Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter quartz: Setup Guide

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter quartz is the main system for customizing character performance. Quartz can increase physical or magical statistics, improve turn order, add status effects, or unlock arts through elemental values. Because each character has a different orbment layout, the strongest setup is not simply a list of the highest-rank quartz.

Your first priority should be understanding the relationship between quartz effects, elemental values, and orbment lines. A quartz may look powerful on its own but still be a poor choice if removing it breaks an important art or prevents a better combination on another line.

Video Highlights:

• Quartz examples include Attack 2, Defense 2, Cast 2, EP Cut 2, Action 2, and Impede 2.
• Higher-rank quartz can create stronger builds but may not fit every available slot.
• Action 3 and EP 3 are especially useful upgrades for advanced orbment setups.
• Slot placement can force a choice between keeping current bonuses and gaining a new effect.

Quartz also uses sepith, the currency required for synthesizing and upgrading orbment slots. Earth, water, fire, wind, time, space, and mirage sepith each contribute to different quartz recipes and line totals. Avoid spending every type immediately. Keeping a reserve makes it easier to react when a new slot, quartz, or story challenge becomes available.

Every quartz contributes elemental value to one or more elements. When enough value is placed on a line, the character gains access to corresponding arts. This means a quartz has two jobs: it provides its listed effect and helps shape the character’s spell selection.

Characters with multiple lines are generally easier to customize because you can separate physical bonuses from elemental requirements. A character with a more restricted layout may need to sacrifice a stat bonus to keep a key art available. This is why copying another character’s setup can produce disappointing results even when you own the same quartz.

The most important decision is whether the line should be built around damage, support, or art access. A physical character may only need enough elemental value to unlock one or two utility arts. A dedicated caster usually benefits from a more deliberate arrangement because every lost elemental point can change the available spell list.

A practical method is to identify the character’s primary job before changing anything:

• Front-line attacker: Start with Action, Attack, Hit, or Strike.
• Defensive support: Add Defense, Shield, Earth value, and recovery options.
• Dedicated caster: Start with Cast, EP Cut, EP, and the elemental values needed for core arts.
• Hybrid character: Use one line for the main role and reserve another for utility.
• Boss specialist: Adjust the layout for the expected status effects, resistances, and turn order.

In the late game, it is normal to compare a high-rank quartz against the setup it would replace. The upgrade may improve one statistic while lowering elemental access or removing a useful secondary effect. Test the full layout instead of judging the quartz in isolation.

Combat quartz should be selected according to how often its benefit matters. A small attack increase is useful, but acting earlier can provide more opportunities to attack, heal, interrupt, or reposition. For that reason, Action quartz is one of the safest general recommendations for active characters.

The referenced progression includes Action 2 and the eventual pursuit of Action 3, along with EP Cut 2, Cast 2, Hit 2, Impede 2, and other rank-two quartz. These upgrades illustrate an important rule: higher-rank quartz can be excellent, but the best choice depends on slot compatibility and the role of the character.

A common mistake is placing every offensive quartz on one character while leaving the rest of the party without speed or utility. A balanced group usually performs better when one character specializes in physical pressure, one supports arts and healing, and the remaining members cover control, defense, or flexible damage.

Use this process whenever you receive a new quartz, unlock a slot, or reach a shop with upgraded options. It prevents accidental loss of arts and keeps sepith spending focused.

The most difficult choices often involve a high-rank quartz that does not fit the current layout. For example, upgrading to Action 3 may require removing a quartz that supplies valuable elemental access. In that situation, compare three outcomes:

• Keep the existing layout and preserve current arts.
• Install the high-rank quartz and accept a smaller art list.
• Rearrange another line so both the speed bonus and essential art access remain available.

There is no universal answer. The correct choice depends on the character’s job, the rest of the party, and the encounter ahead.

Slot upgrades are essential for making advanced quartz setups possible, but they are also one of the easiest ways to waste resources. A newly upgraded slot may allow a powerful quartz, yet the upgrade cost can delay another character’s improvement or leave you short of the sepith needed for a key recipe.

A sensible order is to improve the slots used by your most active characters first. Give priority to characters who remain in the party frequently, then upgrade specialized members when a specific story battle or optional challenge demands them.

Keep a small stock of useful lower-rank quartz. Rank-two options remain valuable for secondary characters, temporary party members, and alternate builds. Selling or dismantling every older quartz can make later adjustments more expensive, especially when you want to create a specialized setup for a difficult encounter.