Final Fantasy XII - 36 - The Pharos at Ridorana - Second Ascent

Overview: Okay, you've hit the 60th Floor. Hopefully your supplies haven't been depleted. This area is a bit different than the lower level.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ The Reach

Guide: This is the first area of the Second Ascent. Though you can't see it at first, there's a Save Crystal in the northwestern section of the circle. So, these four altars? And four doors? What you'll have to do is make a sacrifice and activate one of the altars to open one of the doors. The Altar of Knowledge removes your mini-map, the Altar of Magick seals your Magick Command (Shocking!), the Altar of Steel seals your Attack Command, and the Altar of Wealth seals your Item Command. Yes, there will be combat ahead.

So, thinking Altar of Knowledge? Yeah, it is the easy choice. But if you want a challenge, go for one of the others. The Altar of Knowledge is at the southeastern point on the circle, and once activated will give everything a purple tint, and the door behind it can now be opened. Head through and up to the next area.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ Station of Banishment

Enemies: Crusader, Abbadon, Reaver

Guide: If you didn't pick the Altar of Knowledge, then you probably know you'll need to modify your Gambits to compensate. If you did pick the Altar of Knowledge, then you're going to need to get really familiar with your map. And find the location map quickly. Head northeast out to the central ring area, then go back into the side area in the northeast corner. Look for the little U-shaped area, which is a switchback flight of stairs that will take you up to the next level. Head on up.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ Station of Suffering

Enemies: Bune, Crusader, Dragon Lich, Abbadon, Reaver

Guide: From where you appear on this map, head due west, to the northwestern most corner. There you'll find the location map for this area, making the loss of the mini-map more manageable. Don't worry about missing out on treasure if you don't explore all the nooks and crannies in the Second Ascent, just worry about getting out. Your goal now is the stairway to the next level. Head out to the central ring, then go to the southeast corner and head back in, and enter the stairs at the eastern end of the map. A note before you head on, the Dragon Liches here are one of the only places to get Corpse Flies, needed for the Whale Whisker.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ Station of Ascension

Enemies: Crusader, Reaver, Abbadon, Bune, Avenger (Trophy Game)

Guide: Head out to the central ring, then head in again in the northeastern section. You'll have to work your way around the exterior northern hall to get at the stairs to the next floor. Take a look at your map before you set out so you know where to head.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ Reach of the Damned

Guide: No enemies here, just a Save Crystal. And if you've been reading the pillars on your way up, you'll enjoy this one. They think pretty highly of themselves. Anyway, head to the southwestern corner and up the stairs to the next area.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ The Bounds of Truth

Enemies: Fenrir, Undin Entite

Guide: If you remember the structure of the rooms below, you know what's coming. Head north along the path and before you enter the door, equip Argyle Armlets and cast Shell along with your usual buffs.

Strategy: With the mini-map gone, this is an easy battle. Wail might inflict Blind, but with the Argyle Armlets on, you're safe. He mostly just attacks and like to cast Bravery, so Dispel it and he'll spend most of the battle trying to re-cast it. Haste and Bravery on your side, you'll tear through him in no time.

Guide: Head on out into the next area. Ah... an Entite. You know what? It's time to stop running. You're a big boy now, level 50's (or 60's maybe?) You can start taking on Entites. This one is Water-element, so when you get through its Reflect, hit it with Firaga. (Granted, it might not even show up.) Find the Altar you activated below and activate it again, returning the crystal to it. FINALLY, AN ELEVATOR. You only had to walk up 66 Floors. Not bad eh? Hop on, and head to the 67th Floor. Reference time, this elevator bears a striking resemblence to the elevator in Lindblum Grand Castle from FF9.

Pharos - Second Ascent/ Reach of the Occult

Guide: A welcome Save Crystal, and a Way Stone to take you on to the next area. Success!