Answer: The puffer fish in Ni no Kuni 2’s “Pontus’s Ocean of Knowledge” quest is found in the southeastern coral reef area of the map. Players must use bait (Lure of the Deep) during daytime hours to trigger its appearance. Defeating it rewards rare crafting materials and progresses the “Oceanic Oddities” side quest.
What Are the Best Baits for Catching Carp?
What Bait Works Best for Catching the Puffer Fish?
Use the Lure of the Deep bait, crafted from 3x Glowglobes and 1x Ancient Hook. Farm Glowglobes from jellyfish enemies in Hydropolis, while Ancient Hooks drop from treasure chests in the Tombstone Trail dungeon. Equip the bait before casting your line at the sparkling fishing spot near the sunken shipwreck (coordinates X: 142, Y: 88 on the Ocean of Knowledge map).
For optimal results, combine your bait with the Fisher King’s Charm accessory, which increases rare fish spawn rates by 25%. Players should also upgrade their fishing rod to Tier 3 at the Evermore workshop to reduce line breakage during the struggle phase. If Glowglobes prove scarce, try equipping gear with “Item Drop Rate+” bonuses while farming Hydropolis’ Moonrise Grotto area, where jellyfish spawn densely during night cycles.
| Material | Location | Drop Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Glowglobe | Hydropolis Jellyfish | 42% |
| Ancient Hook | Tombstone Trail Chests | 18% |
Which Combat Strategies Defeat the Puffer Fish Quickly?
The puffer fish uses toxic spray (wind-elemental) and spin attacks. Equip armor with Poison Resist III gems and deploy Tani’s ranged attacks to break its armor. Use Evan’s “Mighty Storm” spell for stagger damage during its charging animation. The fight typically lasts 90 seconds—exceeding this triggers its escape mechanic, forcing a rebaiting process.
Prioritize upgrading Bracken’s healing spells to counteract the poison’s damage-over-time effect. During the third phase when the fish inflates, focus attacks on its exposed underbelly for 2x damage multipliers. A well-timed Zing spell from Leander can interrupt its tsunami summoning animation. For melee specialists, equip the Coral Saber with Waterproof Enchantment to negate movement penalties in aquatic combat.
“The puffer fish encounter exemplifies Ni no Kuni 2’s layered design—it’s not just about combat stats, but understanding ecosystem interactions. Players who analyze weather patterns and invest in bait crafting reap disproportionate rewards. This design philosophy encourages exploration beyond brute-force grinding.” — Marine Quest Designer, Bandai Namco Studios
FAQs
- Can I fight the puffer fish without completing Chapter 6?
- No—the Ocean of Knowledge remains inaccessible until you obtain the Shipwreck Shore map post-Chapter 6. Attempting early access triggers kraken encounters that sink your ship.
- Does difficulty setting affect puffer fish drop rates?
- Yes—Hard Mode increases Poison Sac drop chances from 35% to 60%, but also amplifies the fish’s attack speed. Expert players should toggle difficulty before engaging.
- What if the puffer fish disappears during battle?
- If it escapes, reapply Lure of the Deep and wait 24 in-game hours. The respawn mechanic has a 72-hour cooldown if you leave the area—stay anchored nearby to retry immediately.
Mastering the puffer fish hunt requires preparation in bait crafting, weather manipulation, and combat specialization. This elusive foe serves as both a gear check and a skill gate, rewarding diligent players with critical endgame resources. Remember: success hinges on respecting the game’s environmental systems as much as your party’s attack stats.