WARNING: The intel for this post has been taken from the beta version, and although the live version is already out, some content may be subject to changes.
Greetings, Captains~
The new Story Open World has been released in version 6.1, and now in version 6.2 its next region called Final Crater becomes available. Make sure you are well prepared and have completed all the prerequisites to enter this ominous place.
Since it's not the beginning, some basic things won't be covered in this guide. If you're just starting or need a refresher, you can refer to other players' guides or this post.
So let's take a look at what updates await us at the base and what new mysterious encounters this second region has in store.
Base updates
Higher levels of the base's facilities become available, which includes:
• Master Terminal
• Workshop V7
• Announcement Board
• Core Refinement
This means that you will be able to obtain more Soulium Cores, make Mark 2 more powerful and suitable for new ventures, and probably get better tasks too. Of course, there will also be tasks to complete in the new region.
Mark 2
Our trusty robot companion can acquire new skills and increase its Combat Level, as well as the bonus parameters provided to Valkyries.
Combat module
• Basic ATK
Last skill of every branch becomes available. Mark 2 will be able to inflict Ice vulnerability, deal AoE Fire damage upon killing an ignited enemy, or launch extra attacks after learning the corresponding skills.
• Disruption
Third skill branch becomes available. Mark 2 will be able to link several enemies to cause them to share taken damage. Its upgrades can increase the link's lifespan, damage ratio, and the number of enemies that can be linked.
• Ultimate
First branch's upgrades and second branch become available. The second branch features QTE effects. It can significantly decrease the cooldown of QTE, and its upgrades can make enemies take more damage upon being hit with QTE, boost QTE damage, and reduce switch cooldown.
Prospect module
Two new skills become available that can be of use in a very special space only Mark 2 can enter.
Map Exploration
You will supposedly be able to enter the new region by using the elevator near the renowned broken bridge in the first region.
There will be more Valkyries available for this map, even if it's only one more. The roster expands, welcoming Chrono Navi, who can now be deployed amongst other select Valkyries.
Just like in the first region, you will run into some outer facilities that can be repaired and put to good use. There are eight Base Portals that let you travel fast across the land and two Recycling Docks that provide ore through mining orders. Of course, there will be mining nodes available for Prospecting too. But it may be harder to dig out some treasures due to the fluctuations in the surrounding space. And don't forget to look for treasure while you're out exploring. There are ten chests that count towards the map's Treasure Chest progress and some more that don't. If you feel less motivated to look for the ten chests on your own, you can see their locations on this map, lovingly tailored for Captains by Meow.
As for what is new in this region, there are several new mechanisms that should make exploration more interesting and worthwhile.
Dissipating Crystal Energy
A beautiful glowing shard hiding a secret. Follow it to the end to see what it has to offer.
Weightless Moon Rock
An unstable stonelike formation containing something useful. Break it and gather all the parts to get a reward.
Rune locks (also known as Rune Traps)
Strange artificial puzzle that lights up in a sequence after being activated. Step on the right tiles to unlock a door nearby.
Note: Certain treasure chests do not add to the Treasure Chest progress on the map.
Honkai Leakage
Not a simple decoration. Break it to collect some rewards.
Floating platforms
Flat stone objects floating near some cliffs and edges. Step on them consecutively as they appear to reach a treasure.
Enemies
Three new species of enemies can be found in this version's Open World. Let's see what they can do.
Submerged remnants (sometimes referred to as Deep Dive Remnants)
A new type of remnants that crawl under the surface and hop out when disturbed. They wield a weapon that looks like a pickaxe and a ballista and can perform several kinds of attacks.
•!! Slash twice and then slash again after leaping, creating a dangerous area
•!!! Use their pickaxe as a grappling hook to continuously control and crystallize the target
•!! Shoot five projectiles in a fan-shaped manner after performing an AoE attack
Firefly mages (real name unknown)
A new QUA-type enemy species that looks like a well-known insect with a staff, somewhat similar to Code I - The Mage. They have two quantum layers and a decent hitcount shield and can perform several kinds of attacks that depend on the phase.
•!!! While shielded, summon four energy orbs that attach to the target and float around it. After a period of time, all orbs shoot beams to attack simultaneously.
•! While shielded, throw an energy projectile
•!! While shieldless, smash twice with the staff and summon thunder to attack an area
•! While shieldless, attack with a thunderous sweep
•!! While shieldless, launch a projectile and warp to it for a sudden attack
Seed of Idea
Strange soldiers of unknown origin who wield a claymore and resemble a certain Flame-Chaser for some reason. Their attacks are more simple yet can catch a careless explorer offguard.
•! Perform a slash with the claymore
•!! Perform a downward cleave with the claymore, followed by a sudden warp with another attack
Artifact Restoration
You may run into yet unseen materials while obtaining rewards for various activities on the map. It is because there is even more to do with the new system called Remains of the Old World.
It unlocks at a certain point and allows you to recover artifact shards and combine them for extra rewards. On top of that, a short story will be unlocked for each artifact, which should probably give you a better understanding of some characters or events. If you don't know where to start, follow Ai-chan's tips and use her help to track the shards you need. There will even be an additional mini-map when you approach the designated place.
Rewards include soulium ores and Crystals.
Iron Mirage
And another cherry on top is the new mode specially designed for our trusty robot companion.
You can enjoy the maze gameplay and get more valuable resources there. Learning Mark 2's two new Prospect skills should make it easier to deal with all the traps placed around and complete extra tasks. Other good news is, stages can be observed at any time in case you get lost. And don't forget to collect shinies!
Rewards include Soulium: Fragment Θ and artifact shards.
Trials
If you would like to take on more enemies, there are two Steles of Reliving Calamity in the new region too.
• River of Shroud features MECH- and PSY-type enemies primarily and provides bonuses for higher kill count. It is recommended to choose such skill branches for Mark 2 as the link in Disruption, Fire in Basic ATK, and gathering in Ultimate.
• Crucifixion of Ice features MECH- and IMG-type enemies primarily and provides QTE bonuses. It is recommended to choose such skill branches for Mark 2 as the anti-shell in Disruption, Fire in Basic ATK, and QTE in Ultimate.
Soulium rewards
Soulium Storage gets an update too, adding more limited-time and permanent rewards to the store, including many level-up and upgrade materials, currencies, and a stigma option that contains a limited event stigma from the past.
That pretty much sums the information about the Open World update, excluding the storyline. It is recommended to experience the storyline personally, else you can check other players' guides or refer to the official posts.
Stay safe and enjoy your time with the Valkyries~
