Completing side quests in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth often unlocks vital travel mechanics that make exploration much smoother. The "Stuck in a Rut" side quest requires players to assist Gabe, a Chocobo ranch owner in the Junon region, by finding materials to repair his broken carriage. Tracking down these items requires scaling steep cliffs, interacting with craftsmen, and utilizing your Chocobo's unique tracking abilities.
Finding the Wainwright's Hut in Junon
To begin gathering materials, you must first reach the craftsman known as the Wainwright. His isolated residence is perched high up in the cliffs near the entrance to Under Junon. You will need a mountain Chocobo named Belle to scale the designated wall faces marked with Chocobo icons and upward arrows.
Once you navigate the cliffside pathways and reach the hut, wake the craftsman from his sleep. He will hand over a sketched map illustrating three specific locations where rare dried driftwood can be harvested. Understanding how to read this vague map is the key to efficiently gathering every required component.
Using Your Chocobo to Locate Driftwood
All three material locations are scattered around the valley between the Wainwright's Hut and Gabe's Chocobo Ranch. While riding your Chocobo near these areas, watch closely for a red question mark icon above its head. This visual cue indicates that a hidden item is nearby and ready to be tracked down.
When the prompt appears, press the scent command to follow the scent trail. Align your Chocobo with the directional arrow and follow it until the digging prompt appears. Using the digging command allows your mount to unearth the dried driftwood needed for the repairs.
Driftwood Locations and Digging Spots
The first piece of driftwood is located near a small ruined structure north of where you originally captured your Junon Chocobo. The second piece can be found further east towards Under Junon, tucked near a fenced enclosure and concrete structures. The final material sits near a path splitting toward a farmhouse on the western edge of the search area.
Although returning fewer pieces allows you to progress, collecting all three items ensures maximum quest completion rewards. Defeat any wandering enemies in these areas so your Chocobo can track the scent uninterrupted. Once all pieces are in hand, return to the craftsman to forge the carriage parts.
Quest Completion and Fast Travel Rewards
Deliver the crafted carriage bed, brace, and wheel back to Gabe at his ranch to finish the quest. Completing this objective unlocks the Chocobo Carriage service, allowing instant fast travel between the Grasslands and Junon regions without traveling through the Mythril Mines.
In addition to unlocking regional travel, you will receive experience points, party EXP, and unique equipment like the Queensguard Bangle. Completing this favor also improves Cloud's relationship bond with Aerith. Taking the time to gather every piece of driftwood significantly improves your overall journey across the planet.
