Xenoblade Chronicles 2: How to Get to the Abandoned Factory Safely

Learn how to get to the Abandoned Factory in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on Nintendo Switch using the safe key route or the running method.

Quick answer

  • 1Access the Abandoned Factory in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 via two main paths: a safe key route or a running route.
  • 2For the safe route, drop down a hole near the Bellyfull Canteen to find a key that unlocks the large corridor door.
  • 3For the running route, warp to Anagham 2 Dock and dash past level 80+ enemies to trigger a Zeke boss fight.
  • 4Triggering the Zeke boss fight immediately de-aggros all level 80+ enemies along the path.

Reaching the Abandoned Factory in Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Getting to the Abandoned Factory in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch can be a daunting task for unprepared players. The primary pathway leading to this zone is heavily populated by aggressive, level 80+ enemies that can easily defeat your party in a single strike.

Fortunately, you do not have to fight these high-level monsters to progress. Players can utilize two distinct strategies to reach the factory: a safe route that involves finding a hidden key to unlock a shortcut, or a direct running route that exploits a story event to clear enemy aggression.


Method 1: The Safe Route (Bypassing High-Level Enemies)

The recommended approach for most players is the safe route. This method involves exploring the Old Industrial District to locate a hidden key, which unlocks a large door that bypasses the high-level enemies entirely.

1Travel to Old Industrial District
2Descend one flight of stairs
3Enter the room to the right
4Pass Vangs to Bellyfull Canteen
5Drop down the hole in the next room
6Grab the key
7Unlock the large door in the hallway

Detailed Steps for the Safe Route

  1. Start at the Landmark: Fast travel to the Old Industrial District landmark.
  2. Descend the Stairs: Walk down one flight of stairs. With the stairs at your back, enter the room located on your right.
  3. Navigate to the Canteen: Follow the hallway past the Vang enemies to reach the Bellyfull Canteen location.
  4. Find the Hidden Room: Move into the room adjacent to the canteen. Look for a hole in the floor and drop down into the room below.
  5. Acquire the Key: Grab the key lying in this hidden room.
  6. Unlock the Shortcut: Return to the hallway near the Bellyfull Canteen. Use the newly acquired key to open the large door, allowing you to proceed safely to the Abandoned Factory.

Method 2: The Running Route (Sprinting Past Enemies)

If you prefer to save time and do not want to search for the key, you can simply sprint past the high-level threats. This route relies on reaching a specific progression trigger to neutralize the enemies.

1Warp to Anagham 2 Dock
2Run past level 80+ enemies on the plateau
3Head toward the big outdoor staircase
4Trigger the Zeke boss fight to de-aggro enemies

Detailed Steps for the Running Route

  1. Start at the Dock: Fast travel to the Anagham 2 Dock landmark.
  2. Stick to the High Ground: Begin running past the level 80+ enemies. Try to stay on the elevated plateaus as much as possible to avoid the dense clusters of enemies patrolling the lower ground.
  3. Avoid the Spider Room: As you navigate through the structure, do not exit through the room containing spiders. Instead, head in the opposite direction toward a large outdoor staircase.
  4. Trigger the Boss Fight: Run up the staircase and continue along the path. Once you reach the designated trigger zone, a cutscene will play, initiating a boss fight against Zeke.

Entering this boss fight immediately de-aggros all level 80+ enemies in the area, securing your path to the Abandoned Factory.


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