While Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has a rather calming approach to its Ghibli-like aesthetic, it’s by no means a slouch in the mechanics department. As a full-blown RPG, players do need to grind their way to ensure they’re capable of beating the fiercest enemies in the game. And while players can grind in this Ni no Kuni title by virtue of typical farming for monsters, those who know how to approach the grind properly may be able to do this in a much faster way compared to typical RPGs.
Players may be able to grind their way through the game much faster once they unlock certain aspects of the game and then applying it against specific monsters. When done correctly, they can reach much higher levels in no time at all. However, just how should players approach this?
Maximize Encounter Speed With Tengri
Regardless of whether players are pursuing quick leveling or the casual play in their Wrath of the White Witch playthrough, it always helps to acquire Tengri first before proceeding. This wyvern is an eventual ally that protagonist Oliver and his team will meet during their visit to Skull Mountain. However, their initial meet with Tengri will have the wyvern unable to fly because of nightmares that plague his soulmate, Denny. Players will have to rescue Denny from the nightmare and restore his confidence for Tengri to obtain his flight once more.
It’s Tengri’s flight ability that is his main asset in the Wrath of the White Witch playthrough. Unlike the seafaring Sea Cow, players can use Tengri to progress through the storyline and reach more difficult encounters. These include the Iron Wyvern and even the endgame’s Ivory Tower. In the context of leveling up, Tengri can help players reach certain grinding spots much faster.
Master The Text Speed Exploit
Similar to other RPGs, this Ni no Kuni title has a magic system that allows players to cast a wide variety of Spells inside and outside of combat. When players cast interior Spells that don’t necessarily have offensive benefits (such as Chart Chests), the game would trigger on-screen text that freezes the game world, so players could read them.
Thing is, players can actually exploit this mechanic with the right settings. If they set their text speed as slow, players in combat can open the Spell Menu and prompt the on-screen text to appear. The “summoning” of the text becomes slow at this point, and players would notice that they can move quite a bit before the game freezes them in place. When used properly, players can use this to dodge attacks, making combat easier.
Get Veil Spell, Jack In The Box Merit Award
Players of the Ni no Kuni game who want to get their leveling up to speed may need two (2) essential components for their grind. One would be the Veil Spell, and another would be the Jack in the Box Merit Award. To acquire the Veil Spell, players need to go through Horace’s Riddles, which they can begin as soon as they meet the green-haired ghost in Ding Dong Dell. Meanwhile, Jack in the Box first merit awards tier, wherein players can earn this by exchanging two (2) Merit Award Cards.
With Veil, players will be able to “mask” their scent. This essentially makes them avoid detection from all the game’s enemies unless Oliver runs into them himself. In tandem with this Spell is the Jack in the Box Merit Award, which makes players sneak more efficiently.
Farm The Toko
One of the first Familiar types players would encounter in the Ni no Kuni game are the Toko, the most common type of the Toko species. They are commonly located in Ugly Duckling Isle just southeast of Swan Island, located north of the Summerlands. These green creatures, although rather weak, always run on sight. They’re very rarely charging at players, and enemy parties that run away immediately will likely contain a Toko. They’re worth farming, however, as each Toko is worth 2,000 XP.
Aside from sneaking up on them via the Veil Spell and the Jack in the Box combo, it would definitely help to memorize corners around the Isle where they cannot escape. An ideal location would be the Isle’s highest point, which doesn’t have any escape routes. In combat, it’s best to work on defeating the Toko as soon as possible to prevent them from attempting to escape.
Level Up With The Tokotoko
Players around the mid-game section of the Ni no Kuni title would want to consider getting to the Billy Goats Bluff, particularly its southern area, where they may be able to meet the Tokotoko. This evolution of the Toko is yet again a green creature, although much taller and is holding a larger wooden staff. While they’re prone to running, they also now possess the ability to stun and paralyze players.
Again, another worthwhile strategy here is to sneak up on them through the Veil Spell and the Jack in the Box Merit Award. Players need to take note that the Tokotoko is weak to Curse, and like the Toko would immediately try to escape the encounter. When defeated, the Tokotoko can provide as much as 8,000 XP, making them a great way to farm through the mid-game.
Secure The Endgame With The Tokotocold
When players reach the Ivory Tower, they are actually along the endgame portion of the map. In its frosty interiors are the Tokotocold, one of the final forms of the Toko characterized with their rather grayish skin and larger staves. Similar to the other forms, the Tokotocold usually runs on sight. However, they now have the ability to fight with ice-based attacks, which can catch players off-guard with their freezing abilities.
A key strategy to fight the Tokotocold would be catching them off by surprise, again with the Veil Spell and the Jack in the Box Merit. This is important as this gives players the advantage and the first attacks, ensuring the Tokotocold doesn’t try to escape. In terms of growth, the Tokotocold actually gives as much as 24,000 XP, allowing players to secure their endgame progression with just a few kills of this creature.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was released for the Xbox One and Series X/S last September 15, 2022. The game is also available for the Switch, PS3, PS4, and the PC.