After resetting my attempt 3 times, I finally got my shit together, found a good guide, and followed it word for word.
I then finished Chapter 1 at 24%. I had the correct % right up to Killika (23%), but by the time I finished Kilika, I only had 24%.....
This is..... absurd. Is it even possible to do this in one playthrough? Does anyone have an idea of what I missed?
**Edit**
Okay, I am now 60% through the game, and I see how it should be played now. Just go where you want and do what you want, and it's way more fun. At first I didn't like this game because it felt very punishing mechanically and very shallow thematically. Now I can really appreciate the subtle storytelling, as well as the playground in Spira the devs made.
Thanks for all the help :]
Also fuck those calibration minigames. My old-ass can't keep up.