Unlocking the Power: A Guide to Royal Arms in Final Fantasy XV

So, you’re diving into the world of Eos in Final Fantasy XV, and you’ve heard whispers of these legendary Royal Arms. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill swords and shields; we’re talking about weapons imbued with the power of Lucian kings! Collecting them all is crucial if you want to truly master combat and stand a chance against the looming darkness. But finding them? Well, that’s where things get interesting. This guide will help you track down each Royal Arm, giving you the power to protect Noctis and his bros from the dangers ahead.

Royal Arms: What Are They and Why Do You Need Them?

Before we jump into the hunt, let’s quickly recap why Royal Arms are so darn important. These thirteen weapons are relics of past Lucian rulers, each possessing unique powers and abilities. Wielding them grants Noctis access to powerful Armiger attacks, unleashing devastating blows upon his enemies. Think of it like unlocking a secret ultimate move – you gotta have the right tools to pull it off, right? But beware, each Royal Arm comes with a health cost. Using them drains your HP, so you’ll need to manage your resources carefully.

Strategically equipping the Royal Arms is key. Don’t just equip them because they look cool (though, admittedly, they *do* look cool!). Consider the enemy you’re facing. Are they resistant to physical attacks? Maybe the Star of the Rogue, which boosts magic, is the better choice. Are you surrounded by a horde of goblins? The Swords of the Wanderer, with their rapid attacks, might be just what you need. Mastering the art of the Royal Arm switch is as important as finding them in the first place. It’s like choosing the right tool from your Batman utility belt – knowing the right weapon for the job is crucial for success!

Royal Arms Locations: A Comprehensive Search

Alright, let’s get down to business. The quest for these Royal Arms will take you across the vast lands of Eos, through dangerous dungeons and forgotten tombs. Some you’ll acquire through story progression, while others require a bit more exploration. So, grab your chocobo, buckle up, and let’s hit the road. We’re going on a Royal Arm treasure hunt!

Swords of the Wanderer

This one is pretty straightforward. You’ll obtain the Swords of the Wanderer automatically as you progress through the main storyline. Consider this your free sample, a little taste of the power to come. They’re decent early-game weapons, offering a good balance of speed and damage. Think of them as the training wheels of your Royal Arm collection, a good starting point before you move onto the bigger, more powerful (and more challenging to find) arms.

Axe of the Conqueror

The Axe of the Conqueror lies within the Tomb of the Conqueror. You’ll find this dungeon in the northern part of the map, near the Disc of Cauthess. Be prepared for some combat as you navigate the tomb’s winding corridors and face off against the lurking monsters. The Axe of the Conqueror is a slow but powerful weapon, perfect for breaking enemy defenses and dealing massive damage. It’s like wielding a giant battle-axe, capable of cleaving through anything in its path!

Swords of the Wise

Journey to the Tomb of the Wise, located west of the Vesperpool. Inside, you’ll discover the Swords of the Wise. This Royal Arm offers a significant boost to your magic stat and allows you to warp-strike frequently. They’re fantastic for a magic-focused build, allowing you to rain down spells upon your enemies with increased power and frequency. Think of them as a mage’s best friend, empowering your magical abilities to new heights.

Blade of the Mystic

The Blade of the Mystic is found within the Tomb of the Mystic, situated near the Citadel. Again, be prepared for some dungeon crawling and monster slaying. The Blade of the Mystic enhances your magic defense and provides a decent boost to your overall attack. It’s a well-rounded weapon that offers both offensive and defensive benefits, making it a solid choice for various combat situations. Consider it a versatile tool, capable of handling both offense and defense with equal effectiveness.

Katana of the Warrior

Venture to the Tomb of the Warrior, located east of Lestallum. Inside, you’ll claim the Katana of the Warrior. This Royal Arm is all about raw strength, significantly boosting your attack power. It’s a high-risk, high-reward weapon, as it also reduces your magic stat. Use it strategically to maximize your physical damage output. The Katana of the Warrior is like a glass cannon – devastatingly powerful but vulnerable if caught off guard. Precision and timing are key.

Trident of the Oracle

The Trident of the Oracle is another Royal Arm you’ll acquire automatically as you progress through the main story. You’ll obtain it within the Tomb of the Oracle. It’s a versatile weapon, offering a balanced boost to your stats. Consider it a reliable all-rounder, suitable for a variety of combat styles.

Shield of the Just

The Shield of the Just can be found in the Tomb of the Just, located in the southern part of the map, near Cape Caem. As the name suggests, this Royal Arm is all about defense. It greatly enhances your vitality and spirit stats, making you incredibly resistant to damage. Equip it when facing tough bosses or overwhelming enemy hordes. The Shield of the Just is like a personal fortress, protecting you from even the most devastating attacks. It’s essential for surviving the game’s more challenging encounters.

Star of the Rogue

Head to the Tomb of the Rogue, located north of Lestallum, to claim the Star of the Rogue. This Royal Arm significantly boosts your magic stat and allows you to recover MP quickly. It’s perfect for magic-heavy builds and for those who rely heavily on spells. The Star of the Rogue is like an infinite mana potion, allowing you to unleash spells without worrying about running dry. It’s a must-have for any aspiring mage.

Ring of the Lucii

Technically not a Royal Arm, the Ring of the Lucii is acquired during story progression. However, it is arguably the most powerful item in the game. Its Death spell can instantly kill enemies. The Ring of the Lucii is a game-changer, turning even the toughest battles into a breeze. Use it wisely, though, as it drains your MP rapidly.

Bow of the Clever

The Bow of the Clever is hidden within the Balouve Mines. Navigate the labyrinthine tunnels and defeat the lurking monsters to claim your prize. This Royal Arm increases your dexterity and critical hit rate. It’s perfect for a ranged combat style, allowing you to deal massive damage from afar. The Bow of the Clever is like a sniper rifle, allowing you to pick off enemies from a safe distance with deadly accuracy.

Mace of the Fierce

Venture into the treacherous Costlemark Tower to claim the Mace of the Fierce. Be warned: this dungeon is notoriously difficult, with no map and a complex layout. Perseverance and patience are key. The Mace of the Fierce significantly boosts your strength and HP. It’s a brute force weapon, perfect for smashing enemies into oblivion. The Mace of the Fierce is like a sledgehammer, delivering devastating blows that can crush even the toughest foes. Prepare for a challenge when tackling this dungeon.

Scepter of the Pious

Brave the depths of the Myrlwood dungeon to find the Scepter of the Pious. This Royal Arm grants a significant boost to your spirit stat, increasing your magic resistance. It’s particularly useful against magic-based enemies. The Scepter of the Pious is like a magical shield, deflecting incoming spells and protecting you from harm. It’s essential for surviving encounters with powerful mages and magical creatures.

Greatsword of the Tall

The Greatsword of the Tall is hidden within the Ravatogh Volcano dungeon. This location is dangerous, so be prepared for intense heat and challenging combat. The Greatsword of the Tall is a devastating weapon, offering a significant boost to your attack power. It’s a slow but incredibly powerful weapon, capable of cleaving through enemies with ease. The Greatsword of the Tall is like a two-handed claymore, delivering crushing blows that can obliterate your opponents. Tread carefully as you navigate the volcanic landscape.

Mastering the Royal Arms: Tips and Strategies

Finding the Royal Arms is only half the battle. Learning how to use them effectively is crucial for mastering combat in Final Fantasy XV. Experiment with different combinations and strategies to find what works best for you. Pay attention to the Royal Arms’ stat boosts and weaknesses, and adapt your gameplay accordingly.

Remember that using Royal Arms drains your HP. It’s essential to manage your health carefully and use healing items when necessary. Consider equipping accessories that increase your HP or HP regeneration rate. Learning to balance the power of the Royal Arms with the need to stay alive is a key skill for any aspiring Lucian king.

FAQ

What happens if I lose a Royal Arm?

Don’t panic! If you happen to drop a Royal Arm (which can happen during combat), it will eventually return to Noctis. Just keep an eye on the battlefield. If you’re worried about permanently losing one, make sure you’re saving your game frequently!

Are Royal Arms necessary to beat the game?

While you *can* technically beat the game without collecting all the Royal Arms, it’s going to be significantly harder. They offer substantial stat boosts and unlock powerful Armiger abilities that make challenging encounters much more manageable. Plus, collecting them all adds a sense of completion to your playthrough, like finding all the Easter eggs in your favorite movie!

Which Royal Arm is the "best" overall?

There’s no single “best” Royal Arm, as each one excels in different situations. However, the Ring of the Lucii is often considered the most powerful due to its instant-death spell. But for general combat, a combination of different Royal Arms, strategically equipped based on the enemy you’re facing, is the most effective approach. Adaptability is key to victory!