And I know the whole 'Levels don't matter'.
But I was thinking -- leveling up in the phon coast takes too freekin long. And because I could most likely make it to the teleport crystal in Tchita, that I could level up, teleport to Phon Coast, sell the loot, then teleport back.
i have like 25 teleport stones. I've been saving them for...now.
But anyway, everybody has the latest equipment. (took for frikken ever too.)
My main party (Basch, Balthier, Penelo, and even Ashe) are all level 30 and higher. Basch is 33, Balthier is 34, and Penelo is 32.
Fran and Vaan are like 28.
Think I should do it?
Or should I get my main party all to 35?
Bleh.

When I was in your position, I went to the StilShrine of Miriam, in the room right before you fight with Mateus, kill all those Blood Gigas, then pass that area with the blue save crystal, and kill those three dragons. Do this again and again, it really worked for me. And if you have Emboidired Tippets, the it's one big party!

I was in the low 30s when I got to the Uplands, but it wasn't that difficult. The enemies are fairly weak. If you set a gambit for casting Protect you'll have no trouble at all.

I got lucky and stole a few embroidered tippets from the Coeurls. I equipped them, then just ran around the Uplands. In no time I had all members to lvl 40. There are a lot of Coeurls, so chaining them is easy too (although that doesn't affect steals).

You can easily make it to level 50 in Tchita on the Malboro Overkings in the area just to the right of the orange save (forgot the name of the area). Plus you can make a killing on gil with the putrid liquid and malboro fruit they drop. Steal you some Embroidered Tippets from the Coeurls also if you don't have any.

You are "supposed" to enter at level 36, and enter Sochen at level 38, so go in a 36, and gain 2 levels.

Vaan: Lv. 45
Balthier: Lv. 45
Fran: Lv. 47
Basch: Lv. 50
Ashe: Lv. 42
Penelo: Lv. 46

That's was my levels.

I was in the 36's when I got to Tchita Uplands. I just ran through this place because it was only a short distance away from the next area. But I won't suggest this, explore the area.

Anyway, 36's.

Basically, Tchita Uplands is the shortest land to explore, but it is packed with monsters, like Roxas said. So don't go into the Sochen Cave Palace if you are still under Lv. 38.

Thanks guys.
I don't really remember having that bad a time with Ariman.
But those short guys were a bitch.
right now I am just trying to get LP.
And I will make my rounds in the phon coast a few more times, and then i will head to the Tchita uplands.

Phon Coast cash is easy, it shouldn't take long.

Just chain those large birds for Feathers. They sell 1.2k each. I got everything in no time.

quote riku31069

quote Nicole1674

Just chain those large birds for Feathers. They sell 1.2k each.

Actually, they sell for around 800 gil each.

Quality Pelts work too since there are a lot of Silver Lobos in Phon Coast. They sell for 650 each or around there.