Mastering the Forge: The Ultimate Guide to Final Fantasy 16's Blacksmith's Blues Side Quest

Final Fantasy 16 offers a variety of side quests, but not all of them offer substantial benefits. However, "Blacksmith's Blues" stands out as a worthwhile quest that provides players with an exciting boss battle and the opportunity to obtain two of the game's top-notch mid-game armor pieces.

It's important to consider that "Blacksmith's Blues" presents Clive with a formidable opponent, a level 28 monster. Therefore, players should be cautious before undertaking this quest. Nevertheless, with the right tactics and a solid understanding of the game's combat mechanics, even those with lower level characters in their twenties should be able to successfully conquer this challenge.

How to Complete Blacksmith's Blues in Final Fantasy 16

"Blacksmith's Blues" is first available during the "Here Be Monsters" main story mission as Clive and the Gang make preparations for their journey to Drake's Breath. To initiate the quest, players need to speak with August, who can be located in the mess area of the Hideaway. This particular side quest stands out from the regular Final Fantasy 16 side quests as it bears a plus symbol on the green quest marker, indicating its significance and offering a unique reward.

August will explain that Blackthorne has been feeling quite low since laying eyes on an exquisitely crafted piece of leatherwork. Upon accepting the mission, players are advised to make their way to the forge and have a conversation with Blackthorne regarding the noteworthy leather cuirass. Subsequently, players should proceed to Charon's Toll, where they will encounter Charon herself. Charon will mention that the skilled leatherworker responsible for the cuirass is currently engrossed in fashioning a set of greaves from Griffin hide. Interestingly, there happens to be a Griffin available for hunting on the board, prompting players to journey to Nektar in order to gather additional information.

How to Find the Griffin in Blacksmith's Blues (Dozmare Location)

In the search for the Griffin named Dozmare, the little Moogle is a valuable source of information. According to the Moogle, Dozmare can be found in the Caer Norvent West Gate area of Sanbreque. To locate this majestic creature, players should first fast travel to the Lost Wing Obelisk. From there, they need to depart the settlement through the southeastern exit and follow the path that leads towards Norvent Valley. It is worth noting that if players have unlocked the Chocobo mount, they can make use of Ambrosia to navigate the valley with greater speed. Continuing along this path will eventually bring them to Caer Norvent. Once there, they should trace the outer wall of the castle in a clockwise direction until they trigger a cutscene featuring the awe-inspiring Dozmare.

How to Beat Dozmare (Notorious Mark)

The encounter with Dozmare in the game is quite straightforward, with the majority of its attacks being directed at Clive. As a result, players can easily avoid taking damage by evading from left to right, and capitalizing on opportunities to strike the creature with Eikonic Abilities. The only attack that requires caution is the Noble Dive, but even this move can be avoided effortlessly by executing an aerial shift strike while it is being prepared. Not only does this tactic allow players to land a few quick melee attacks on the creature while the Noble Dive is charging, but it also ensures that Clive is safely distanced from the resulting explosion.

After defeating Dozmare, players will be rewarded with a Scarletite and a Meteorite. They can then interact with the leatherworker nearby, who gratefully offers them a piece of treated leather. Players can then return to the hideaway and hand the leather to Blackthorne, who quickly recognizes the preparation technique used. The quest concludes with players receiving 287 XP, ten Renown, and the Drakeslayer's Belt Design Draft as a reward. This design draft enables them to create the Drakeslayer's Belt and Bracelets at the forge. Final Fantasy 16 is currently available exclusively for the PlayStation 5.