YS 8 Stone of Antiquity
In Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, players encounter a variety of collectible items and rare artifacts that play a significant role in the game’s world-building and progression. Among these is the Stone of Antiquity, a mysterious relic that has sparked curiosity among many players due to its unique nature and elusive purpose. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or simply want to understand what this item does, knowing where to find it and how to use it can greatly enrich your adventure across the Isle of Seiren. This topic dives deep into the Stone of Antiquity in YS 8, exploring its location, function, and value to collectors and completionists alike.
What Is the Stone of Antiquity?
The Stone of Antiquity is a key item found in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. It doesn’t serve a direct purpose like healing or combat enhancement but plays an important role in side quests and collection-based objectives. Often overlooked, this stone has historical and archaeological value within the context of the game’s lore. It represents remnants of a long-lost civilization, and discovering it contributes to uncovering the island’s ancient past.
As an item shrouded in mystery, many players are unsure about its real purpose. It’s not something you can use or equip like a traditional item. Instead, it falls into the category of collectible items, which are essential for fulfilling certain NPC requests and achieving completion milestones.
Location of the Stone of Antiquity
Finding the Stone of Antiquity isn’t always straightforward. There are multiple places throughout the Isle of Seiren where the stone can appear, but the most consistent and notable location is during the optional dungeon called the Archeozoic Big Hole. This area becomes available later in the game and is known for housing ancient relics, including the Stone of Antiquity.
- Archeozoic Big Hole: This dungeon is located near the endgame and requires a fully developed party with strong gear and abilities to explore efficiently. The Stone of Antiquity is often found inside one of the treasure chests within this area or as a reward for exploration milestones.
- Side Quests: Some stones can also be obtained through side quests, especially those that involve exploring ruins or helping archaeologist-type characters.
Make sure to check every chest and speak with NPCs regularly, as the item might be hidden in side content that can be missed on a casual playthrough.
How to Use the Stone of Antiquity
Once obtained, the Stone of Antiquity doesn’t go into your standard inventory but rather the Key Items section. This means it’s not directly usable in combat or through the inventory menu. However, it becomes useful when interacting with specific characters who are interested in ancient relics, especially during sub-events and quests that involve historical exploration.
One key NPC that references relics and ancient items is Professor Thanatos, who often appears in scenes that discuss ancient history and may request such items for study. Donating the Stone of Antiquity or presenting it during relevant events contributes to story depth and sometimes unlocks hidden dialogue or lore.
Value in Completion Goals
For those pursuing 100% completion in YS 8, collecting all key items is a major goal. The Stone of Antiquity contributes to the Collection Rate or Exploration Progress, depending on how the game version tracks collectibles. These percentages are crucial if you’re trying to unlock extra endings, trophies, or achievements.
Having the Stone of Antiquity in your collection signals to the game that you’ve explored certain optional areas and completed specific objectives. While it doesn’t increase stats or provide in-game currency, it plays a silent but important role in narrative and completion tracking.
Tips for Finding and Keeping the Stone of Antiquity
Because the Stone of Antiquity can be easy to miss, here are a few tips to help ensure you add it to your collection without much hassle:
- Thorough Exploration: Always explore every corner of dungeons, especially the Archeozoic Big Hole. Use the minimap and check for treasure icons that haven’t been opened yet.
- Check Quest Logs: Keep your quest log updated. If any NPC hints at ancient relics or excavation missions, follow up on them. These quests often lead to special items like the Stone of Antiquity.
- Interact With NPCs Regularly: Characters at the Castaway Village may offer new hints or quests as you progress. Don’t forget to return frequently to trigger new dialogue.
- Use Exploration Skills: Skills like double jump, climbing, and dive become crucial later in the game for reaching hidden areas. Make sure your party has the right skills unlocked to access secret spots where relics may be hidden.
Is the Stone of Antiquity Missable?
Technically, yes. If you progress too far in the story without exploring optional areas like the Archeozoic Big Hole, you could potentially miss your chance to retrieve the Stone of Antiquity. To avoid this, it’s best to explore thoroughly before advancing to major story events that lock you out of certain zones.
Some versions of the game offer New Game Plus, which allows you to recover missed items on a second playthrough. However, if you’re aiming for a perfect file on your first run, plan ahead and prioritize exploration-heavy segments when they become available.
Lore Behind the Stone of Antiquity
While the game doesn’t dive too deeply into the backstory of every artifact, the Stone of Antiquity is believed to be tied to the ancient civilization of Eternia. Dana’s segments in the game explore this lost world, and the relic may be a physical remnant from that era. Holding it in your inventory connects your current journey with the island’s forgotten history, creating a bridge between the present and the ancient past.
Some fans speculate that collecting these stones might hint at deeper secrets, perhaps linked to Dana’s dreams or the origin of the Lacrimosa itself. While these theories aren’t confirmed in the main storyline, the symbolism of the stone makes it a favorite among lore enthusiasts.
Do You Need It for the True Ending?
No, the Stone of Antiquity is not a required item for unlocking the true ending of YS 8. However, it does assist in completing the world map, fulfilling optional quests, and increasing your overall completion percentage. If you’re a player who wants to see everything the game has to offer, it’s highly recommended to collect this item.
The Stone of Antiquity in YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana may not be a flashy weapon or a powerful consumable, but it holds unique value for players who want to dive deep into the game’s lore and complete every aspect of the journey. Found in obscure locations like the Archeozoic Big Hole and tied to side quests and collectible objectives, this item is a small but meaningful part of the broader adventure.
Whether you’re chasing trophies, completing maps, or simply intrigued by the island’s ancient secrets, collecting the Stone of Antiquity adds a layer of satisfaction to your exploration. Keep your eyes open, follow every lead, and don’t overlook the hidden treasures that make YS 8 such a rich and rewarding experience.