Prerequisites
The Path to the Dawn (aka the ending of the game) opens up once you've finished all eight character stories and all four Cross Stories.
You do not have to finish all the side stories, but once you start the end of the game and EXTRA stories, you have to finish it before you can go back to doing side stories. You also have to be careful not to initiate the Epilogue or you won't be able to finish the side stories on that file.
Note: For the final boss, it's recommended that your party be at least level 60 with the best equipment possible. It's recommended that you obtain said best equipment possible before initiating the ending/extra stories.
To Start
On the world map, southeast of Cropdale, there will be a marker for "Extra Stories" on the Southern Cropdale Trail. A green, pulsating marker will show up on the mini-map when you enter the area. When you approach it, you'll receive a rather large warning message about the stuff I mentioned in the previous section. If you're worried about it, just save on another file once you've started the ending/extra stories.
After the cutscene, you'll then have access to all eight characters and can change the party through the main menu anytime. It'll be suggested to just wander the world until you find clues. Lucky you for you, I'm going to save you some time with this guide.
Four Locations Of The Flame
You can do these in any order, but I've listed them in the order that makes most sense story-wise.
Flamechurch
Fight Arcanette. Weaknesses: Polearm, Axe, Lightning, Ice
Go up to the cathedral. You can find Tanzy's Journal. Have Temenos and Throné in your party, then use the Shiny Mirror in your inventory at the torch where the blue flame should be.
Tombs of Wardenbeasts
From Beasting Village, make your way east to the tombs. At the end of the dungeon, you'll have to fight a boss.
Fight Grotesque Monster. Weaknesses: Axe, Bow, Ice, Light
Have Castti and Ochette in your party, then use the Shiny Mirror at the torch.
Fellsun Ruins
Go east from Crackridge to get to the ruins. Within the ruins, gather 17 Journal Fragments. Have Partitio and Osvald in your party, then use the Shiny Mirror in your inventory at the torch.
Tranquil Grotto
From Ku, you can make your way east to the Tranquil Grotto. Have Hikari and Agnea in your party, then use the Shiny Mirror at the torch.
Once all four blue flames are ablaze, the final dungeon opens up.
Final Dungeon: Vidania
Canalbrine has the closest harbor to the final dungeon. Board your personal ship and head in the direction of the four light beams shown on the world map.
Vidania Castle is straightforward. Literally just go up the stairs.
Final Boss
This fight will make use of all eight party members. About halfway through the fight, Vide will swallow up the first four party members, forcing you to use the next four.
Fight: (Some weaknesses are missing due to me defeating stuff too quickly.)
Vide. Weaknesses: Sword, Axe, Staff, Lightning, Light - Weaknesses (Changed): Bow, Fire, Darkness,
Wriggling Tentacle. Weaknesses: Polearm, Axe, Bow, Ice, Light
Creeping Tentacle. Weaknesses: Sword, Dagger, Bow, Staff, Fire
Thwarting Tentacle. Weaknesses: Sword, Polearm,
Lithe Tentacle. Weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Lightning, Light
OH, BUT THAT'S NOT EVEN MY FINAL FORM!
Fight:
Vide the Wicked. Weaknesses: Sword, Dagger, Bow, Wind, Light
Wicked Left Arm. Weaknesses: Sword, Axe, Bow, Staff - Weaknesses (Changed): Sword, Polearm, Dagger, Bow
Wicked Right Arm. Weaknesses: Fire, Lightning, Light, Dark - Weaknesses (Changed): Ice, Wind, Light, Dark
Epilogue
The epilogue can be initiated at Southern Cropdale Trail, at the same spot where the ending started. Examine the campfire. Wait for the credits to finish.
Finish all side stories (or anything else) before going to the Epilogue.
Source: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2946616699
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