Phantom Blade Zero, a sprawling Wuxia action game, offers numerous secrets and side content that culminate in a satisfying perfect ending. While the game presents many quests and optional areas, achieving this ideal conclusion is not overly complex. It primarily involves completing specific tasks before advancing to the game's final stages. The requirements are detailed and may become clearer as players progress through the game, but can be followed without extensive story spoilers.
Essential Objectives for the Perfect Ending
The following tasks can be completed in any order and do not need to be tackled at specific points in the game. It is advisable to complete them before reaching the in-game warning indicating the final opportunity to engage with side content.
Crystal Puppet Eyes
Players must obtain two key items: the Crystal Puppet Eye [Yin] and the Crystal Puppet Eye [Yang]. The [Yin] variant is awarded for completing the optional Mountain of Imprisonment region. The [Yang] variant is obtained after defeating a hidden boss located in the Crimson Manor, a late-game area within the Weeping Creek Valley.
Acolyte Bosses and Masks
Throughout the journey, players will encounter four scarecrow figures in different locations: the Village of Lu, Pangzhen, Meigu Lake, and the Crimson Manor. Interacting with these figures transports players to an arena to battle an Acolyte boss. Defeating all four is necessary to acquire their respective masks: Yanru's Blazing Mask (fire), Leiting's Thunder Mask (lightning), Guhe's Venom Mask (poison), and Hansui's Frost Mask (ice). These challenging encounters often utilize elemental attacks, making elemental resistance accessories beneficial.
The Meigu Lake Mirror
Once all four Acolyte masks are collected, players should travel to Meigu Lake. Using the Sha-Chi boat to reach the western side of the region, near a snow-covered mountain and floating ice, players will find a mysterious mirror. Entry into this mirror, only possible with the four masks, leads to a special realm. The chapter-ending boss within this optional realm must be defeated, and afterward, the two Crystal Puppet Eyes should be inserted into a statue.
Long Pillars and Serpent Relics
Completing all five Long Pillars is another requirement. Four are located in Weeping Creek Valley, Crimson Forest, Meigu Lake, and the mirror realm. The fifth Long Pillar is found in the game's non-optional finale area. Additionally, players must collect the White Serpent Eye, Black Serpent Fang, and Red Serpent Tongue. These items are tied to the main quest and are impossible to miss leading into the game's conclusion.
Quick Hand Zhang's Relics
Players will encounter an NPC named Quick Hand Zhang five times across different regions. Each encounter involves a quest to find three Relics, located in green-glowing treasure chests. All of Quick Hand Zhang's Relics must be collected before entering the finale; completion is indicated by the quest marking itself as finished.
Final Battle
With all the preceding objectives met, players can proceed to the game's finale. Defeating the final boss will unlock the perfect ending, titled "The Final Battle."