Phantom Abyss Complete Guide (8 Sections) | AntMag

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Phantom Abyss is a massively multiplayer first-person adventure where you race against other players to reclaim lost relics from procedurally generated temples. It’s a solo or co-op experience where you’ll need to dodge traps, leap across chasms, and defeat foes, all while learning from the phantoms of adventurers who came before you. You only get one chance per temple, so every run counts.

This guide will help you master the game's core mechanics. We'll dive deep into combat, covering everything from basic attacks and combos to defensive maneuvers like dodging and parrying. You'll also learn how to effectively use your character's abilities and the environment to your advantage, and how to identify and exploit enemy weaknesses, including the fearsome Serpent Guardian.

1. INTRODUCTION

This is a Walkthrough and FAQ for the PS2 RPG, Tales of the Abyss. TotA is the latest game in Namco's popular "Tales of" series. Created by Team Symphonia, the makers of Tales of Symphonia, TotA could perhaps be called the spiritual sequel to ToS (unlike Tales of Rebirth and Tales of Legendia, which were both created by other teams within Tales Studio). TotA has the distinction of being the '10th Anniversary Tales' game, being released ten years to the day (December 15th) after the first Tales of game, Tales of Phantasia for the Super Famicon.

This Walkthrough also summarizes the plot of the game as it goes along, so that those of you who are playing who do not understand Japanese fluently can get a rough idea of what is going on. With that said, that also means that this Walkthrough WILL contain plot spoilers. Do not read ahead of where you are in the game in this FAQ if you are not willing to risk being spoiled.

This FAQ makes use of SJIS encoding in order to display Japanese characters. I included this feature so that if you do not know Japanese, you can easily match up the characters on your TV screen to the characters in this guide. You will need to have support for viewing Japanese characters on your computer, however. Newer versions of Windows should have it built in, though you may have to install some new files from your Windows Install CD; otherwise, you'll either need to get a program like NJStar Communicator, or you'll need to get Japanese character support for Internet Explorer and open this file in IE instead of Notepad/Wordpad.

The only website authorized to post this FAQ is www.gamefaqs.com. If you see this document elsewhere, not only are they posting without my permission, but they likely do not have the most current version of this FAQ. Emails to me asking questions already answered in the FAQ, even if the answers are not in the version you are reading, will be deleted without response.

2. GAMEPLAY BASICS

This section covers the fundamental gameplay mechanics of Phantom Abyss, including character controls and an overview of key characters.

CONTROLS

T means the triangle button; S means the square button

In Menus:

O - Accept
X - Cancel
S - Remove/Unequip, Discard (Items), Turn On/Off (Skills), Contents (Diary)
T - Use (Skills), Cook
Start - Show status/descriptions
Select - Switch control mode (Manual, Semiauto, Auto)
L1/R1 - Switch party member/item category
L2/R2 - Change Page (Status), Assign Shortcut (Cooking)

On the Field/Dungeons:

O - Talk/Examine/Open/Enter
X - (when combined with direction) Walk (instead of run)
S - Mieu Actions
T - Open the Camp Menu
Start - Toggle map/compass display
Select - Play skit
L1/R1 - Rotate character/Rotate Camera (Map)
R2 - Change Mieu Action
R3 - Show World Map

During Battle:

O - Normal Attack
X - Special Attack
S - Guard
T - Open the Battle Menu
L1 - Deny Item Use
R1 - Choose Target
L2 - Free Run
R2 - Engage Overlimit

CHARACTERS

Luke fone Fabre

Age: 17
Height: 171 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Voice Actor: Suzuki Chihiro
Description: The only son of a noble family of the Kimuelasca Kingdom. Because of a kidnapping incident while he was young, he's been shut up in his house and has lived thus since. Because of the shock he's lost his memory of being a child; with his family's wealth he has had all of life's comforts, and is terribly selfish and ignorant of what the real world is like. His only hobby is swordsmanship training, and though rough he is quite skilled.

Tear Grants

Age: 16
Height: 162 cm
Weight: 50 kg
Voice Actress: Yukana
Description: A soldier of the Lorelei Church, which presides over the Score. She is a user of the Seventh Fonim. She lost her parents while still young, and thereafter was raised to be a soldier. She is quiet and controlled and can seem cold, but actually she loves cute things. With a certain event as the reason, she joins Luke on his journey.

Jade Curtiss

Age: 35
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 74 kg
Voice Actor: Koyasu Takehito
Description: An officer of the Markt Empire, his rank is colonel. He is an accomplished Tone Magic user, and is also good with the spear. He usually is smiling and one finds it hard to tell what he's thinking. Some even call him the right hand man of the Markt Emperor Peony the 9th. On the other hand, he is known as "Necromancer Jade" among the army corps and is feared by them. During a mission aboard the armored ship Tartaros, he encounters Luke and company.

Anise Tatlin

Age: 13
Height: 152 cm
Weight: 42 kg
Voice Actress: Momoi Haruko
Description: Guardian of the Lorelei Church's highest official, the Doushi Ion. A bright and cheerful little girl. As a doll master, she makes the stuffed animal Tokunaga at her back gigantic and rides on him in battle. She seeks to marry into money, and it seems that she's been conspiring to become Luke's wife ever since meeting him...

Guy Cecil

Age: 21
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 79 kg
Voice Actor: Matsumoto Yasunori
Description: A servant of the House of Fabre, originally hired to be Luke's babysitter, he is now like a brother and best friend to Luke. He is a swordsman specializing in fast attacks. He's not very good with women, but oftentimes he'll say nice things to them and get in trouble...

Natalia Luzu Kimlasca Lanvaldear

Age: 18
Height: 168 cm
Weight: 53 kg
Voice Actress: Neya Michiko
Description: Princess of the Kimuelasca Kingdom. She is sublime and proud, but at the same time she thinks of her people often and grieves for them. An archer, in times of trouble or danger she is a warrior with a strong will. She is also Luke's fiancee, and often scolds him for not accepting the responsibilities and positions of the nobility.

Mieu

Age: ?
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Voice Actress: Maruyama Miki
Description: A child of the Cheagle Race. The Cheagle Race is considered holy by the Lorelei Church and usually lives clustered in the forests, but events lead to Mieu's accompanying Luke and company on their journey. With the Sorcery Ring around his waist, he can speak human language as well as manipulate its Fon-power to shoot fire.

Van Grants

Age: 27
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 86 kg
Voice Actor: Nakata Jouji
Description: Head Commander of the Lorelei Church's "Oracle Knights". He is Luke's swordsmanship master and has taught him ever since Luke was young, so he is an object of Luke's admiration. He is a warrior who is always calm and collected on the outside but has a burning passion hidden in his heart. He is also Tear's older brother.

Ion

Age: 14
Height: 166 cm
Weight: 58 kg
Voice Actress: Ootani Ikue
Description: The 'Doushi', the highest official, of the Lorelei Church. He has the ability to see the future through the Fuseki, but he is distressed over the world being bound to its Score. Outwardly he is a calm, kind young boy, but his heart is strong. To commoners he is a symbol of world peace, and his efforts have calmed the dangerous power struggle between the two large nations.

Senketsu no Asch ("Fresh Blood" Asch)

Age: 17
Height: 171 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Description: One of the Rokujinshou, the commanders of the Lorelei Church's "Oracle Knights". As leader of the special forces, he accepts a secret mission to observe and interact behind the scenes with Luke and company's journey. He fears noone, and is arrogant and self-righteous, but his skill with a sword is first-class.

Madan no Regret ("Magic Bullet" Regret)

Age: ?
Height: 168 cm
Weight: ?
. She is a cool-headed commander who uses a pair of Tone Guns, and is also Tear's instructor.

Youjuu no Arietta ("Mysterious Beasts" Arietta)

Age: ?
Height: 148 cm
Weight: ?
. She's a timid girl who controls violent monsters and beasts. Formerly she was a Fonmaster Guardian.

Shinigami Dist ("Death God" Dist)

Age: ?
Height: 174 cm
Weight: ?
. He's a scholar of Fonemes who controls Tone Dolls. He calls himself "Dist of the Rose".

Reppuu no Sink ("The Gale" Sink)

Age: ?
Height: 166 cm
Weight: ?
.

3. WALKTHROUGH

Walkthrough

1
The game begins with an anime movie detailing a prophecy about a red-haired individual named the Sacred Flame's Light who will bring prosperity to Kimlasca Lanvaldear, and another named Hodo who will destroy his birthplace. A young woman steps into a glowing circle and disappears.
2
You start in the city of 'Bachicul' (or 'Vaticle') in the Kimlasca Lanvaldear Kingdom. You gain control of Luke fone Fabre, who is bored and looking out his window.
3
Explore Luke's house. As you leave his room, you'll hear a strange voice. Head to the right wing of the house where a maid informs you of a guest.
4
In the next room, you'll find your first save point. Talk to the servant who reveals that Van Grantz of the Lorelei Church, Luke's teacher, has arrived. You are instructed to wait in your room, and warned not to speak to the gardener, Pear. A guard reminds you that you are forbidden from leaving the house.
5
View your first skit by pressing Select, where Luke expresses his boredom.
6
Return to Luke's room. Upon re-entry, you hear the strange voice again, which has been happening frequently. Guy appears and discusses Luke's recurring headaches and voices, which started around the time of his kidnapping by the Markt Empire seven years ago.
7
A servant informs Luke that his father is calling for him in the audience room. Guy quickly exits through the window.
8
You can now explore the left side of the mansion. In Luke's parents' room, open the cabinet to find 100 Gald.
9
In the right hallway, go up to find Guy's room and an Apple Gummy in his cabinet. The room next to his contains a Lemon Gummy.
10
Head down to the audience room. Luke's parents and Van are present. Luke's father announces that Van will be sent back to Daht tomorrow to search for the missing Doushi, Ion, who is the highest-ranking official in the Lorelei Church and crucial for maintaining peace between Markt and Kimlasca Lanvaldear.
11
Luke is upset about Van leaving and who will train him. Van promises a subordinate will assist, but Luke insists on Van's presence.
12
Luke's mother suggests being nicer to Luke due to his lost childhood memories from the kidnapping. Luke's father believes she is too lenient, while Van suggests that Luke's confinement is detrimental to him.

Tips

Collect all available items: 100 Gald, Apple Gummy, and Lemon Gummy.
Pay attention to the dialogue to understand the political situation between Kimlasca and Markt, and the significance of the Score and the Doushi.
Explore Luke's house thoroughly to find all items and trigger skits.

Access to the next part of the story and gameplay.
Items: 100 Gald, Apple Gummy, Lemon Gummy.

4. SIDEQUESTS/SUBEVENTS

Subevents that are time-limited (i.e. you can miss them if you proceed too far in the story) are marked with an asterisk.

PASTA RECIPE *
When you first arrive in Angave, talk to the lady in the house on the far west side. She'll ask you to fetch some Miso if you agree to help her out. Go to the house next door and talk to the old lady there (she's just to the right of the door, so you can miss her if you're not watching carefully) to receive the Miso. Take it back to the lady and she'll teach you the recipe for Pasta, as well as give you 6 Angave Noodles, 5 Noodles, and 1 Milk.

COLLECTOR'S BOOK *
Before leaving for the Cheagle Forest, talk to the apple seller. He'll ask you to retrieve a small box from the Forest for him. The box is in a treasure chest in a fairly obvious location. Once you get it, return it to him, and he'll give you the Collector's Book in exchange.

ST. BYNAH GUMMY SHOP *
The medicine shop in the back of St. Bynah is missing some materials. If you can bring the man at the left counter a "Gummy no Moto" and a "Menka" (Cotton) he'll give you a Miracle Gummy and open his shop. You can find both of these items by searching nearby search points on the world map.

GUY'S TRAINING *
When you first get Guy, rest at the Inn in Kaitoor. You'll get a little event where Luke trains with Guy, and Luke will learn Shunjinken.

LUKE'S OUGI
When you first return to Vaticle, talk to Luke's butler to trigger this subevent. He'll tell you that some ougi books that were supposed to be delivered to him were mistakenly sold by one of the maids. He'll give you 20000 Gald to buy the books back. Go down to the harbor to catch the merchant. He'll say that he already sold three of the books, but he still has the fourth. You can give him the 20000 Gald to teach Luke Majinken.
After St. Bynah sinks, talk to the merchant in Yuliacity standing off to the right. He has another one of the books. After you've convinced the king of Vaticle to stop the war, go to your house and get 40000 Gald from Luke's mother. Return to the merchant to teach Luke Raijinken.
Third, before heading to Roneal Snowy Mountain, talk to the man standing at the counter on the first floor of the inn in Kethelburg. He has the third book; again, get money (80000 Gald this time) from Luke's mother. Return to the man and Luke will learn Ganzan Messaijin.
Finally, after clearing the Radiate Gate, in Daht at the library that has the secret passage to Zaleho Volcano talk to the man standing at the window. After getting 150000 Gald from your mother return to learn Kuuha Zeppuugeki.

GUY'S OUGI
When you first return to Vaticle, talk to Pear (Luke's gardener) several times until he has a conversation with Guy. He'll tell Guy to look for a man named Gee in the Zao Desert.
When you get to the Oasis in the Zao Desert, talk to the man standing in the back of the building. He'll tell Guy that he needs to talk to several other people to learn his school's ougi, and will give him the Hodo Citizen Register.
Next go to the north side of Kaitoor. In one of the buildings here Guy will find the next teacher and learn Rekkuuzan.
After Cassadonia sinks, go to Daht and talk to the man standing near the monument outside the church to the right. He'll point out the location of the next man.
Go to the bar in Grand Cokuma to find the fourth man, who'll say that the last man is in a 'small cold house'.
Go to Kethelburg's main square and go inside the igloo there. Talk to the man to complete the event; Guy will learn Senkuu Shoureppa.

JADE'S FORBIDDEN SPELLS
After getting your party together again after clearing the Absorb Gate, go to Grand Cokuma. Visit the Markt Army base (to the left of the palace) and talk to Zezman in the strategy room. He'll give Jade a book that he found that has some odd inscriptions on it. Take the book to St. Bynah and talk to old Admiral McGovern. The book has three spells sealed into it, and you'll need to find 9 inscriptions to release all of the spells.
The inscriptions are:
1. Cassadonia - go to the north side's Inn, second floor, and check the drawer in one of the room's htere. Jade will learn Absolute.
2. Kethelburg - enter from the south side, then check the back of the statue in the northern plaza.
3. Sheridan - go to the northwest area of the town to find some kids talking and you'll find the inscription. Jade will learn Absolute.
After clearing the Radiate Gate...
4. Grand Cokuma - enter here, then enter the Radiate Gate to get it automatically.
5. Velkende - examine the room that Spinoza was in.
6. Kaitoor Port - automatic event. Jade will learn Prism Sword.
7. Daht - Talk to Florian in Ion's room.
8. Fubras River - automatic event.
9. Yuliacity - check the right back corner of the main hall. Jade will learn Meteor Swarm.
There have been some reports of bugs where the events would trigger but Jade would not learn the spell. I highly recommend saving before starting this subquest, and if the event triggers but Jade does not learn his spell, reload and proceed further in the game's story before trying again.

NATALIA'S OUGI *
When Asch is in your party, go to Sheridan Port. You'll end up escorting an old man to Daht Port, and Natalia will learn Brave Feed.
A long time later, after finishing your second visit to Zaleho Volcano, visit Daht Port again and Natalia will learn Healing Force. If you missed the Brave Feed event, you will also not be able to learn Healing Force.

TEAR'S PENDANT *
When you first arrive in Cassadonia, go to the southwest part of the northern area and talk to the man there. He's the one who Tear gave her pendant to in payment for the carriage ride earlier.
After Cassadonia sinks, return to the same place and talk to him again. He'll say that he sold the pendant to somebody named Lize in Grand Cokuma.
Now go to the shop in Grand Cokuma and talk to the merchant off to the right. You can buy Tear's Pendant back for 100,000 Gald. Though expensive, it's an extremely powerful accessory that raises Tear's magic attac

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Phantom Abyss