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Black Citadel
Dragon Quest VIII

Black Citadel

A complete walkthrough for the Black Citadel in Dragon Quest VIII, detailing treasure locations, enemy encounters, and strategies for navigating this challenging dungeon.

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A complete walkthrough for the Black Citadel in Dragon Quest VIII, detailing treasure locations, enemy encounters, and strategies for navigating this challenging dungeon.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Summon the Godbird and fly to the Black Citadel. Enter and take the left path, then the left door. Continue straight until you exit outside. Open the chest for 5,000G. Return to the start.
  2. 2
    Take the right path, ignoring the first set of doors. Go up the stairs. Ignore the left door for now. Continue to the far right and enter the Tower. Ascend to the roof for a chest containing Orichalcum. Return to the previously ignored left door.
  3. 3
    In the room of barrels, smash them all to find: 500G, Prayer Ring, Seed of Defence, 1,200G, Saint's Ashes, Yggdrasil Leaf, Hard Cheese, Orichalcum, Icicle Dirk, Seed of Life, Cured Cheese, Rock Salt. Go upstairs.
  4. 4
    Follow the linear path to a balcony overlooking the entrance. Trigger the Lever to create a shortcut. Turn around and follow the path under the bridge. Go up the stairs to the left, enter the doorway, cross the bridge, and exit the other door.
  5. 5
    Walk the exterior walkway and enter the room. Go through the left door and search the drawer for a Dark Robe. Exit and follow the long path to the right side of the map. Head down and enter the room. Break the pots for Premium Mould.
  6. 6
    Head downstairs and go right towards tombstones. Enter the door into another area. Open the locked chest for a Silver Shield. Return to the previous room and go left through the door.
  7. 7
    You will now encounter Frou-Frous. Photograph one for 012: Lucky Large Lizard. Enter the main room, go left, and read the wall panel about a puzzle. Proceed to the next room. You can read another monument upstairs or move toward the statue blocking the door. Move the statue and go through the door. Ignore the stairs and take the left path outside.
  8. 8
    Follow the linear path to a treasure chest containing the Sage's Stone. Continue along the path to an intersection and trigger the Lever to create another shortcut.
  9. 9
    Head forward, go up the central stairs, then the two left stairs to return to a previous area. Follow the path north into the large northern room. Ignore the stairs and go through the doorway. Follow the stairs downward to Level 3. Ignore the first set of stairs (dead end) and continue to the other stairs, eventually reaching Level 1. Pass through the doorway.
  10. 10
    You are now in the City of the Damned. Go forward and interact with the wall sculptor for a FULL HEAL. The direction you choose now doesn't matter as long as you keep going forward, as the environment will change. You cannot enter any doors in this area.
Tips
  • The Black Citadel contains many valuable treasures, including the Sage's Stone and Dark Robe. Ensure you collect everything before proceeding too far.
  • Be prepared for strong enemy encounters, including Metal King Slimes, Archdemons, and Gigantes.
  • Photographing a Frou-Frou is necessary for the Cameron's Codex entry 012: Lucky Large Lizard.
  • Activating the Levers creates shortcuts, making navigation and backtracking easier.
  • The City of the Damned section requires continuous forward movement, and the environment will shift.
  • 5,000G
  • Orichalcum (x2)
  • 500G
  • Prayer Ring
  • Seed of Defence
  • 1,200G
  • Saint's Ashes
  • Yggdrasil Leaf
  • Hard Cheese
  • Icicle Dirk
  • Seed of Life
  • Cured Cheese
  • Rock Salt
  • Dark Robe
  • Premium Mould
  • Silver Shield
  • Sage's Stone
  • Echo Flute
  • 012: Lucky Large Lizard (Codex Entry)

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