Honestly, the first time Hootle went nuts and started circling my head in Sandinus Ravine, I figured it was just some cute gimmick. I was wrong. Finding all the tales of arise owl locations isn't just about putting a pair of dog ears on Alphen—though that is hilarious. It's actually the key to cracking the game wide open for New Game Plus.
If you're like me, you probably missed a few early on. Maybe you were too busy dodging zeugles or trying to figure out why Shionne is so grumpy. But here's the thing: there are 38 of these little guys. 32 of them are "normal," and the last six are special endgame variants that only pop up after you've basically finished the main story beats.
Let's get into where they're hiding.
Hunting in the Heat: Calaglia Owl Locations
Calaglia is basically a giant rust-colored desert, which makes spotting a bright white or colored owl surprisingly easy if you're looking in the right spots. You'll usually hear them before you see them. That "hoo-hoo" sound is your best friend.
In Sandinus Ravine, right near the entrance to Ulzebek, there’s an owl just chilling on a rock off to the side. It gives you the Dog Tail. Simple enough. Then in Ulzebek itself, you’ve gotta head up to the roof of the Crimson Crows’ hideout. Look for the clothesline.
Iglia Wastes is where people start getting stuck. There's a vine you need to climb in the southwest. The owl is perched on a dead tree at the top. This one gives you the Spotted Cat Ears. Don't forget the one in Mosgul, tucked away behind some crates near the bridge where you started the game.
- Kyrd Garrison: Follow the path to the dead end on the right. It’s on a tiny ledge.
- Trench of Flames (Castle Gates): Inside a ruined house. It's easy to walk right past it.
- Trench of Flames (Gates of Fire): Behind a fence in the back corner.
- Glanymede Castle (3F): This one is actually sitting with some chickens. It thinks it’s one of them.
- Lacerda Cliffs: Perched on a high ledge near the campfire.
The Cold Shoulder: Cyslodia Owl Locations
Cyslodia is a vertical nightmare sometimes. The snow makes everything look the same, but the owls here have some of the best early-game cosmetics, like the Wolf Ears.
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In White Silver Plains, check the bridge area. The owl is on a rock ledge right before you enter Messia 224. Speaking of Messia 224, check the baskets. There’s an owl literally sitting in a bucket near the fireplace in the main village area.
Nevira Snowplains has one right in the middle of the lake on a small rock island. You’ll have to fight some wolves to get to it, but it’s worth it for the Wolf Tail. Then there's Cysloden. In the Alley section, near Bregon's hideout, there's an owl wearing sunglasses. Yeah, sunglasses.
- Riville Prison Tower (2F): On a bookshelf in one of the south rooms.
- Frozen Valley: High up in a tree near the bridge leading to the next region.
High Society: Elde Menancia Owl Locations
This region is beautiful, but the owls here are sneaky. They like to hide in plain sight among the greenery and architecture.
Overseer Hill has one near the edge of the cliff, sitting on a rock. In Traslida Highway, look in the stables. There’s an owl hanging out with the horses (it gives you the Devil Wings).
Viscint is probably the easiest to miss because the city is crowded. Look at the blue-roofed market stalls. One of them has an owl sitting right on top of the vases.
Autelina Palace has one in the Kitchen on a shelf. It’s weirdly high up. And in Talka Pond Road, check the high walls on the far west side. You’ll need to look up quite a bit to spot it.
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The Tricky Ones: Mahag Saar and Ganath Haros
Okay, we need to talk about the ship. The Mobile Fortress Gradia.
For a long time, people thought the owl on the ship was missable. Technically, if you don't grab it before the boss, the ship sinks. Don't panic. If you miss the "Butterfly Wings" owl on the ship, it eventually washes up on the beach at Thistlym. It’s near the shore. You’re safe.
In Niez, check the top of a bucket near the entrance. Aqfotle Hills has one on top of a ruined house. Adan Lake requires you to go through the water to a small strip of land with a gate; look up at the stone arch.
Ganath Haros locations:
- Shinefall Woods: On top of a high stone arch.
- Lavtu Marshlands: In the southwest corner, hidden behind some vines.
- Pelegion (Level 2): Perched on a railing overlooking the city.
- Del Fharis Castle (4F): Hanging from a chandelier. Seriously.
The Endgame: The Final 6 "Special" Owls
You can't get these until you've found the first 32 and reached the final dungeon area (Rena). Once you've done that, go back to the Owl Forest and talk to the Owl King. He’ll tell you new ones have appeared.
These aren't just for fashion. They give you Artifacts that are essential for New Game Plus.
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The most important one is in Glanymede Castle (Lord's Chamber). It's sitting right on the throne where Balseph used to sit. It gives you the Battle Maiden's Shield, which lets you carry over your equipment.
Another big one is in Iglia Wastes. You have to use Dohalim’s "Map Action" to grow a vine even higher than the first time. At the very top, you’ll find an owl that gives you the Vivid Sphere, letting you carry over your library and records.
Check the Riville Prison Tower (Hidden Chamber) for the owl that carries over your Gald and Items. You’ll need the key from the "Survey Says" side quest to get in there.
Why You Should Actually Care
Look, most collect-a-thons in JRPGs feel like busywork. But the tales of arise owl locations are tied directly to your power level in subsequent playthroughs. If you want to start a new game with all your levels, skills, and gear, you must find these special six.
The "Ancient Excavator" artifact, found in the Autelina Palace Guard Room, is the one that lets you keep your levels. Without it, you’re starting back at level 1. Nobody wants that after grinding to 100.
Basically, if you're hitting a wall or just want that Platinum trophy, go back to the Owl Forest. Talk to the King. See which perches are empty. If a perch "seems like there's still room," you've missed someone in that specific realm.
Go get 'em.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Owl Forest: Talk to the Owl King to see which regions (Calaglia, Cyslodia, etc.) still have missing owls.
- Prioritize Artifacts: If you are near the end of the game, focus on the 6 "Special Owls" in the Lord's Chambers and secret rooms to secure your New Game Plus bonuses.
- Listen for the Hoot: Turn down the music volume in the settings if you're struggling to hear the directional audio cues for hidden owls.