Understanding COA IX Final Question Event (January 29 Deadline)
COA IX Final Question occurs January 29, 2026, immediately after Radiant Altar phase (January 22-29) completes, locking team rankings permanently. Unlike previous tournament phases where scores fluctuate, Final Question freezes all competitive standings and triggers Fragment distribution based on final team placements.
The championship progresses through three phases before Final Question: Sacred Sanctum (December 31, 2026-January 8, 2026), Divine Procession (January 8-22, 2026), and Radiant Altar (January 22-29, 2026). Each phase locks team scores permanently upon completion. Teams compete on specialized maps—Leviathan Shore for Sacred Sanctum and Ancient Passage for Divine Procession—with team scores calculated as highest Hunter score × 2 plus top four Survivor scores.
Players seeking to maximize championship rewards should prepare for Identity V Echoes top up instant needs before the deadline. BitTopup provides secure, fast delivery for Echoes purchases, ensuring you can claim limited-time items without payment delays.
What Makes This COA IX Phase Critical for Rewards
Final Question deadline creates a hard cutoff for competitive Fragment distribution:
- Rank 1: 2000 Fragments per member
- Rank 2: 1500 Fragments
- Rank 3: 1200 Fragments
- Ranks 4-8: 800 Fragments
- Ranks 9-16: 600 Fragments
- Ranks 17-50: 500 Fragments
Rewards appear within 15 minutes of eligibility confirmation through Abyss Treasure IX Esports tab under COA IX Rewards.
Spectator rewards distribute 50-200 Fragments within 24 hours of viewing eligibility. Competitive rewards distribute immediately after phase completion. The Abyss Treasure IX claiming window extends from January 8 through May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8—a four-month buffer for Fragment redemption.
Timeline Overview: From Final Question to Rankings Lock
Championship timeline follows strict server time protocols (UTC+8):
- Registration cutoff: January 13, 2026 21:00 UTC+8
- S1 servers close: January 14, 2026 09:00 UTC+8
- S4 servers close: January 15, 2026 09:00 UTC+8
- Club membership requirement: 12 hours before matches
- Team size: 5-7 players (minimum 5 for online qualifiers)
Regional advancement varies by competitive density. Japan's top 5-6 teams advance to Radiant Altar, while NA-EU and Southeast Asia each send top 8 teams. Top 100 teams per region advance from Sacred Sanctum.
Daily limits reset at 00:00 UTC+8, leaderboards update every 15-30 minutes. Quick Matches run 12:00-22:00 server time, Ranked Matches operate 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:00. Matches last 8-10 minutes with Hunter queue times averaging 3-5 minutes, Survivor queues 1-2 minutes.
Why January 29 Is Your Last Chance for Certain Claims
January 29 rankings lock permanently freezes team standings, preventing any further score adjustments. This creates an immutable record for Fragment distribution calculations. While Abyss Treasure IX claiming window extends until May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8, eligibility for specific reward tiers becomes fixed on January 29.
The May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8 cutoff represents the absolute final deadline for all COA IX reward claims. After this timestamp, unclaimed Fragments and associated rewards become permanently inaccessible. The portal times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, requiring active sessions during claim processes.
Complete COA IX Rewards Checklist: Don't Miss These Items
Fragment rewards serve as primary currency for championship exclusive items:
- Limited skins: 800-1500 Fragments
- Portrait frames: 300-600 Fragments
- Championship Essences: 200-400 Fragments
- Accessories: 100-300 Fragments
Championship Essence and Memory Spheres
Championship Essences unlock through Abyss Treasure IX, requiring Fragment expenditure within the claiming window. The 200-400 Fragment cost range reflects different essence tiers, with premium essences containing exclusive championship-themed cosmetics unavailable through standard gameplay.
Prioritize essence unlocks before May 5 cutoff—these items typically don't return in future seasons. The essence system operates independently from standard gacha mechanics, guaranteeing championship-specific items rather than diluting pools with permanent cosmetics.
Limited-Time Portraits and Frames
Portrait frames cost 300-600 Fragments and display during character selection and lobby screens, signaling championship participation. The 300-Fragment tier includes basic championship branding, while 600-Fragment options feature animated effects or team-specific designs.
Frame availability ends May 5. Unlike skins that occasionally return through special events, championship frames maintain exclusivity to their respective tournament cycles.
Prediction Event Exclusive Rewards
Spectator rewards distribute 50-200 Fragments based on viewing participation and prediction accuracy. Rewards appear within 24 hours of eligibility confirmation. The Fragment range reflects different engagement levels, with higher payouts for accurate team predictions and extended viewing sessions.
Prediction mechanics track player forecasts against actual tournament outcomes, rewarding correct championship winner selections and phase advancement predictions. The system calculates accuracy automatically, distributing Fragments proportional to prediction success rates.
Championship Shop Items Before Removal
Abyss Treasure IX shop contains all redeemable items during the January 8-May 5 window. Limited skins at 800-1500 Fragments represent highest-value items, typically featuring championship logos, team colors, or tournament-specific visual effects. These skins don't rotate into standard shops after event concludes.
Accessories priced at 100-300 Fragments include pet skins, standby motions, and graffiti tags themed around COA IX. These lower-cost items provide budget-friendly options for players with limited Fragment earnings.
Hidden Rewards from Viewer Missions
Viewer missions distribute Fragments for watching official tournament streams and completing engagement tasks. The 50-200 Fragment spectator reward range scales with participation duration and mission completion rates. Missions refresh during each tournament phase, allowing dedicated viewers to accumulate substantial Fragment totals without competitive participation.
Mission requirements typically include watching specific match durations, predicting match outcomes, or engaging with tournament content through in-game interfaces. The 24-hour distribution window for spectator rewards requires patience, as systems verify viewing legitimacy before crediting Fragments.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim All COA IX Final Question Rewards
Accessing the COA IX Event Hub In-Game
- Launch Identity V and navigate to main menu's Esports section
- Select Abyss Treasure IX from championship event list
- Interface displays three primary tabs: COA IX Rewards, Championship Shop, Prediction Center
Rewards appear within 15 minutes of eligibility confirmation, though leaderboard updates occur every 15-30 minutes, potentially delaying initial visibility.
If rewards don't appear within expected timeframe, force-close client completely and restart after 30 minutes. This refresh cycle synchronizes local client data with server-side eligibility records.
Claiming Prediction-Based Rewards
- Navigate to Prediction Center tab within Abyss Treasure IX
- Interface displays all active and completed predictions with corresponding Fragment rewards
- Click claim buttons next to Fragment totals to transfer Fragments to account balance
Prediction rewards calculate based on accuracy percentages and participation timing. Early predictions typically yield higher Fragment multipliers.
Redeeming Viewer Participation Points
- Access COA IX Rewards tab
- Navigate to Viewer Missions subcategory
- Click claim buttons for each eligible reward
The 24-hour distribution window means recently completed missions may show as pending until server verification completes. Viewer missions don't require manual activation during viewing—system tracks participation automatically.
Unlocking Championship Essence Items
- Access Championship Shop tab
- Navigate to Essences category
- Each essence displays Fragment cost (200-400 range) and preview of potential items
- Purchase essences using accumulated Fragments
- Open essences through standard Memory Sphere interface
Championship essences guarantee exclusive items rather than operating on pure RNG mechanics.
Verifying Your Claims Before Deadline
Abyss Treasure IX interface includes Claim History section tracking all Fragment transactions and item redemptions. Review this log before May 5 cutoff to ensure all eligible rewards transferred successfully. The system displays timestamps for each claim, Fragment amounts, and associated items.
Cross-reference claim history against expected rewards based on tournament participation, viewing hours, and prediction accuracy. Discrepancies should prompt immediate support contact—May 5 deadline leaves no buffer for post-cutoff corrections.
What Happens After COA IX Rankings Lock: Critical Changes Explained
Immediate Changes to Reward Availability
Competitive rewards distribute immediately after rankings lock completes. Rank 1 teams receive 2000 Fragments per member within 15 minutes, with subsequent tiers following same timeline. The system processes all 50 ranked teams simultaneously.
Spectator rewards continue distributing on their separate 24-hour timeline, unaffected by competitive rankings lock. Players who watched Final Question matches receive 50-200 Fragment spectator rewards within 24 hours of event conclusion.
Championship Shop Inventory Modifications
Championship Shop inventory remains static after rankings lock—no new items added post-January 29. All limited skins, portrait frames, essences, and accessories available January 29 remain purchasable until May 5 cutoff.
Fragment earning opportunities cease after rankings lock, as competitive matches and prediction events conclude. Players must work with accumulated Fragment totals from competitive placements, spectator rewards, and prediction accuracy bonuses.
Essence Unlock Restrictions Post-Lock
Championship Essences remain purchasable through May 5 but don't replenish after initial shop stock depletes. Each essence tier has limited availability, with popular options potentially selling out before final deadline.
Post-lock essence purchases draw from same Fragment pool as skin and portrait redemptions, creating competition between different reward categories.
Long-Term vs. Time-Limited Rewards Breakdown
Time-limited rewards (expire May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8):
- Limited skins: 800-1500 Fragments
- Portrait frames: 300-600 Fragments
- Championship Essences: 200-400 Fragments
- Accessories: 100-300 Fragments
These items never return in future seasons or standard shop rotations.
Long-term rewards: Fragment balances persist beyond championship cycle. Unclaimed Fragments expire May 5, but items successfully redeemed before deadline remain permanently in player inventories.
Priority Claim Strategy: Which Rewards to Secure First
Strategic Fragment allocation maximizes reward value within May 5 deadline. Limited skins at 800-1500 Fragments represent highest individual item costs, requiring priority consideration for players with Fragment totals below 2000. Portrait frames at 300-600 Fragments offer mid-tier value, while essences and accessories provide budget-friendly options.
High-Value Items That Disappear After Jan 29
No items disappear January 29—rankings lock affects eligibility for earning Fragments, not redemption windows. All Championship Shop items remain available through May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8. The critical January 29 deadline determines final Fragment totals through competitive placement but doesn't remove any purchasable items from shop.
Permanent vs. Temporary Reward Categories
All COA IX Championship Shop items qualify as permanent rewards once claimed. Limited skins, portrait frames, essences, and accessories remain in player inventories indefinitely after redemption. The limited designation refers to acquisition windows, not item persistence.
Temporary elements include Fragment earning opportunities and Championship Shop access. After May 5, players can't earn additional Fragments through COA IX activities or access Abyss Treasure IX shop interface.
Optimizing Your Echoes Spending for Maximum Value
For players needing to buy Identity V Echoes online recharge to supplement Fragment earnings, BitTopup offers competitive pricing and instant delivery. While Fragments serve as primary COA IX currency, certain championship-adjacent items may require Echoes purchases through standard shop channels.
Fragment-based rewards provide better value than Echoes-purchased alternatives during championship window. Limited skins costing 800-1500 Fragments typically require significantly higher Echoes expenditures if purchased through standard mechanisms. Prioritize Fragment redemptions for championship exclusives, reserving Echoes for permanent shop items unavailable through tournament rewards.
Common Mistakes Players Make with COA IX Claims
Misconception: All Rewards Stay Available Forever
While claimed items persist permanently, claiming window closes definitively May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8. Players who delay claims until after this deadline lose all accumulated Fragments and associated purchasing power. The system provides no extensions or grace periods.
Some players assume championship items rotate into standard shops after event conclusions. Identity V maintains strict exclusivity for championship rewards—COA IX items never appear in future shop rotations or special events.
Forgetting to Check Multiple Claim Locations
Abyss Treasure IX interface separates rewards across three tabs:
- COA IX Rewards: Competitive and spectator Fragments
- Championship Shop: Item redemptions
- Prediction Center: Prediction-based Fragments
Players focusing exclusively on one tab miss rewards distributed through other sections.
Not Prioritizing Limited Essence Unlocks
Championship Essences at 200-400 Fragments represent mid-tier value propositions, often overlooked in favor of high-cost skins or low-cost accessories. However, essences contain exclusive items unavailable through any other acquisition method.
Players with Fragment totals between 500-1000 should consider essence purchases before portrait frames, as essences provide multiple items per purchase while frames offer single cosmetic pieces.
Assuming Prediction Rewards Auto-Claim
Prediction rewards require manual claiming through Prediction Center tab. The system calculates Fragment earnings automatically based on prediction accuracy but doesn't transfer Fragments to player accounts without explicit claim activation.
Players who participated in prediction events but never visited Prediction Center tab may have substantial unclaimed Fragment totals. The interface displays all eligible predictions with associated Fragment values, requiring individual claim button activation for each completed prediction.
Echoes and Currency Requirements for COA IX Items
COA IX operates primarily on Fragment currency earned through competitive placements, spectator participation, and prediction accuracy. Echoes serve as standard premium currency for Identity V but have limited direct application to championship-exclusive items. Championship Shop accepts only Fragments for limited skins, portrait frames, essences, and accessories.
Breaking Down Costs for Championship Essence
Championship Essences cost 200-400 Fragments depending on tier:
- 200-Fragment tier: Basic championship-themed items with standard rarity distributions
- 300-Fragment tier: Increased exclusive item drop rates
- 400-Fragment tier: Guarantees at least one championship-exclusive cosmetic per opening
Each essence functions as single-use unlock, similar to standard Memory Spheres. Players can purchase multiple essences of same tier, with each opening providing independent item rolls.
Free vs. Premium Reward Tiers
Free rewards:
- Spectator participation: 50-200 Fragments
- Basic prediction participation
- Enough currency for multiple accessory purchases (100-300 Fragments each) or single portrait frame (300-600 Fragments)
Premium rewards:
- Competitive placements requiring team participation
- Rank 1 teams earning 2000 Fragments can afford most expensive limited skin (1500 Fragments) plus premium essence (400 Fragments) or multiple portrait frames
- Lower-ranked teams at 500-800 Fragments must prioritize single high-value items or multiple mid-tier purchases
How to Get Echoes Quickly for Last-Minute Purchases
While Echoes don't directly purchase Championship Shop items, they enable acquisition of standard shop cosmetics that complement championship rewards. BitTopup provides instant Identity V Echoes delivery with secure payment processing and competitive pricing.
Focus Fragment spending on championship exclusives unavailable through Echoes purchases, reserving Echoes for permanent shop items that remain accessible after May 5 cutoff.
Troubleshooting COA IX Reward Claims Issues
Rewards Not Appearing in Inventory
- Force-close Identity V client completely (not just minimizing)
- Wait 30 minutes for server synchronization
- Restart client and navigate directly to Abyss Treasure IX
If rewards still don't appear after 30-minute restart cycle, verify your team's placement on official leaderboards. Leaderboards update every 15-30 minutes, potentially creating temporary mismatches between actual rankings and displayed standings.
Prediction Points Not Calculating Correctly
Prediction accuracy calculations occur server-side after tournament results finalize. The system requires complete match data before assigning Fragment values to predictions. Spectator rewards distribute within 24 hours, meaning prediction-based Fragments may not appear immediately after Final Question concludes.
Check Prediction Center tab for detailed accuracy breakdowns. The interface displays each prediction with corresponding actual outcomes, Fragment calculations, and claim status.
Event Page Access Problems and Solutions
Portal times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, requiring fresh navigation to Abyss Treasure IX. If event page fails to load, verify internet connection stability and server status. Championship events generate high traffic volumes during distribution windows, occasionally causing temporary server congestion.
Clear game cache through device settings if persistent loading issues occur. Cache corruption can prevent proper event page rendering, requiring manual cache deletion and fresh data downloads. This process doesn't affect claimed rewards or Fragment balances—server maintains authoritative records independent of local cache data.
Post-Event: What COA IX Content Remains After Rankings Lock
May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8 cutoff permanently closes Abyss Treasure IX shop and Fragment earning opportunities. All unclaimed Fragments expire worthless, while successfully redeemed items remain permanently in player inventories. Championship Shop interface becomes inaccessible after this deadline.
Legacy Items Still Available in Shop
No COA IX championship items transition to permanent shop availability. Limited skins, portrait frames, essences, and accessories remain exclusive to January 8-May 5 claiming window. Players who miss May 5 deadline can't acquire these items through future events, special promotions, or standard shop rotations.
Identity V maintains strict championship exclusivity to preserve prestige value of tournament participation rewards.
Future Opportunities to Obtain Missed Rewards
COA IX rewards never return in subsequent championship cycles or special events. Each Call of the Abyss iteration features unique cosmetics, maps, and reward structures, with no crossover between championship seasons.
The permanent missable status of championship rewards creates strong incentive for timely participation and claiming.
Preparing for Next Championship Season
Future Call of the Abyss championships follow similar structures with phase-based progression, Fragment reward systems, and time-limited claiming windows. Monitor official announcements for COA X timeline details, registration requirements, and reward previews.
Understanding the distinction between rankings lock dates and claiming deadlines, prioritizing Fragment allocation strategies, and navigating Abyss Treasure interface all transfer directly to subsequent championship cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COA IX Final Question event in Identity V? Final Question occurs January 29, 2026, immediately after Radiant Altar rankings lock. Team standings freeze permanently, triggering Fragment distribution to ranked teams (2000 Fragments for Rank 1 down to 500 Fragments for Ranks 17-50).
When does the COA IX rankings lock happen? Rankings lock January 29, 2026, at conclusion of Radiant Altar phase (January 22-29). This lock permanently freezes team standings and initiates Fragment reward distribution within 15 minutes.
What rewards can I claim from COA IX Final Question? Competitive participants receive 500-2000 Fragments based on final team rankings. Spectators earn 50-200 Fragments. All Fragments redeem for limited skins (800-1500), portrait frames (300-600), Championship Essences (200-400), and accessories (100-300) through Abyss Treasure IX shop until May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8.
How do I claim COA IX championship essence? Navigate to Abyss Treasure IX > Championship Shop > Essences category. Purchase essences using accumulated Fragments (200-400 cost range). Essences appear in inventory immediately and open through standard Memory Sphere interface.
What happens after COA IX rankings lock on January 29? Team standings freeze permanently. Fragment distribution begins within 15 minutes for competitive placements. Championship Shop remains accessible until May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8, but no new Fragment earning opportunities become available after rankings lock.
Can I still get COA IX rewards after the final question ends? Yes—claiming window extends until May 5, 2026 23:59 UTC+8. All Championship Shop items remain purchasable with accumulated Fragments through this deadline. However, Fragment earning opportunities cease after January 29 rankings lock.
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