Lament of the Damned is a Side Quest unlocked during Chapter 12 of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7 Rebirth). Read on to learn how to unlock Lament of the Damned, how to clear the combat simulator trials, beat Dranabarga and obtain Aerith's Plumrose Rod, as well as other available rewards.

How to Unlock Lament of the Damned

Reach Chapter 12

Reach the beginning of Chapter 12 of the main storyline in the game, where fast travel to all other regions is unlocked. Fast travel to Nibel and accept the quest at the Community Noticeboard.

Chapter 12: A Golden Key Walkthrough

How to Complete Lament of the Damned

1. Enter Shinra Manor
2. Go to Mako-Research Facility - Sub Basement.
3. Complete the Combat Simulator Challenges.
4. Defeat Dranabarga

Enter Shinra Manor

After talking to the Supervisor, head to Shinra Manor north of Nibelheim. Entering the manor will play a cutscene, with Vincent Valentine making an appearance. He will then help Cloud and the party investigate the "haunted" establishment.

Go to the Mako Research Facility - Sub-Basement

Head to the left and take the elevator down to the Mako Research Facility - Sub-Basement. As soon as you reach it, there will be a rest stop, a Maghnata Automat, and a Vending Machine close by, so make use of it before pressing on.

Follow Vincent until you reach a platform that will take you further down the Sub-Basement. Use the keycard he will hand over to activate this platform, which will lead you to a long hallway. Follow this hallway until you reach a circular room.

Complete the Combat Simulator Challenges

In the middle of the room is a combat simulator, similar to Chadley's. However, instead of our ally intern appearing, a hologram recording of Professor Hojo will appear, who will ask Cloud and the party to participate in a series of combat simulations. Finish these simulations to advance the quest!

List of Enemies, Weaknesses, and How to Stagger Them

There will be a couple of combat trials you will participate in to complete Hojo's challenge. These trials will have objectives within them, which will be mostly the following:

• Defeat enemies within the time limit of 2 minutes
• Stagger enemies

Listed below are the Preliminary Trials, the enemies and their weaknesses, and the proper way to stagger them.

Preliminary Trial	Enemies	Tips
Aerial Specimens	Scrutineye x4	・Weak to Lightning.
Ruthless Specimens	Amalgam x3	・Weak to Fire. ・Can resurrect itself up to two times unless affected by a Fire attack.
	Adjudicator x1	・Weak to Lightning. ・Goes into Pressured State after taking a certain amount of DMG. ・Pressuring this enemy with Physical damage will make them immune to Physical attacks. ・Pressuring this enemy with Magic damage will make them immune to Magic attacks.
Comparable Specimens	Necrotic Entity x3	・Hitting this enemy with powerful Abilities while they are casting a spell will easily Pressure them.
	Yin & Yang x1	・Weak to Fire. ・After Staggering this enemy, use your Abilities and Limit Breaks to finish it off! ・ Becomes pressured when either head is incapacitated by dealing enough damage. Although the remaining head will go berserk.
Bioselected Specimens	Adjudicator x1	▲ Refer to Ruthless Specimens Tips
	Yin & Yang x1	▲ Refer to Comparables Specimen Tips

Defeat Dranabarga with Ice

Dranabarga is an enemy who can be easily pressured through the use of Ice attacks. Pressuring Dranabarga while its using Subdue will quickly fill up the Stagger meter. Try to save up an ATB bar and use a quick ability like Triple Slash when it uses Subdue.

All of Dranabarga's attacks are easily avoided by dodging backwards. Build up ATB with quick attacks, back off, and cast Ice spells. When it has been staggered, unleash your Limit Breaks and Synergy abilities to deal massive damage.

Note that physical attacks from behind the boss simply bounce off. Attempt to attack from the front or sides instead.

How to Beat Dranabarga

Check Out New Combat Challenges

After defeating Dranabarga, check out the combat simulator for new challenges under the Evaluations tab. Completing these will unlock a secret room full of items, the Enchanted Ring accessory, and a weapon for Aerith.

The enemies here are similiar to the initial Preliminary Trial ones, except for the last one; a simulation of the Diabolic Variant.

Lament of the Damned Rewards

List of Rewards

Increase Favorability With Barret

Completing Lament of the Damned will also increase your friendship with Barret. This will affect the events that will occur when you visit the Gold Saucer later in the game.

Romance and Relationship Guide

Aerith's Weapon: Plumose Rod

You can unlock the Plumose Rod for Aerith after completing Mako Research Combat Simulator challenges. This includes all challenges during the Lament of the Damned sidequest and after completing it.

Plumose Rod Abilities, Stats, and Skills

Sharpshooter's Companion Vol. XIV Dropped by Dranabarga in Hard Mode

While playing in Hard Mode, the Dranabarga at the end of the quest will drop the Sharpshooter's Companion Vol. VII for Barret. You can access Hard Mode after completing your first playthrough of the game in any difficulty.

Hard Mode Difficulty Guide

Lament of the Damned Information

Information and Overview

Basic Information
Recommended Level: 44
Availability		Region		Side Quest Giver
Chapter 12		Nibel		Supervisor
Unlock Requirement		Reach Chapter 12, and arrive at Costa del Sol.

FF7 Rebirth Related Guides

List of All Side Quests

Side Quest Guides

Grasslands Side Quests

Junon Side Quests

Corel Side Quests

Gongaga Side Quests

Cosmo Canyon Side Quests

Nibel Side Quests