Familiar Bonding and Upgrading is optional prep, not a hard main-quest gate — but three bonded familiars make Hearth automation and mid-game combat much smoother. Do this while leveling toward West Ruins (around level 8). For capture mechanics and tier priorities, also see our Form Bonds & Get Familiars guide.
When to Start
The ideal window is Phase 3 prep: after your Hearth and first weapon are online, but before you commit to the Al'uunian Golem fight. Open-world mobs near Chirili Crater and the starter meadows drop plenty of souls once incense is active.
Bring basic healing and a weapon you are comfortable kiting with — you will be farming the same camps repeatedly rather than rushing a single boss.
Incense and Souls
Equip or activate incense before engaging packs. Incense sharply raises the chance that defeated enemies leave a lingering soul you can interact with.
- Clear small camps in loops instead of one long push — incense uptime matters more than speed.
- Prioritize enemy types you can kill quickly without burning potions.
- If a soul does not appear, move to the next camp and return later; do not stall one spawn point.
Souls appear as interactable spirits on the ground. Walk up and begin the bonding prompt when one spawns.
Bond and Assign
After bonding, return to your Hearth and open the familiar management panel:
- Upgrade familiars you plan to keep using the familiar upgrade tree unlocked during Phase 2.
- Assign bonded familiars to all three Hearth slots — empty slots mean missing station buffs and combat support later.
- Match familiars to roles you need soon (combat companion, future station worker, or bench unlock).
Once three slots are filled and at least one ability is unlocked, you are ready to resume the main quest toward West Ruins without backtracking for bonding mid-fight.