A Wanderer's Compendium: Unearthing Every Royal Arm in Final Fantasy XV
Greetings, fellow Crownsguard and loyal companions to Noctis! The journey across Eos is one of breathtaking vistas, thrilling hunts, and a deep, often somber, narrative about reclaiming one's birthright. Central to this quest are the Royal Arms, the spectral weapons of the Lucian kings of old. These powerful relics are not just collectibles; they are the very embodiment of your lineage, each with a story to tell and a significant stat boost to grant. However, finding all thirteen can be a daunting task, as they are scattered far and wide, often in hidden tombs that don't appear on your map by default.
Fear not, for this comprehensive guide is your trusted companion. We will journey together to every corner of the map, from the sun-drenched ruins of the Cleigne region to the deepest, most hidden chambers of Lucis. We'll not only pinpoint each Royal Arm location but also discuss their unique properties and how to best integrate them into your combat strategy. Remember, while wielding these weapons drains your HP with each strike, their passive stat bonuses are always active once acquired, making them essential for powering up Noctis.
Let's begin our royal treasure hunt.
The Early Tombs: Securing Your First Arsenal
Your first few Royal Arms are acquired through the main story, setting you on the path of the True King.
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Sword of the Wise (Greatsword): This is the very first Royal Arm you will claim, a pivotal moment in the story. You'll retrieve it from the Tomb of the Wise in the Keycatrich Trench area, west of the Chocobo Post. The main quest, "The Sword in the Waterfall," will guide you directly here. This greatsword is a solid, early-game power boost.
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Ax of the Conqueror (Axe): Shortly after the Sword of the Wise, your journey will lead you to the Tomb of the Conqueror. This is located in the rock formations just south of the Vesperpool. The story quest "The Power of Kings" makes this one unmissable. The Ax of the Conqueror is a heavy-hitting weapon that can break appendages with ease.
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Blade of the Mystic (Katana): This elegant katana is found in the Tomb of the Mystic, which is cleverly hidden behind a waterfall. You'll visit this location during the story quest "The Mysterious Cavern." The tomb is in the Wetherills, the mountainous region south of Lestallum. Look for the Fociaugh Hollow dungeon, and the tomb's entrance is concealed behind the cascading water nearby.
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Swords of the Wanderer (Dual Swords): As you push further into the story, you'll be directed to the Tomb of the Wanderer on the eastern side of the Disc of Cauthess, the meteor-impact site. This is part of the main narrative, so you cannot miss it. These dual blades offer a fast, flurry-based fighting style.
The Hunt Begins: Off-the-Beaten-Path Tombs
Once the open world truly unlocks, it's time to become an explorer. These tombs require you to venture away from the main quest markers.
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Trident of the Oracle (Polearm): A weapon with deep significance to Lunafreya's lineage, the Trident is located in the Tomb of the Oracle. You can find this tomb east of the Cauthess Rest Area, nestled within a rocky outcrop. It's easily accessible by foot or Regalia. This polearm offers excellent reach and aerial combat capabilities.
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Katana of the Warrior (Katana): This tomb is a classic example of a hidden location. The Tomb of the Warrior is found deep within the Greyshire Glacial Grotto, a dungeon in the northern, icy part of Lucis. You'll need to navigate the cave system to find the tomb chamber. It's recommended to tackle this area when you are a higher level, as the enemies can be challenging.
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Mace of the Fierce (Mace): Guarded by a formidable daemon, the Tomb of the Fierce is located in the Malmalam Thicket, a forested area south of the Alstor Coernix Station outpost. You'll need to defeat the powerful Naga that lurks within to claim this heavy, crushing weapon.
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Star of the Rogue (Shuriken): This unique, long-range Royal Arm is hidden in the Balouve Mines, a dungeon located in the Leide region, southeast of the Longwythe Rest Area. You'll need to descend to the very bottom level of the mines to find the tomb. The shuriken allows Noctis to attack from a distance, a rare trait among his arsenal.
The Challenging Vaults: Tombs of the Mighty
These final tombs are often the most hidden or are protected by significant challenges. They represent the peak of your collection journey.
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Scepter of the Pious (Rod): To find this mystical rod, you must first complete the "A Pressing Engagement" quest in Altissia. Once you have the Strange Engine part from Cid, you can explore the Myrlwood, a secret forest accessed only by sailing to a specific, unmarked location on the map north of Altissia. The tomb is within this beautiful, hidden area.
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Bow of the Clever (Bow): This tomb is located in a very late-game area. The Tomb of the Clever is found within the rocky canyon known as the Rock of Ravatogh, the massive volcano. You'll need to climb a significant portion of the volcano, following the paths until you discover the tomb entrance carved into the rock face. The journey is arduous but rewarding.
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Shield of the Just (Shield): A defensive Royal Arm, the Shield of the Just is located in the Costenain Wasteland, in the far northern region of the Leide desert. The easiest way to find it is to travel to the Hammerhead outpost and head almost directly north into the vast, open desert. Look for a solitary, ruined structure—that is the tomb. It's surprisingly easy to miss due to the featureless landscape.
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Sword of the Tall (Greatsword): This massive sword is hidden in a very specific location: the Crestholm Channels. This maze-like dungeon is located in the region of Duscae, southeast of the Coernix Station - Alstor. Navigating the sewer system is a puzzle in itself, but persevere, and you will find the tomb chamber containing this immense blade.
The Final Heirloom: A King's Legacy
- Mark of the Founder (Sword): The final Royal Arm is not found in a tomb but is a reward for completing a specific, epic quest. After you have gathered the first twelve Royal Arms, return to the Hunter HQ in Old Lestallum (the power plant area). A new, high-level hunt will be available from a certain hunter. Completing this formidable challenge is what ultimately grants you the Mark of the Founder, a fitting final piece to the royal collection.
Mastering the Royal Arms: A Strategic Approach
Now that you know where to find all Royal Arms, let's talk strategy. Wielding them in combat consumes your HP, making them a high-risk, high-reward option. They are best used for:
- Warping: The warp-strike with a Royal Arm deals massive damage.
- Breaking Appendages: They are exceptionally good at breaking enemy parts for rare loot.
- Finishing Moves: Use them to deliver a final, powerful blow.
However, do not use them for standard combo strings against groups of enemies. The HP drain will quickly put you in danger. Instead, equip them for their passive stat boosts. Each Royal Arm permanently increases Noctis's stats—such as Strength, Vitality, and Max HP—simply by being in your inventory. This is their true, enduring power.
Equip accessories like the Megaphone (for Ignis's Regroup ability) or HP-boosting gear to mitigate the health drain if you plan to use them actively. The Armiger Unleashed mode, unlocked after collecting all Royal Arms and completing a secret trial, is also vastly empowered by your complete collection.
Your journey to reclaim your throne is paved with the legacy of your ancestors. By seeking out these thirteen Royal Arms, you are not just gathering weapons; you are honoring the past and forging your own legend as the True King of Lucis. Happy hunting, Your Majesty
