All Phantom Blade Zero books: all 214 and where to find them

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Quick answer

Phantom Blade Zero has 214 named books (plus 5 hidden “???” entries in the journal). Each book you pick up gives lore and a little Remnant Dust, and some are needed for side tales. The ones lying around the map glow green; 6 are already in your inventory when you start. There is no book trophy.

The regions with the most books are Weeping Creek Valley (37), Pangzhen including the Mirage Estate (37) and the Mandate Encampment (33). Many are picked up on their own as you progress through the story; the ones you miss are usually behind a key, Flaming Mane or the Illusory Pipa.

214named books
6in the starting inventory
10regions
0trophies

Books by region

Count from the Vandal guide (Spanish guide); the Mirage Estate is included in Pangzhen

  • Weeping Creek Valley37
  • Pangzhen37
  • Mandate Encampment33
  • Village of Lu28
  • Meigu Lake21
  • Crimson Forest18
  • Mountain of Imprisonment18
  • Crimson Manor4
  • Phantom Illusionist Ruins2
  • Mount Soulrend1
How to use this guide

The game groups books into collections in the journal, not by region. Here we sort them by region and bell so you can look for them on the map. Some of Vandal’s locations are approximate and are marked “to be confirmed”.

What books give you

  • Remnant Dust when you pick them up (a small amount per book).
  • Lore: they explain The Order, The Mandate, The Lady, Sha-Chi and the history of each region.
  • Tales: some are part of side quests or start them, such as Yu’er’s Medicinal Recipe or the Stranded Paper Boat, which gives a key.
  • New Game Plus: you keep them, along with flowers, amber and blackstone.

Starting inventory (6)

Book and petal titles are translated from the Spanish version of the game; the in-game English wording may differ.

BookWhere it isRequirement
The OrderIn your inventory from the start—
Shadow Sovereign and Shadow EmissariesIn your inventory from the start—
The Envoys of the OrderIn your inventory from the start—
The Wulin of the Phantom WorldIn your inventory from the start—
The MandateIn your inventory from the start—
PangzhenIn your inventory from the start—

Weeping Creek Valley books (37)

Area guide: Weeping Creek Valley.

BookWhere it isRequirement
What Is Sha-Chi?May already be in your inventory; if not, Valley Sha-Chi Tower 1st Floor bell: third floor, cart at the back—
TranscensionValley Sha-Chi Tower 1st Floor bell: go up to the second floor, terrace on the right—
Mechanical ArtValley Sha-Chi Tower Base bell: on a conveyor belt—
Primal Stone Records: Perfect TranscensionValley Sha-Chi Tower 1st Floor bell: ground floor, exit opposite the bell door—
Instructions for the Sha-Chi FurnaceFrom the Long Pillar Overlook, detour under the tower: basement of the metal monks, board on the wall—
Research Report on the Sha-Chi TowerValley Sha-Chi Tower 1st Floor bell: right after going through the door, around the corner—
Outposts and Resting PlacesFrom the Rustblade Pavilion bell: stairs and gazebo after climbing the wallTale “Against the Flow”
Ruins of the Sha-Chi TowerFrom the Creek Valley Plains Entrance bell: hut to the right of the main buildingTale “Steel and Steam”
What Is Sealed Inside the Long Pillar?Next to the Long Pillar Overlook bell—
DiscordanceNortheast exit of the valley: altar past the cave behind the waterfall, before climbing with the sickle—
Deed to Abandoned LandStairs on the southwest detour from The Beginning bellTale “Against the Flow”
Farmer’s Loan ReceiptFrom the Red Thread Barrier, swing over to the scaffolding: under the scaffolding at the backTale “Against the Flow”
Village Information NoticeBoard southwest of the bridge at the Mandate OutpostAfter reaching the Village of Lu in the story
Missing ChildSame board as the previous oneAfter reaching the Village of Lu in the story
The Four Axes Rebellion: CalamityNext to the Broken Puppet Valley bellTale “Against the Flow”
The Four Axes Rebellion: ChaosSame bell: house with stairs, on the leftTale “Against the Flow”
The Four Axes Rebellion: ConfusionFrom the Outpost Courtyard bell, go down: table to the left of the building—
Captain Wu’s Last LetterTable next to The Axemaster’s Holding Cell bellTale “Against the Flow”
Strategist Xu Feng’s Secret LetterNear The Lady’s Rift bell: terrace with a sickle point—
Reply from Sect Leader MingSame route as the Instructions for the Sha-Chi Furnace: table next to the stairs—
Captain Chen Zhu’s Secret LetterOn the path the Red Thread Barrier opensTale “Against the Flow”
Yu’er’s Medicinal RecipeAfter the Dread Axe, go back to the Mandate Outpost and ask Yu’er about the herbsTale “Against the Flow”
Testament of the Long Clan ScholarNext to the Weeping Creek Long Pillar bell—
Mandate Disciples’ Injury LogNear The Lady’s Rift: tunnel, terrace, slide down the wall; body at the edge of the path—
Stock ReportNear The Axemaster’s Holding Cell bell: porch of the house, hole in the floorTale “Against the Flow”
Battle ReportNorthwest corner, north of The Axemaster’s Holding Cell after breaking the chains: top of the slopeTale “Against the Flow”
Garrison LogFrom the tower’s 1st Floor, cross the bridge and climb the scaffolding: green glowTale “Steel and Steam”
A Wulin Fighter’s OathDetour under the tower from the Long Pillar Overlook: look left, next to the columnsLong Pillar Overlook key
Reply to a Plea for HelpNortheast exit: past the waterfall cave, follow the river to the end—
Remarks on the Pillars of KunlunEast of the Sha-Chi Tower: past the masked sentry on the roof, go down the stairs to the bonfireTale “Steel and Steam”
The Matchmaker’s AdviceFrom “To My Dear Husband, Liu Shangli”, slide down the bridge and defeat the group—
Reply from Hua’s FatherFrom the pit, west stairs: halfway up, on the left—
Hui’s LetterEdge of the Hua fight area, Flesh Lily Fields bell—
A Reckless InvitationHua fight area, Flesh Lily Fields bell—
To My Dear Husband, Liu ShangliValley Sha-Chi Tower 1st Floor bell: back right of the ground floor, next to the rope bridge—
To My Dear Husband, Huang MiaoHua fight area, Flesh Lily Fields bell—
To My Dear Husband, Jia QianqiuHua fight area, Flesh Lily Fields bell—

Crimson Forest books (18)

Area guide: Crimson Forest.

BookWhere it isRequirement
The ElevenCrimson Forest bell: go up the slope to the bonfire, on the left—
Crimson ForestFrom the Crimson Forest bell, go down the slope of corpses to the pond, stairs, scaffolding and wall: in a cart—
Who Is Quick Hand Zhang?Central area, before the Thieves’ Camp bell—
The Baishan SectDuring the taleTale “Secrets of the Baishan Sect”
Mirrorwood JournalJust before the Mirrorwood Depths bell—
Mingyuan’s Letter to His UncleSmall camp uphill from the Crimson Forest bell—
Orders to Protect the Young LadyPath before the Pangzhen Bridge Overlook: carried by the first mounted enemy—
The Nimble Thief’s Blood LetterNear the Outlaw Trap: get past the spike pit, climb to the camp and defeat the enemy at the bonfire—
List of the Lost ThievesThieves’ Camp bell: ask Yu’er about the woundedApprentice Healer
The Mandate’s DecreeDownhill toward the locked door next to the Thieves’ Camp bell—
Mandate Military OathFrom the Abandoned Main Road, drop down to a wooden platform behind the hillTale “Snake’s Reflection”
List of the FallenUnder the Thieves’ Camp bridge, past the cave: bottom of the pit exit—
Written OrdersBody at the foot of the slope, next to the Abandoned Main Road bellTale El juego de Zuo Shang
Huangxing’s EdictAfter meeting Zhang, bridge toward a cave (only one way)Tale “Snake’s Reflection”
Lost Treasures of the Crimson ForestAsk Zhang about the relicsQuick Hand Pendant
Notes on the Illusory ArtsRed Serpent HouseFlaming Mane (Phantom Edge)
Atlas of Foreign FloraRed Serpent House—
A Study of Foreign SectsRed Serpent House—

Village of Lu books (28)

Area guide: Village of Lu.

BookWhere it isRequirement
Mechanical Boats and DocksNext to the tree at the northwest jettyEnd of “Heartless Remnants”
Village of LuOn a table next to the Young Master Lan’s Hideout bell—
Bai Chilian’s NotesRight after the Place of Awakening bell, before the bridge—
Well Closure NoticeNear the Well of the Three Puppets: shed across the square, to the right of the bridge—
Diary of a Villager Who Stayed – Mid-AutumnFrom the Well of the Three Puppets, west up the stairs: house with a hidden basement—
Diary of a Villager Who Stayed – Frost’s DescentAfter the red-thread bridge, stairs and to the right: barn with the giant puppet and the bomb launcher—
Funeral RegisterLake of the spear-and-shield puppet that comes out of a coffin: to the right of the coffin—
Wanted: Four Leaders of the Masked WanderersVillage below the Crossroads bell: house with two statues at the door—
Letter from an Abandoned PuppetBuilding at the Temple of Blue Fireflies bell—
Joint Operation PlanHouse with the two statues, below the Crossroads—
Joint Oath Against the EnemyHouse with the two statues, below the Crossroads—
Edict of the LadySoutheast corner: drop into the riverbed under the Well of the Three Puppets bridge, climb east and then south—
Ceremony to Meet the LadyHouse west of the Well of the Three Puppets: go up the stairs, altar at the back—
Prayer to the LadyThe Lady’s Grounds bell: northwest house, on the left, next to a man and a Memory Flower—
Blueprint of the Mute PuppetVisible from the Puppet Testing Grounds bell: climb up to the table—
Soul Transmigration PuppetsFrom the Puppet Testing Grounds: next to the portal lake, past the tunnel—
Puppet Base Construction NotesTunnel to Pangzhen: room just before the lift—
Puppet Base Log – First Experimental LaboratorySame room, before the lift—
Medicinal Journal of the Sevenfold IngredientsEnd of the tunnel: room with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Research Base Log – ExpansionRoom with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Letter to the Grand ElderRoom with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Scripture of the Lady – UnfinishedRoom with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Letter from a Member of the Thread-Binding SectRoom with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Letter from the Grand ElderRoom with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Secret Report on DuskRoom with the sword-and-shield puppet—
Record of the Silence Poison and the Calm PoisonBlack Serpent HouseFlaming Mane (Phantom Edge)
Record of the Sevenfold AntidoteBlack Serpent House—
Lost Treasures of the Village of LuTalk to Zhang at Zhang’s Hideout (Village of Lu)—

Pangzhen books (37)

Area guide: Pangzhen.

BookWhere it isRequirement
The Decline of the Long Clan and the Bastion of MiCorridor past the bell, as you leave Myst’s TavernTale “Town of Death”
The Shadow Wardens and the MindsealStairs at the top of the South Gate Bridge—
The Secret TavernTavern basement, Myst’s room, next to the Myst’s Tavern bell—
The Four Serpent HousesGreen Serpent House: first floor, to the right of the altar—
The Long ClanAltar next to the Myst’s Tavern bell—
The Bastion of MiNext to the previous one—
Pavilion of KnowledgeFrom the Huang Manor Crossroads, stairs to the north and to the right: ground floor—
Chronicle of Mount SoulrendNear the Mourning Hall bell: breakable rock wall—
Notes on the Heart MeridianIn the well you jump into after defeating Gu Wanyue—
For XiuFirst floor of Huang Manor (key in a room with an NPC past Myst’s Tavern)Huang Manor Key
Memories of Xie Yuan IAs you leave the forge courtyardTale “The Sword and the Way”
Memories of Xie Yuan IINext to the previous oneTale “The Sword and the Way”
Sacred Scroll of the Lady – ISteps past a stone arch near the Marketplace tavern (you see it in the story)—
Sacred Scroll of the Lady – IIWest of the Huang Manor Crossroads: end of the tavern terrace—
Tavern LedgerGround floor next to the Marketplace bell—
An Ignored PleaStreet toward the Well of Wei Sanchuan—
Signed ContractWell after Gu Wanyue: a puppet attacks you near the Well of Wei Sanchuan—
Unsent LetterNear the South Town Pond: main street to the west, cart on the right—
For Dad, ChangqingStairs past the brambles in the northeast: top of the staircase—
An Old Friend’s Last LetterStreet below the Mandate Lodgings bell: next to a well with enemies—
A Page from a DiaryNear the Mandate Lodgings bell—
Signed Deed of SaleTo the right of a staircase, just before the Pangzhen Slums bell—
Medical RecordGreen Serpent House: ground floor, to the left of the counter—
Notes on a FlowerGreen Serpent House: ground floor, to the left of the counter—
Fragment of a Play – The Fighter’s VersesEdge of the well where you fight Gu Wanyue (Pond of Fading Song)—
Fragment of a Play – The Heroine’s VersesTerrace southwest of the Cavalrybane fight: green glow under a wooden structure—
Image of the Lady’s True FormGround floor next to the Leng Tu’s Study bell (Mirage Estate)—
Report from Leng Tu’s Trusted AgentFirst floor of the same building (Mirage Estate)—
Fragment in Three HandsCentral terrace next to the Covered Corridor bell, on a table (Mirage Estate)—
Research Notes on YucongNext to the previous one (Mirage Estate)—
Backup Perfect Yin VesselPerfect Vessel Estate bell: in front of the monolith—
Notice of Abandoned Martial TrainingNext to the Training Grounds (2) bell (Mirage Estate)—
Unsigned PoemNear the Mirage Estate bell: stairs from the courtyard, after a cutscene—
Celestial LetterMirage Estate opera house: on the left as you enter—
The Pillars of Kunlun (2)After Yuding: north courtyard, west and north through the arch, west part of the north building (Mirage Estate)—
Lost Treasures of PangzhenTalk to Zhang at Zhang’s Hideout (Pangzhen)—
Lost Treasures of the Mirage EstateTalk to Zhang at Zhang’s Hideout (Mirage Estate)—

Crimson Manor books (4)

Area guide: Crimson Manor.

Vandal places them in the Crimson Manor without further detail.

BookWhere it isRequirement
PetCrimson Manor—
Letter from the Twisted MasterCrimson Manor—
Radiant Heart InstallationCrimson Manor—
Preparations for the RiftCrimson Manor—

Mandate Encampment books (33)

Area guide: Mandate Encampment.

BookWhere it isRequirement
Zhao Di’s Declaration of ResistancePath from the Village of Lu: tree on the right when you reach the gorge—
A Page from a Healer’s DiaryPast the Main Encampment Gate: break the floor, tunnel and stairs; tent to the left of the bonfire—
A Father’s LetterMass Grave bell area: go down the ledges, river to the north along the right channel, next to a tree—
Who Are the Pillars of Kunlun?North of the Mass Grave: slope next to the cemetery, path between rocks, clearing—
Secret Letter for QianqianNorth of the Mass Grave: path and clearing, back left—
Map of the Mandate Encampment DefensesPast the Main Gate: right ramp, tower, next to the railing—
Orders for Mandatory Perfect TranscensionPast the Main Gate, tunnel: wall next to the fence—
Letter to the Six SectsPast the Road to the Training Grounds bell: mansion on the right, ground floor—
Decree of the MandateSame building as the Letter to the Six Sects—
Incomplete Reflections on the SwordSame building as the Letter to the Six Sects—
A Disciple’s LetterPast the Tower Rear Exit, river to the north and east: second courtyard, left door—
Notes on a ScoreRoom to the right of A Disciple’s Letter—
Torn Page: Perfect TranscensionPast the Tower Rear Exit: house up the hill—
Master Bai’s LetterSame room, to the left of the Torn Page—
Unsent Letter (2)Training Grounds bell: building at the back of the arena, to the left of the altar—
Radiant Heart Workshop RulesSame building, on the stairs—
The Perfect Yin VesselNext to the Training Grounds bell—
Vessel ZeroBuilding at the back of the arena, stairs to the left of the altar—
The Radiant HeartTraining Grounds area: defeat the boss, ramp on the right—
Completion of the Perfect Yin VesselTree in the middle of the arena—
Formula for Soul Transmigration PowderTo the right of the Path of the Baishan’s Fall bell—
The Thread-Binding Sect’s Art of Soul TransmigrationThe Confinement bell: chain over the abyss, go up the slope, to the right of the flower field—
Lot 79: Discarded ItemsThe Confinement bell: chain jump, to the right—
Inquiry on Martial ArtsBehind the Encampment Waterfall bell: jump to the adjacent roof, central building—
Invitation to the Baby’s First CelebrationNext to the previous one—
Poetic Exchange LetterNext to the previous one—
Zhao Di’s LetterDovecote bell: roof, chain to the cliff, on the left on some scaffolding—
Writings of Moji IVBehind the Encampment Waterfall: roof, courtyard with enemies and the Moji’s House Key door; on the stairsMoji’s House Key
Writings of Moji IStairs past the Writings of Moji IVMoji’s House Key
Writings of Moji IIStairs past the Writings of Moji IVMoji’s House Key
Writings of Moji IIIStairs past the Writings of Moji IVMoji’s House Key
Writings of Moji VStairs past the Writings of Moji IVMoji’s House Key
Writings of Moji – Roughly Marked MapStairs past the Writings of Moji IVMoji’s House Key

Meigu Lake books (21)

Area guide: Meigu Lake.

BookWhere it isRequirement
The Six Wonders of MeiguWhite Serpent House bell: right exit, bridge to the islet, table to the left of the pavilion—
An Unsigned LetterWhite Serpent House courtyard: defeat Heartpiercer, building at the back—
Map of the Green Serpent House Secret PassageWhite Serpent House courtyard (location to be confirmed)—
Radiant Heart DiagramWhite Serpent House courtyard (location to be confirmed)—
Illustrated Guide to the Mirage EstateWhite Serpent House courtyard (location to be confirmed)—
Notes on the Discordance FragmentWhite Serpent House Dock bell: building on the right—
Merchant Guild Member ListWhite Serpent House Dock bell: building on the right—
The One-Eyed Archer’s Last LetterOne-Eyed Isle Dock bell: stairs to the south, behind a house, another building—
Fragment of an Illusionist’s NotesNorth of the Frozen Lake Dock: sunken wooden arch, before the blue flower—
An Elegant InvitationBehind the east mist wall of the Meigu Songhouse, southern islandIllusory Pipa
Letter for Master MingMeigu Songhouse Dock bell—
Proclamation Against the EnemiesDock southeast of the starting point (Vandal warns it may appear on the west roof of the West Dock)—
Heavily Annotated MapSame dock as the Proclamation: talk to the warrior at the back—
Memoirs of Tingshui I – The DuelMeigu Village West Dock bell: houses on the left, second level behind some crates—
Memoirs of Tingshui II – A Ray of HopeA little east of the Meigu Village East Dock: first house on the left—
Memoirs of Tingshui III – Victories and DefeatsBlackwater Crew Dock bell: past the locked door, courtyard stairs—
Blackwater Crew Tournament InvitationBuilding with the pond altar, on the left—
Blackwater Crew LedgerSame building, on the right—
Fragment of a Travel DiaryMeigu Village East Dock: square, south stairs, shack at the back—
Stranded Paper BoatEast Dock: go out behind the first building (gives the key to the bridge door above the square)—
Lost Treasures of Meigu LakeTalk to Zhang at Zhang’s Hideout (Meigu Village)—

Phantom Illusionist Ruins books (2)

Area guide: Phantom Illusionist Ruins.

BookWhere it isRequirement
Decree of the Grand ElderStern of the tallest ship in the frozen village: climb the side scaffoldingGo through the Four Guardians’ Mirror
Scribbled NoteCave with the kamikazes and the butcherGo through the Four Guardians’ Mirror

Mountain of Imprisonment books (18)

Area guide: Mountain of Imprisonment.

BookWhere it isRequirement
Damaged Mountain Trail MapThe Lady’s Path bell: to the north, on the left past the badly wounded woman—
Li Yaomei’s PrayerSouth of the mountain, first fork to the north, east side: grave on the starting trail—
Call to ArmsCommander’s Platform bell: pavilion at the top of the stairs, next to the tree—
Prayer of the Scarlet Knife SectCommander’s Platform bell: next to the tree—
Anonymous NoteShrine Outer Gate bell: go down the stairs next to it—
Letter for Yu LingShrine Outer Gate: defeat Kui Yanyan; body at the back on the leftKui Yanyan
Blood-Stained DiaryShrine Outer Gate: after Kui Yanyan, back right of the stairsKui Yanyan
Urgent DispatchCavern Passage bell—
Declaration of FaithCavern Passage bell—
The Lift Lever Has Been StolenCavern Passage: path past the cage, behind the corpse in front of the lift—
Prayer Desecrated by the Wudang SectCavern Passage: path past the cage up to the lever, to the right of the mechanism—
Diary in Delicate HandwritingHanging Cage Cavern: next to the first enemies—
Scribbled DiaryHanging Cage Cavern: past two kamikazes, back right—
Wang Yiren’s PrayerHanging Cage Cavern: to the right of the slope at the back—
Zhou Chuan’s PrayerIron Butcher’s Camp bell: stairs, altar on the right—
Prayer of Lu Sanqian, the UnworthyNext to Zhou Chuan’s Prayer—
Anonymous PrayerAfter burning the brambles and sliding down: first ledge—
Prayer of Chen Hutou, of the Sky and Thunder SectBanyan area: north of the tree—

Mount Soulrend books (1)

Area guide: Mount Soulrend.

BookWhere it isRequirement
Mountain Closure DecreeMountain God Temple bell: outside the building, next to a corner—

Tale and boss rewards (9)

BookWhere it isRequirement
The Axemaster’s Last RequestWhen you defeat Peng Meng (Weeping Creek Valley)—
Gu Lingran’s Letter to Sect Leader MingTale “Festering Secret”—
Written OrderTale “Festering Secret”—
Letter from the Singing PuppetTale “A Puppet’s Wooden Heart”—
The Lady’s RequestTale “The Cube”—
Xue’s Item ListWhen you defeat Corpse-Eating Xue—
Ledger of AtonementTale “Ledger of Atonement” (Mountain of Imprisonment)—
Lu Sanqian’s Last Letter – For JieyuanCui’s tale—
Letter with Unclear HandwritingTale “The Heart’s Trail” (Pangzhen)—
Can they be missed?

The ones tied to tales (such as “Festering Secret” or “Ledger of Atonement”) are lost if the tale fails. Check the points of no return before going up the stairs past the Green Serpent House.

More collectibles: Memory Flowers, Sha-Chi Amber Fragments and Blackstone Fragments.

Frequently asked questions

How many books are there in Phantom Blade Zero?

214 named books, plus 5 “???” entries that appear hidden in the journal.

What are books for?

They give lore and a little Remnant Dust, and some are needed for side tales.

Is there a trophy for collecting all the books?

No. No trophy asks for books.

How do you spot books on the map?

They glow green.

Where is the book “What Is Sha-Chi?”?

It may already be in your inventory; if not, it is on the third floor of the Valley Sha-Chi Tower, in a cart at the back.

Where are the Writings of Moji?

In the Mandate Encampment, behind the door that the Moji’s House Key opens (Behind the Encampment Waterfall bell): all six are on the stairs.

Do you keep books in New Game Plus?

Yes.

Stuck somewhere?

Search for a boss, a weapon, a trophy or an area.

  • Release29 Oct 2026
  • PlatformsPS5 · PC
  • StudioS-GAME

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