The Ancient World is where many players get stuck. A Steam thread is literally titled "The Ancient World is a Filter". Its author PixelPaggos points out that it is the first truly open area without a set path, and Carnaxcce replies that it is huge, with few landmarks and mandatory points that are not highlighted. This page collects what players have worked out. Spoilers ahead.
How do you reach the Ancient World?
According to Digitol's 100% guide, the main path runs from the Deimpo Mausoleum's Puwema seals and the Knight Expedition Key, through the sealed door to Poenir and Duenir, then past King Gius Abraon and down into the Ancient World. See the Deimpo Mausoleum page for the first half.
Digitol describes the change of scenery: rough stone gives way to pale machinery and green-lit circles.
How do you open the locked gate?
PixelPaggos walks through it:
- You find a locked gate with three sigils, so you know you need three things.
- Explore until you meet the man who gives you a key. Broso and PixelPaggos both note his house has a save crystal right next to it.
- Use the key in a few places and you reach the Shock Rifle, with a lore note beside it about how to use it.
- Shoot the three big glowing towers (PixelPaggos calls them pyramids) with the rifle to power down the gate.
PixelPaggos says the electric charge puzzles take patience but are not complicated, and that the developers let you "buy your way out" if you get frustrated. The bestiary guide by PovKetz confirms the Shock Rifle is found in an underground lab on a separate island with one of the three signal towers.
Where are the save points?
bulldog0890 couldn't find the second save crystal after an hour. The answers: from the Wing Altar (fast travel point), run straight ahead and look for a small domed building on the right with a ramp up to it (VolOpt). Klezzon adds that from the Wing Altar you face south-west and see a blue glow, and that a very important NPC is there. Klezzon also hints that the last save crystal is on a faraway island.
Where do the Data Modules go?
The scientist is Ossi. ZELU on Steam describes reaching a scientist who gives an orange key and asks for data modules; Digitol's guide fills in the rest:
- Collect 10 Data Modules and hand them to Ossi.
- Leave the room, rest, and come back: the Strange Explorer fight triggers. PovKetz's bestiary guide gives the same steps for this enemy.
- Use the orange, cobalt and green seal breakers to open the remaining routes.
Handing in the modules completes one of the NPC quests needed for Ending 3; see Endings.
Which bosses are in the Ancient World?
From Digitol's guide:
| Boss | Weak to | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Besom Cutter | Slash (resists Pierce) | Sidestep its committed frontal swing and punish during recovery |
| Josami, Lord Saijha | No known weakness | Reposition at range, take one short opening at a time |
Beating Lord Saijha opens the first visit to Siraatsu Castle, which leads to the first ending. More bosses on the Bosses page.
What should you not miss?
- Jigeki key piece #3 on the bridge toward Siraatsu (Digitol). With the pieces from the Mausoleum and the Rotting Cavern, it opens the Jigeki lens branch; see Keys.
- Hidden enemies for the bestiary (PovKetz): Arch Sepiicanis behind boxes by a food platter in the Shock Rifle lab, Furtive Nautigallus on a cliff by the scrapped robots, the Aureate Ratty Bug on the cliffs above the entrance, and King Upobna behind a hidden wall at the upper fish pond, hinted at by fliers with a fish-man drawing.
- Silver Skulls: Zer0's list has several here, including one high up next to a skyscraper, one in the Electric Rifle tunnel with the laser eyes, and some on the roof of Siraatsu Castle. Steam user thoughtlostme adds that a skull or two in the hills around the Ancient City only became reachable after the third skull-hand-in reward. See Silver Skulls.