Grimalkin Hide Guide: FF16

In the vast world of Final Fantasy 16, rare materials like Grimalkin Hide stand out as game-changers for players aiming to enhance Clive’s combat prowess. This elusive resource drops exclusively from a specific Notorious Mark hunt, making it a must-have for crafting one of the game’s standout mid-game weapons. Whether you’re navigating the arid landscapes of Dhalmekia or optimizing your gear, understanding how to obtain and utilize this hide is crucial for progression.

Understanding Grimalkin Hide: Rarity and Value

Grimalkin Hide is classified as a crafting material with rarity level 2 in FF16. Unlike common drops, it cannot be purchased or farmed repeatedly—only one is available per playthrough, emphasizing its uniqueness. The material hails from the Grimalkin, a stealthy predator adapted to southern Storm’s savannahs, where its spotted skin provides near-perfect camouflage. Outside that environment, however, the spots offer little advantage, adding a flavorful lore detail to this practical item.

Priced at N/A for buying and selling, Grimalkin Hide has no direct consumable effect but serves as a pivotal ingredient in high-tier forging. Its acquisition ties directly into the Notorious Mark system, a challenging hunt board feature that rewards skilled players with EXP, AP, gil, renown, and exclusive loot.

Unlocking the Hunt: When and Where Grimalkin Appears

The Grimalkin hunt becomes available right as you embark on the “Out of the Shadow” main quest, integrating seamlessly into the story’s mid-game phase. This C-rank Notorious Mark is located in the Dhalmekian Republic, specifically within The Cattery region—a rugged, valley-like area teeming with hostile wildlife.

To reach it efficiently:

• Fast travel to The Jaw Obelisk, the nearest obelisk for quick access.
• Head north from the obelisk, then veer east through The Sickle fork.
• Follow the southern path down the valley toward the ruins at The Cattery’s dead end.

Alternative fast travel points like Eistla includes Travazoid, but The Jaw offers the shortest route. Upon arrival, a cutscene triggers, revealing a pack of aggressive Wild Nakks guarding the perched Grimalkin.

Battle Breakdown: Defeating Grimalkin and Its Minions

Grimalkin itself is a level 32 beast, but the real challenge lies in clearing multiple waves of level 28 Wild Nakks first. These dog-like foes swarm in groups, testing your crowd control and resource management. Reckless aggression can drain your health and Eikonic abilities early, so prioritize AoE attacks like Clive’s fire-based spells to thin the herds efficiently.

Once the adds are down, Grimalkin leaps into the fray. Its attacks mimic a stealthy feline: quick pounces, claw swipes, and brief invisibility phases enabled by its hide. Stay mobile, exploit openings post-dodge, and unleash combos during recovery frames. The fight is straightforward for prepared players around level 30-35, lasting 5-10 minutes.

Victory yields 500 EXP, 45 Ability Points (AP), 6,100 gil, 10 Renown, and the coveted Grimalkin Hide x1. New Game+ on Final Fantasy mode scales rewards higher, but the core drop remains consistent.

Crafting Excalibur: The Prime Use for Grimalkin Hide

Grimalkin Hide’s singular purpose shines in forging Excalibur, a powerhouse sword boasting 268 Attack and 268 Stagger values—ideal for bridging the gap until Act 3’s upgrades. Visit Blackthorne at The Hideaway’s forge with these materials:

• 1x Grimalkin Hide
• 300x Wyrrite (common mineral)
• 1x Scarletite (rarer ore)
• 1x Bomb Ember (from The Bomb King hunt)

This recipe positions Excalibur as a mid-game staple, offering balanced damage and stagger for tough encounters like elite enemies or story bosses. Pair it with Timely accessories for maximized output.

Strategic Tips for Optimal Hunting Success

To maximize efficiency:

• Level Prep: Aim for level 30+; equip fire/ice Eikons for minion clears.
• Inventory Check: Stock potions and teleport feathers for emergencies.
• Pathfinding: Use the in-game map’s sickle icon as a landmark.
• Post-Hunt: Immediately craft Excalibur to test in nearby quests.

Avoid common pitfalls like charging without clearing adds, which prolongs the fight and risks attrition.

Grimalkin in Context: Notorious Marks Overview

Notorious Marks like Grimalkin enrich FF16‘s open-world hunts, spawning across Valisthea’s regions with escalating ranks (C to S). They encourage exploration beyond main quests, rewarding progression currency like Renown for accessory crafts. Grimalkin’s C-rank makes it an accessible entry, building confidence for deadlier marks like The Bomb King, whose Bomb Ember complements this hide.

Track hunts via the Hideaway’s Hunt Board, updated progressively through the story. Completing them unlocks lore entries on Valisthea’s beasts, deepening immersion.

Advanced Play: New Game+ and Beyond

In subsequent playthroughs, Grimalkin respawns with amplified stats, dropping the hide anew for multiple Excaliburs or testing perfected builds. Final Fantasy mode demands refined parries and Eikon combos, turning the fight into a rhythm-based spectacle. Use this for farming Renown toward ultimate gear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Grimalkin Hide missable in FF16?

No, it becomes available during “Out of the Shadow” and remains post-story, but hunt it mid-game for optimal timing.

What level should I be for Grimalkin?

Level 30-35 ensures a smooth fight; lower levels are viable with strong Eikons.

Can I buy Grimalkin Hide?

No, it’s hunt-exclusive; no vendors stock it.

What’s better than Excalibur?

Later Act 3 weapons surpass it, but Excalibur dominates mid-game.

Where exactly is The Cattery?

South of The Jaw Obelisk via The Sickle’s eastern fork, at the valley ruins.

Why Prioritize This Hunt?

Grimalkin Hide exemplifies FF16‘s rewarding side content, blending exploration, combat, and crafting into progression. Securing it early elevates Clive’s capabilities, smoothing tougher quests ahead. Dive into Dhalmekia’s wilds, claim your prize, and forge ahead stronger.