Ys X: Nordics – Beginners Guide for New Players
Key Takeaways:
- Master battle combinations and character roles early to ease combat progression.
- Maximize resource collection and inventory management for smooth upgrades.
- Use side quests and barter systems effectively for better rewards and progress.
Jumping into Ys X: Nordics can be an immersive yet challenging experience, especially with its expansive world and unique gameplay mechanics. Initially, the game might feel straightforward, with a single quest line guiding you, but soon, new areas and gameplay features open up, allowing for much deeper exploration. Here’s a detailed guide to help beginners navigate the game with ease and make the most out of its intricate systems.
Smash Everything in Sight
When exploring new islands or regions, you’ll frequently come across barrels, pots, and other breakable objects scattered around. Although it might seem tedious, breaking these objects often rewards you with valuable items like Blacksilver Sand or Aged Wood key resources for upgrades later in the game. Failing to collect these early on may limit your resources when upgrading your ship, the Sandras, or even your equipment to match the increasingly challenging enemies.
Learn and Master Battle Combinations
Combat in Ys X: Nordics is dynamic, with the ability to control both Adol and Karja. While each character has their unique strengths, finding the right combination of skills and orbs can drastically improve your gameplay experience. Generally, Adol excels at dealing heavy damage, while Karja is more effective at weakening enemy durability. Leveraging their complementary abilities, especially during boss fights, can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Even when not in duo mode, your partner character will still engage in combat, automatically attacking enemies around them. Their durability meter, visible on enemies, shows how much durability damage they can take before they break. Balancing control over both characters and strategizing skill usage will allow you to capitalize on their strengths.
Take Advantage of the Barter System
Merchants scattered across towns in Ys X: Nordics allow you to either purchase items with gold or engage in a barter system using various in-game currencies. Whenever possible, barter for items instead of using gold, as the latter is essential for upgrades like ship and weapon enhancements. Saving your gold for these critical mechanics ensures that you’ll have enough resources when they’re most needed.
However, if you find yourself with a surplus of gold and a shortage of barter materials, feel free to buy essential items with your gold to avoid being under-resourced.
Explore the Islands Thoroughly
As you unlock more areas and venture out into the vast open seas, each island you encounter will offer unique resources like treasure chests, crystal shards, and hidden items. Over time, Mana Sense will unlock, allowing you to locate hidden treasures. Before that, keep an eye on your map to ensure you’ve explored each grayed-out area to maximize item collection and avoid missing out on valuable loot.
Maximize Skill Usage to Gain Mastery
In the early stages, you’ll unlock duo mode, granting access to various duo skills, which can make individual skills seem less appealing. However, using single-character skills frequently is essential, as it increases your mastery of those abilities. Building mastery improves the effectiveness of each skill, helping you in battles against tougher enemies. Focusing on mastery in the beginning can give you a significant edge as you progress.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Inventory
One aspect that many players overlook in Ys X: Nordics is the abundance of one-time consumable items available throughout the game. From permanent stat boosts to items like Heartfire Tome or Sea God’s Incense which increase maximum SP and revenge gauge, respectively these consumables provide valuable enhancements. Since some of these items can be easily missed, make it a habit to check your inventory regularly to ensure you’re fully utilizing everything at your disposal.
Complete Side Quests for Extra Rewards
Side quests in Ys X: Nordics are marked by green icons and typically appear after reaching new areas or completing certain chapters. While they might seem optional, side quests offer valuable rewards such as consumable items, equipment upgrades, and additional lore. Plus, each quest comes with a deadline, encouraging timely completion before advancing too far in the story. Missing these quests can mean forfeiting exclusive rewards, so prioritize them whenever possible.
Enhance Water Travel as You Progress
Navigating the seas in Ys X: Nordics becomes faster and more efficient as you unlock ship upgrades and locate mana strips, which boost speed and dash regeneration. These upgrades drastically reduce travel time, making exploration quicker and more enjoyable. Once you reach certain points on the map, you’ll even have the option to teleport, a feature that’s incredibly helpful when revisiting areas for quests or item hunting.
FAQs
What’s the best way to farm resources early in Ys X: Nordics? Breaking barrels, pots, and salvaging items from the sea are reliable ways to collect resources like gold and barter items, which are essential for upgrades and bartering.
How can I unlock hidden items on each island? After progressing through a few chapters, you’ll unlock Mana Sense, a skill that highlights hidden treasures on the map. This feature is useful for completing your collection on each island.
Why are side quests important? Side quests provide exclusive rewards, like consumables and upgrades, that can significantly improve your characters’ abilities. Additionally, they add depth to the story and often include items that are otherwise unobtainable.
By following these beginner tips, you’ll find yourself navigating the open world of Ys X: Nordics with confidence, allowing you to enjoy every aspect of its gameplay to the fullest.
