Sometimes, the last thing you want while exploring is to run into another battle. In Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD, players can now set the encounter rate to zero—but not right away. Unlike the original 3DS version, where you could reduce battles from the start, the HD remaster makes you unlock this setting through gameplay.
Here’s how the new system works, how to unlock the 0% encounter rate, and why it’s worth doing early in your playthrough.
What Is Encounter Rate and Why It Matters
The encounter rate controls how often you’ll run into random enemies in dungeons and on the overworld. By default, you can adjust the rate between 50% and 200% in the game’s system settings. That means you can reduce or increase how often you fight—but you can’t turn battles off completely at the beginning.
To get access to the full range—including 0% and 400%—you’ll need to unlock a few items tied to minigames.
When Can You Unlock the Zero Encounter Rate?
You’ll unlock the option during Chapter 2, when you reach the city of Florem.
At Florem’s entrance, look for the Game Corner host near the Potion Shop. He’s standing next to a circus tent icon. Talk to him, and you’ll gain access to two minigames:
- Luxencheer Rhythm Catch: A music rhythm game where you tap along to the beat. There are three difficulties: Normal, Hard, and Expert.
- Rigabel’s Panic Cruise: A hectic airship game where you steer, battle enemies, and handle tasks at the same time.
These games reward you with Petal Tokens based on your performance. You can trade these tokens for special gear—including the item that unlocks the zero encounter rate.
How Many Tokens Do You Need?
Your score determines how many tokens you earn:
- S-Rank: ~5 tokens
- A-Rank: ~3 tokens
- B or lower: 1–2 tokens
You’ll need 20 Petal Tokens to get the item you’re after. Earning that much could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how well you play.
It’s a bit of a grind, but it’s the only way to unlock the feature in this version of the game.
What to Buy: Ward Bangle vs. Taunt Bangle
Once you’ve got enough tokens, head to the Game Corner prize shop. Two items affect how often you’ll run into enemies:
| Item | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ward Bangle | Stops random battles (sets encounter to 0%) | 20 Petal Tokens |
| Taunt Bangle | Increases battle rate to 400% | 10 Petal Tokens |
As soon as you buy these, the options show up in your settings—no need to equip them. You can now slide the encounter rate all the way to 0% or crank it up to 400% for fast grinding.
How to Use the 0% Setting
To activate it, just open the System Settings from the pause menu and scroll to the Encounter Rate slider. Move it all the way to the left to turn battles off completely.
This is super helpful if you want to:
- Explore dungeons without wasting items
- Travel between towns quickly
- Focus on story without distractions
Just keep in mind—if you avoid too many fights, your party might end up underleveled for bosses. It’s best to switch back when you need to train or farm.
Does It Carry Over to New Game+?
Yes! Once you unlock the Ward Bangle or Taunt Bangle, those encounter rate options stay unlocked in New Game+. That means you won’t need to grind tokens again for your next playthrough.
FAQ’s: Bravely Default Encounter Rate
Q1. Do I need to equip the Ward Bangle to activate 0% encounters?
- No. Just buying the Ward Bangle unlocks the 0% option in your encounter rate settings. You don’t need to equip it, and it doesn’t use an accessory slot.
Q2. Can I miss the chance to unlock 0% encounter rate if I skip something?
- No. As long as you reach Florem City in Chapter 2 and talk to the Game Corner host, you can always access the minigames and unlock the feature later.
Q3. Can I sell the Ward or Taunt Bangles by accident?
- No. These items are unsellable and non-droppable. Once you buy them, they permanently stay in your inventory and keep the feature unlocked.
Q4. What happens if I lower the encounter rate to 0% before leveling up enough?
- If you leave the rate at 0% for too long, your party might fall behind in experience and job points. Some bosses later in the story can become difficult if you’re underleveled. Use the setting wisely—turn it off during exploration, and back on when farming.
Q5. How many tokens do I need to unlock both 0% and 400% encounter rates?
You’ll need a total of 30 Petal Tokens:
- 20 for the Ward Bangle (0%)
- 10 for the Taunt Bangle (400%)
Q6. Is there a fast way to farm Petal Tokens?
- Not really. Some players report getting 5 tokens for an S-rank, but most runs give 2–3. Farming enough can take 30–60 minutes. It depends on your performance in the rhythm and airship games.
Q7. Can I unlock this feature in New Game+ or do I have to re-farm tokens?
- Once unlocked, 0% and 400% encounter settings carry over into New Game+. You don’t need to farm Petal Tokens again.
Q8. Is the encounter rate adjustable in towns or only on the world map?
- You can adjust the encounter rate from the pause menu anytime, even inside dungeons or in between battles. It works both in overworld and field areas—just not inside towns or cutscenes.
Q9. Are the minigames skippable or required to complete the game?
- The minigames are entirely optional, but if you want the 0%/400% encounter control—or other rare items and costumes—you’ll need to play them.
Q10. What else can I spend Petal Tokens on besides encounter items?
Later in the game or in New Game+, the prize shop offers:
- Costumes
- Weapons
- Stat boosters
- Break Damage Limit accessories
But some of these items cost 30–50+ tokens each, so it’s a real grind.
Final Thoughts
While it’s a little disappointing that the 0% setting isn’t available from the beginning, it’s still easy to unlock fairly early in the game. And it ties nicely into the new minigames, giving players more to do in Florem besides story progression.
If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, or just want to avoid battles while you search for treasure, unlocking the Ward Bangle is a smart move. Just be ready to tap to the beat or steer that airship a few times—it’s worth it.
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