Sky Gemstone Mastery: Upgrading the Circular Saw in Final Fantasy XV

In the intricate world of Final Fantasy XV, the path to weapon mastery is not merely about acquiring the finest tools but understanding the specific requirements and quest chains that lead to them. Among the most sought-after upgrades for the party is the Circular Saw, a weapon that demands a rare component known as the Sky Gemstone to reach its full potential. This process, orchestrated by the master mechanic Cid at the Hammerhead Outpost, represents a critical juncture in the game's progression, linking side quests, treasure hunting, and combat strategy. The acquisition of the Sky Gemstone is not a simple matter of finding a static treasure spot; it is deeply intertwined with the narrative threads of "Kitty Catering" and "Feline Feast," requiring players to engage with the game's ecology, economy, and story beats.

The Circular Saw is a mechanized weapon originally obtained after defeating the MA-X Cuirass, the final boss of the "Declaration of War" main quest in Chapter 2. While the base weapon is formidable, its true power lies in the upgrade to "Circular Saw Plus." This upgrade is not instantaneous; it requires the player to deliver a Sky Gemstone to Cid, triggering a waiting period where the weapon is modified. This mechanic forces the player to engage with the broader world of Eos, specifically the locations of Lestallum, Galdin Quay, Cape Caem, and Tenebrae, to secure the necessary component. The rarity of the Sky Gemstone makes it a high-value asset; it can be sold for a significant amount of gil, creating a strategic dilemma for players: sell it for immediate wealth or preserve it for the weapon upgrade.

The quest "A Better Circular Saw" is structured as a classic fetch-and-wait quest line. The player must first obtain the base Circular Saw, then locate the rare Sky Gemstone. Once the gem is handed over to Cid, the upgrade process begins. During this waiting period, the game mechanics allow the player to pass time by undertaking other hunts, side quests, or resting at havens. This design encourages exploration and engagement with the open world, ensuring that the upgrade does not stall the player's overall progress. The reward for this labor is substantial: 2,000 Experience Points and the fully upgraded Circular Saw Plus, which significantly enhances Prompto's offensive capabilities.

The Quest Architecture and Unlock Conditions

The "A Better Circular Saw" sidequest operates within a specific temporal framework defined by the main story progression. The quest becomes available in Chapter 2, immediately after the player defeats Loqi and obtains the base Circular Saw. However, the unlock condition is not merely about time; it is contingent upon the completion of the "Cid Sophiar, Master Mechanic" sidequest. This prerequisite ensures that the player has established a relationship with Cid before attempting further upgrades. The location for this interaction is the Hammerhead Outpost, a critical hub for weapon crafting.

The core objective of the quest is singular yet demanding: acquire a Sky Gemstone. The quest log explicitly states: "A master mechanic, Cid can modify mechanized weapons to unleash their full potential. If Noctis can obtain a sky gemstone, Cid will upgrade the Circular Saw—but he might take a while." This phrasing highlights the mechanic of time passage, a unique feature of Final Fantasy XV's quest system. The player is not required to stand by Cid's side; they are free to engage in other activities while the upgrade is in progress. This flexibility allows for efficient resource management and exploration of the game's diverse regions.

The reward structure is straightforward but impactful. The player receives 2,000 EXP, a significant boost to character levels, and the Circular Saw Plus. This upgraded weapon is essential for Prompto, the designated user, as it increases damage output and durability. The upgrade is part of a broader system where other weapons, such as the Bioblaster and Absorb Shield, also require specific rare components (Dynamo, etc.) for enhancement. The Sky Gemstone stands out as one of the rarest treasures in the game, distinguishing it from common drops found in random encounters.

The Path to the Sky Gemstone: Quest Chains and Locations

Obtaining the Sky Gemstone is not a simple matter of looting a treasure chest; it is the culmination of a specific quest chain involving a feline companion and culinary requirements. The primary method to acquire the gem is through the "Feline Feast" sidequest, which is a direct follow-up to the "Kitty Catering" quest. This narrative thread begins in Galdin Quay, where the player encounters a hungry cat. This interaction initiates "Kitty Catering," a quest that requires the player to catch a specific fish, the Trevally.

The mechanics of this quest are precise. The Trevally is only available during the day, forcing the player to be mindful of the in-game clock. Once the fish is caught, it must be taken to a chef in a restaurant in Galdin Quay. The chef cooks the fish, and the player feeds it to the cat. Completing this initial step does not immediately reward the Sky Gemstone. The player must return to the cat, now located at the Cape Caem lighthouse. This relocation of the cat is the bridge to the "Feline Feast" quest.

The "Feline Feast" quest is accessible only after the player has received the "Brave New World" main story quest, which unlocks the Cape Caem area. At the lighthouse, the cat requests food again. The player must fulfill this request, which involves obtaining the correct fish and having it cooked. Upon successful completion, the cat rewards the player with the Sky Gemstone. This quest chain is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, weaving together mechanics of fishing, cooking, and time management.

However, the narrative of the Sky Gemstone does not end with the feline quests. The game provides alternative methods of acquisition, offering players flexibility based on their playstyle. One such method involves finding the gemstone as a static treasure in Lestallum. According to guides, a Sky Gemstone can be found on a white table in the main street of Lestallum. This method is immediate and does not require a long quest chain, making it an efficient alternative for players who have already explored the city.

Furthermore, the gemstone can be obtained as a reward for the Chapter 8 story mission "Seaworthy." This method is tied directly to the main narrative progression, ensuring that players who follow the story will encounter the gem naturally. This diversity in acquisition methods—quest rewards, static treasures, and story rewards—ensures that no player is locked out of the upgrade due to missing a specific sidequest, though the "Feline Feast" path remains the most famous and narratively rich route.

Strategic Considerations and Economic Value

The Sky Gemstone holds significant economic value within the game's economy. As a rare treasure, it can be sold for a very high price, often far exceeding the cost of standard items. This creates a strategic decision point for the player. Selling the gemstone provides immediate capital, which can be used for crafting, healing, or purchasing other equipment. However, the strategic recommendation from expert players is to hold onto the gemstone. The reason is simple: the Circular Saw Plus is a powerful weapon that significantly boosts Prompto's damage output. While selling the gemstone offers immediate profit, the long-term benefit of the upgraded weapon outweighs the short-term financial gain.

The upgrade process itself introduces the concept of "waiting time." When the player hands the Sky Gemstone to Cid, the mechanic initiates a period of fabrication. During this time, the player is not required to stay at the Hammerhead Outpost. The game explicitly advises players to "pass the time with quests and hunts." This mechanic allows the player to engage in other activities, such as hunting monsters or completing other sidequests, effectively multitasking. The upgrade is not instant; it takes "a while," which translates to several in-game days. The player receives a notification when the upgrade is complete, signaling that they can return to Cid to retrieve the Circular Saw Plus.

This waiting period is a deliberate design choice by the developers. It prevents the player from simply farming the upgrade without engaging with the world. By forcing the player to wait, the game encourages exploration of other areas, completion of other quests, and engagement with the open world. It transforms the upgrade process from a simple transaction into an integral part of the gameplay loop.

Detailed Location Breakdown and Acquisition Methods

To ensure clarity on how to obtain the Sky Gemstone, a structured breakdown of the various acquisition paths is essential. The following table synthesizes the known methods and their specific requirements, allowing players to choose the path that best fits their current progress in the game.

Acquisition Method	Location	Prerequisites	Notes
Feline Feast Quest	Cape Caem Lighthouse	Complete "Kitty Catering" in Galdin Quay; Complete "Brave New World" main quest	Requires catching Trevally during the day; Involves cooking fish for the cat.
Lestallum Treasure	Lestallum City	Reach Chapter 3	Found on a white table in the main street; No quest required.
Seaworthy Mission	Tenebrae (Chapter 12)	Reach Chapter 12	Found near Maria; Requires no gil payment if fishing level is high enough.
Fishing/Cooking	Galdin Quay	None	Catch Trevally during day time; Have chef cook it; Feed to cat.

The "Feline Feast" quest is the most involved method, requiring the player to navigate the fishing and cooking systems. The player must catch the Trevally, which is only available during the day. This time-gated mechanic adds a layer of challenge and planning. Once the fish is caught, it must be taken to the chef in the Galdin Quay restaurant. The chef cooks the fish, and the player feeds it to the cat. This sequence is repeated later at the Cape Caem lighthouse, where the cat appears again. The reward for the second interaction is the Sky Gemstone.

The Lestallum method offers a shortcut for players who have reached Chapter 3. The gemstone is located on a white table in the main street of Lestallum. This is a static treasure that does not require any quest completion other than reaching the chapter. This method is highly efficient for players who prefer direct acquisition over quest chains.

The Tenebrae location in Chapter 12 provides another avenue. Here, the gemstone is found near Maria. An important note regarding this location is that while some guides suggest spending 20,000 gil to feed the cat in Tenebrae, an alternative exists. If the player's Fishing skill is sufficiently high, they can catch the required fish and have Monica (or the chef) cook it, thereby saving the 20,000 gil expenditure. This highlights the interplay between skill progression (fishing level) and economic efficiency.

The Circular Saw Upgrade Process

Once the Sky Gemstone is secured, the final step is to return to Cid at the Hammerhead Outpost. The player must initiate the "A Better Circular Saw" quest by speaking with Cid and handing over the gemstone. Cid will then begin the modification process. This process is not instantaneous; it takes time, during which the player is free to engage in other activities.

The upgrade results in the "Circular Saw Plus," a significantly more powerful version of the original weapon. This weapon is specifically designed for Prompto, enhancing his ability to deal damage against the various mechanical enemies found in the game. The reward of 2,000 EXP further aids the party's overall progression. The upgrade is part of a larger ecosystem of weapon enhancements, where other weapons like the Bioblaster and Absorb Shield also require specific rare components (Dynamo, etc.).

The logic of this system is to tie weapon upgrades to specific narrative and exploration milestones. The Sky Gemstone is not just an item; it is a key that unlocks the full potential of the Circular Saw. The process emphasizes the importance of exploring the world, completing sidequests, and managing time effectively. The player is rewarded for their dedication to the game's diverse systems: fishing, cooking, exploration, and combat.

Comparative Analysis of Weapon Upgrades

The "A Better Circular Saw" quest is part of a broader system of weapon upgrades managed by Cid. While the Circular Saw is the focus of this discussion, it is important to contextualize it within the wider upgrade framework. Other weapons have their own specific requirements and reward structures. For instance, the Bioblaster requires a Dynamo, which can be obtained from treasure spots near Midgardsormr or by defeating the MA Hoplomachus mech. The Absorb Shield also has its own upgrade path.

The following table compares the upgrade requirements for the Circular Saw against other weapons to illustrate the consistency and diversity of Cid's modification system:

Weapon	Required Item	Source of Item	Reward
Circular Saw	Sky Gemstone	Feline Feast Quest / Lestallum Treasure / Seaworthy Mission	2,000 EXP, Circular Saw Plus
Bioblaster	Dynamo	Treasure Spot (Midgardsormr) / MA Hoplomachus drop	2,000 EXP, Bioblaster Plus
Absorb Shield	(Specific Item)	(Varies)	(Varies)

The Sky Gemstone is unique in its rarity and the narrative depth of its acquisition. While the Dynamo can be farmed from specific enemies or found in treasure spots, the Sky Gemstone is deeply embedded in the "Kitty Catering" and "Feline Feast" narrative arcs. This makes the acquisition of the gemstone more than a simple loot event; it is a story-driven experience that rewards the player with a tangible in-game benefit.

Conclusion

The "A Better Circular Saw" quest stands as a prime example of the intricate quest design in Final Fantasy XV. It bridges the gap between narrative storytelling and gameplay mechanics, requiring players to engage with the world's ecology, economy, and story progression. The Sky Gemstone, as the key component, is a rare treasure that demands strategic thinking regarding its acquisition and usage. Whether obtained through the feline quest chain, the Lestallum treasure, or the Chapter 12 mission, the gemstone serves as a pivotal item for upgrading the Circular Saw to its "Plus" version. This upgrade not only boosts combat effectiveness but also rewards the player with significant experience points. The waiting period during the upgrade encourages players to explore the open world, fulfilling the game's design philosophy of an interconnected and living world. By understanding the specific locations, quest prerequisites, and strategic value of the Sky Gemstone, players can optimize their journey through Eos, ensuring that Prompto wields the most powerful weapon available.