Reel in the Rarest: Your Ultimate Guide to Upgrading the Fishing Rod in Final Fantasy XV
There's a special kind of peace found in the world of Eos, one that exists between the roar of a Magitek engine and the clash of steel. It's the gentle lapping of water against the Regalia's tires, the soft chirp of crickets, and the focused silence of Noctis Lucis Caelum, rod in hand, waiting for a bite. Fishing in Final Fantasy XV isn't just a side activity; for many, it's a passion, a test of skill, and a gateway to some of the game's most rewarding secrets. But to truly master the lakes, rivers, and secret fishing spots, you need more than just patience. You need the right gear. Specifically, you need to understand the crucial path of upgrading your fishing rod, a journey that directly translates to a massive rarity boost for your catches.
Many anglers hit a wall. You see that shimmering, enormous shadow in the water, you cast your line with precision, and you engage in an epic struggle... only for your line to snap. The trophy fish gets away, and with it, that precious fishing skill experience. This frustration is almost always a gear issue. Your rod and reel simply aren't powerful enough to handle the legendary denizens of the deep. This guide is designed to be your one-stop resource, walking you through every step of the Fishing Rod upgrade path to ensure you never lose a big one again and can consistently catch rare fish in FFXV.
The Foundation: Understanding the Benefits of a Better Rod
Before we dive into the "how," let's clarify the "why." Upgrading your fishing tackle isn't just about bragging rights. A superior rod provides three key advantages that are essential for any serious angler:
- Increased Durability: This is the most direct benefit. Each rod has a hidden "Durability" or "Strength" stat. When you're fighting a powerful fish, a yellow then red tension meter will appear. If it reaches the end, your line snaps. A stronger rod has a much wider tolerance, meaning the tension meter fills slower, giving you a larger margin for error and allowing you to reel in heavier, more aggressive fish without breaking the line.
- Rarity Boost and Access to New Fish: This is the core of our guide. Many of the rarest fish in the game, such as the legendary Pink Jade Gar or the mighty Liege of the Lake, have a weight and ferocity that simply cannot be handled by the starting gear. By upgrading your rod, you effectively unlock the ability to catch rare fish in FFXV. You're not just improving your chances; you're opening up entirely new tiers of the fishing mini-game.
- Faster Skill Progression: Catching bigger and rarer fish grants significantly more Fishing Skill EXP. By using a better rod to land these high-value targets, you'll level up Noctis's fishing skill much faster, which in turn unlocks perks like the ability to use different reels and lures, creating a powerful positive feedback loop for your fishing skill progression.
The Upgrade Path: From Novice to Master Angler
The process of upgrading your rod is straightforward but requires some exploration. You have one primary NPC to befriend: Navyth, the enthusiastic fisherman you meet early on near Galdin Quay.
Step 1: The Starting Rod and the First Encounter
Your journey begins with the "Old Fishing Rod." It's serviceable for the small fry in the ponds around Hammerhead, but you'll quickly outgrow it. Your first major fishing rod upgrade comes from completing Navyth's initial quest, "A Fisherman's Friend." He'll be located at a fishing spot on the coast west of Galdin Quay. He tasks you with catching a specific fish, the "Cathedral Carp." It's a relatively simple task, but it teaches you the basics of targeting specific fish. Upon completion, he rewards you with a massive power spike: the Killer Bee rod.
- Killer Bee: This rod is your workhorse for the early to mid-game. It's a tremendous improvement, allowing you to tackle much larger fish in locations like the Vesperpool and the Caem shore.
Step 2: The Mid-Game and the Quest for the Best
The Killer Bee is great, but the true legend among rods is the Invincible. To get your hands on this masterpiece, you must complete Navyth's second and more challenging quest, "A New Fisherman's Friend."
This quest becomes available after you've reached a certain fishing level (around level 6-8 is usually sufficient) and have completed his first quest. You'll find him at a new location, typically at the Coernix Station - Alstor fishing spot. His request? To catch the legendary "Liege of the Lake." This is where your Killer Bee rod and your skills are put to the test.
Catching the Liege of the Lake: A Mini-Strategy This fish is found in the Vesperpool, at the northernmost fishing spot. It's a brutal fight.
- Lure: Use the Dragon's Beard line (purchasable from the Vesperpool shop) and the Mythril Gill lure (also from the Vesperpool shop). This lure is almost essential.
- Strategy: The Liege is heavy and fights hard. Be patient. Don't hold the reel button continuously. Tap it rhythmically, only reeling when the tension is in the green or low yellow. Let the fish run when it struggles to avoid line snap. This fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Successfully landing this behemoth is one of the most satisfying achievements in the game.
Take the Liege of the Lake back to Navyth, and he will, in awe, reward you with the ultimate tool: the Invincible fishing rod.
Step 3: The Apex Predator - The Invincible Rod
The Invincible is, as the name implies, the best fishing rod in Final Fantasy XV. Its immense durability makes snapping a line almost impossible unless you are incredibly reckless. With the Invincible equipped, you can confidently pursue every single fish in the game. This rod is the final and most significant rarity boost you can acquire. It transforms you from an amateur angler into the true Master Angler of Eos.
Beyond the Rod: The Trifecta of Fishing Success
A powerful rod is useless without a strong line and the right lure. Think of them as an interconnected system for your FFXV fishing gear upgrades.
- Fishing Reels (Line): Your reel determines the type of line you can use. You start with a basic reel, but as Noctis's fishing level increases, you can buy better ones from fishing merchants. The 1000-X Super Line and the 2000-X Excalibur Line are end-game goals. A stronger line has higher durability, working in tandem with your rod to withstand the pulls of legendary fish.
- Lures: This is your secret weapon for targeting specific rare fish species. Different fish are attracted to different lures. The general rule is:
- Spinners (like the Cybele): Good for smaller, common fish.
- Popper Lures (like the Abyssian): Effective for medium-sized aggressive fish.
- Jigging Lures (like the Mythril Gill): Essential for the largest, bottom-dwelling legendary fish like the Liege of the Lake and the Pink Jade Gar.
Always check the fish log for hints on what a specific fish bites, and don't be afraid to experiment. Using the correct lure is a critical part of any legendary fish catching strategy.
Putting It All Together: Your Endgame Fishing Strategy
You have the Invincible rod, a top-tier line, and a pocket full of specialized lures. Now what? It's time to complete the fishing log and earn the title of Master Angler.
- Tour the Hotspots: Visit every major fishing location—Vesperpool, Altissia, Galdin Quay, Cape Caem—and target the unique fish there.
- Consult Your Log: Your fish log is your best friend. It tells you the size, rarity, and location of every fish you've seen or heard about.
- Equip the Right Bait: Before you cast, open your menu and equip the lure that matches your target. This simple step is the difference between a quick catch and hours of frustration.
- Patience and Technique: Even with the best gear, the legendary fish are tough. Remember the basics: tap to reel, not hold. Let the fish tire itself out. Fight smart, not hard.
By following this comprehensive guide, you have not only acquired the best tools but also the knowledge to use them effectively. The path from the humble Old Fishing Rod to the mighty Invincible is a rewarding journey in itself, filled with challenging catches and beautiful scenery. So pack your gear, stock up on lures, and set out on your final quest. The rarest fish of Eos are waiting, and now, you are truly ready for them. Happy fishing
