Exploration: Gameplay Mechanics

Learn about the treasure system, save crystals, and fast forward in final fantasy xii. Chests have percentage spawn chances and can be respawned.

Treasure System

As you explore the world of final fantasy xii, you will find treasure chests scattered throughout various zones. These chests can contain gil and items. Unlike some RPGs, the contents of chests in final fantasy xii are not fixed. Chests operate on a percentage spawn chance, meaning they may not always appear when you approach them. If a chest does not spawn, or if you wish to try for different contents, you can respawn (be brought back to life at a checkpoint after death) it by moving to an adjacent zone and returning. Some chests have a 100% spawn rate and typically contain magicks or technicks, and these often do not respawn.

When a chest spawns, it has a chance to contain gil, and then a separate chance to contain one or more items. For example, a specific treasure chest might have a 75% chance to spawn. If it spawns, it has a 50% chance of containing gil, and a 50% chance of containing an item. Within that 50% item chance, there's a 25% chance it will be a specific item like an Iron Sword, while the rest of the time it might be something else like a Phoenix Down.

The accessory known as the Diamond Armlet can alter chest contents and their probabilities. While the chest's appearance rate and the chance for gil remain the same, the Diamond Armlet significantly changes the item drop percentages. If a chest normally has a 25% chance for items, equipping the Diamond Armlet can change this to a 95/5% split for specific items. For instance, if the items were an Elixir and a Meteorite, with the Diamond Armlet, you would have a 47.5% chance for the Elixir and a 2.5% chance for the Meteorite, after factoring in other percentages.

Save Crystals

Throughout your adventures, you will encounter large crystals that serve as save points. There are two types: blue Save Crystals and orange Gate Crystals. Both types will fully restore your party's HP and MP, and cure any status ailments. Gate Crystals have an additional function that allows for fast travel, but this requires a Teleport Crystal item. Teleport Crystals can be obtained from hunts and quests, dropped by enemies, or purchased later in the game. You must touch a Gate Crystal to activate its teleportation function.

Fast Forward

Introduced in the International Zodiac Job System version, the Speed Up Multiplier is an option that allows you to speed up the game's overall pace. This affects character and enemy movements, as well as attack animations. The default setting is x2 speed, with an option for x4 speed. You can toggle this feature on and off by tapping the [L1 button]. Holding L1 and pressing the directional pad up or down allows you to change speeds without accessing the options menu. It is important to note that the Speed Up Multiplier does not affect the in-game timer, which continues to run normally, nor does it affect areas or enemies influenced by the real-time clock.