Kashkabald Desert is a location on the world map of Final Fantasy VIII. It is a desert situated east of the Centra continent, and is geographically considered part of Esthar. The desert is known for featuring Cactuars.
The area is mostly blocked off from Centra by mountains, preventing the mobile Balamb Garden from reaching it, but a small path allows passage on foot or on chocobo. The player can also land the Ragnarok here once they have access to it. During time compression, both the Ragnarok and a new portal leading back to Ultimecia Castle are available.
Enemies[]
Enemies within the desert area include:
- Abyss Worm
- Cactuar
- Cactuar x2
- Cactuar x2, Abyss Worm
- Chimera
Towards the southeast lies Cactuar Island, accessible with the Ragnarok, where only Cactuars are encountered.
Quests[]
UFO sighting[]
The UFO from the PuPu quest is sighted on the western part of the desert, carrying a pyramid. The encounter happens even if the player is equipping No Encounters from Diablos.
Ragnarok during time compression[]
Using the central portal outside Ultimecia Castle, the player can return to the world map and obtain a chocobo from the Forest of Solitude north of the Centra Ruins, then ride it across the continent to Kashkabald Desert. The player can also enter the upper portal, obtain a chocobo from the Chocobo Sanctuary in Grandidi Forest in the Esthar region, and ride it along the coast to Centra.
Once the player accesses the Ragnarok, it can be flown across the world map to visit any place besides towns, which are sealed off. The Card Club will also be available within the ship if the player completed this sidequest before the point of no return.