The Al Bhed are a unique race of people in Final Fantasy X. Known for their technological prowess and use of machina, the Al Bhed even have their own language. As you travel across Spira and progress through the game, you’ll find tomes to help you learn this curious tongue.
What are Al Bhed Primers?
Like English, the Al Bhed language has 26 letters. Hidden throughout the game are 26 Al Bhed Primers, each of which translates one letter of the language. Finding them all will enable you to fully understand the Al Bhed dialogue spoken throughout the game and will reward you with an achievement.
Additionally, if you speak to Rin on the airship Fahrenheit after finding every primer, he’ll reward you with 99 Underdog’s Secrets. This rare item lets you add Double Overdrive to any customizable weapon. This ability is exceptionally useful for Rikku, as it unlocks some of her more powerful mixes.
Throughout the game, you’ll also find Al Bhed Compilation Spheres. These allow you to import Primers from another save file.
All Al Bhed Primer Locations
Below, we’ve listed where to find every Al Bhed Primer in Final Fantasy X.
Note: Four of the primers are missable, meaning that once you leave their location, you won’t be able to return to pick them up. Be careful!
| Volume | Al Bhed Letter | English Letter | Location | Missable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Y | A | On the Al Bhed Salvage Ship *If missed, can also be found in Sanubia Desert to the northeast of the Oasis | No |
| II | P | B | In Besaid Village inside the Crusaders Lodge | No |
| III | L | C | In the Power Room on the S.S. Liki *If missed, can also be found in Sanubia Desert beside Wakka's tent | No |
| IV | T | D | In the tavern at Kilika Port | No |
| V | A | E | On the bridge of the S.S. Winno *If missed, can also be found in Sanubia Desert in the rubble near Kimahri | No |
| VI | V | F | In Basement B of Luca Stadium | No |
| VII | K | G | In the reception area of Luca Theater | No |
| VIII | R | H | Receivedfrom Rin on the Mi'ihen Highroad | No |
| IX | E | I | On Newroad, North on the Mi'ihen Highroad | No |
| X | Z | J | On the Precipice on Mushroom Rock Road | No |
| XI | G | K | Hidden behind a pillar on the Djose Highroad | No |
| XII | M | L | In the North Wharf of the Moonflow | No |
| XIII | S | M | Inside the house in Guadosalam | No |
| XIV | H | N | Received from Rin inside the Travel Agency in the Thunder Plains. *If missed, can be found in Sanubia Desert in a small dead-end area after finding Rikku | No |
| XV | U | O | On the Lake Road in Macalania Woods | No |
| XVI | B | P | In front of the Travel Agency at Lake Macalania | No |
| XVII | X | Q | In Central Sanubia Desert | No |
| XVIII | N | R | In Central Sanubia Desert | No |
| XIX | C | S | Inside the Al Bhed Home | Yes |
| XX | D | T | Inside the Living Quarters in the Al Bhed Home | Yes |
| XXI | I | U | In the Main Corridor of the Al Bhed Home | Yes |
| XXII | J | V | Inn the Priests' Passage in Bevelle Temple *Can only be obtained right after the wedding scene | Yes |
| XXIII | F | W | In the Central Calm Lands | No |
| XXIV | Q | X | At Requiem Temple | No |
| XXV | O | Y | In the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth | No |
| XXVI | W | Z | In the Omega Ruins | No |
As you continue to collect primers, your Al Bhed ranking will rise.
| Rank | Primers Collected |
|---|---|
| Al Bhed Hujela (Novice) | 1 |
| Al Bhed Pakehhan (Beginner) | 4 |
| Al Bhed Typpman (Dabbler) | 7 |
| Al Bhed Maynhan (Learner) | 10 |
| Al Bhed Cbaygan (Speaker) | 13 |
| Al Bhed Hydeja (Native) | 16 |
| Al Bhed Unydun (Orator) | 19 |
| Al Bhed Medanyde (Literati) | 22 |
| Al Bhed Sycdan (Master) | 26 |
Missable Al Bhed Primers
Certain Al Bhed Primers appear during a particular part of the game’s story. After progressing past this point, you’ll be unable to return. It’s critical that you snag these four primers while you have the chance.
Al Bhed Primer XIX can be found on the ground just outside the entrance to the Al Bhed Home in Bikanel. From the door heading to the next screen, head to the left.
Once inside, head down the stairs. The camera angle will swiftly change. Once it does, go back up the stairs and find the one room you can enter. After being forced into a fight, you’ll find Al Bhed Primer XX on the bed.
After snagging the previous Primer, continue forward until you reach a three-way split. Head down the right hallway. Al Bhed Primer XXI can be found on the ground at the dead end.
After the wedding scene, Al Bhed Primer XXII can be seen on the pathway toward Bevelle Temple. You’ll have to progress this way in order to continue the story.
