Phantom Blade Zero Key Unlocks Training Grounds
Players can earn the Training Grounds Key by defeating the Chief Disciple of the Seven-Stars Formation in the Mandate Encampment.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
In Phantom Blade Zero, the Training Grounds Key is awarded for defeating the Chief Disciple of the Seven-Stars Formation, a boss located in the middle of the Mandate Encampment. The key opens the Training Grounds door, which leads to another boss fight.
Why it matters
The key is required to finish repairing the Illusory Pipa, so players who skip the Chief Disciple fight may be unable to complete that repair. The Training Grounds area also contains the backplate of the Illusory Pipa and the Lament Draught Medicine.
The Chief Disciple fight is structured in two phases, with the second adding the previously fled boss. The Training Grounds boss rewards dual-wield Baishan Stormswords and the Broken Vessel Accessory.
The players
Chief Disciple of the Seven-Stars Formation
A boss encountered in the middle of the Mandate Encampment whose defeat yields the Training Grounds Key.
The details
The player follows the path from the main Mandate camp into the next area, climbs a wooden ramp over the fence to reach a fortified gate, and ascends the dovecote tower. Fleeing a boss by swinging across to the cliff on a chain leads along wooden scaffolding to the arena.
Timeline
No specific release or event dates are included in the source extraction.
Season Trajectory
Gated progression, in which a single boss key unlocks both a repair objective and a further boss arena, is a recurring structure in Phantom Blade Zero's open exploration. The Training Grounds sequence shows how the game chains optional-looking encounters into required upgrades.
Players who skip the Chief Disciple fight cannot open the Training Grounds door, so they will be blocked from finishing the Illusory Pipa repair until they return. The Training Grounds boss also gates the dual-wield Baishan Stormswords and the Broken Vessel Accessory.
The takeaway
Defeating the Chief Disciple is a required step, not an optional side fight, if you want to complete the Illusory Pipa repair. Check your inventory for the Training Grounds Key before leaving the Mandate Encampment.
Further reading
For more combat-focused coverage, browse our Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gamesradar.
