Embark on a captivating scavenger hunt across Junon in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as you track down three elusive pieces of dried driftwood for the Wainwright’s side quest, “Stuck in a Rut.” With only a vague map and your trusty Chocobo’s keen senses to guide you, uncover hidden spots beneath mining rigs, between ruined houses, and along winding paths to complete this rewarding quest and unlock valuable treasures.
You’ll start “Stuck in the Rut” after talking to Gabe, the chocobo farmer of the Junon Region. Gabe’s chocobo cart is broken, and the parts he needs to fix it can only come from a wainwright who lives on a cliff. Once you reach (and rudely awaken) the wainwright, he tells you he needs dried driftwood to make said parts, and gives you a map showing you where to find the resource.
Thing is, the wainwright’s map is scribbled and semi-inscrutable. Our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth guide will show you where to find dried driftwood in Junon, and what you’ll get for completing the “Stuck in a Rut” quest.
Dried Driftwood Map in FF7 Rebirth
In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the “Dried Driftwood” pieces are key items required to complete the side quest “Stuck in a Rut” in the Junon region. Players must locate three pieces of dried driftwood scattered around specific locations: the first near an octagon-shaped structure northwest of Wainwright’s Little Shack, the second outside an abandoned house near Angler’s Storage, and the third near a large tower structure close to a fenced area. Using your Chocobo’s scent ability, indicated by a question mark above its head, helps pinpoint the exact spots to dig up the driftwood. Collecting all three pieces allows you to assist the Wainwright and Gabe, unlocking rewards and fast travel options between Junon and the Grasslands.
Below is the map provided by the wainwright. We’ve numbered each piece of dried driftwood on this drawing; those numbers correspond to real maps below showing the dried driftwood locations.
While approaching each dried driftwood location, watch out for a red question mark to pop up over your chocobo’s head. Use your chocobo’s scent ability (up on the D-pad) to pinpoint each piece’s location, then have it scour (down on the D-pad) the ground to dig up the dried driftwood.
Dried Driftwood Location #1
The first piece of dried driftwood in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can be found just north of the Seabreeze Tower, near a mining rig. To locate it, head to the northernmost area of the Junon region, specifically near a small rocky hill along the right side of the road from where you wrangle Belle the Chocobo. Use Belle’s scent ability by holding up on the D-pad until a red question mark appears over her head, then follow the indicator to the exact spot. Once there, press down on the D-pad to dig up the dried driftwood.
The first piece of dried driftwood is located right next to a mining rig due north of the Seabreeze Tower. Be ware that the first piece of dried driftwood is guarded by two fleetwings.
Dried Driftwood Location #2
The second piece of dried driftwood in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is located outside the abandoned houses southwest of the first piece. Specifically, it can be found between two ruined buildings near a pipeline, close to Angler’s Storage. To find it, head to the back corner between these two broken-down houses, where your Chocobo will sense the driftwood, allowing you to dig it up and collect it for the “Stuck in a Rut” quest.
The second piece of dried driftwood is located outside the abandoned shacks northwest of the Seabreeze Tower, but before you reach the entrance to Under Junon.
Dried Driftwood Location #3
The third piece of dried driftwood in FF7 Rebirth is located near a large tower structure southwest of the previous driftwood locations. To find it, head about halfway down the path leading to a ranch area where the road forks near some rocks. Use your Chocobo to sniff out the exact spot, which is near the base of the tower amidst some fences. Once located, dig up the driftwood to complete this part of the “Stuck in a Rut” quest.
The third piece of dried driftwood is located in on the east side of the road leading north away from the farm you wrangle your Junon chocobo at.
’Stuck in a Rut’ Rewards in FF7 Rebirth
The “Stuck in a Rut” quest in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth rewards players with a variety of valuable items and gameplay benefits upon completion. After helping Gabe repair his carriage by collecting three sets of dried driftwood materials, players unlock the Chocobo Carriage service, allowing fast travel between the Grasslands and Junon without passing through the Mines. Additional rewards include 10 pieces each of condor cedar and mellow oak, a Queensguard Bangle, 10 party EXP, 700 EXP, and increased affinity with Aerith. This quest not only provides useful items and experience but also enhances travel convenience, making it a highly recommended early side quest in the Junon region.
For completing “Stuck in a Rut,” you’ll get 10 pieces of condor cedar, 10 pieces of mellow oak, and a Queensguard Bangle. You’ll also be able to fast travel between Junon and the Grasslands by talking to Gabe at his ranch. Finally, you’ll increase your relationship standing with Aerith.
The world of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is huge, but we have your back if you need help. We have a beginners guide, a rundown of side content rewards, a breakdown of the game’s length, and an explainer on how to plan ahead for your Gold Saucer date.
Where are the hidden spots for dried driftwood in FF7 Rebirth
The three hidden spots for dried driftwood in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are as follows:
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Near a mining rig north of Seabreeze Tower: The first piece is located just beside a large mining rig structure. Use your Chocobo’s scent ability to find the exact spot on the left side of the rig and dig it up.
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Between two abandoned houses southwest of the first location: Head to a pair of ruined houses near Angler’s Storage and a pipeline. The driftwood is buried in the back corner between these houses. Again, your Chocobo will signal the spot for digging.
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Along a path near a ranch area southwest of the second spot: Follow a fork in the road near some rocks and a barn. The third piece is located right at this fork, where your Chocobo will detect it. Dig it up to complete the set.
Collecting all three pieces completes the “Stuck in a Rut” side quest and unlocks rewards.
What’s the easiest way to find dried driftwood near Belle’s spotting area
The easiest way to find dried driftwood near Belle’s spotting area in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is to use your Chocobo’s scent ability as you explore the rocky formations just north of where you meet Belle. Belle will have a question mark above their head indicating something of interest nearby. Ride your Chocobo around this area until you see the question mark above the Chocobo, then hold the appropriate button to reveal the exact spot. Dig there to uncover the first piece of dried driftwood quickly and efficiently.
