hykros, marking a significant milestone in your adventure.
By following these steps, you'll navigate Chapter 2: The Road to Hykros with confidence, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges and revelations that await you in the floating city.