Final Fantasy VIII is a divisive entry into the series, and one can understand why this is the case. The placement of the game certainly doesn't do it any favors, with it being smack dab in the middle of two fan-favorite titles in the franchise. The detractors of Final Fantasy VIII point to several aspects of the game that could've done with better polishing and detail, which is understandable. However, keeping all this in mind, the quality of Final Fantasy VIII is certainly undeniable. It's a game that has such a loyal fan following that people were clamoring for a remaster for years after the game's initial release — a request that was finally met by Square Enix after two decades with the release of Final Fantasy VIII Remastered last year.
The quality of Final Fantasy VIII was on full display with this remaster — new players finally got the opportunity to enjoy the definitive version of this game while old fans could avail a fresh avenue to experience the nostalgia of their childhood gaming years. Such is the greatness of this timeless classic that there are certain hidden side quests we're sure even the most ardent Final Fantasy fans failed to notice, let alone accomplish. Here are a few of these secret side quests present in Final Fantasy VIII Remastered.
10 Catching Chocobos
Chocobos are a staple of Final Fantasy games, so it was a given that a quest pertaining to these creatures will be featured in some way or the other in Final Fantasy VIII. This is precisely the case, with several Chocobo forests present all over the world map where the player can try finding Chicobos, along with some items that can prove to be somewhat helpful as well.
Your reward for completing all the Chocobo Forests is a Chicobo card.
9 Obtaining the PuPu Card
Speaking of side quests that yield a Triple Triad card, encountering the PuPu alien is also a side activity most players have missed out on. This alien will be roaming around in a UFO in random areas of the map. Every time you encounter this alien, you will need to give him an Elixir.
Give the alien a total of 5 Elixirs, and you'll be rewarded with the PuPu card!
8 A Guaranteed Encounter With Elnoyles
Elnoyles are some of the toughest and rarest enemies in the game, but also drop some of the most valuable loot. The Energy Crystals you receive from them can help you craft the Ultimate Weapons of multiple party members, unlock Squall's ultra-powerful Limit Break — the Lion Heart — and also craft the most powerful ammo for Irvine — Pulse Ammo.
There's a character in Esthar that is actually a disguised Elnoyle. You can fight him time and time again to get these rare drops and optimize your party.
7 Helping Out The Sculptor At Shumi Village
Shumi Village is a settlement located on the uppermost continent of the World Map. There's a Laguna Statue being constructed that you can help out by collecting five Elemental stones and taking to the Grease Monkey at Fisherman's Horizon.
Your reward for completing this side quest is a Phoenix Pinion and a Status Guard.
6 The Mystery Of Obel Lake
The Obel Lake side quest is quite lengthy and without any major rewards, so you can choose to skip it if need be. Obel Lake is the to the north of Timber, where you need to interact with a figure at the lake and skip some stones.
Following this, you need to get a bunch of cryptic hints scattered throughout the map, culminating in a message that reads "MORDRED PLAINS HAS TREASURE." This treasure is a Three Stars and a Luck-J Scroll.
5 Getting The Cactuar GF
Cactuars are a classic enemy in the Final Fantasy series, with an entire island devoted just for them in Final Fantasy VIII. While this area is a great place to farm AP and level up your GFs, there's another reason why you should visit this island — for the Cactuar GF.
This powerful enemy appears randomly at different spots on the map. Chase him around to encounter him and beat him quickly to obtain this powerful one-of-a-kind GF. His 10,000 Needles attack is a one-hit KO, so make sure to heal accordingly.
4 Playing Triple Triad With The Members Of The CC Group
Triple Triad is one of the most addictive card games in the history of Final Fantasy, with most people considering it to be a bonafide highlight of the game. While that might be a bit of a stretch, it's definitely a great side activity to get into in Final Fantasy VIII.
You can choose to play with the members of the CC (Card Club) group to get several rare Triple Triad cards. This culminates in a duel with the Master King of the CC group himself... or should we say herself? After all, the Master King is none other than Quistis!
3 Playing Triple Triad With The Queen Of Cards
Another Triple Triad side venture you can get into is with The Queen Of Cards. Yes, her purpose isn't solely to change the rules of a particular region — The Queen Of Cards is also your gateway to attain the rarest and most powerful Triple Triad cards in the entire game!
You have to lose some of your other cards to her before these super powerful and rare cards appear in her deck. Don't worry though — the cards you lost can be won back by destroying her child in a few games of Triple Triad. Hope you feel good about yourself after doing that, you monster.
2 Exploring The Centra Ruins
The Centra Ruins is one of the two optional dungeons present in Final Fantasy VIII. We highly recommend you make a visit to this place as soon as possible so that you can get two excellent GFs, Odin and Tonberry King.
Entering the Centra Ruins puts you in a race against a clock as you make your way towards Odin. However, making the Tonberry King appear is somewhat more tricky... and grindy. You have to beat a total of 20 regular Tonberrys (or is it Tonberries?) before the King will grace you with his presence. Defeat this powerful boss and you'll have the Tonberry King GF!
1 Exploring The Deep Sea Research Center
The Deep Sea Research Center is the second optional dungeon in Final Fantasy VIII, featuring some of the hardest enemies in the game along with a superboss at the end.
This place lets you attain two GFs — namely, Bahamut and Eden. With the latter being the most powerful GF in the game, there's no reason why you shouldn't visit this area as soon as possible.