Chocobo Hot and Cold

Chocobo Hot and Cold is the biggest sidequest in Final Fantasy IX. It involves a mini-game part and a treasure hunt part.

Chocobo Hot and Cold
To start the sidequest, the player must use Gysahl Greens in an area with Chocobo tracks. Choco will then come. If the player rides into Chocobo Forest on the Mist Continent, a Moogle will allow Zidane to use Choco to dig in the ground, to find items, and Chocographs, both of which will earn the player points, which the player can spend on various items.

Chocograph
Whenever the player digs up a Chocograph, the player can use it to find treasures on the world map, with the aid of three things: the picture on the Chocograph, the name of the Chocograph, and a hint is also given away by the Help-Moogle by pressing Select. Certain treasures require certain skills to obtain.

Choco
Choco can gain Beak levels while playing Chocobo Hot and Cold, which makes it easier to dig. Also, some Chocograph treasures may contain gas that sends Choco into Chocobo's Dream World, where can change his color, and learn a new ability (example, Red Choco can cross Mountains, Blue Choco can cross shallow waters). Choco is told that he can go to Chocobo's Paradise if he helps Zidane uncover all treasures.

Dead Pepper
After unlocking the second dig spot, Chocobo's Lagoon, the player can obtain Dead Peppers, an exotic pepper plant that Chocobos are fond of. These all have an effect when used in the field. When used when Choco is on land, Choco pecks furiously and can uncover hidden caves. When used in water, Choco can dive. When used in air, Choco can fly up to Chocobo's Air Garden.