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4-1 Bandits of the Desert
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

4-1 Bandits of the Desert

Follow this walkthrough for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII to find the Bandits of the Desert in Ruffian, gather key items like the Pilgrim's Crux, and complete Adonis's task.

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Follow this walkthrough for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII to find the Bandits of the Desert in Ruffian, gather key items like the Pilgrim's Crux, and complete Adonis's task.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Travel to the Dead Dunes and make your way towards the settlement of Ruffian, located in the far north.
  2. 2
    Be aware of sandstorms blocking shortcuts; you'll need to take the long way around. Collect treasure spheres in the Giant's Sandbox but don't stray too far.
  3. 3
    Activate any Red Cactuar Stones you find to enable fast travel across the desert.
  4. 4
    Head towards the sandstorm blocking the shortcut to the Bandit Camp. Activate the Cactuar Stone there, then turn back and go around to the Grave of the Colossi.
  5. 5
    Use Chronostasis to navigate the ruins and look for a shiny object on the left side – this is a Pilgrim's Crux. These are used to stop sandstorms and open doors later.
  6. 6
    Defeat any Gurangatch you encounter in the ruins to gain EP.
  7. 7
    Continue towards the next sandstorm west of the ruins. Use a Pilgrim's Crux on the monument to stop the storm.
  8. 8
    In the newly accessible area, defeat the Goblots surrounding a skeleton to acquire the Arithmometer. Use 4 EP to open the sphere and obtain the Silk Scarf.
  9. 9
    Touch the Cactuar Stone at the Grave of the Colossi Shrine.
  10. 10
    Proceed north and west to find the Earth Eater Notes inside a ruin.
  11. 11
    Pick up the Serenity Sachet at the entrance to Ruffian.
  12. 12
    Enter Ruffian. Touch the Cactuar Stone to unlock it as a fast travel destination.
  13. 13
    Visit the bar and talk to Mal, who will buy Soul Seeds and reward you with a Hero’s Potion for collecting enough.
  14. 14
    Find Adonis, wearing a red suit, past the inn. He will task you with killing a Gurangatch at the God’s Wrath sandstorm and acquiring its dropped Crux.
  15. 15
    Use the Cactuar Stone to teleport to the “Near God’s Wrath” stone.
  16. 16
    Defeat the Gurangatch to obtain the Crux.
  17. 17
    Return to Ruffian. (The text implies you then proceed with Adonis's task, but the specific next steps are not detailed in this section).
Tips
  • Pilgrim's Crux items are essential for stopping sandstorms and opening doors in the Temple Ruins later on, so always pick them up.
  • Use Chronostasis frequently to conserve time, especially when navigating hazardous areas.
  • The Gurangatch Notes found in Ruffian can help complete your Libra if you haven't already.
  • If you find the Corsair Scarf, jump down from its location to reach the camp.
  • Lizard Lariat (Proof of hunting down more than 30 lizards)
  • Arithmometer
  • Silk Scarf
  • Serenity Sachet
  • Corsair Scarf
  • Hero’s Potion (from Mal for collecting Soul Seeds)

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