You’ll first be introduced to the Arete Stone during the Hide, Hideaway Main Scenario Quest when Charon sends you a few steps over to it to “collect the supplies.” The explanation of the Arete Stone provided by the tutorial message is as follows:

“The customizable virtual battlescape provides Clive a safe location to test out new abilities and train against all manner of enemies. Additional options will become available as Clive progresses through the story.”

There are two options available when you first access the stone, which are “Hall of Virtue” and “Appearance.” So, what can you do with this stone?

Menu Option	Description	Unlocked
Hall of Virtue	“Hone your battle skills in a customizable training area.” This is an excellent area for you to practice combo attacks and practice your timing for the order of attacks you use during an enemy’s stagger window. Take some time to practice rotations, dodging, parrying, and trying out new Eikonic Abilities.	This option is available when the Arete Stone is activated during the Hide, Hideaway Main Scenario Quest.
Arcade Mode	“Replay and previously cleared stage and be awarded a score based on performance. Restrictions on level, gear, consumables are applied. Gameplay mode will default to Action Focused.” Arcade Mode allows you to replay certain sections of the game; typically, these are the locked-off areas that lead up to an eventual boss battle. You can replay it, earn points to see if you can best your own time, and compare your score to the online leaderboards. You can use the button to turn cutscenes off.	“Arcade Mode” and “Stage Replay Mode” once you’ve completed the Fanning Embers Main Scenario Quest.
Stage Replay	“Replay any previously cleared stage, but at current level. Treasure coffer data is retained.” Stage Replay isn’t for attaining a good score; it’s for going back to locked-off areas if you missed picking up an item or a treasure coffer. You get to keep anything you pick up. This helps to ensure that there is no Missable Content in Final Fantasy XVI. You can also use this mode to attempt to go back and try to earn a Medal of Valor as well.	“Arcade Mode” and “Stage Replay Mode” once you’ve completed the Fanning Embers Main Scenario Quest.
Final Chronolith Trials	“Challenge a new set of elemental trials, featuring less time and more powerful enemies. Restrictions on level, gear, and consumable use are applied. Gameplay mode will default to Action Focused.” These are similar to the Chronolith Trials that you can partake in, but they only become available after you have completed the side quest first. This is essentially the “hard mode” version for Chronoliths that you can challenge yourself to if you choose.	Complete the Chronoliths Side Quest.
Kairos Gate	“Put your combat skills to the ultimate test in the Kairos Gate. Restrictions on level, gear, and consumables are applied. Gameplay mode will default to Action Focused.” Check out the Kairos Gate Side Quest page for more information.	Kairos Gate is unlocked after you complete The Rising Tide DLC Expansion.
Appearance	“Change the outward appearance of gear without affecting its stats.” This section allows you to change the appearance of Clive, Clive’s weapons, or Clive’s companions into a few fun options. These appearance changes affect nothing other than how the person or object looks.	This option is available when the Arete Stone is activated during the Hide, Hideaway Main Scenario Quest.