Al Bhed Primer Locations

Al Bhed Primers teach you to read the Al Bhed language—one letter per volume, 26 total. You'll pick them up throughout Spira as Key Items. Collect all 26 and Rin rewards you with 99 Underdog's Secrets (enough to add Double Overdrive to a weapon). They're also required for the Master Linguist trophy.

Check your Key Items menu to see which volumes you're missing. They're numbered alphabetically: Vol. I = letter A, Vol. II = B, and so on.

All 26 Primer Locations

Click any volume number to jump to its screenshot.

Vol. I — Salvage Ship

On the rear deck of the Al Bhed Salvage Ship during the game's opening. Grab it near the back railing before you dive underwater to explore the Submerged Ruins with Rikku.

Vol. II — Besaid Village

Inside the Crusaders Lodge in Besaid Village (the tent with the orange flag). It's on the floor near the entrance, easy to miss if you're rushing through.

HD Remaster: Dark Valefor blocks the Besaid entrance later. Get this primer on your first visit.

Vol. III — S.S. Liki

Below deck on the S.S. Liki during the voyage from Besaid to Kilika. Head down to the Power Room (engine room) and check the floor near the machinery.

Vol. IV — Kilika Port

In the Kilika Tavern after Sin's attack on the village. Look behind the bar counter area on the floor. You can return here later if you miss it.

Vol. V — S.S. Winno

On the ship's bridge during the voyage from Kilika to Luca. Take the stairs up from the main deck to find the captain; the primer is on the floor nearby.

Vol. VI — Luca Stadium

In the basement of the Besaid Aurochs locker room at Luca Stadium. Go downstairs after the Blitzball tournament scenes to find it on the floor.

Vol. VII — Luca Theater

Inside the Luca Sphere Theater reception area, near the stairs. This is the building where you can watch recorded spheres; check the floor by the entrance.

Vol. VIII — Mi'ihen Highroad

Rin gives you this one automatically at Rin's Travel Agency on Mi'ihen Highroad. Just talk to him during the story scene—no searching required.

Vol. IX — Mi'ihen Highroad (Newroad)

On the Newroad section of Mi'ihen Highroad, north of Rin's Travel Agency. It's lying on the ground along the path—keep your eyes on the road surface.

Vol. X — Mushroom Rock Road

At the Precipice area of Mushroom Rock Road. There's a hidden side path in the valley section; follow it to find the primer tucked away from the main route.

Vol. XI — Djose Highroad

Along Djose Highroad between Mushroom Rock and Djose Temple. It's behind a rock pillar on the side of the road; easy to walk right past if you're not looking.

Vol. XII — Moonflow

At the North Wharf of the Moonflow after the Shoopuf ride across the river. Check the ground near the ticket booth area before heading toward Guadosalam.

Vol. XIII — Guadosalam

Inside one of the Guado houses in Guadosalam. It's in the house on the lower level of the city; check the floor near the furniture.

Vol. XIV — Thunder Plains

At Rin's Travel Agency on the Thunder Plains. Talk to Rin and answer Yes or Okay when he asks if you want to study the Al Bhed language. He'll hand it over as a gift.

Vol. XV — Macalania Woods

In Macalania Woods on the Lake Road section, near the save sphere where Auron cuts through the crystal path. Check the ground southeast of the save point.

Vol. XVI — Lake Macalania

Outside Rin's Travel Agency at Lake Macalania, on the frozen ground to the left of the entrance. Grab it before or after the Crawler boss fight nearby.

Vol. XVII — Sanubia Desert

In the Central area of the Sanubia Desert on Bikanel Island. There are two primers out here; this one's near some ruins in the middle of the sandy expanse.

Vol. XVIII — Sanubia Desert

Also in the Central area of Sanubia Desert, but at a different spot from Vol. XVII. Both are in the same general region—explore thoroughly to find them both before reaching Home.

Vol. XIX — Home (Entrance) — MISSABLE

Right at the entrance of the Al Bhed Home when you first arrive. It's on the ground near the doorway—grab it immediately before the Guado attack pushes you forward. Home gets destroyed; you can't return.

Vol. XX — Home (Living Quarters) — MISSABLE

In the Living Quarters section of Home, through the doorway on the left side. Search the floor in each room; the primer is near some beds. There's no coming back once Home is destroyed.

Vol. XXI — Home (Main Corridor) — MISSABLE

In the Main Corridor of Home, the last area before you reach the Summoners' Sanctum. This is your final chance to collect all three Home primers—check your Key Items before boarding the Airship.

Vol. XXII — Bevelle Temple — MISSABLE

In the Priests' Passage of Bevelle Temple, right after the wedding scene with Yuna and Seymour. You pass through here only once in the entire game—slow down and check the floor before continuing to the Cloister of Trials.

Vol. XXIII — Calm Lands

In the northwest corner of the Calm Lands, near the path that leads to the gorge. It's on the ground close to the cliffs—easy to spot once you walk that way.

Vol. XXIV — Remiem Temple

At Remiem Temple, the hidden area in the southeast Calm Lands. You need a trained chocobo to reach it—ride southeast and jump the broken bridge. The primer is northwest of the temple entrance near the save sphere.

Vol. XXV — Cavern of the Stolen Fayth

Inside the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth, accessible from the northeast corner of the Calm Lands. Head into the cave where you can recruit the Aeon Yojimbo; the primer is on the ground early in the dungeon.

Vol. XXVI — Omega Ruins

The final primer. Omega Ruins is an endgame optional dungeon—use the Airship's Search function to discover and select it. The primer is inside near the entrance. Expect high-level enemies; come prepared.

Translation Cipher

Full letter mapping:

Rewards

Collect all 26 and talk to Rin on the Airship. He gives you 99 Underdog's Secrets—use 30 to add Double Overdrive to a weapon. You also unlock the Master Linguist trophy/achievement.