A labor of love from our team of devoted Final Fantasy veterans, Final Fantasy XIII: The Complete Official Guide is a comprehensive, lavishly-crafted and - if we may be so bold - downright essential companion for all players who intend to enjoy the full FFXIII experience. Structured for maximum ease of use, it features everything from measured step-by-step guidance to analysis of hidden gameplay mechanics. Whether you use it as a well-thumbed reference tool, or make it a near-permanent fixture on your lap until you conquer every last challenge, this 100% complete guide will answer every question you may have - and, indeed, many you might never have thought of_ Optimum Walkthrough: While the opening hours of play may seem fairly straightforward, FFXIII grows in complexity throughout the adventure. Its later chapters provide numerous opportunities to venture off the beaten track and take on challenges separate to the main storyline. With detailed annotated maps, step-by-step guidance based on user-friendly waypoints, and expert analysis for those attempting a "perfect" playthrough, the walkthrough charts the most rewarding route through the main journey and all optional side-quests, acting as an indispensable tour guide. Essential: FFXIII features a staggeringly rich game system, with many complex mechanics and attributes governing the result of each battle and the development of both characters and equipment. All of these factors (including many hidden variables and calculations) are revealed and - more importantly - explained in an approachable yet accessible manner, with visual graphs and diagrams turning long explanations into immediate "eureka!" moments. Advanced Strategy: Major enemies and bosses can take countless attempts to conquer without advanced preparations and carefully formulated tactics, so forewarned really is forearmed in FFXIII. In addition to targeted advice on the best way to defeat each opponent of note, we also reveal locations to visit for effective power-leveling, how to set up a battle party for maximum strength and efficiency, and how to exploit profitable tricks and special techniques. Absolutely Comprehensive: Seriously - if it's in the game, it's in the guide. The guide has large sections dedicated to in-depth analysis of all aspects of FFXIII: side-quests, battle system, equipment upgrades, Trophies and Achievements...you name it. Our exhaustively-researched reference chapters reveal all key stats for every last object and adversary encountered (including hidden attributes), reveal how to create ultimate weapons, how to super-specialize party members, how to obtain rare items - and much, much more.