Datalog / Primers : Gameplay Basics ( Final Fantasy XIII ) Saving . As you explore your environs , you will sometimes encounter Save Stations at which you can save your progress . To access a Save Station , approach it and press / when the world ACCESS appears . A menu of its functions will then appear . Select Save from the menu , and then choose a file to which to save your data . Press / to save your progress to that file . Shopping . When you wish to purchase new items or sell items in your party inventory , you will first need to access a Save Station . Approach any Save Station and press / when the word ACCESS appears to open the Save Station menu . Select Shop from this menu , and then choose the retailer whose network you would like to access . Your selection will be limited at first , but as you obtain e - passes for new Retail Network s , you will gain access to a wider variety of vendors and merchandise . You can obtain the gil needed to make new purchases from treasure spheres , or by selling items that you no longer need . Shops frequently expand their stocks , offering you the chance to acquire new items . Whenever new merchandise becomes available through a retailer to which you have access , a notice will appear in the upper left corner of the screen . An icon will also appear next to the name of any shop with updated offerings when you choose Shop from the Save Station menu . Upgrading Equipment . You can upgrade weapons and accessories at Save Stations using your Omni - kit and the various components you collect on your journey . First , approach a Save Station and press / to access it . Then select Upgrade from the Save Station menu to access the workbench . After choosing Upgrade , select the weapon or accessory that you wish to improve . Next , you will need to select the type of component you wish to use for the upgrade , as well as the quantity . The combined EXP value of the chosen component will then be applied to the target piece of equipment . After enough EXP has been spent on a weapon or accessory , its level will increase , improving its abilities and attributes . Certain components bestow a bonus to any EXP spent on a piece of equipment . By utilizing these components , you will be able to make more efficient upgrades . Likewise , some components reduce an item ' s EXP bonus . Careful consideration is required when deciding which components to employ . Once a particular piece of equipment has reached its maximum potential , its level will be replaced by a star . At this point no further level advancement is possible , but the item can be transformed into an entirely different one by means of specialized components . When this happens , both its name and properties will change . A newly transformed item may initially seem weaker than it did in its previous form , but unlike its fully upgraded predecessor , it will be eligible for level advancement . Through further upgrades , it can be made even more powerful than its earlier incarnation . Unwanted equipment can be scrapped for parts by selecting Dismantle . The equipment itself will be destroyed , but you will be able to salvage components , some of which can be obtained in no other way . There exist well over 100 different components . Obtain as many as possible , and experiment with their effects in order to determine the most efficient and effective ways to customize your arsenal . The Mini - map . The mini - map in the upper right corner of the screen displays a variety of helpful information . In addition to revealing the surrounding terrain , the mini - map indicates the direction of your destination and the positions of nearby enemies . Upon entering an area guarded by hostiles , the mini - map will flash in warning . It also shows where recently defeated enemies had been located , allowing you to quickly reorient yourself after battle . You can turn off the mini - map at any time . To toggle its display , simply press the Select button . Auto - talk . Upon approaching the other characters you encounter while exploring , you will often be spoken to , or overhear something being said . These conversations occur automatically and do not require any action on your part . A few conversations require a button press to initiate . In these instances , a button prompt will be displayed when you approach the person in question , just as a prompt appears when you approach any object on which you can perform an action . Auto - jump . In many cases , you can jump over obstacles or terrain level differences that appear to impede your progress . To do so , simply approach the obstruction and attempt to continue moving in the direction you wish to proceed . If it is possible to jump over the hurdle , you will do so automatically . Blue and Red Indicators . Swirling blue and red indicators mark the ground of the areas you explore . Blue indicators represent points on the ground where it is possible to jump over an obstacle . Red indicators , on the other hand , indicate points you must reach in order to operate a device or cause something important to happen . Yellow Indicators . You will find swirling yellow indicators on the ground in the Archylte Steppe that appear in no other locations on Gran Pulse or Cocoon . These marks indicate jump points , where a creature with enough leg strength just might be able to leap to a distant destination . Object Interaction – Part 1 . When you approach an unopened treasure sphere , switch , or any other object on which you may perform an action , a message indicating the action will appear . Press the / button to perform this action , obtaining gil or items in the case of treasure sphere , or activating a device in case of a switch or control panel . Object Interaction – Part 2 . You will sometimes find yourself unable to interact with treasure spheres or other devices even when standing directly in front of them . This is due to the presence of enemies in close proximity to the object in question . When this occurs , the action button icon does not appear beside the name of the action you would otherwise be able to perform . Defeat the nearby enemies , and you will be able to interact with the object normally . Skipping Cutscenes . You can press the / at any time during a cutscene to pause the action . After doing so , pressing the / will allow you to skip the rest of the cutscene . Certain cutscenes are unskippable . If the Skip option is not displayed upon pausing , the cutscene must be viewed in its entirety .