Help When is the best time to roam free and level/get weapons

[capitales7]

!NO SPOILERS PLEASE!
Hello FFF peoples.

I've been playing through FF12 for the first time in recent weeks, and was wondering something.
Usually in FF games, there's a point of no return; usually before you enter the last stages of the game. In all other FFs I played, I spend that period of time leveling and doing quests, as well as getting the ultimate weapons.

However, I know that sometimes you pass that point without knowing and end up missing out on the ultimate weapons and etc.
I really don't have the time for a second play through, so I was wondering if someone could enlighten me as to where in the game, ROUGHLY, that would be?

I just finished the Stilshrine of Miriam, Avg level is around 29, with Vaan at 32. I'm leveing all my characters up to 30+ before moving to what appears to be a smoking Mt Bur-Omisace.

!NO SPOILERS PLEASE!

 

[moogling]

[Thread Moved to FFXII Help Booth]

 

[Bambi]

You will know the point of no return when it pops up on your map.

I'l just leave it at that, you will know what I mean at the time...actually that doesnt really help.

ah, its

Spoiler

the bahamut

, when that pops up, youre there

 

[Gaige]

The ultimate weapon in game is the Zodiac Spear, and can only be acquired if you haven't opened certain chests.

As for the best time for quests. Between Archadia and the Feywood.

 

[King Sean]

It's the last event. As Kelly says, it will appear on the map, and it will stand out. Do everything you want before you go there, after you go there, the last events leading to the end of the game happen.

 

[capitales7]

Nice one guys!
Thanks for the help. Smith, not so big of a spoiler anyway... I was expecting him to show up at some point...

So I can also farm for rare weapons and such at that point???

I read about Zodiac Spear, but I think I probably have opened those chests... I can't remember. What's the second best spear? Ashe is really starting to get good at using spears.

 

[Vaanskylord]

There really aren't any missables in terms of uber weapons and quests. Do the quests whenever you feel necessary, but dont bite off more than you can chew or else you will get your ass handed to you.

I suggest that you dont go looking for ultimate stuff yet, it will really suck the challenge out of the game. There are a couple of really good stuff you can get now, like a death bringer from inside Barhiem passage but it will take a looong time unless your very lucky.

As for the 2nd strongest spear, that would be the Dragon Whisker, it can be found in the Pharos, 3rd section going up. Or in the Cerobi steppe.

If you want to get the Zodiac Spear do NOT open up the following chests.

The one in front of Old Dalan's house
The chest in the south corner of the royal palace (1 Room after you get out the sewers)
The chest in the Nalbina Dungeon (room where you get your stuff back)
Phon coast, You will see a huge amout on chests put together in a box shape, dont open any of them.

Then your free to get the spear in the necrohol of Nabudis.

 

[Sora_lion_heart]

Right after the Pharos is the best time to do stuff. You will know the place by its name once you finish it. The best time to do side quests is after that since all the areas of the game will be unlocked or unlockable. Right after the Pharos you can board the Bahamut as an option. If I remember correctly you can't even save in the Bahamut and you arn't forced to board right away.