[Aeana]

That is true, I could do that, thanks for the suggestion. However, that's TOO far back on the console, and the monochrome blockiness and tinny music just doesn't work for me anymore. I need more Dq456 style gaming, haha. I wish there were more of those, but I've already exhausted all of SquareEnix's library.

It's not monochrome. DQ3 GBC is actually a port of DQ3 SNES, just downgraded. Has all of the extras and stuff.

But the SNES version is indeed the best one.

[Ultratech]

Pretty sure there's a few SNES emulators out there for the DS. Granted, it's been a while since I've even looked up on how far they've come on it.

Last I saw, it could emulate most games, but it was very imperfect. Usually missing layers and some other stuff. That's been a few years ago. And yeah, there's probably no way you could get large games or some patched games working without a lot of work done on the emulator itself.

Probably best off trying to play DQIII (SNES) on a PC SNES emulator.

[Jimmy Stav]

Is this game being sold for dirt cheap anywhere? It's listed on Amazon for 18, but from a third-party seller. I'm not ruling them out, but I'd rather buy it from somewhere more "official."

[SecretMoblin]

Is this game being sold for dirt cheap anywhere? It's listed on Amazon for 18, but from a third-party seller. I'm not ruling them out, but I'd rather buy it from somewhere more "official."

Eh, I purchase things from Amazon through third parties all the time and I've never had a problem. Plus, Amazon checks these folks out, and their seller rating is quite good.

Google also led me to this Overstock listing for under $20 -- but it's today only

[Cheerilee]

Heh. The PSX ports of those games are not emulated. I'll give an explanation from someone who can explain it better than I can:

I thought I remembered hearing about someone who managed to extract a ROM-type image from Chrono and got it to work in SNES9X, so I figured it was some highly-specialized emulation, but I guess it was more complicated than that.

[Lindsay]

I ran into darkonium slimes for the first time an boy are they tough! A group of them is worse than grotto bosses! How many grottos are there anyway? I got like three pages worth of maps now. I don't know if I should discard any or keep them all! If I discarded one wouldn't I possibly end up getting the same one again later on? grrr. Finished filling in my pre-post game monster list. 76%! Alls left now is grotto baddies. Progress is so nice!

Also: alchemize! It's one of the things players neglect doing, but you can always get better weapons and armor through alchemy than in the stores.

I took this advice and was able to make a few weapons/armors better then what I'd been using so yay! Even with my meager amount of materials I got some nice stuffs like the uber miracle sword, storm spear and metal king helm!

[SecretMoblin]

I ran into darkonium slimes for the first time an boy are they tough! A group of them is worse than grotto bosses! How many grottos are there anyway? I got like three pages worth of maps now. I don't know if I should discard any or keep them all! If I discarded one wouldn't I possibly end up getting the same one again later on? grrr. Finished filling in my pre-post game monster list. 76%! Alls left now is grotto baddies. Progress is so nice!

Yeah, you'll often find that the monsters in the grottoes are tougher than the bosses -- sometimes quite a bit tougher.

On the grottoes: you get a new map every single time you defeat the boss of a grotto. So you can get an infinite number of them if you just keep going, but you can only hold 99 (I think), so you'll eventually have to discard them. I won't get into technical details unless you want me to, but there are over 8 million possibilities for grottoes in the game. If you discard one, you're not that likely to get the exact same one again. So it's perfectly fine to discard the lower-level maps unless they contain treasure or bosses that you want.

I took this advice and was able to make a few weapons/armors better then what I'd been using so yay! Even with my meager amount of materials I got some nice stuffs like the uber miracle sword, storm spear and metal king helm!

Congrats! The Metal King Helm is amazing. One of the things I love about DQIX is that the game allows you to mix and match, so you can have some pretty funky armor combinations. The only real problem with alchemy is grinding to find the necessary items, but if you look online and find out where to get what it makes the process a lot easier.

[Lindsay]

Nooooooo my whole team finally had their coup de grace ready at the same time then the stupid boss goes and gets killed way sooner then I'd expected ;_; Thats it I'ma just look up co-op de grace videos cause I'm never gonna get this chance again >_<

On the bright side I got my first ever grotto boss drop its 2% brain drainer shield but still.... at what cost? At what cost?!

Yeah, you'll often find that the monsters in the grottoes are tougher than the bosses -- sometimes quite a bit tougher. On the grottoes: you get a new map every single time you defeat the boss of a grotto. So you can get an infinite number of them if you just keep going, but you can only hold 99 (I think), so you'll eventually have to discard them. I won't get into technical details unless you want me to, but there are over 8 million possibilities for grottoes in the game. If you discard one, you're not that likely to get the exact same one again. So it's perfectly fine to discard the lower-level maps unless they contain treasure or bosses that you want.

Thats alot of grottos... now I'll have to re-run the ones I've done and write down stuff about each and keep the ones I like.

[Oxx]

I had one Co-op de Grace in the 550 hours I played the game.

[SecretMoblin]

Nooooooo my whole team finally had their coup de grace ready at the same time then the stupid boss goes and gets killed way sooner then I'd expected ;_; Thats it I'ma just look up co-op de grace videos cause I'm never gonna get this chance again >_<

I had one Co-op de Grace in the 550 hours I played the game.

I know that the chance of getting a Coup de Grace increases when another character has one, and increases again when two have one, and increases again when three have one. So Co-op de Graces aren't that hard to come by, if you're willing to take a little risk and avoid using your Coup de Grace until every character has it. Waiting doesn't always work, of course, and you could miss out on a Coup de Grace. The numbers and details for triggering a Coup de Grace are here.

They are just so fun to use, too.

[donny2112]

I had one Co-op de Grace in the 550 hours I played the game.

Uh-Oh. What's a Co-Op de Grace? I may have to play until this happens now. :lol

[SecretMoblin]

Uh-Oh. What's a Co-Op de Grace? I may have to play until this happens now. :lol

If all your party members have a Coup de Grace on the same turn, you can use a Co-op de Grace, which is like a super-move with effects that vary depending on which vocations you have in your party.

Info on the Co-op de Graces are here.

"You could use these Co-op de Graces if you have the right vocation in your party.
Cast Away - Mage/Sage - Lowers MP cost to 0.

Electro Light - Minstrel/Luminary - Turns all enemies into metal monsters.

Haulellujah - Armamentalist/Thief - Chance to earn extra exp., gold, and items.

Omnipotense - Martial Artist/Gladiator - Raises everyone's tension 3 fold.

Soul Asylum - Paladin/Priest - Makes everyone invincible.

Quadraslash - Warrior/Ranger - All 4 party members inflict considerable damage."

[Oxx]

It was so nice to see a new attack animation after tens of thousands of battles.

That was my takeaway from my Co-op de Grace moment.

[Lindsay]

100 hours!

Time spent playing: 100:01
Time spent in multi-player: 00:00 (an I wouldn't have it any other way!)
Battle Victories: 2453
Times Alchemy Performed: 51
Accolades Earnt: 55
Quests Completed: 103
Grottoes Completed: 28
Guests Canvassed: 0
Defeated Monster List Completion: 79%
Wardrobe Completion: 29%
Item List Completion: 69%
Alchenomicon Completion: 8%

At 70 hours DQVIII was my longest played DQ but it just got blown outta the water. Of course that was the time taken to beat the story whereas I finished IX's main game at 43 hours. Never did VIIIs post-game trial thingies~wonder how much time that would add? Oh wells they're both good and long and even if I still prefer VIII my opinion on IX has changed alot...

It was so nice to see a new attack animation after tens of thousands of battles. That was my takeaway from my Co-op de Grace moment.

I wish I coulda seen one in person since the video showing 'em all off was cool! I never even heard of them until recently and then thought they were multi-player only things!

[Xeno_Flux2113]

So I just finished the Goretress and have decided that before I move on I will clear out some grottoes I have maps for. I know there are thousands of maps but is it all the same bosses out of a certain number of bosses? I don't really have to get all of the maps correct? Outside of the bosses, what I find in the grotto will be just random treasure if any?

[SecretMoblin]

So I just finished the Goretress and have decided that before I move on I will clear out some grottoes I have maps for. I know there are thousands of maps but is it all the same bosses out of a certain number of bosses? I don't really have to get all of the maps correct? Outside of the bosses, what I find in the grotto will be just random treasure if any?

Yes, the 8 million+ number is *unique* maps; there are 12 bosses that can be at the end of any given map, but it isn't exactly random. There is a complex formula that determines what type of map you will get, and higher level maps have a better chance of getting certain bosses. So you certainly don't have to get a ton of maps to see everything there is to see in the grottoes.

As far as treasure, like the maps it's semi-randomly generated. Generally, higher level maps have better loot, and what is specifically inside each treasure chest is controlled by a timer. So if you open the treasure chest after 13 seconds it will have a different item than if you open it after 50 seconds, and so on.

If you really want to get into the numbers, then this is a good link that describes the names of the grottoes, what they mean, and how you can get certain ones.

[Man God]

At 70 hours DQVIII was my longest played DQ but it just got blown outta the water. Of course that was the time taken to beat the story whereas I finished IX's main game at 43 hours. Never did VIIIs post-game trial thingies~wonder how much time that would add? Oh wells they're both good and long and even if I still prefer VIII my opinion on IX has changed alot...

Depending on how high your levels were when you beat it, and how good your equipment is I'd say the Dragovian stuff only takes around another ten hours, fifteen if you need some better alchemy equipment. Even if you do need the better equipment you should still be able to beat the boss once and get the insta pot, which saves hours and hours.

[Xeno_Flux2113]

Yes, the 8 million+ number is *unique* maps; there are 12 bosses that can be at the end of any given map, but it isn't exactly random. There is a complex formula that determines what type of map you will get, and higher level maps have a better chance of getting certain bosses. So you certainly don't have to get a ton of maps to see everything there is to see in the grottoes. As far as treasure, like the maps it's semi-randomly generated. Generally, higher level maps have better loot, and what is specifically inside each treasure chest is controlled by a timer. So if you open the treasure chest after 13 seconds it will have a different item than if you open it after 50 seconds, and so on. If you really want to get into the numbers, then this is a good link that describes the names of the grottoes, what they mean, and how you can get certain ones.

Awesome thanks. Not so worried about the maps now.

[Hobbun]

I am around 63 hours right now and just reached Upover. Although I have also been doing a lot of just building of skills, vocations and levels with my characters. One of my favorite (relatively recent) techniques is going after the Liquid Metal Slimes in the Bowhole, right near the 4th floor stairs (on the 3rd floor). Thunder Thrust/Hatchet Man owns. :) I made about 6-7 levels (starting in my mid 20’s) in about 20 minutes.

I have heard of a grotto map called something along the lines of Isle of Silver Marshes Lvl. 58 From what I have heard it has one floor dedicated to MKS, which is definitely what I want eventually. However, is the only way to get this grotto map is through tagging? If so, is there another grotto map that I can get that serves what I want (without tagging)?

[donny2112]

I have heard of a grotto map called something along the lines of Isle of Silver Marshes Lvl. 58 From what I have heard it has one floor dedicated to MKS, which is definitely what I want eventually.

Silver Marsh of Bane, Lvl. 58. Fairly low-level enemies (definitely lower than Masayuki's map) to go along with the MKSs and open spaces. Very nice. :)

However, is the only way to get this grotto map is through tagging? If so, is there another grotto map that I can get that serves what I want (without tagging)?

The Grottos are randomly generated, so you're unlikely to get one by accident. If you have two copies of the game and a way to swap out saves, you can get a save from online that has that map, load it up, tag your game, and then put back the original save. Masayuki's is relatively common as far as a specific map being tagged goes, but you'd still probably need to be at a big event to do so. It's enemies are much harder, though. Basically, you'd need to grind to get high enough to grind out that grotto for MKSs. I actually did some low-level grinding on the first few floors of that map for a while, as they gave more experience than most enemies I was fighting and were actually possible to beat with mid-tier level party members. :lol

[Xeno_Flux2113]

So in a level 7 grotto and I have no problems with it at all, every enemy is down before they get a chance to attack me. I get to the boss... Shogum and I get schooled. I thought I was doing good at first but then he calls in some backup and they heal him for 999hp. My first thought was "I have to level more" and I am happy to do it.

[SecretMoblin]

I have heard of a grotto map called something along the lines of Isle of Silver Marshes Lvl. 58 From what I have heard it has one floor dedicated to MKS, which is definitely what I want eventually. However, is the only way to get this grotto map is through tagging? If so, is there another grotto map that I can get that serves what I want (without tagging)?

Yeah, that's one of the 'legendary' maps. Nearly everyone who has attended a major gaming event - and even many of us who haven't - and has tagged around has it. It's extremely difficult to get on your own; you basically need to have your party at specific levels and fight in specific grottoes over and over until you have a chance of getting it. It's honestly much easier to register over at GameFAQs or Dragon's Den and ask if anyone in your area would be willing to give it to you. I helped a bunch of people out for several months after the game came out. It really makes the grinding process way, way easier. If you use Thunder Thrust, you can basically grind out 99 levels in about an hour.

So in a level 7 grotto and I have no problems with it at all, every enemy is down before they get a chance to attack me. I get to the boss... Shogum and I get schooled. I thought I was doing good at first but then he calls in some backup and they heal him for 999hp. My first thought was "I have to level more" and I am happy to do it.

Yeah, the bosses aren't balanced very well. Early on they are extremely powerful relative to the enemies in the grotto, and at higher levels they are pushovers.

[Xeno_Flux2113]

Yeah, that's one of the 'legendary' maps. Nearly everyone who has attended a major gaming event - and even many of us who haven't - and has tagged around has it. It's extremely difficult to get on your own; you basically need to have your party at specific levels and fight in specific grottoes over and over until you have a chance of getting it. It's honestly much easier to register over at GameFAQs or Dragon's Den and ask if anyone in your area would be willing to give it to you. I helped a bunch of people out for several months after the game came out. It really makes the grinding process way, way easier. If you use Thunder Thrust, you can basically grind out 99 levels in about an hour. Yeah, the bosses aren't balanced very well. Early on they are extremely powerful relative to the enemies in the grotto, and at higher levels they are pushovers.

Only person I know in my area that has it is my brother-in-law and he hasn't played past angel falls.

I also thought the boss was pretty powerful for a level 7 grotto boss especially when the other level 6, 7, and 9 maps I have I have cleared no problems. Just hadn't run into Shogum.

[Hobbun]

Yeah, that's one of the 'legendary' maps. Nearly everyone who has attended a major gaming event - and even many of us who haven't - and has tagged around has it. It's extremely difficult to get on your own; you basically need to have your party at specific levels and fight in specific grottoes over and over until you have a chance of getting it. It's honestly much easier to register over at GameFAQs or Dragon's Den and ask if anyone in your area would be willing to give it to you. I helped a bunch of people out for several months after the game came out. It really makes the grinding process way, way easier. If you use Thunder Thrust, you can basically grind out 99 levels in about an hour.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. The problem is there is really no events in my area still going on. I guess I can try putting a call out a GameFAQs or Dragon's Den and see who might be in my area who may be kind enough to give me the map.

As for Donny's suggestion, unfortunately don't have an extra game anywhere. A friend of mine has the game, but he is playing it as well. I wouldn't even be sure how to transfer the game save online over to a game, anyways.

[SecretMoblin]

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. The problem is there is really no events in my area still going on. I guess I can try putting a call out a GameFAQs or Dragon's Den and see who might be in my area who may be kind enough to give me the map. As for Donny's suggestion, unfortunately don't have an extra game anywhere. A friend of mine has the game, but he is playing it as well. I wouldn't even be sure how to transfer the game save online over to a game, anyways.

Eh, it involves Action Replay and messing with game data. I wouldn't trust it, myself. And yeah, putting out a beacon on GameFAQs is probably your best shot, as there are still a bunch of folks posting over there. If you don't get any responses, then lather, rinse, repeat every now and then.

Sorry about the map. I hate - and I mean seething, (ir?)rational hate - when you pick up a game several months or a year after it was released and you miss out on content.

[Hobbun]

Sorry about the map. I hate - and I mean seething, (ir?)rational hate - when you pick up a game several months or a year after it was released and you miss out on content.

Yes, I agree with you. This is why I worry about the whole shift to more online content in the future. Publishers are not going to support events/servers after a certain amount of time after the game is released. Demons Souls is another perfect example of this. Great online gameplay and content, but the servers shut down this October.

However, this discussion is for another thread.

As for DQ IX, if I can't get someone in my area with the map I want, I guess I can always hunt the MKS in the tower of Nod. Although I am guessing they are hard to find.

:(

[Link Man]

Yes, I agree with you. This is why I worry about the whole shift to more online content in the future. Publishers are not going to support events/servers after a certain amount of time after the game is released. Demons Souls is another perfect example of this. Great online gameplay and content, but the servers shut down this October. However, this discussion is for another thread. As for DQ IX, if I can't get someone in my area with the map I want, I guess I can always hunt the MKS in the tower of Nod. Although I am guessing they are hard to find. :(

I have never seen one in there on the map (I've fought one there, but it was part of another group). You'd be better off just beating grottoes until you get one high enough in level to spawn the Metal King Slimes (fire and water grottoes are good for this).

Oh, and just wanted to say that the 3DS circle pad is a godsend for this game. Completely justifies my purchase a couple of months ago (along with Zelda, Mario and Mario Kart).

[donny2112]

Eh, it involves Action Replay and messing with game data.

Only in the sense that you backup your save and put a new save in its place. You never actually modify any saves. It's not like Animal Crossing DS's early hacking before a real DS AR came out.

I wouldn't trust it, myself.

Probably because you haven't done it before. Nothing wrong with that. The AR DS Save backup came out early in the DS's lifetime, so there's probably not a lot out there, anyway. There're probably other DS save backup tools out there, but I'm only familiar with the AR one.

[Axis]

http://i.imgur.com/bLokt.jpg gigantic image so i don't wanna throw it up in the thread


not quite finished...i can see another 200 hours being put into it, maybe 300.

[Hobbun]

I have never seen one in there on the map (I've fought one there, but it was part of another group). You'd be better off just beating grottoes until you get one high enough in level to spawn the Metal King Slimes (fire and water grottoes are good for this).

I am guessing the fire and water grottos do not have MKS only floors. Which is fine, but do they at least have one floor where MKS spawn frequently?

[Link Man]

I am guessing the fire and water grottos do not have MKS only floors. Which is fine, but do they at least have one floor where MKS spawn frequently?

Yes, as long as they have a high enough level. Probably 60's/70's. And they'll have around 4 floors where the MKS can spawn, given the monsters change every 4 levels or so (you'll probably have to run around until you see them, as there will be other, very strong enemies about).

[Hobbun]

Yes, as long as they have a high enough level. Probably 60's/70's. And they'll have around 4 floors where the MKS can spawn, given the monsters change every 4 levels or so (you'll probably have to run around until you see them, as there will be other, very strong enemies about).

Ok, that works then. I just wanted to clarify it wasn’t a “Yes, MKS spawn in these fire/water grottos, but it is a rare spawn you may see every 10 minutes.” I want something that would keep me fighting MKS quite often.

Will have to keep those fire/water level (60-70) grotto maps in mind. Thanks.

[MLH]

Argh! How did you people 100% complete wardrobe!?
After hours of grinding I've found many of the rare equipment, Poker and Bad axe for instance. I quickly upgraded them to Stud Poker and Maxi Axe, and after further grinding to get more orbs and Agate of Evolution, I had enough to upgrade them further.

But what's this? I have a 10% of creating the Red Hot Poker/ Galaxy Axe! Otherwise I get a lesser weapon. The worse part is you have to save your game while creating them so you can't cheat into getting the better weapons.

There is no way I'm grinding all those ingredients again for a small chance of getting these weapons.

[Cheerilee]

Argh! How did you people 100% complete wardrobe!? After hours of grinding I've found many of the rare equipment, Poker and Bad axe for instance. I quickly upgraded them to Stud Poker and Maxi Axe, and after further grinding to get more orbs and Agate of Evolution, I had enough to upgrade them further. But what's this? I have a 10% of creating the Red Hot Poker/ Galaxy Axe! Otherwise I get a lesser weapon. The worse part is you have to save your game while creating them so you can't cheat into getting the better weapons. There is no way I'm grinding all those ingredients again for a small chance of getting these weapons.

I thought it was a 2% chance of success, not 10%.

And you can cheat by using the hoimi table. 100% chance of alchemizing the item you want.

[MLH]

I thought it was a 2% chance of success, not 10%. And you can cheat by using the hoimi table. 100% chance of alchemizing the item you want.

I've been using the Dragon's Den Alchemy list, I think the 2% is the drop rate of the items.

I'll give the Hoimi table a chance thanks, just seems like more trouble than it's worth.

[Hobbun]

I have a pretty good rapport with my local GS, so they let me check all their used DQ IX games (5 of them) to see if any of the games have one of the known ‘MKS only floor’ grotto maps, and then I could tag with that game.

Unfortunately, none of them did so. 3 of out of the 5 didn’t even have treasure maps yet, and the other two did not have map levels high enough for what I was looking for.

So the search continues. A friend of mine manages another GS in the area, so I will check with his used copies tomorrow.

[SecretMoblin]

I have a pretty good rapport with my local GS, so they let me check all their used DQ IX games (5 of them) to see if any of the games have one of the known ‘MKS only floor’ grotto maps, and then I could tag with that game. Unfortunately, none of them did so. 3 of out of the 5 didn’t even have treasure maps yet, and the other two did not have map levels high enough for what I was looking for. So the search continues. A friend of mine manages another GS in the area, so I will check with his used copies tomorrow.

Keep your hopes up! There are a few notable maps; one has an MKS-only floor, one has a Gem Slime-only floor (10,000 gold per kill, perfect for money grinding), and one is a map with a bunch of high-level loot that is so famous there are guides for how to exploit it to get the treasure you want.

They're obviously not necessary to complete the game, but they make things way, way easier.

[Hobbun]

Keep your hopes up! There are a few notable maps; one has an MKS-only floor, one has a Gem Slime-only floor (10,000 gold per kill, perfect for money grinding), and one is a map with a bunch of high-level loot that is so famous there are guides for how to exploit it to get the treasure you want. They're obviously not necessary to complete the game, but they make things way, way easier.

There are actually several ‘MKS floor only’ maps out there, unless you meant there is only one popular one, and I am guessing you are referring to the Silver Marsh of Bane Lvl. 58.

However, I did a search last night and wrote down maybe 10 or so ‘MKS floor only’ grotto maps. Well, unless those that said they had them were lying. Unfortunately the list is at home, so I can’t relate them here.

Don’t worry, I will keep looking! As I said, I will try with my friend at the GS he runs. If that doesn’t pan out, there is someone at GameFAQs who lives in the town next door to me who would be willing to meet up with me. But I would rather try to exhaust all my other options first before asking him to go out of his way like that.

[stolin]

There are actually several ‘MKS floor only’ maps out there, unless you meant there is only one popular one, and I am guessing you are referring to the Silver Marsh of Bane Lvl. 58. Don’t worry, I will keep looking!

Over my 100% play through I never found a ‘MKS floor only’. That's over about 700 Grottoes. But to be honest you don't really need one.

The best MKS maps I have found are

• Diamond Moor Bliss 66 Water
• Steel Chasm Glee 54 Water

These are both ranked as Metal King Slime - 100% in the map analysis tools. But I also have dozens of maps which are MKS 20-30%. Getting experience and levels isn't really a problem, but I guess it depends on your goals. Getting to your first revocations 'MKS only' seems like the holy grail.. but later on there are other goals than just getting exp.

[stolin]

Argh! How did you people 100% complete wardrobe!? After hours of grinding I've found many of the rare equipment, Poker and Bad axe for instance. I quickly upgraded them to Stud Poker and Maxi Axe, and after further grinding to get more orbs and Agate of Evolution, I had enough to upgrade them further. But what's this? I have a 10% of creating the Red Hot Poker/ Galaxy Axe! Otherwise I get a lesser weapon. The worse part is you have to save your game while creating them so you can't cheat into getting the better weapons.

For the Alchemiracle the % creation changes depending on your Hero's stats for each item. So it's worth waiting to try for them only when you have your best chance. There's a table on GameFaqs in the Alchemy FAQ. Here's a few examples, 1 from each range.

• Hypernova Sword | 300 - 999 | Strength | 10% - 40%
• Soul Sucker | 300 - 999 | Resilience | 10% - 50%
• Infinity Trousers | 300 - 700 | Magical Might | 20% - 50%

So your chances are pretty good if you have the correct stats prepared going into the Alchemiracle. That's why the Pot tells you your current chance.

Or you can work the Hoimi table if you wanna short cut as others have mentioned.

[Hobbun]

Over my 100% play through I never found a ‘MKS floor only’. That's over about 700 Grottoes. But to be honest you don't really need one. The best MKS maps I have found are Diamond Moor Bliss 66 Water Steel Chasm Glee 54 Water These are both ranked as Metal King Slime - 100% in the map analysis tools. But I also have dozens of maps which are MKS 20-30%. Getting experience and levels isn't really a problem, but I guess it depends on your goals. Getting to your first revocations 'MKS only' seems like the holy grail.. but later on there are other goals than just getting exp.

Well, as I said, I only have to go on what I’ve heard from others. But there has more than one person claiming they have a ‘MKS only floor’. The Silver Marsh of Bane Lvl. 58 is only the most popular one. I think the Masayuki (sp?) map is another well known one.

You are right, there are other goals as well in the game, but it certainly makes it a lot easier when I have access to means to level faster when I want to revocate multiple times.

However, I will add your maps to my list. Thanks.

[stolin]

You are right, there are other goals as well in the game, but it certainly makes it a lot easier when I have access to means to level faster when I want to revocate multiple times.

Well I believe it's worth seeking out maps that have the highest number of both S & A Rank chests since those are more important than exp in the long run..

These are the best I found and my most played grottoes.

• Ruby Abyss Regret 70 Rank A chest=10
• Ruby Maze Doubt 63 Rank S chest=5
• Platinum Maze Dread 87 Rank S chest=5

Chest hunting took way more hours than exp farming, even when revocating the full 10x. Just a heads up if you are going all the way.

[Venfayth]

Update for my solo adventure:

I'm at about 44 hours, I'm at the third boss of the Triumgorate, and he is DESTROYING me. This stupid cat guy constantly knocks me down and kills me before I can heal. I wish Holy Impregnable prevented knockdowns. I'm in a quest to upgrade my Falcon Blade to an Uber Falcon Blade, but I'm not even sure that will help me. My current plan is to blitz him down with Gale Fource Falcon Slashes after I get my Uber Falcon Blade.

My character is level 49 minstrel and level ~25-30 on all other default classes plus armamentalist and gladiator.

I'm kind of upset I can't get Paladin because all that bonus resilience would help a lot.

[Hobbun]

Why can't you get Paladin?

Edit: Nevermind, I now see solo adventure.

Well I believe it's worth seeking out maps that have the highest number of both S & A Rank chests since those are more important than exp in the long run.. These are the best I found and my most played grottoes. Ruby Abyss Regret 70 Rank A chest=10 Ruby Maze Doubt 63 Rank S chest=5 Platinum Maze Dread 87 Rank S chest=5 Chest hunting took way more hours than exp farming, even when revocating the full 10x. Just a heads up if you are going all the way.

Thanks for the advice. I will 'try' to go all the way. I don't know if I will get all the items as I know how insanely difficult it is. And we'll see if I just lose patience. Right now I am really enjoying the game and addicted.

I will agree, getting the high end chests will be more difficult, as gaining xp is just time. But would still like to gain the MKS map if I can. But I will add your A and S ranks maps to my list as well. :)

[Lindsay]

Aaahh I wanted to finish this final story quest and set the game aside since I have so many others that need playing. At L67 is there a chance I'd find a grotto with the boss Excalipurr anytime soon? If not I'll just have ta put this away for now.

Depending on how high your levels were when you beat it, and how good your equipment is I'd say the Dragovian stuff only takes around another ten hours, fifteen if you need some better alchemy equipment. Even if you do need the better equipment you should still be able to beat the boss once and get the insta pot, which saves hours and hours.

That don't sound to bad. I haven't done any DQ post-game content aside from IX so I gots stuff ta look forward to on the replay. I didn't even know there was a insta pot! Can't wait to play VIII again whenever my schedule clears up!

http://i.imgur.com/bLokt.jpg gigantic image so i don't wanna throw it up in the thread not quite finished...i can see another 200 hours being put into it, maybe 300.

Giant pic and time played / medals found! Did ya finish every quests an beat all the extra bosses? What more could there to be done with that much time put in o.o?

[SecretMoblin]

Aaahh I wanted to finish this final story quest and set the game aside since I have so many others that need playing. At L67 is there a chance I'd find a grotto with the boss Excalipurr anytime soon? If not I'll just have ta put this away for now. That don't sound to bad. I haven't done any DQ post-game content aside from IX so I gots stuff ta look forward to on the replay. I didn't even know there was a insta pot! Can't wait to play VIII again whenever my schedule clears up! Giant pic and time played / medals found! Did ya finish every quests an beat all the extra bosses? What more could there to be done with that much time put in o.o?

I know you don't like numbers, but here's a formula for you:


New Quality = Hero's Maximum Vocation Level + 5 * Hero's Maximum Revocation + Level of Previous Grotto

This determines the "Quality" of the map you get when you beat a grotto. In order to start getting maps with Excalipurr, you need maps with a quality of at least 161. So at level 67, assuming you haven't revocated at all, I think it goes

NQ = 67 + 0 + level of grotto. So you would need to beat a grotto of level 94 to start getting maps with Excalipurr. If you raise your Hero's level, then you can start seeing Excalipurr maps with lower-level grottoes.

[mintypixel]

Does anyone know when they'll take down the online quests?
I haven't even had time to download them (only 47 hrs into the game...I wish I had more time to play).

[SecretMoblin]

Does anyone know when they'll take down the online quests? I haven't even had time to download them (only 47 hrs into the game...I wish I had more time to play).

Nobody except SE knows exactly, but I'd say you have a few more weeks at least -- and probably a few more months. And all you need is to connect once at Stornway Inn and every one of the quests and guests is unlocked permanently on your cart.

[mintypixel]

Nobody except SE knows exactly, but I'd say you have a few more weeks at least -- and probably a few more months. And all you need is to connect once at Stornway Inn and every one of the quests and guests is unlocked permanently on your cart.

Yes, I definitely need to do this.

I've had the game for a long time, but just haven't had the time. I do plan to sink a lot of time on it one day (hopefully get everything). I have gotten some of the better maps at quests.

[Lindsay]

I know you don't like numbers, but here's a formula for you: New Quality = Hero's Maximum Vocation Level + 5 * Hero's Maximum Revocation + Level of Previous Grotto This determines the "Quality" of the map you get when you beat a grotto. In order to start getting maps with Excalipurr, you need maps with a quality of at least 161. So at level 67, assuming you haven't revocated at all, I think it goes NQ = 67 + 0 + level of grotto. So you would need to beat a grotto of level 94 to start getting maps with Excalipurr. If you raise your Hero's level, then you can start seeing Excalipurr maps with lower-level grottoes.

Bleh I'll have ta save it for the future then. I've been trying to grind the past few days to lil effect and the highest map I have so far is 66.

Nobody except SE knows exactly, but I'd say you have a few more weeks at least -- and probably a few more months. And all you need is to connect once at Stornway Inn and every one of the quests and guests is unlocked permanently on your cart.

So if I was to get a second copy to replay the story then deleted it and started a new game afterwards the quests/visitors would all be there?