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Challenges¶

Tips¶

You’ve made it to the top, but you can still go higher!

To begin with, try showing off your masterful skills atop the summit of Mt. Snowpeak. There’s no need to walk all the way; speak to the Guide Paladin near the entrance to Mt. Snowpeak to instantly warp to the summit.

You’ll find a couple of platinum deposits near the northern peak, but the best ones are in the Cave of Ice , past the Silverfang. This vicious dino is a handful if you have weak combat abilities, but you can just sneak past if the way ahead isn’t locked off.

The rest of your challenges take place in the maze-like Ancient Ruins , located north-east from Drysand Desert. The monsters inside are fairly strong, so bring along some allies if necessary.

To find the magic ore deposits and the Dark Heart, follow the eastern branch from the entrance. There are more deposits along the central branch too if you don’t find enough Magic Ore or Black Onyxes.

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Use Earthly Treasures near the end to get an “Excellent!” and more ore.

Be warned: if the epic boss music wasn’t a clue, the Dark Heart is the strongest boss deposit in the game, not counting the DLC. High stats (priority to Strength, then Focus and Vitality) and a good pickaxe are a must.

The best pickaxe you can get is the Mole Pickaxe from the mole in the Royal Cabin Well atop Mt. Snowpeak’s summit. If you can’t cause a dent even with that, consider switching to the Blacksmith Life to forge your own superior pickaxe.

If your stats are insufficient, consider resetting your stats by speaking to the Tome of Shadow at the Al Maajik Library of Magic at night (available at Level 35 after finishing the story). It’s pricey, but sometimes it must be done.