Subterranean Lake

Your guide to the Subterranean Lake in Final Fantasy XIII. Learn enemy weaknesses, find all the treasures, and discover how to progress through this challenging area.

Alright, we're heading into the Subterranean Lake section of Chapter 11. It's a bit of a maze, but nothing we can't handle! Just stick with me, and we'll get through it, grab all the goodies, and take down whatever stands in our way.

First off, as you make your way through this cave, keep an eye out for the bioluminescent plants – they're not just for show, they'll light your path. You'll eventually reach an open area. Before you jump to the next island, be sure to grab the 13x Strange Fluid that's chilling on the right side. Once you're ready, hop over.

As soon as you approach the next island, get ready! A big group of Ceratosaurs is going to swarm you. They're tough in numbers and really don't like Fire or Earth attacks, but they absorb Ice and Water. So, spamming Fire spells like Firaga is your best bet here. If you're struggling with their HP, don't be afraid to pop a MED to keep everyone topped up.

After you've dealt with the Ceratosaurs, hop to the right side of the island to snag 10x Enigmatic Fluid. Then, jump up the eastern platforms. Here, you'll face a mix of Orobons and more Ceratosaurs. The Orobons can be a real pain, inflicting Daze and buffing themselves when they feel threatened. Your best bet is to hit them hard with Fire and Lightning spells, especially Thundaga and Firaga. Keeping up the pressure will interrupt their nasty combos and buffs, making them much easier to defeat.

While you're in this area, make sure to grab the Aquabane Brooch that's lying around. It'll be super helpful for resisting Water attacks later on.

Now, head over to the next island. You'll find more Ceratosaurs here, but this time they've got backup from a Ceratoraptor. These guys are dangerous because they can call in more Ceratosaurs with their Courtship Dance. Your priority should be taking down the Ceratoraptor ASAP. Spells like Ruinga or Firaga are great for disrupting attacks when you're dealing with a crowd. Don't forget to check the left corner of this island for 6x Moistened Scales. If you've accepted a Cie’th Stone mission, your target will be on this same island. Also, look for a Sphere containing 5x Seapetal Scales tucked away at the back.

Ready for a change of scenery? Head back to the central platform and turn to face the western side. You'll see a prompt to “Examine” the water. Do it! This triggers a cutscene where the fal’Cie Bismarck bursts from the water and creates new platforms for you. Jump onto these new platforms – you'll easily spot them because there are enemies on them. You'll find some great treasures here: Uranite, a Riptide Ring, a Water Charm, and a Mnar Stone. You'll have to fight the same types of enemies you've been seeing, so just use the same tactics to defeat them.

Once you've collected everything and cleared the enemies, make your way to the waypoint. You'll have a couple more encounters with Ceratosaurs, Ceratoraptors, and Orobos before you reach the exit. Keep up the pressure, use your elemental weaknesses, and you'll be through this area in no time!