TL;DR
- The keycard is hidden in rusty Shinra boxes near the Fire Materia location in the abandoned factory
- Cerulean Drake has ice attacks that slow movement and wind elemental weakness
- Complete the mission in under 15 minutes with proper route planning and combat preparation
- Avoid wasting time by focusing search on the specific box cluster beside the metal fence
- Use strategic positioning to avoid the Drake’s area-of-effect ice attacks
Navigating Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s Just Flew In From The Graveyard side quest presents a unique navigation puzzle that often leaves players searching extensively. This mission requires returning to an industrial facility previously explored during the Nuisance in the Factory assignment, where your primary target is eliminating a specific aerial threat called the Cerulean Drake.
The central obstacle involves locating a security keycard that unlocks access to the drake’s nesting area. Many players spend 30+ minutes fruitlessly exploring because the critical item blends seamlessly with environmental clutter.
Quest provider Gwen explicitly mentions the breakable Shinra boxes as the hiding spot, but the factory’s layout and similar-looking containers create significant visual confusion. Understanding the precise location reference points can reduce completion time from half an hour to under ten minutes.
To efficiently locate the essential access card, retrace your steps to the sector where you previously acquired the Fire Materia during the earlier factory mission. If you missed this material during your initial visit, reference the marked position in our accompanying visual guide below.
Upon reaching this zone, you’ll encounter a metallic entrance featuring an interactive control panel that grants passage forward. Before proceeding to collect the Fire Materia positioned ahead, immediately direct your attention leftward toward the container stack adjacent to the perimeter barrier.
The specific containers—distinctive rust-covered Shinra-branded crates—contain the elusive security card. Destroy these containers with your weapon to obtain the item necessary for mission progression.
Pro Tip: The keycard-bearing boxes form a triangular cluster rather than being scattered individually. Target the centermost container first to minimize attack time.
After securing the access card, return to the locked gate on the opposite map section to confront the Cerulean Drake. This variant differs substantially from inferior Lesser Drakes through its utilization of frost-based assaults that can impede your offensive capabilities and mobility—remain vigilant against these debilitating effects.
Aerial adversaries prove particularly vulnerable to wind-element spells, making Aerith’s Aero magic or similar abilities exceptionally effective for rapidly depleting its health reservoir. Position Cloud strategically to draw aggression while Barrett provides sustained ranged damage.
Combat Breakdown: The Cerulean Drake employs three primary attack patterns: a forward ice breath, circular frost AoE, and diving swoop. Dodge perpendicular to its facing direction when it begins charging attacks.
Upon defeating the creature, report back to Gwen to conclude the assignment and receive your rewards. Successful completion typically yields 1,200 gil plus additional experience points based on performance.
Time Management: Efficient players can complete this entire mission in 12-15 minutes by taking the most direct route and preparing appropriate materia loadouts beforehand. Pre-equip Wind materia on your primary spellcaster to maximize damage output.
Common Errors: Many players waste precious minutes by: (1) searching random boxes throughout the factory rather than the specific cluster, (2) approaching the Drake without elemental advantages, and (3) failing to utilize defensive positioning during the boss encounter.
Advanced Tactics: Use Cloud’s Punisher mode counterattacks when the Drake performs melee assaults, and switch to Barrett during its aerial phases to maintain consistent damage pressure.
For comprehensive gameplay assistance, explore our Complete Guide covering fundamental mechanics. Weapon enthusiasts should consult our detailed Weapons Unlock resource, while strategic players will benefit from our Class Guide for optimal character development paths.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake News
Action Checklist
- Navigate to Fire Materia location in abandoned factory
- Destroy triangular cluster of rusty Shinra boxes beside metal fence
- Return to locked door and engage Cerulean Drake
- Utilize wind magic and strategic positioning during combat
- Report completion to Gwen for rewards
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » FF7 Remake Just Flew In From The Graveyard Side-Quest Keycard Location Complete guide to locating the keycard and defeating the Cerulean Drake in FF7 Remake's side mission