There is plenty to do in Final Fantasy XVI's world of Valisthea. While not an open world per se, Valisthea's lands still invite players to explore every nook and cranny and discover its many secrets. Among the secrets players are likely to find are rune-etched stone pillars called chronoliths that serve a much greater purpose than one might initially assume.
Chronoliths are similar to the Hideaway's Arete Stone, in that they host virtual battlefields where players can test their skills. Each chronolith presents players with a timed trial in which they will face continuous waves of deadly enemies, equipped only with the pre-determined power and abilities of an Eikon. Unfortunately, players must find each chronolith throughout Valisthea before they are able to participate in its trial -- they will not appear on the map until discovered. Here is some information on Final Fantasy XVI's chronoliths and how they work, as well as where to find each chronolith in the world of Valisthea.
What to Know About Chronoliths and Their Trials
Although chronoliths can be correctly defined as "timed trials," they are a bit more complex than that. You will begin each trial with a certain amount of time allotted to you, and you will need to perform a variety of battle techniques to essentially "purchase" more time. These battle techniques and their time bonuses are specified before the start of each trial phase, so be sure to examine the requirements of each technique before beginning.
There are eight battle techniques for each phase: two are specific to the pre-determined Eikon's Eikonic Feat, two involve the use of the pre-determined Eikon's abilities, and the remaining four are tied to FFXVI's basic combat techniques: Punish, Precision Dodge, Ability Finish, and Multi Burst. If you are able to perform every battle technique in one phase, you will receive a significant time bonus.
Once you reach the final boss of a Chronolith Trial, you will no longer receive any time bonuses, so you are strongly encouraged to earn as much bonus time as possible as you progress through each trial. You will also not be allowed to heal at all throughout the duration of the trial, nor will you bring any companions with you, so be sure to come equipped with your best weapon, armor, and accessories.
Upon completion of a Chronolith Trial, you will receive a powerful accessory that boosts the damage of an Eikon's ultimate attack -- specifically, the Eikon associated with that trial. Once you complete every Chronolith Trial, you'll be rewarded The Circle of Malius, a curiosity that can be viewed in Clive's Chambers in the Hideaway.
Where to Find The Hand of Hyperion
The Hand of Hyperion chronolith can be found in Greensheaves, north of Martha's Rest, in some trees just before you reach Rhiannon's Ride. This chronolith hosts the "Trial by Fire," where you'll be tasked with completing a time trial using only the power of the Phoenix. In the final stage, you'll face a Firebound Plague using only Rising Flame and Flames of Rebirth. Defeating the Firebound Plague and competing the Chronolith Trial will reward you with The Favor of Fire accessory, which increases the damage of Flames of Rebirth by 8%.
Where to Find The Hand of Dione
The Hand of Dione chronolith is found in the canyons of Drakos Deep, southeast of the Krozjit Echoes obelisk. You can reach it by heading down the path in the northeastern corner of the Southern Velkroy Desert, then follow the path for a while until you're given the option to turn left. Once you turn left, take your first right, and you'll find the chronolith at the end of the path there. This chronolith will task you with completing the timed "Trial of Wind," using only Garuda's abilities. During the final stage, you'll face a Windbound Coeurl and be equipped with only Gouge and Aerial Blast. Once the Coeurl is defeated, you'll receive The Will of Wind accessory, which increases Aerial Blast's damage by 12%.
Where to Find The Hand of Iapetus
The Hand of Iapetus chronolith is found in Norvent Valley, north of the Caer Norvent River Gate obelisk, across the nearby bridge and to the right. This chronolith hosts the "Trial by Thunder," and you'll be required to complete a time trial using only Ramuh's abilities. The final stage will challenge players with defeating a Thunderbound Griffin using only Judgment Bolt and Thunderstorm. Once you've defeated it, you'll receive The Favor of Lightning accessory, which increases Judgment Bolt damage by 6%.
Where to Find The Hand of Titan
The Hand of Titan chronolith is found in the easternmost hook of the Northern Velkroy Desert, northeast of the Velkroy Desert obelisk. You'll encounter the "Trial by Earth" in this chronolith, where you'll be required to complete a time trial using only Titan's abilities. During the final stage, you'll face an Earthbound Giant using only Raging Fists and Earthen Fury. Upon the giant's defeat, you'll receive The Favor of Earth accessory, which increases Earthen Fury damage by 7%.
Where to Find The Hand of Mimas
The Hand of Mimas chronolith can be found on the western edge of the Royal Meadows north of Northreach, and it hosts the "Trial by Light," in which you will be tasked with completing a time trial using only Bahamut. The final stage will equip you with Flare Breath and Gigaflare, and you'll face a Lightbound Warlord. Once it's defeated, you'll be rewarded with The Favor of Light accessory, which increases the damage of Gigaflare by 5%.
Where to Find The Hand of Rhea
The Hand of Rhea chronolith is found in The Angry Gap, southwest of Rikmal's Roost, at the end of a small trail directly north of the Shadow Coast obelisk. The Hand of Rhea will require you to complete the "Trial by Ice," in which you'll face a series of timed battles using only Shiva's abilities. During the final stage, you'll face an Icebound Necrophobe, with only Rime and Diamond Dust equipped. Once you defeat it, you'll receive The Will of Ice accessory, which increases Diamond Dust damage by 10%.
Where to Find The Hand of Enceladus
The Hand of Enceladus chronolith can be found in the open area east of the Badbach Conservatory, southeast of the Vidargraes obelisk. This chronolith will task you with completing the timed "Trial by Darkness" using only the power of Odin. This is likely the most challenging Chronolith Trial you will encounter, as it prominently features Odin's fairly complex Zantetsuken mechanics. However, familiarize yourself with these mechanics before you head in, and you should end up on top. You'll encounter a Darkbound Chimera during the final stage with only Gungnir and Dancing Steel at your disposal. Upon its defeat, you'll receive The Will of Darkness accessory, which increases Dancing Steel's damage by 20%.