When you first arrive at Wall Market, consider taking the time to explore and go shopping*. When you're ready, go to the Honey Bee Inn, located beyond the lower-right corner of the market. Talk to the man to the left of the doorman and ask about Tifa. He'll tell you she's been taken to Don Corneo's Mansion. Head for the mansion, located at the opposite end of Wall Market, and talk to the doorman. You'll discover males are strictly prohibited from entering the mansion. Disguise yourself as a woman*, return to the mansion, and talk to the doorman again. Go upstairs and take the door on the left to find Tifa in the Torture Room. Talk to her, pick up the ETHER on the left side of the room, and head back up the stairs. Take the middle door and approach Don Corneo. Once Don Corneo selects his companion, confront him in his chamber*. Pick up the HYPER behind the bed and head out.

*NOTES

Shopping Guide: Visit the Weapon Store across from the Bar in the upper half of the market and you'll have your first chance to obtain the MYTHRIL ROD @ 370 Gil, the METAL KNUCKLE @ 320 Gil, and a MYTHRIL ARMLET @ 350 Gil.

Dressing up like a girl: Head for the Boutique, located in the upper-left corner of the lower half of the market, and talk to the girl behind the counter. She'll tell you the dress-maker is in a slump and spends his days getting plastered. Head for the Bar, the first building on the left in the upper half of the market, and talk to the man sitting on the right side of the room. Ask for something that feels clean and he'll make a COTTON DRESS. Ask for something soft and shiny and he'll make a SATIN DRESS. Ask for something that feels soft and shimmers and he'll make a SILK DRESS. Return to the Boutique and talk to the owner. He'll give you the dress and send you to his friend at the gym (the first building on the right in the upper half of the market) to get a wig. Talk to the person standing in the center of the room and compete in a squatting contest. Lose and Big Bro will give you a nasty WIG, tie and he'll give you a DYED WIG, win and he'll give you a BLONDE WIG. With a dress and a wig in hand, you'll have everything you need to gain admittance to Don Corneo's Mansion. However, if you're bent on being the girl with the most cake and the promise of all the sometimes shockingly adult things Wall Market has to offer entices you, you'll want to add further embellishments to your costume. Or, from a chivalrous and (cough cough) strictly masculine point of view, Don Corneo will take into his boudoir whomever he finds most attractive. If you feel compelled to spare the ladies such an ordeal, you'll have to take one for the team, Bubby. Head for the Materia Store, located in the upper-right corner of the lower half of the market, and talk to the owner. He'll ask you to perform a little corporate espionage. Agree and spend the night at the Inn, the building nearest the south gate. When you go to the vending machine, make a purchase and give it to the owner of the Materia Store the next morning. Trading the 50 Gil item will get you the GLASS TIARA, the 100 Gil item will get you the RUBY TIARA, and the 200 Gil item will get you the DIAMOND TIARA. If you barged in on the toilet hog in the far-left corner of the Bar, you know she's in desperate need of medicine. To help her out, head for the Diner, located between the Boutique and the Materia Store. Sit down at the vacant stool and order any meal for 70 Gil. Tell the server it was all right and she'll give you the PHARMACY COUPONS. Go to the Pharmacy, the next building to the south, and talk to the Pharmacist. You can redeem the coupon for DISINFECTANT, DEODORANT or DIGESTIVE. Return to the Bar and give the distressed woman your medicine. If you give her Disinfectant, she'll give you COLOGNE. If you give her Deodorant, she'll give you FLOWER COLOGNE. If you give her Digestive, she'll give you SEXY COLOGNE. Your final destination will be the infamous Honey Bee Inn. Talk to the indecisive man pacing in the lower-right corner of the lower half of the market and he'll give you his MEMBER'S CARD. Head right and talk to the doorman to get in. Choose one of the unoccupied rooms on the left side of the room and enter. If you take the Group Room, Mukki will give you the BIKINI BRIEFS. If you take the &$#% Room, talk to the Honey Bee before she leaves and she'll give you the LINGERIE. For an extra touch, go to the dressing room beyond the far door in the lobby, talk to the Honey Bee on the left, and ask her to do your make-up. When you're finished, head for the Boutique and enter the fitting room to get changed.

Corneo's choice: If you're selected, you'll be taken directly to the bedroom. If you aren't selected, you'll be taken to the adjacent lounge room and subjected to the advances of Corneo's men. Talk to Scotch to reveal yourself and defeat your attackers. Pick up the PHOENIX DOWN in the near-right corner and head for the door. If Aeris was chosen, you'll meet up with Tifa in the hallway. If Tifa was chosen, you'll have to rescue Aeris from Kotch in the Torture Room before heading for the Don's chamber.

SECTOR 7 SLUMS

After your plunge into the Sewer, make sure Tifa and Aeris are okay. Defeat Aps and pick up the POTION on the left end of the near walkway. Head for the open grate in the far-right corner and grab the STEAL MATERIA on the near walkway before jumping down. Climb the ladder and make your way through the Train Graveyard* to reach the Sector 7 Slums. Head for the top of the plate support, talk to Barret, and defeat Reno of the Turks. Talk to Tifa and examine the control panel. Talk to Barret and grab onto the wire to escape.

From the park in Sector 6, head toward the Sector 5 Slum until Barret and Tifa catch up with you. Return to the park and pick up the SENSE MATERIA in the near-right corner before proceeding to Aeris's House. After speaking with Elmyra, head for Wall Market*. Go to the Weapon Store, speak to the man on the left, and purchase the BATTERIES for 300 Gil. Head toward Corneo Hall and follow the children to the right. Climb the wire and make your way through the wreckage* to reach the Shinra Building.

STRATEGY

Aps: Aps frequently attacks using the Sewer Tsunami, a large wave that damages not only your entire party but Aps as well. The wave will come at you from either the front or the back. When coming from behind Aps, it does considerably greater harm to Aps than to you. Its Lick attack can inflict Sadness. If Cloud has learned the Cross-slash Limit Break, you should use it whenever it becomes available. It'll be your strongest attack and it usually paralyzes the beast. Consider using a Hyper on Cloud to make his Limit gauge fill more rapidly. Hammer away with attacks and magic until Aps submits. [PHOENIX DOWN] Reno: Reno employs a range of fairly strong attacks, but with a three against one advantage you should have little to fear as long as you keep your HP relatively high. His signature move is the Pyramid attack, encasing a single opponent in a pyramid that holds its target in complete stasis, temporarily eliminating that character from battle. When this occurs, immediately free the prisoner by using a physical attack against the pyramid. [ETHER]

*NOTES

Navigating the Train Graveyard: Enter the nearest train car, exit at the opposite end, and examine the barrel to find a HI-POTION. Return to the entrance to the Sewer and climb to the top of the car to pick up another HI-POTION. Cross to the next car, head left along the smashed crane, and examine the barrel in the upper-left corner to find an ECHO SCREEN. Go through the gap between the two cars, enter the car to the right, and pick up the POTION. Exit at the near end and climb to the top of the opposite car, cross to the next car, climb down and enter the car, exit at the far end of the next car, and pick up another POTION. Head into the next section, pass under the aloft car, and go left and into the lower area to pick up a third POTION. Walk around the wreckage to the left into the lower-left area and examine the barrel to find an ETHER. Return to the central area and board the nearest engine to push the nearby car to the left. Board the far engine to move it to the left and climb to the top of the adjacent car to pick up a third HI-POTION. Jump onto the far engine, head left across the wreckage to the next car, and climb down and proceed to the Sector 7 Slums. (Before you leave the Graveyard, consider taking the time to hunt down an Eligor. It's quite rare and a formidable opponent, but you can steal the STRIKING STAFF from it if you're extremely persistent.) En route: As you pass through the Sector 5 Slum on your way to the surface, stop by the house in the lower-right corner and talk to the boy on the second floor. If you resisted the urge to pinch the 5 Gil from his dresser drawer earlier, he'll give you a TURBO ETHER. At Wall Market, you'll have a second chance to explore Corneo's mansion and pick up any items you may have missed during your recent visit. You'll also find the Materia Store at last has Materia for sale. Climbing the wreckage: At the top of the wire, jump left and cross under the wire, jump to the right, and place the first battery to activate the propeller. Jump up and across the propeller, jump left onto the train tracks and place the second battery to activate the gate. Cross the gate, climb to the top of the cable, and jump onto the bar (just as it starts to squeak). Scale the pipe to the next area and climb the cable to the left. Climb down and place the last battery to find an ETHER. Climb down the left-most pipe, jump to the bar again, and return to the ledge above the battery. Climb up and across the cable and scale the pipe to reach the Shinra Building.

SHRINRA HEADQUARTERS

If you prefer to 'bust on in,' head straight through the front door and into the lobby. You'll have to fight your way to the elevator at the back and you'll face random battles as you ride it to the 59th floor. On the other hand, if you'd rather 'sneak in quietly,' head left and take the stairs. You'll be climbing for an extremely long time, but you'll find an ELIXIR near the half-way mark.

[59f]:
Approach the men guarding the elevator on the right side of the floor and defeat them to receive KEYCARD 60. Board the elevator, examine the control panel, and head for the next floor.

[60f]:
Head for the room on the left and the group will split up. Your objective will be to reach the stairs on the opposite side of the floor without alerting the guards. If you get caught, you'll be forced to fight and you'll have to start over. Enter the main area and sneak past the first set of guards using the statues as cover. (They patrol in a set pattern: move left, switch places, move right, switch places. Move to the middle statue as they move right, then break right as soon as they turn to move left.) Signal the others, slip by the second set of guards to reach the stairs, and head for the next floor.

[61f]:
Talk to the employees walking around in the lounge and one of them will ask you what you're doing here. Respond with silence and he'll give you KEYCARD 62, then head for the next floor.

[62f]:
Head for the Mayor's Office on the left side of the floor and talk to Mayor Domino. He'll promise to give you his keycard if you can guess the password. Hart, the Deputy Mayor, stands outside the office. Talk to him and he'll sell you three clues. He'll tell you that in each of the four Research Libraries on this floor a file from another library is mixed in and finding the mislaid files will be the key to figuring out the password. Examine the plaque outside each library and read the files within to determine which file doesn't belong. Take the number at the beginning of each misplaced file and find the corresponding letter in its title. When you have all four letters, return to Mayor Domino and give him the password. If you guess correctly, he'll give you KEYCARD 65. If you do so on the first try, he'll also give you an ELEMENTAL MATERIA. At this point, you may elect to proceed directly to the 65th floor. However, by exploring the next two floors, you'll have the opportunity to acquire a few fantastic items.

[63f]:
Enter the room in the near-right corner and examine the computer. You'll be given authorization to open three security doors at a time. Exit and circle the perimeter of the floor counterclockwise until a door on the far side blocks your path. Open it and proceed to the left door on the near side of the next section of hallway. Open it and enter the room on the left to find the A COUPON. Climb into the air-duct and crawl to the right-middle room and pick up the B COUPON. Exit, proceed to the door in the near-left corner of the next section of hallway, and open it. Enter the next room to find the C COUPON. Return to the computer via the ductwork and redeem your coupons for a STAR PENDANT, a FOUR SLOTS, and an ALL MATERIA.

[64f]:
You may wish to rest and save your game in the nap room in the near-left corner. Examine the vending machine in the far-left corner of the main gym and try to purchase a Shinra Gym Special Drink @ 250 Gil. You won't receive a thing, but you'll be rewarded later in the game. Head for the locker room on the far side of the floor and examine the lockers to find a PHOENIX DOWN and an ETHER.

[65f]:
The keycard for the next floor is in the locked chest in the stairwell. The chest will unlock when you complete the large model of Midgar located in the middle room. You'll find the missing MIDGAR PARTS in the five remaining chests located in the surrounding rooms. At first, only the chest on the near side of the middle-left room will be unlocked. Open it to find the first piece and place it in any of the unfinished areas of the model. Each time you do so, you'll be allowed to open any one of the remaining chests. When all the parts have been installed, open the chest in the stairwell to find KEYCARD 66 and head for the next floor.

[66f]:
Head directly to the bathroom in the far-left corner of the floor and enter the stall. Climb up into the air-duct and crawl to the opposite end to eavesdrop on the Conference Room. When the executive meeting concludes, back out of the ductwork and follow Hojo up the stairs to the next floor.

[67f]:
Follow Hojo to the large area on the left half of the floor and listen in on his instructions. Open the chest in the far right corner of the room to find a POISON MATERIA and take the nearby lift to the next floor.

[68f]:
Defeat Sample:H0512 and grab the ENEMY SKILL MATERIA that falls into the specimen tank. Take the ramp up to the catwalk and pick up the two POTIONS in the near-right corner. Talk to Hojo's assistant and he'll give you KEYCARD 68. Follow him as he flees and he'll lead you past two more POTIONS in the next area. Proceed to the stairwell and meet the others in the elevator on the 66th floor.

STRATEGY

Sample:H0512: This nasty-looking creature can cause Poison. If you picked up the Star Pendant on the 63rd floor, make sure you equip it. If you have both Poison and Elemental Materia, equip them in linked slots in the armor of one of your party members.

Sample:H0512:
attacks from behind its three helpers, the

Sample:H0512-opt.
It has the ability to revive them should they fall, so it's best to ignore them and focus on

Sample:H0512.
As your target will always be in the back row, Magic and Limit Breaks will be the most effective (if Barret is in your party, attacking with his long range weapon will also prove useful). You may wish to begin by sending your entire party to the back row for protection. Attack relentlessly. If you're tempted to use an Antidote, know that it's probably a waste. Your character will be poisoned again soon enough. Just maintain your HP and keep attacking. [TALISMAN]

 

Approach the cell door to check on the others, then get some sleep. When you wake up, leave your cell and examine the guard's body. Wake Tifa, follow her out, and talk to her. Gather the team and meet Red XIII in the large area on the left half of the floor. Follow the trail of blood to the 70th floor and approach the President's desk. Take the door on the far side of the room and the group will split up. Redistribute your Materia and head for the elevator. Defeat Hundred Gunner and Heli Gunner. Redistribute your Materia again and defeat Rufus and Dark Nation. Meet Tifa on the 69th floor, then head for the front door.

Prepare for the upcoming battle with Motor Ball and defend the truck from the Shinra Pursuit Troops*. Defeat Motor Ball and say goodbye to Midgar.

STRATEGY

Hundred Gunner & Heli Gunner: Both enemies are weak against Lightning; equip as many characters as possible with Lightning Materia. Heli Gunner's attacks can cause a variety of status effects, including Sleep and Poison. Make sure you equip a member of your party with the Star Pendant. During this battle, only long-range attacks such as Magic, Limit Breaks and Barret's weapon will prove effective. Cast Bolt repeatedly and keep your HP up. [MYTHRIL ARMLET] Rufus & Dark Nation: Dark Nation can cast protective magic and uses physical and strong Lightning-based attacks. Equip the Talisman and use [Lightning]-[Elemental] in Cloud's armor. Bio seems particularly effective and can cause Poison; consider equipping [Poison]-[All]. Begin by eliminating Dark Nation, then turn your attention to Shinra's son. If Dark Nation managed to establish a Barrier in front of Rufus, use attack magic to send the new President packing. [PROTECT VEST + GUARD SOURCE]

Motor Ball: This machine uses several strong Fire-based attacks that can damage your entire party. Equip [Fire]-[Elemental] in the armor of one of your characters. Equip [Restore]-[All] on as many party members as possible and don't forget to equip the Protect Vest on someone. Motor Ball is weak against Lightning; attack repeatedly using Bolt. For those without Lightning Materia, use their strongest attacks and Limit Breaks whenever available. Keep your party's HP high and the battle should be over quickly. [STAR PENDANT]

K.A.L.M

Head for the town of Kalm, to the northeast*. Meet everyone on the 2nd floor of the Inn and Cloud will divulge what he knows about Sephiroth:

When you first arrive at Nibelheim, the only things you must do are talk to Sephiroth on the 2nd floor of the Inn and get some sleep. But before you do, consider taking the time to explore. Make sure you visit Tifa's House, the second from the right. Go to her bedroom on the second floor and play her piano 'just a little.' Remember the tune; it will be the key to finding Tifa's Level 4 Limit Break later in the game. When you're done exploring, retire to the Inn. In the morning, talk to Sephiroth and head out for the Nibel Reactor. Follow Sephiroth into the core and help him make repairs. Find Sephiroth in the library in the basement of the Shinra Mansion*. After he speaks, leave the room. When you wake up, head left, across the hall, and back down to the basement. Find Sephiroth in the room at the far end of the library and follow him out of the mansion. Go to the village square and check on Cloud's House. Head for the core of the Nibel Reactor and follow Sephiroth into Jenova's chamber.

 Before you head downstairs, open the wardrobe in the far-left corner to find a MEGALIXIR you can't quite reach. Open the doors repeatedly until Cloud kicks the wardrobe and the item falls down. Meet the others at the front desk and you'll receive the PHS. Talk to the townspeople and you'll discover a man in black carrying an impressive sword was seen walking east. Before heading out, consider taking the time to visit each residence and go shopping*.

En route:
Consider taking the time to find a Custom Sweeper before you get too far away from Midgar. If you've equipped the Enemy Skill Materia, you'll learn your first Enemy Skill when the Custom Sweeper attacks you with its MATRA MAGIC. Secondly, you can steal the ATOMIC SCISSORS if you're persistent. Finding the library: Head up the stairs and to the right. Take the secret passage on the far side of the near-right room and descend the hidden steps. The library is located at the opposite end of the corridor.

Shopping and Visitor's Guide:
Stop by the house next to the Inn and open the closet in the far-right corner to find an ETHER. Enter the next house to the right, go upstairs, and open the wardrobe to find another ETHER. Go to the next house, take the stairs, and open the wardrobe to find a GUARD SOURCE. Return to the 1st floor, climb the spiral staircase in the far-left corner, and open the large chest to find the PEACEMAKER. Visit the right-most house in the main square and open the door under the stairs to find a third ETHER. Head for the upper concourse and enter the middle or right building to find the Materia and Weapon Stores. You'll have your first opportunity to obtain EARTH MATERIA @ 1500 Gil, HEAL MATERIA @ 1500 Gil, the MYTHRIL SABER @ 1000 Gil, the CANNON BALL @ 950 Gil, the MYTHRIL CLAW @ 750 Gil, and the FULL METAL STAFF @ 800 Gil.

MYTHRIL MINE

At the heart of the Grasslands Area, you'll find Choco Bill & Choco Billy's Chocobo Farm. Enter the house and talk to Bill. He'll tell you a man in black went into the marshes to the southwest and the only way to cross the marshes without being attacked by the deadly Midgar Zolom is by riding a Chocobo. Though this isn't entirely true (a carefully timed dash will get you across on foot), it's probably better to take his advice and buy a Chocobo from his grandson. Head for the stables and talk to Billy. Unfortunately, he has none for sale and you'll have to catch your own. He'll sell you a CHOCOBO LURE MATERIA for 2000 Gil and send you back out to the Grasslands Area*. Before you leave the farm, talk to the Chocobo at the near end of the paddock and you'll receive the CHOCO/MOG MATERIA. Catch a Chocobo*, ride it across the marshes, and enter the Mythril Mine*. Go right and around the bend, climb the step-like rock formation on the right, pick up the ETHER, and open the large chest to find a TENT. Head back and climb the vines on the left wall to reach the ledge above and grab the LONG RANGE MATERIA. Return to the entrance, go left along the path, and open the chest on the near-right corner to find a MIND SOURCE. Head left and you'll encounter the Turks, who let it slip that Sephiroth is headed for Junon Harbor. Before climbing the roots and following them out, take the far path, open the chest to find an ELIXIR, and grab the HI-POTION on the far-right

Fort Condor, a tall structure marked by the giant bird nesting on its crown, stands to the south. If you wish to help its inhabitants wage their war against Shinra, head for the base of the mountain and take part in this Optional Quest. You also have the option of adding a new member to your party by scouring the forests for the Mystery Ninja (a.k.a. Yuffie). When you're ready to continue tracking Sephiroth, head for Junon Harbor, located 'in the shadows of a small hill' on the west coast.

Catching a Chocobo:
Equip the Chocobo Lure Materia and locate a set of Chocobo tracks. Walk around near them until you enter a battle with two monsters flanking a Chocobo. Defeat the monsters without harming the Chocobo and you'll catch the animal. If you're having difficulty defeating the monsters before the Chocobo runs away, consider purchasing greens from Choco Billy. Feeding them to a Chocobo will keep it occupied during the fight. Mythril Mine:
While you're inside, consider taking the time to fight a Madouge and an Ark Dragon. You can steal the GRAND GLOVE from the Madouge and you'll learn a new Enemy Skill when the Ark Dragon attacks you with its FLAME THROWER. Outside, in the Junon Area, you'll be able to steal the BOOMERANG from a Formula.

When you arrive at the Gold Saucer, purchase a pass from the hostess near the entrance (a single pass will cost you 3000 Gil; a lifetime pass, a.k.a. the GOLD TICKET, will cost you 30000 Gil) and proceed to the Gold Gate. Pick an exploring buddy and follow Barret to Wonder Square. A strange being name Cait Sith will read your fortune and join your party to see how it turns out. If you visit Speed Square, you'll meet Dio, the proprietor of the Gold Saucer. He'll tell you he met someone fitting Sephiroth's description, but has no idea where the person went. When you've finished amusing yourself at the Gold Saucer's attractions*, head for Battle Square. After being thrown into Corel Prison, follow Barret through the gate to the next area and find him in the Mayor's Old House (the first building on the right). To seek out the prison 'Boss,' return to the first area and go through the far-left gate. Go through the gate beyond the rift and head right. Head for the far side of the next area* and defeat Dyne. After a brief meeting with Mr. Coates, Ester will escort you to the Jockey's Lounge in the Gold Saucer. Pick up the RAMUH MATERIA near the far-right corner of the table and talk to Ester to begin the Chocobo Race*. Win the race and Dio will present you with the Buggy and point you toward Gongaga.

COSMO CANYON

Drive the Buggy south across the river to reach the Gongaga Area*. If you're curious about the burnt-out wreckage nestled unmistakably in middle of the forest directly ahead, see the Gongaga Village section of Optional Quests for full details. If getting to Sephiroth as soon as possible is your all-consuming desire, ignore the village and continue west along the south coast, cross the river, and follow the path through the canyon. When the Buggy breaks down, head for nearby Cosmo Canyon. Talk to the man at the gate and follow Red XIII up the stairs on the left. Consider taking the time to do some shopping* as you make your way to the Observatory at the top of Cosmo Canyon. Talk to Bugenhagen inside then find your companions and decide who will join you inside Bugenhagen's machine. Return to the Observatory and meet Bugenhagen inside the lab. After the presentation, meet the others at Cosmo Candle and talk to everyone (speak with Red XIII last). Follow Bugenhagen to the Gate of Naught and talk to him.

Descend to the bottom of the sealed cave and head right into the Cave of the Gi*. Proceed along the path, enter the third cave, and break open the odd shaped rock to activate a secret passage nearby. Head into the next area, take the first left, and return to the first area via the left path (walk slowly across the slippery liquid or you'll slide into a wall of spikes). Pick up the ADDED EFFECT MATERIA, head back into the next area, and cross to the right path. Take the second left, go down the steps, and open the chest at the near end of the lower path to find the BLACK M-PHONE. Open the chest at the far end of the lower path to find an ETHER, return to the upper path, and head into the next area. Enter the cave second from the right and open the chest at the far end of the path to find an X-POTION. Return to the five caves and enter the cave second from the left. Take the first left, enter the cave at the near end of the path, and head to the right inside the cave to emerge near a chest containing a FAIRY RING. Head for the far end of the area, duck through the cave on the left, and open the chest to find a TURBO ETHER before taking the path into the next area. Defeat Gi Nattak, pick up the GRAVITY MATERIA, and follow the others into the next area, where Red XIII will receive the SERAPH COMB. Return to the now up-and-running Buggy and head for Nibelheim.

STRATEGY

Gi Nattak:
Gi Nattak begins the battle fronted by two Soul Fires. It can use its Take Over ability to send them into the bodies of your party members to do Fire-based damage from the inside. Equip a [Fire-element (Fire or Ifrit)]-[Elemental] defensive combination and the Fire Ring to minimize the damage should this occur. As an undead creature, Gi Nattak is keenly averse to Curative magic. Equip Restore Materia on as many characters as possible and bombard the enemy with first aid from hell. Of course, you could win the battle in a single (albeit costly) turn by using an X-Potion or an Elixir. [WIZER STAFF]

 

En route:
Consider taking the time to comb the Gold Saucer Area desert in the buggy looking for the Harpy to learn its AQUALUNG Enemy Skill. Hit the beach and manipulate a Beachplug to learn the perennially useful BIG GUARD Enemy Skill. Search the Gongaga Area forests for a Touch Me and learn its FROG SONG Enemy Skill. A reliable way to cause Sleep will come in handy, especially if you plan to undertake the Gongaga Village Optional Quest.

Shopping Guide:
Visit the Weapon Store in the lower cavern for your first chance to obtain the BUTTERFLY EDGE @ 2800 Gil, the TIGER FANG @ 2500 Gil, the HEAVY VULCAN @ 2700 Gil, the PRISM STAFF @ 2600 Gil, the SILVER BARRETTE @ 2500 Gil and the PINWHEEL @ 2600 Gil. Visit the Materia Store located down the path to the immediate right of the entrance in the upper cavern if you're interested in purchasing MP PLUS MATERIA @ 8000 Gil, HP PLUS MATERIA @ 8000 Gil or MYSTIFY MATERIA @ 6000 Gil.

Cave of the Gi:
In this area, you can learn the DEATH SENTENCE Enemy Skill from the Gi Spector and the Sneaky Step.

OPTIONAL QUESTS:
The Gold Saucer (Battle Square), Gongaga Village

NIBELHEIM

Drive the Buggy out of the canyon and north along the coast, cross the river, and head for Nibelheim seated at the foot of the mountains straight ahead. Consider taking the time to explore the village* then head for library in the basement of Shinra Mansion*. When you approach the far room, Sephiroth will tell you he's going 'north past Mt. Nibel' and give you (or rather pelt you with) a DESTRUCT MATERIA. Leave the mansion and take the far path and head north to reach Mt. Nibel.

Proceed along the path and take the detour up the first narrow spire to reach the RUNE BLADE. Head left past the second spire and take the detour that cuts behind then back and forth across it to reach the PLUS BARRETTE. Head left across the rope bridge and you'll reach an area with five chutes. Take the chute second from the right and you'll drop to a lower ledge. Pick up the POWERSOUL, jump down to the lowest level, and exit to the left of the creature in the near-right corner. Jump down and enter the cave below, head for the opposite end, and cut back to reach the farthest cave on the left. Walk along the hidden tunnel to emerge near a chest and open it to find an ELIXIR. Head back to the far end of the cave and proceed toward the Nibel Reactor. Along the way, you'll pick up an ELEMENTAL MATERIA on the left side of the fountain and the SNIPER CR on the far side of the following area. Enter the door on the far-right side of the reactor, climb the ladder, and return to the five chutes. Take the chute second for the left to reach an ALL MATERIA and jump down to the lowest area. Defeat Materia Keeper, pick up the COUNTER ATTACK MATERIA, and head out to reach the Nibel Area on the north side of the mountain.

Materia Keeper:
Materia Keeper has an incredibly devastating attack called Hell Combo; make sure you keep your entire party's HP at or near maximum. It also uses the TRINE Enemy Skill. Begin the battle with Big Guard and summon Choco/Mog or use Aeris' Seal Evil Limit Break as soon as it becomes available to cause Stop or Paralysis. Take the time to recover any lost HP, and hammer away with your strongest attacks. Use Choco/Mog or Seal Evil again as necessary and you should win with minimal risk. [JEM RING]

Shinra Mansion:
Take the far doorway, head right, and go to the far-right room. Open the chest to find the TWIN VIPER and return to the foyer. Take the doorway on the right, enter the near-right room, and open the chest to find the SILVER M-PHONE. Return to the foyer, take the stairs, and head left. Open the chest in the atrium at the end of the hall to find the ENEMY LAUNCHER. Head for the opposite side of the second floor, enter the far-right room, and open the chest to find a MAGIC SOURCE. You can learn the ???? Enemy Skill from the Jerseys you can find on the second floor. If you spotted the letters lying on the floor in the near-left corner of the foyer, then you've probably read about the scientifically altered Turk asleep in the basement. Refer to the Vincent Valentine section of Optional Quests for full details about how to convince this mystery person to join your party. On Mt. Nibel, you can steal GOLD ARMLETS from Dragons.

ROCKET TOWN

Circle the mountains to the north in a clockwise direction and you'll eventually arrive at Rocket Town*. If you talk to the old man standing in front of the Item Store (the building in the far-left corner of town) and look at the rocket with him, he'll give you the YOSHIYUKI. Head for the right-most house and open the chest in the nearest corner of the kitchen to find a POWER SOURCE. Enter the farthest house and open the chest in the small room adjacent to the back hallway to find the DRILL ARM. Go to the backyard and you'll find the Tiny Bronco and chat with Shera. She'll send you to the rocket to speak with the Captain. Go back through the house and head for Shinra No. 26. Climb to the top and talk to Cid about the rocket. Return to Cid's House and speak with Shera. When Rufus arrives and Palmer enters the house, go outside to check on Cid. When Shera calls you back in, head for the backyard and defeat Palmer.

When the Tiny Bronco splashes down into the ocean, you'll be at a loss for a clear-cut idea of where to go next. The crippled plane can return you to just about anywhere you've already been, plus you'll be able to reach a few new destinations. Consider going back to undertake any Optional Quests you may have missed or skipped, pick up any items you may have overlooked or been unable to afford, and learn any Enemy Skills* you couldn't or didn't acquire previously. If Yuffie has joined your party, it would be well worth your while to visit the large island west of the crash site and take part in the Wutai Optional Quests.

Shopping Guide:
Visit the Weapon Store (the first building on the left) for your first chance to obtain the SHOTGUN @ 3100 Gil and an EARRING @ 7500 Gil. Stop by the Item Store if you're interested in purchasing BARRIER MATERIA @ 10000 Gil, EXIT MATERIA @ 10000 Gil or TIME MATERIA @ 6000 Gil.

Enemy Skills:
With Manipulate Materia in hand, consider heading back to the Junon Area and taking control of a Zemzelett to learn the WHITE WIND Enemy Skill. By now, you should be strong enough to face the Midgar Zolom in the Grasslands Area marshes and learn the BETA Enemy Skill as well.

THE KEYSTONE

Once you've acquired the Tiny Bronco and you begin to explore, be mindful of your next objective and be on the lookout for information regarding the whereabouts of the Temple of the Ancients. A visit to Bone Village (located northwest of Midgar in the middle of a forest on the Northern Continent) will confirm a man fitting Sephiroth's description has been searching for the Temple. Further questioning will reveal its location, 'way down south,' and the fact that you'll need the Keystone, reputed to be in the hands of 'some rich guy,' to get inside. Visit the Weapon Seller in the northeast corner of the Gongaga Area and he'll tell you he sold the Keystone to Dio, the manager of the Gold Saucer. Beach the Tiny Bronco and head for the Gold Saucer.

 Go give it to you if you entertain him in the Battle Arena*. It doesn't matter how well you do; in fact, you could escape immediately and still receive the KEYSTONE; but running the gauntlet through all eight battles will impress Dio enough that he'll reward you with a PROTECT VEST and a CHOCO FEATHER as well. When you return to the Ropeway Station, you'll discover the tram isn't working and Cait Sith will suggest you spend the night at the Ghost Hotel. During the night, a member of the party will approach you and together you'll spend the evening touring the Saucer*. Your liaison will be cut short at the Gold Gate when you stumble across the heist of the Keystone. Chase the thief through the park to Chocobo Square, where you'll make a shocking discovery. The next morning, open the wardrobe in the far-right corner of Cloud's room to find an ELIXIR and meet the rest of the team in the hotel lobby. Return to the Tiny Bronco, head south along the Gongaga Area coast, and east along the chain of islands to reach the Woodlands Area south of Junon.

*NOTES

Dio's Challenge: Make sure Cloud is properly equipped to fight solo before you accept. Also, know that any BP you earn during the challenge will not be retained, so there's no point in trying to get the most crippling slot effects. For full details about fighting in the Battle Arena, consult the Gold Saucer section of Optional Quests. Cloud's date: Your night visitor will be whoever has the greatest affinity for Cloud. Depending on your previous actions, it's possible to tete-a-tete with Aeris, Tifa, Yuffie or even Barret!

TEMPLE OF THE ANCIENTS

Head for the temple in the middle of the forest and climb the steps to reach the altar. When Tseng gives you the Keystone, place it on the altar and you'll be transported inside the Temple. When the strange creature beckons you, follow him to his chamber. Though this area appears complicated, the path is actually quite linear. Head right, up the short flight of steps and left, right and down the steps, through the archway, down the vines, and right under the long set of steps. Open the chest to find the TRIDENT and head right, up the vines, left and up the steps, and up another set of vines. Pick up the MIND SOURCE, head down the steps, and enter the creature's chamber. Open the chest to find the SILVER RIFLE and exit. Head back up the stairs, down the vines, and through the archway. Pick up the TURBO ETHER, go down the long set of steps, through another archway and down the steps, left behind the pillar, and down the vines. Open the chest to find the ROCKET PUNCH and note the second Ancient and the corridor it disappears into. Go down the stairs, right and up the vines, up the stairs and through the archway, down the stairs and up the vines, and left to pick up the LUCK PLUS MATERIA. Go back the way you came and enter the doorway taken by the Ancient.

Make your way to the right by ducking under the gaps in the rolling boulders until you reach the center pool and pick up the MORPH MATERIA. Continue all the way to the right to deactivate the booby trap and follow Aeris back to the pool. Head right to reach a clock-like room moderated by the Time Guardian. By moving the hands of the clock, you'll be able to create a walkway between your current location and the path you wish to take. Begin by touching the second hand and you'll be knocked off, plunging to the chamber below. Defeat the two Ancient Dragons and open the chest to find the NAIL BAT. Leave the room and you'll find yourself back in the first area. Make your way back to the clock-like room and explore the numbered passages* in any order (except VI and XII). When you're ready to move on, take passage VI. In this area, a particularly playful Ancient will play hide and seek with the key to the next room. Catch the little rascal to unlock the door* and open the chest on the lowest level to find the WORK GLOVE. Return to the upper-most level and enter the inner sanctum. Make your way to the right and defeat the Red Dragon. Pick up the BAHAMUT MATERIA, proceed to the right, and examine the object floating above the altar. Return to the clock-like room and take passage XII. Head for the exit and defeat Demons Gate.

Red Dragon:
This beast uses physical and Fire-based attacks; equip [Fire-element]-[Elemental] defensive combination or the Fire Ring and items that increase your Vitality, such as the Protect Vest. Begin by using Big Guard and casting Regen (if you've acquired it) on your entire party. Cast Slow on your opponent (or use Seal Evil or Dazers if you have them to paralyze it if you'd rather) and use Bio to inflict damage and cause Poison status. [DRAGON ARMLET]

Demons Gate:
Demons Gate moves swiftly and uses attacks that can cause significant damage to your whole party or cause Petrify. You may wish to equip the Jem Ring and the Heal Materia (unless you prefer to use Softs). Begin with Big Guard, cast Slow on Demons Gate, and Regen on your allies. Use physical attacks and Limit Breaks as they become available, making sure you maintain the HP of your party members. [GIGAS ARMLET]

Exploring the numbered passages:
-[I]: chest containing enemies (Jemnezmy + two Toxic Frogs)
-[II]: dead end
-[III]: chest containing enemies (two 8 Eyes)
-[IIII]: chest containing the PRINCESS GUARD
-[V]: chest containing a RIBBON
-[VI]: door to the inner sanctum
-[VII]: chest containing the TRUMPET SHELL
-[VIII]: chest containing a MEGALIXIR
-[IX]: dead end
-[X]: rolling boulder booby trap
-[XI]: dead end
-[XII]: exit

Hide and seek:
When the Ancient ducks into one passage, it'll pop out from a different one, moving in a set pattern. Your task will be to figure out which doorway the guard will come out of and catch it by entering that passage. You could just follow him in and our of every door until you figure out the whole pattern; or just jump down (press [O] at the left end of walkway) to the middle level and enter the passage second from the right to catch him right away.

 CITY OF THE ANCIENTS

After you awaken in the Inn in Gongaga Village, find the Tiny Bronco parked on the south shore and head for the Icicle Area located on the continent northwest of Midgar. Beach the plane and head for Bone Village (in the middle of the forest). Beyond the skull tent lies the Sleeping Forest Aeris described in Cloud's vision, but you'll be unable to pass through it without a LUNAR HARP. Talk to the 'guy in the tent' on the lower level to hire workers to help you dig one up*. With the Harp in hand, enter the Sleeping Forest and it will awaken. As you pass through the woods, you'll notice a Summon Materia disappearing and reappearing, floating amongst the trees. Catch it and you'll receive the KJATA MATERIA. Proceed to the Corral Valley, walk under the hollowed-out log, and open the chest to find a WATER RING. Go back around and through the log and proceed through the valley to reach the Forgotten City. Take the left path, enter the dwelling on the left, and open the chest in the loft to find a MAGIC SOURCE. Exit and enter the cave to the right. This large structure houses a mysterious ancient device at its center, note its location for future reference. Go down the steps and head right behind the columns to find a chest containing an AURORA ARMLET. Return to the city entrance and take the right path. Enter the first dwelling on the right and open the chest on the highest level to find a GUARD SOURCE. Enter the dwelling next door and open the chest on the right side of the ground floor to find an ELIXIR. Climb the ladder and rest for the night.

When you wake up, grab the ENEMY SKILL MATERIA behind the farthest bed and head for the city entrance. Take the center path, enter the dwelling, and pick up the COMET MATERIA on the highest level before taking the steps to the Water Altar down below. When you approach Aeris, you'll find yourself unable to control your actions as tragedy unfolds. Defeat Jenova-LIFE.

Jenova-LIFE: This creature uses Water-based attacks exclusively. Equip the [Leviathan]-[Elemental] defensive combination and the Water Ring to make at least two party members completely invulnerable. Your opponent is weak against Earth; equip [Earth-element (Earth or Titan)]-[Elemental] in the weapon of your strongest character. Jenova-LIFE can use Aqualung; if you have the extra space, equip any Enemy Skill Materia without it to acquire this skill. Begin by casting Haste and Regen on your entire party. If you feel it's necessary, you may wish to follow up by casting MBarrier on your unprotected character. Bombard your opponent with Quake and physical attacks to march onward toward victory. [WIZARD BRACELET]

 

After your encounter with Jenova-LIFE, take the far-right path out of the city. Head to the left of and behind the spiny structure to open the chest in the near-right corner and find the VIPER HALBERD. Climb the spiral stairs and take the far-left path to the Corral Valley Cave. Climb the second cleft, exit left, and climb the next cleft to open the chest and find a BOLT ARMLET. Cross to the right, climb down the right-most cleft, and exit left to reach a chest containing the HYPNOCROWN. Climb to the top of the cleft, exit right, and open the chest to find a MEGALIXIR. Cross to the left, climb up the next cleft, and head left and down the ladder to pick up the MAGIC PLUS MATERIA. Climb to the top of the ladder, head right, and enter the cave. Open the chest to find a POWER SOURCE and exit the cave at the far opening.

Head southwest through the valley, west along the coastline, and northeast up the hill to reach Icicle Inn. When you attempt to get past the person on the far side of the village, Shinra troops will arrive and declare Icicle Inn under martial law. Dodge Elena's punch if you can and search for supplies. Enter Professor Gast's House next door to the Weapon Shop*, head downstairs, and pick up the TURBO ETHER between the bed and the window. Visit the house in the center of the village and talk to the boy in the far bedroom. Pick up the SNOWBOARD, exit, and head for the Inn in the far-right corner. Go upstairs, pick up the X-POTION near the window, and head for the house with the snowman out front. Enter the room in the far corner to pick up the HERO DRINK and the VACCINE. Take the GLACIER MAP hanging on the wall outside the room and head for the far end of the village. As you snowboard down the mountain to the Great Glacier, choose the left path twice (you can do whatever you like, however this option is probably the best way to make your exploration of the Glacier most efficient).

THE GREAT GLACIER

Once you reach the Great Glacier, your objective will be to find the base of Gaea's Cliff (the check mark on the map). Determine where you've landed and proceed from there. Keep in mind you WILL pass out if you don't find shelter quickly. Win your battles in swift fashion and don't waste any time moving from place to place. If you chose the left path twice, you should land in the middle of a forest. Search the far side of the forest to find a MIND SOURCE, then take the path to the right to the next area. Proceed along the edge of the lake until you can walk out onto the ice. Pick up the POTION and head for the center of the lake. Cross the ice floes* and enter the cave to find a SAFETY BIT. Return to shore and take the far-right path to the next area. Head past the lone tree, take the path to the right to the next area, and take the path in the far-right corner. Look carefully along the second section of path and you'll find an ADDED CUT MATERIA lying in the snow. Proceed to the next area and examine the edge of the left pool. Touch the hot spring and continue to the far-left to reach a swirling snowfield. Begin by heading for the far side of the area, placing flags [O] frequently to mark your course. When the snowfield begins to spin, watch the flags and try to maintain your original trajectory. Just to the left of center, you'll see a small cave. Take note of it, but ignore it for the time being and keep heading in the same direction. If all goes well, you'll reach the cabin at the base of the cliff before passing out. Go inside and talk to Holzoff in the next room. He'll tell you about Gaea's Cliff and insist you get some rest. If you do pass out (or if you pass out during any subsequent expeditions), you'll come to in Holzoff's cabin anyway. From this point on, you'll be able to return here to rest and save your game.

Return to the swirling snowfield and head for the cave you spotted earlier and go inside to pick up an ALL MATERIA. When you first exit, the mouth of the cave will be pointing directly toward the near side of the snowfield. Head left and take the path to the next area. Take the path to the left of the moai face and proceed to the next area. Enter the cave in the center of the area, pick up the ELIXIR, and return to the swirling snowfield. Cut directly across to the right side of the snowfield and take the path to the next area. Enter the cave in the far-right corner and talk to the woman huddled in the corner. Defeat her, pick up the ALEXANDER MATERIA, and sprint back to Holzoff's cabin.

Ice floes:
This obstacle is a classic brainteaser. You can only jump on chunks of ice when they are completely afloat (large). Jumping on an ice chunk causes all adjacent chunks to switch: afloat chunks will submerge, submerged chunks will surface. If all surrounding ice chunks are submerged, you'll fall into the lake and you'll have to start over. Basically, if you're about to jump on an ice chunk completely surrounded by afloat chunks, think again, you're about to jump the wrong way.

THE CRATER

Leave Holzoff's cabin and take the far path to Gaea's Cliff*. Scale the first rock face, taking a moment at each ledge to raise your body temperature [S] to normal, and enter the first cave. Walk under the arch and take the passage the far cavern, then take the near-left passage back to the first area. As you cross over the arch, continue directly right through the hidden passage and open the chest to find a RIBBON. Return to the path and head for the middle-left passage. Open the chest to find the JAVELIN and proceed to the far cavern. Make your way to the high ledge in the far-left corner. Push the rock over, backtrack until you reach the path made accessible by the boulder, and make your way to the second rock face. Scale the cliff (choose to go up at the first split) and enter the second cave. Open the chest in the near-right corner to find an ELIXIR and take the far-right passage. Follow the path until you reach an area with four enormous icicles and open the chest on the right to find a FIRE ARMLET. Destroy all four icicles in battle and open the chest on the left to find a MEGALIXIR. Jump down to the floor below and you'll now be able to reach the chest in the far-left corner to find a SPEED SOURCE. Take the far passage, open the chest to find the ENHANCE SWORD, and proceed to the third rock face. Scale the cliff and enter the final cave. Consider using the pool adjacent to the Save Point to completely restore your party, then proceed to the next area. Defeat Schizo and head for the final rock face.

Scale the cliff to reach the summit and proceed toward the center of the crater. As you enter the Whirlwind Maze, you'll find the NEO BAHAMUT MATERIA on the ground. Jump to the path on the far side of the Save Point and head left. Examine the two black figures and they'll drop a HI-POTION and an ETHER. Cross the barrier when it's nearly dispersed (if you get hit, you'll be forced into battle) and proceed to the next area. Open the chest to find the KAISER KNUCKLE and follow the procession of black figures to reach the next barrier. Dodge the energy waves, proceed to the next area, and defeat Jenova-DEATH. After Cloud picks up the BLACK MATERIA, give it to someone else and talk to Tifa. Head up the path, grab the MP TURBO MATERIA, and open the chest to find a POISON RING. Cross the third barrier, dodging the energy waves and lightning, and you'll enter an elaborate illusion created by Sephiroth.

STRATEGY

Schizo:
Schizo's Right Side uses Fire-based attacks and its Left Side uses Ice-based attacks. Either side can cast Quake3 and both will use a strong Lightning-based final attack. Prepare by equipping one party member with the Fire Armlet and the Ice Ring, another with the Aurora Armlet and the Fire Ring, and the last with the Bolt Armlet and [Fire]-[Elemental] and [Ice]-[Elemental] defensive combinations. Begin by casting Haste (or Big Guard) on your entire party. Use any characters equipped with the Magic Hammer Enemy Skill to deplete Schizo's MP reserves as quickly as possible and focus the party's attacks on one side at a time. Akin to a mournfully defunct fast food burger, Schizo likes to keep the hot side hot and the cool side cool. Hit the Right Side with Ice-based or non-elemental attacks, but make sure you steal a PROTECT RING before you finish it off. Check your party's HP then turn your attention to the Left Side. Use Fire-based attacks to send Schizo the way of the McDLT. [DRAGON FANG] Jenova-DEATH:
This creature uses Fire-based attacks. Equip one character with the Fire Armlet, another with the Fire Ring and the last with the [Fire-element]-[Elemental] defensive combination to completely negate Jenova-DEATH's ability to do damage to your party. Equip Ribbons and the [Seal]-[Added Effect] defensive combination to protect yourself from Silence and you'll be untouchable. Unload with the strongest (non-Gravity-based) attacks in your arsenal and use the Magic Hammer Enemy Skill to replenish your MP. [REFLECT RING]

ESCAPE FROM JUNON

When Tifa awakens, talk to Barret and follow the soldiers through Shinra's Junon Branch to the Press Room. When Weapon is detected, defeat the Attack Squad and try to open the door to the gas chamber. Talk to Cait Sith near the exit, head out into the corridor, and take the path to the right. Make your way to the Airport and find the HIGHWIND in the far right corner of the platform. Free Tifa from the chair, shut down the gas chamber, and attempt to exit*. When Weapon attacks, climb down the face of the building and break for the opposite end of the cannon. B-slap the bejeezus out of Scarlet if you can and make your escape in the Highwind. Follow Barret inside and head for the cockpit. Talk to your comrades and the crew, then head for Operations. Talk to the crewman in the near-left corner to form a party and return to the cockpit. Talk to the pilot to take control of the airship and begin your search for Cloud. As you scour the planet, you'll notice almost every town has something new to offer. You'll find new weapons at the shop in Costa del Sol*; Materia previously unavailable by purchase at shops in Fort Condor, Costa del Sol and Rocket Town; and accessories previously unavailable by purchase at the shop in Rocket Town. Additionally, the Junon shops have been re-outfitted to carry nearly every single weapon unavailable by purchase prior to this point in the game. By talking to the right people, you'll learn about an island in the south that boasts an unusually close proximity to the Lifestream and an especially good doctor.

Pilot the Highwind to the 'three-taloned island' in the southeast and head for the village of Mideel located along the southern perimeter of the forest. Enter the Item Store to the right and talk to the Crazed Shopper*. Catch the White Chocobo and feed it some Samolen Greens (apparently a dialectal variation: as cilantro is to coriander, so are Samolen Greens to Mimmet Greens). If you spoke to Chole at the Chocobo Farm, you know it likes to be scratched behind the ears. Do so and you'll receive CONTAIN MATERIA. Exit, climb the steps, and enter the Weapon Store* on the first landing. Make sure you speak to the Crazed Shopper again and examine the door at the rear of the shop. Exit and head left toward the Accessory Store. Examine the planking where it creaks just behind the far-right corner of the building and you'll find a Beat-up Useless Old Key. Return to the Weapon Store and try it in the door at the back. When it breaks off in the lock, tell the truth and the shop owner will give you a CURSE RING. Go to ground level and visit the Materia Store to the right of the archway and talk to the Crazed Shopper one last time before heading into the main square. Approach the dog and you'll overhear a conversation about a 'pokey-headed young thing' being cared for at the Clinic.

Gas chamber:
Push [X] twice to grab the key with your feet and drag it closer. Push [T] to sit up and press [T] + [X] simultaneously to bring the keys to your mouth. Push [T] + [S] or [O] to free one arm. Push the button corresponding to Tifa's unfettered arm to release the other and examine the device on the far side of the chair to shut off the gas.

Costa del Sol (Disc 2) Shopping Guide:
Visit the man in the Bar if you wish to purchase the SOLID BAZOOKA @ 16000 Gil, the CENTCLIP @ 14000 Gil, the SPIRAL SHURIKEN @ 14000 Gil, the LONG BARREL R @ 13000 Gil and the GOLD M-PHONE @ 15000 Gil.

Crazed Shopper:
When the Item, Weapon, and Materia Stores become unavailable later in the game, you'll be able to buy the items from the Crazed Shopper (but only those corresponding to the shops in which you spoke to her).

Mideel Shopping Guide:
Visit the Weapon Store for your first chance to buy the CRYSTAL SWORD @ 18000 Gil, the CRYSTAL GLOVE @ 16000 Gil, the A-M CANNON @ 18000 Gil, the CRYSTAL COMB @ 17000 Gil, the CRYSTAL CROSS @ 18000 Gil, the CRYSTAL M-PHONE @ 18000 Gil, the PARTISAN @ 19000 Gil, the WINCHESTER @ 18000 Gil and a CRYSTAL BANGLE @ 4800 Gil. Go to the Accessory Store for your first chance to obtain the AMULET @ 10000 Gil.

HUGE MATERIA

Back onboard the Highwind, take Cid to Operations to make a new party and take off to begin your quest for the first two Huge Materia. You can pursue the Huge Materia at the Corel Reactor and Fort Condor in any order, but Barret seems pretty agitated and bent on protecting his hometown first. If your heart goes out to the big guy and you wish to placate him, pilot the Highwind to the Gold Saucer Area and head for the heart of Mt. Corel via North Corel. Defeat the Shinra Attack Squad guarding the reactor and run down the Shinra Coal Train. You'll have 10 minutes to catch up in your pilfered choo-choo, make your way to the engine, and stop the runaway locomotive* before it demolishes North Corel. You'll be able to continue even if you fail, but success is the only way to acquire the HUGE MATERIA. In addition, the little kid will give you ULTIMA MATERIA if you save the town. If not, you'll have to pay 50000 Gil for it! Before you leave, visit the left shack on the middle terrace and speak to the widow wearing a cap and she'll give you the CATASTROPHE Limit Break. Pilot the Highwind to the Junon Area and head for Fort Condor. Head for the lookout bunker and you'll discover Shinra is about to launch its final assault on the reactor. Use the same basic

STRATEGY

used in previous battles, perhaps adding a few extra troops (refer to the Fort Condor Optional Quest for complete details about waging battle). However, it's almost more in your interest to save your money, allow the enemy march up to the shed unopposed, and defeat the Cmd. Grand Horn for the victory. Doing so will earn you an IMPERIAL GUARD, your earliest chance to obtain this impressive piece of armor. After the battle, go outside and pick up the PHOENIX MATERIA. Talk to the old man at the table and he'll give you the HUGE MATERIA. When you've completed both Huge Materia quests, Cid will suggest you return to Mideel to check on Cloud. Visit the dwelling on the left side of the main square and grab the ELIXIR on the old man's bed. Head for the Clinic and speak to Tifa. Battle with Ultimate Weapon until it flies away.

When Tifa arrives in Cloud's subconscious, talk to the far Cloud and head into Nibelheim. Then talk to the left Cloud and visit the Nibelheim well. Talk to the near-right Cloud and young Cloud, and head for the window outside Tifa's House. Talk to Cloud again and take the far path into Nibelheim one more time.

STRATEGY

Ultimate Weapon: This beast isn't really after you and it'll fly off after only a few rounds (or immediately if you cause enough damage or completely sap its MP). Ultimate Weapon can cast Quake2 and has a strong physical attack. It also has a very strong non-elemental attack that targets your entire party called Ultima Beam. Equip the Tetra Elemental or the [Earth-element (Earth or Titan)]-[Elemental] defensive combination if you feel it's necessary. Interestingly, you can also absorb the effects of the Ultima Beam by equipping a non-elemental Materia (such as Comet or Bahamut) and Elemental Materia in linked slots in your armor. Begin the battle by using Big Guard and make sure you steal the second CURSE RING before you let loose your best attacks (or a continuous flurry of Magic Hammer).