Hey fellow Final Fantasy X explorer! When it comes to sphere grid progression, my advice is to focus on each character’s strengths. Customize their path to enhance their abilities – for example, magic for Lulu, agility for Tidus, and strength for Auron. Don’t be afraid to backtrack to grab important nodes like stat boosts or new abilities.

For side quests, be sure to complete the Monster Arena challenges for valuable rewards and tough battles. The Celestial Weapons quests are also a must-do for ultimate weapons. And don’t forget about the optional Aeons like Anima and the Magus Sisters – they can make tough battles a breeze.

As for character builds, experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your playstyle. Mix and match abilities from different paths to create versatile characters. And don’t neglect support abilities like Auto-Phoenix or Ribbon to help you in challenging battles.

Happy exploring, and may Yevon guide your journey in Spira!