Xenoblade Chronicles 3: All Ether Sphere Locations

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has just had its second wave of Expansion Pass content added to the game. This includes the return of the classic Challenge Battle system from the previous games as well as a new Hero in the form of the Defender Ino and new overworld interactable items called Ether Spheres.

An important part of Ino is that she has a unique mechanic known as Inoswap. This lets Ino have her skills and abilities upgraded in a similar way to the Ouroboros forms of the main party, even if the name shares more than a passing resemblance to a certain other Artificial Blade. To power this system, you need something called HD Ether Cylinders, a resource you can only acquire from one place: Ether Spheres.

These Spheres are scattered all across Aionios and you will need to collect lots of them to fully level up Ino to her best.

Here is the location of all the High Ether Spheres in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Want more Xenoblade Chronicles 3 articles and guides? You can find more here on KeenGamer:

1. The Importance of Accents in Xenoblade Chronicles
2. The Brilliance of Accents in Xenoblade Chronicles 3
3. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: How To Unlock All Heroes
4. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: How To Unlock All Hero Ascension Quests
5. 7 Great Changes made in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

What are Ether Spheres

First things first, what are Ether Spheres? 

To understand that, you first need to have started the Champion of the Nopon Hero Quest for Ino. You need to have purchased the Expansion Pass for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and claimed the contents for Wave 2. Access this from the ‘Expansion Pass’ node on the main menu. 

Ether Spheres first appear in Ino’s Hero Quest. Ether Spheres appear in the overworld as glowing orbs of yellow light. While they may look different, these Ether Spheres work similarly to how regular Ether Channels work – you approach them and drain their Ether so you can fill your Cylinders. Instead of using the Ether to power Ferronis Hulks or craft Gems, High Ether is instead used by an HD Ether Cylinder + to upgrade Ino in a system known as Inoswap.

The more HD Ether Cylinders you collect from these Ether Spheres, the more abilities and upgrades Ino can get and the stronger she and her class, Noponic Champion, will be. As such, you must know where to find these Spheres so that you can maximise your time. 

If you want to learn more about Ino and how to use the Ether collected from the Spheres, you can find our Guide here on KeenGamer. It covers everything from how to unlock Ino, how to unlock her Ascension Quest and more.

Ether Sphere

All Ether Sphere Locations

Ether Spheres in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 appear on the game map as a strangely shaped balls. These can be found all over, in nearly every major Region in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. 

When you harvest an Ether Sphere, it will go dormant for a short time before you can access it again. It will also ping another nearby Ether Sphere that you can mine for more HD Ether Cylinders. If you have already explored an area previously, the Ether Spheres from that area will already be available to see on your mini-map. 

Before you go hunting, it is worth noting that you should try and upgrade your Ether Cylinder first. This can be done through a quest called Going Full HD which unlocks directly after Ino’s Hero Quest. You will be asked to go to the Nambda Mound Camp and find Ino’s Nopon friends, one of whom can help upgrade your HD Ether Cylinder +. That Nopon turns out to be Totoma and he can take materials and collectables you find around Aionios and make a better Cylinder for you. 

The maximum level the Cylinder can reach is Version 5 and the higher the Cylinder’s level is, the more Ether you can harvest from each Ether Sphere. As such, it is very worth your time to try and get this as high as you can before you go hunting for any Ether Spheres – you’ll need a lot of Cylinders so this will save you time.

Aetia, Full

Aetia Region Full

There are a total of 8 Ether Spheres in the Aetia Region (Full) in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. 

The first Ether Sphere is nearby Viliera Hill in Milick Meadow. Right next to the stream that Jingoistic Gigantus wades through, by the Kamos Guidepost Landmark, is the glowing Ether Sphere. Two level 25 Solid Krabbles guard it.

Full Aetia Sphere 1

The next Ether Sphere in the Aetia Region is on Murmur Rise. From the Kamos Guidepost climb the wall of vines directly ahead to reach Murmur Rise. Continue travelling until you reach a large pool of water filled with Blants. Next to this pool is the Ether Sphere, defended by two level 30 Rossara Grebels. 

Full Aetia Sphere 2

Next, go to the Forward Post Camp where Noah, Eunie and Lanx first rested up in the main story. Jump down into the water below and right there on the bank will be the Ether Sphere. Two Level 23 lesser Volffs wait close by.

Full Aetia Sphere 3

From here travel to Melnath’s Pass on Melnath’s Shoulder, the route taken to get to Colony Gamma. From the Loch Ciel Landmark walk up the path towards Colony Gamma, branching off to the right to walk up the elevated portion of Melnath’s Shoulder. By a piece of torn-up earth and rock, you will see the Ether Sphere being protected by two level 27 Smart Rhogul. 

Full Aetia Sphere 4

A bit further past Colony Gamma is the Coolley Pool location, which is also on Melnath’s Shoulder. You visit this location in Teach’s Hero Quest and it is the location of the next Ether Sphere. From the Rest Point simply turn around to find the Sphere surrounded by three level 30 Barukla Skeeters.

Full Aetia Sphere 5

The next Sphere is located in the Svinne Cavity Cave. You can get to this location by jumping into the water from the end of Shark’s Jaws Cape and swimming into the hidden cave entrance. Directly inside the large cavernous opening, you will see the Ether Sphere defended by two level 51 Kroda Skeeters.

Full Aetia Sphere 6

From the Svinne Cavity, you can exit out of an entrance to the North to go above Colony 9. There are some open plains that you need to cross before you arrive behind the main Ferronis of Colony 9. On this platform, you will find the Ether Sphere as well as three level 25 Sekurine Skeeters.

Full Aetia Sphere 7

Finally, go to the Everblight Plain. From Torchlight Hill go directly towards the ruined Colony Sigma Ferronis and you will instantly see the glowing Ether Sphere in the distance. It is being guarded by two level 43 Buoyant Grebels.

Full Aetia Sphere 8

Aetia, Upper

Upper Aetia Region

There are 2 Ether Spheres in total in Upper Aetia.

The first can be found directly to the left of where you enter from Cadensia. On Tsang Road on Captocorn Peak, right next to the Unique Ories Spiralhorn Baccro, you can see the Ether Sphere hugging the edge of the map. This is being guarded by three level 50 Slugger Bunnits.

Upper Aetia Sphere 1

Lastly, go to the Gava Junction dividing road. Instead of going South to Full Aetia, continue forwards and towards the Cloudkeep. The Ether Sphere will be directly in your path, guarded by two level 54 Scape Anlood.

Upper Aetia Sphere 2

Elgares Depths

Elagres Depths

There is only one Ether Sphere in the Elagres Depths, which is an endgame dungeon located in the Aetia Region. The easiest way to get there is from the Depths Camp Rest Point, which is next to the room where you fight Fang-King Calvein, a Unique Darbus. 

The Ether Sphere is located in the middle of a large cavern just before you descend a set of vines. This room is the final large room before the corridor leading to the Fang-King. Four level 80 Shreddle Vangs guard the Ether Sphere.

Elagres Depths Sphere

Fornis

Fornis Region

There are a total of 11 Ether Spheres in the Fornis Region in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

The earliest you can find one of these is at the Wall of the Great Hand. Directly in the shadow of the Mechonis Hand, near the centre, is the Ether Sphere. It is surrounded by three level 23 Land Volffs.

Fornis Sphere 1

Next, go to Zorza’s Stonehammer in the Dannagh Desert. Head directly North towards the cliffs and you should eventually spot the Ether Sphere. Two level 27 Lun Scorpox protect the Sphere. 

Fornis Sphere 2

Another Ether Sphere in the Dannagh Desert is up near the Glam Rock Landmark. On the elevated platform called Klondos Table, near the big pillar where Terrorbird Zieger rests, you will find two level 35 Robnos Volffs defending the Sphere.

Fornis Sphere 3

This Ether Sphere should be easily recognisable. It’s the very first Ether Sphere that Ino teaches the party to use in her Hero Quest. It’s located on Ypsil Hill, just South of the Namba Mound Camp – follow the path you followed previously and you’ll find the Sphere and three level 20 Disparre Skwarors.

Fornis Sphere 4

The next two Ether Spheres are located on the Elaice Highway by Colony Iota. First, head towards the pool of water between the Visura Parkland Camp and the Purus Palecolumn Landmark. It should be close to a cliff edge. By the shore, you will find two level 43 Boahad Aspars watching over the Ether Sphere.

Fornis Sphere 5

Next, travel up and around to the Eldritch Obelisk. To get here, you need to travel behind one of the Mechonis’ Fingers and past a group of powerful Gogols. Once you make it to the Obelisk, head immediately North and you will find the Sphere nestled up in the cave. Three level 51 Amity Wisps hover nearby.

Fornis Sphere 6

For the next Ether Sphere, head to the Llyn Nyddwr Camp. You will have to visit this location for the Challenge Battle quest which also came out with Expansion Pass Wave 2. Simply head South from the Camp, towards the stream of water falling over the edge of the map and on your way you’ll see the Sphere. Two levels 21 Ordo Grebel surround it.

Fornis Sphere 7

A bit further up on the Rae-Bl Tableland is the next Sphere. Near the Unique Armu called Tenderling Rumi, you will find the Lisza Garden area. Next to Rumi is the Sphere, being defended by two level 25 Squire Tirkins.

Fornis Sphere 8

Another Ether Sphere can be found on an isolated island to the West of Fornis. Take the ropes from the Shikashaka Mesa over to the Isla Passerat and climb the vines. At the very top, you’ll find two level 55 Arogan Ansels watching over the Sphere.

Fornis Sphere 9

This next Sphere is pretty simple. Travel to the Tableland Ferronis Hulk and turn towards the South end of the map. In the distance, on a raised incline, you’ll see the faint yellow glow of a Sphere. When you get closer, it will be surrounded by two level 24 Land Feris.

Fornis Sphere 10

Last but not least, travel to Seilas Terrace Camp. From here, head South towards the second entrance to the Pentelas Region. You’ll pass into the Tilpa Scree area of the Rae-Bel Tableland and by the side of the road will be the last Ether Sphere in the Fornis Region. Two level 45 Mees Urchon lay in wait. 

Fornis Sphere 11

Pentelas

Pentelas Region

In total there are 9 Ether Spheres in the Pentelas Region in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

The first Ether Sphere is right near the start of the Ether Mines. When you first enter the Mines you have to activate a generator so that an elevator to the lower levels can be used. Ride this elevator down and you should see the first Ether Sphere being watched over by three level 24 Liar Vangs.

Pentelas Sphere 1

Next, keep travelling further into the Ether Mines. Soon, you’ll make it to the web-covered tunnels which are overrun by Arachno and a Unique Monster called Raucous Ron. To the North of that Unique Monster is a grind rail that you should take until the end where you’ll see a ladder that you can drop down to a lower level. Fall down the ladder and the next Ether Sphere is yours, surrounded by three level 26 Braying Caterpiles.

Pentelas Sphere 2

Once you exit the Ether Mines the traditional way (not the aqueduct that the party is ejected from in the main story) head down the right path that curves around Cotte Falls. This is the edge of Pentelas and just before you reach the waterfront will be the Sphere. Two level 28 Ruffian Hox guard the Sphere.

Pentelas Sphere 3

You’ll have to do a bit of climbing for the next Sphere. Make your way to the topmost layer of the Great Cotte Falls. By where you begin to enter Maktha Wildwood, you’ll see a drop-down to a lower level of the Falls and there the Ether Sphere will be. Two level 30 Young Brogs splash about in the waters nearby.

Pentelas Sphere 4

Continue into Maktha Wildwood for your next Sphere. You need to head to the platform North of where you first met Juniper – the large central platform with a pool of water to the top left. Right next to the massive tree root you can run up is the Ether Sphere, being watched by two level 33 Baruka Fliers.

Pentelas Sphere 5

Instead of heading deeper into Maktha, turn around and head up that massive tree root. You’ll be standing on a series of decrepit buildings, many of which have vines. Climb a few of these vines higher and higher until you reach the path which takes you to the Cotte Fountainhead Secret Area. The Ether Sphere, as well as two level 61 Kokto Skwarors, are waiting for you at the base of said path.

Pentelas Sphere 6

Head to the Sparkling Pool Camp for the next two Spheres. First, head towards the entrance to Lower Maktha Wildwood but do not go downwards. Instead, move towards the climbable vines that mark one of the walls. At the top of that climb is the next Sphere, as well as three level 34 Avee Skwarors.

Pentelas Sphere 7

Now you can begin your descent into the Lower depths. Right on the straight and narrow path to Lower Maktha will be the next Sphere, hugging the right side of the roots. Two level 35 Menaas Aspars lurk by the Sphere.

Pentelas Sphere 8

Finally, head to the Urayan Trail. You can either get here by crossing the bridge which is unlocked by the wrecks of Ethel and Cammuravi’s Ferronises or from the South of the Fornis Region. Whichever path you take, the Ether Sphere is waiting for you near the Agnian side of the barricade. Three level 45 Ruffian Bunnits stand watch.

Pentelas Sphere 9

Lower Maktha Wildwood 

Lower Maktha Wildwood

In total there are 2 Ether Spheres in Lower Maktha Wildwood.

The first Sphere is right next to the first big pool of toxic water that welcomes you into the Lower portion. At the end of the water is a large patch of land and the Sphere, as well as two level 72 Begest Brogs, are waiting for you in a nook of rocks and foliage.

Lower Maktha Wildwood Sphere 1

The next Sphere is a bit trickier to find as it asks you to go into the Cavern of Oblivion, an endgame location in Lower Maktha Wildwood. In the largest central chamber of the Cavern, you will find three level 93 General Arachno guarding the Sphere. Be careful as this location also houses the Unique Blant enemy Gorgeous Mandora.

Lower Maktha Wildwood Sphere 2

Syra Hovering Reefs (Keves Castle Region)

Syra Hovering Reefs

In total there are 4 Ether Spheres in the Syra Hovering Reefs in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

The first Sphere is on Hovering Reef 7, the first major Reef you visit via grind rail. Climb up the wall of vines on this island and at the top is your Ether Sphere. Two level 37 Grawn Ropls crowd around the Sphere. 

Syra Hovering Reef Sphere 1

Next, go to Hovering Reef 4. This Reef is a bit more out of the way and requires a few more grind rail sections. On the East-side of the Reef, tucked away, is the Ether Sphere. Three level 38 Rook Arachno are standing watch.

Syra Hovering Reef Sphere 2

The last Sphere amongst the Reefs themselves is the one right by the back entrance to Keves Castle. Ignore all of the Kevesi Ferronises and soldiers and head over to a climbable part of the wall on the East part of the island. At the top is your prize. Two level 42 Costa Balgas are watching over it.

Syra Hovering Reef Sphere 3

Lastly, head to the entrance to Cadensia. In a straight shot from the new Region entrance, you can see the Ether Sphere. Two level 46 Gladiis Ekidno prowl around the last Syra Hovering Reef Ether Sphere.

Syra Hovering Reef Sphere 4

Cadensia

Cadensia Region

In total there are 13 Ether Spheres in the Cadensia Region in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

First, head to the Great Sword Base area. This swampy marsh is where the first Ether Sphere is located. Right on the main path after the Bannis Path Landmark is where you will find it, next to the shore of a swampy lake in the N’ohm Wetlands. It is being protected by 2 level 42 Baccura Eluca.

Cadensia Sphere 1

Now, head out to the Erythia Sea. Go to the right as soon as you exit the City docks and enter the Sea proper. Immediately to the right will be a small nestling of beaches and it is on one of these beaches that the next Ether Sphere is found, being guarded by three level 45 Desert Pagul.

Cadensia Sphere 2

The next closest one to this is in the Malevolent Hallow. This is an endgame area filled with level 97-99 enemies so be careful going in here. The Ether Sphere is right next to the final bosses of this area, the King-Kings, and it is being guarded by two level 99 Sword Ignas.

Cadensia Sphere 3

From the Searing Strand Landmark, make your way towards Cape Arcaphor, the island with all the plant life growing on it. On one of the beaches around the edge of the Cape is the next Ether Sphere, dutifully being protected by two more level 54 Desert Pagul.

Cadensia Sphere 4

Head to the opposite side of the Erythia Sea for the next two Ether Spheres. To start, go to the starting point of the Radial Outlook Secret Area – the entrance of which is on the West side of the Erythia Sea. Once here, go to the beach that begins your journey into the Secret Area and the Sphere will be waiting for you as well as three level 56 Rebul Pagul.

Cadensia Sphere 5

After that go to Pioneer’s Inlet island which is just North of the Secret Area. This small island has a Nopon Trick door puzzle to solve and some loot at the end. It is at this final part of the island where the Ether Sphere resides, watched over by two level 45 Kroda Fliers.

Cadensia Sphere 6

Now head to Daedal Isle, possibly the most prominent landmark in all of the Erythia Sea. You won’t have to venture far, fortunately, as the Ether Sphere is tucked into a corner just North of the First Pillar Remnant Landmark. It is being protected by three level 73 Cave Wisps.

Cadensia Sphere 7

The next place you want to visit is the Agnian Relay Camp at Thurbin Island. The Ether Sphere is about halfway into the actual camp and island itself, blocked off by a big metal door. If you haven’t unlocked this door previously, just jump down and climb up a series of vines to get to the other side. Two level 45 Soldato Feris watch the Sphere.

Cadensia Sphere 8

Just East of Thurbin Island is the Anu Shoals area. On one of the central islands of the Shoal is a small beach where the next Sphere and set of enemies can be located. Two level 46 Colnicas Ropl guard it. 

Cadensia Sphere 9

Next, head to the Lavi Sandbar. Both of the following Ether Spheres are on the Eastern side of the Sandbar. The first Sphere is between the Place of Heroes Past and the Kevesi camp on the shore. On the bank of the Sandbar is the Sphere, along with four level 62 Alderra Hox.

Cadensia Sphere 10

The other Lavi Sandbar Ether Sphere is to the very Northern tip of the island. Here you’ll find three level 56 Archpike Gulkin protecting the Ether Sphere with a cluster of rocks. 

Cadensia Sphere 11

If you have completed Fiona’s Ascension Quest, the next location will be familiar to you. Head to the small outcrop to the West before you enter the Agnian Castle area of the Erythia Sea – it is also the resting place of Naval Gyrus’ gravestone. On the shores of this outcrop is the next Ether Sphere, accompanied by two level 48 Island Bunnits.

Cadensia Sphere 12

Lastly, the final Ether Sphere is located to the East of the Mulus Depot at the Agnian Castle Barbican. The Ether Sphere is being guarded by two level 52 Rampaging Ardun directly outside the Eastern Barbican exit. 

Cadensia Sphere 13

That is the location of every Ether Sphere for Ino in Xenoblade Chronicles 3.