Ex. File

Ex. Files is a feature that rewards the player with game-related extra materials for certain achievements.

Overview

Games that feature Ex. Files (aside from Wild Arms 3) have a special option on the load screen titled "Ex. File". Selecting it and choosing a save brings up a menu where the player can choose a desired reward. Unlocking Ex. Files requires Ex. Keys, which are rewarded for in-game achievements on this save file. Common rewards include watching opening and ending movies, and starting an Ex. New Game, where the party retains some of their progress from the first walkthrough.

In Wild Arms 3

In Wild Arms 3 Ex. Keys can be found in various places, such as being dropped by / stolen from certain enemies, gained from sidequests, or just bought. There are 15 Keys in total. To use them, the player must complete the game by defeating the final boss and watching the ending. Then, the game asks if the player desires to create an EX file. Creating and loading this save brings the player to a screen where Ex. Keys can be spent on various rewards. Keys are non-specific in this game, and choosing any option costs several keys.

In Wild Arms ACF

Wild Arms Alter Code: F uses a system similar to that of Wild Arms 3, with keys being awarded for various sidequests. However, each Key now unlocks its own reward, such as a specific part of the illustration gallery. There are 25 Keys total in this game.

In Wild Arms 4 & 5

Ex. Keys 02, 05, and 08 provide access to Ex. File B, "Start Ex. New Game"

Both Wild Arms 4 and Wild Arms 5 use a grid-based system. Keys are no longer in-game items, but attributes of a save file. Getting a Key places a star on the corresponding place on a grid, with an Ex. File being unlocked only if all three Ex. Keys in its column or row have been obtained.

In Wild Arms 4 an oversight in translation made Ex. Key 07 unobtainable, and, consequently, Ex. Files A and F can't be accessed through normal means.