Chapter 1: Dark Times

Section 1: Aerb Train Station

After exiting the train head to the right; stock up on new equipment by talking to the shopkeeper on the lower right hand corner (below the Mogli). Save your game and after you've done all your preparations head to the upper right. Garnet will see some familiar faces; head back in to the bar area. Talk to Steiner and back out then head north; enter the train.

Guess who? Black Waltz #3 is amazingly still alive and asking for a rumble. You may have a little bit of difficulty since Garnet and Steiner will still be at their same levels but the help of Marcus here will be invaluable. Have Garnet block & heal; Steiner's going to nail for damage if you remembered to upgrade their equipment and don't be shy with the potions.

After the battle you'll be off the train. Head to the right towards Treno. After you cross the bridge take the stairs to the left for some gold and head back to the right. Save your game when you're back on the world map. If you've got some tents take a bit of time to raise your levels, preferably to around 10 or higher; it's tough but worth it before you enter Treno. Keep an eye as you fight around here because you may find a friendly monster; usually they will ask you for some items and trade you that for high AP. Be cautious with it and pick items that you have plenty of.

Section 2: Treno

Once you enter Treno you'll have a cutscene then a couple of ATE's

Head to the left all the way, passing to the red roof entry and going downstairs. Head down for an ATE, the large building on the left is a Card Hall for playing. Head back up for another ATE with an all-too-familiar face. Go up another screen and enter the house on the left to find a Combination Shop; you should also get the Muscle Belt here if you saw the right ATE. You'll also be able to drop off all the coins you've found if you go farther up to the Zodiac Room -- each time you drop off a coin you'll get a respective reward (check the Coin Search sidequest). Go back all the way to the right again, through the next two screens.

Once you exit the auction house try to see what you can get and go back in. Sometimes they have some usual items but other times you can snag some powerful stuff <see the Auction House sidequest>. Once you're done here head to the right to the next screen. The big tower has a very large weapon and armor store; the smaller tower houses a Mogli that will fly out when you try to go through. Save your game at the Mogli and continue up through the smaller tower, past the drunk. Go down the ladder for some goodies and then enter the first house on the right and go to the bottom to find Marcus. Answer OK and proceed all the way across and down to meet Baku. After the cutscene, head towards the locked door on the far left side in Treno; the Professor will be there waiting for you. After another cutscene enter the hole that is to the side of the Professor.

After saving at the Mogli, head into the left section and make sure you hit the lever, then proceed to the right hand side, then to the right. You may find some enemies here so take some time to raise some levels; you can head back out to Treno if needed. Pull the triangle chain and after the cutscene head all the way to the left and pull the lever there (you may want to save before you hit the second lever!).

This guy has one ugly mug and some power to back it. If you've been raising levels you maybe nearing level fifteen or so, which will make this fight so much easier. The snake doesn't hit hard but it's going to use poison a lot; use any antidotes you have or Garnet's "heal" if you already have it. Marcus and Steiner should attack while Garnet blocks/heals (duh! LOL). After enough damage the snake will run away.

Now it's back to Zidane and the rest of the group. Head to the right and then left to the tornado you didn't have access to earlier and enter.

Watch out for the large black birds; they can swallow up an enemy. Head up; when you reach the next screen go to the left on the third platform (with the door closed) and hit the switch to open up the door. Proceed up and continue to the right, then all the way up on the tree. There will be a chest with an Ether, then head down and check the stump; pull the lever. Head back to the previous screen and climb up the vines.

The room is going to be a bit different now that you unloaded all that sand in it. Head to the left and into the crevice; head left from the top and save your game at the Mogli. Head up and take a left when you hit the fork on the road and check the chest for a Flame Staff, then go to the right side and continue around for a Remedy. You should loop around into the center; keep going straight and get the Mithril Glove and hit the switch at the end. Go back out and take a left into the opening in the wall for a Mithril Vest then check behind the middle pillar for the Desert Boots. Exit and head to the left.

Head up to the right for an Elixir then back and to the left. In the room with the three whirlpools keep hitting the circle button to avoid getting caught in; head to the left and continue to the next screen and go up the ladder.

Welcome to the Cleya Settlement. Pick the top option when prompted. Once you get back, consider going to the tree stump area again to raise your levels up to 18 (and make sure VIVI learned his ice attacks!). When you're ready, go back to the gate and head to the right and check under the sign for some Gil. Head back and go up the stairs on the left and continue to the left; view two ATE's . Head to the right for and up the stairs and talk to the guard who showed up during VIVI's ATE; he will sell weapons to you (buy whatever you can now). The door behind him has an inn; check the lower right hand side and the upper left hand side then go up the stairs and save your game at the Mogli (and rest if you need the recharge). Exit and head up the right for two more ATEs. Head two screens to the left and talk to the little girl on the left; she will sell you items. Check the mushrooms on her right; After buying whatever you need, head up the stairs and into the big house. You won't be allowed in so head to the left, right, and down. You'll be back in the area that VIVI was accosted earlier and where you (hopefully!) bought some new weapons and armor. After the cutscene, save your game at the Mogli in the inn. Head back to the entrance and to the right.

The AntLion (another FF2(us version) flashback!)! If you raised your levels you should be around 18. Have Freya use "jump" and charge VIVI up; use VIVI's ice magic. Have some echo grass ready in case the Antlion nails you with mute. Zidane and Quina can keep attacking as usual. Antlion can also cast a fairly strong fire attack that can hit for 300 hp and has another attack that can bring the whole party to very low HP, like 1 or 5, so have your potions ready. Apart from that, keep hammering and casting ice magic until it's gone.

Once you get control of Freya, head to the Inn and go upstairs; there will be a mogli there who will sell some stuff to you -- buy it! If you didn't buy new weapons the weapons guy will be in the inn on the left hand side. Make sure you stock up on potions and phoenix tail. Save your game and continue back to the entrance, then back into the tree stump.

Looks like the death of the Antlion has stopped the whirlwind and the whirlpools but Alexandria soldiers (six of them) will be popping out during some parts as well as the usual monsters. When you make it to the bridge pick the first option; the little boy you saved earlier will come out and give you a report.

Once you reach the settlement you'll be fighting a lot of battles from this point on and you'll have to heal mostly in-battle. After you defeat the first black mage, save your game with the Mogli who is now to your right were the Antlion was.

Head back to the entrance to fight 1 mage, 3 soldiers, and 2 mages (3 separate battles). You can heal up after these three if you need to (and save again at the Mogli). Head up the stairs and pick the second option, then the second option again (if you pick the first option you'll double the enemy!). You'll have to fight 1 mage & 2 soldiers; after the battle you'll be prompted again --pick the the third and you'll have to fight 2 soldiers. When asked by the young child pick the second option.

You'll have to fight Beatrice again and she's still stronger than you. Her lightning sword attack can take up to 800 hp away from its target and her normal attacks can take off close to 400 hp at times. She will attack Zidane first and then the rest of the group in order. A good way to beat her is to have plenty of Phoenix Tails and let Zidane take all the lightning sword blows, then reviving him each time. This way you keep the majority of your party alive to boot. Hopefully you've also learned some +10%HP abilities to help out your team. VIVI should have a nice set of fire/ice/thunder attacks; Fire2 should work quite nicely. After you get her down far enough Beatrice will raise her HP; keep wailing at this point because it means she's close to being defeated. As soon as you get her down, she'll leave after doing her down-to-one HP attack.

You'll arrive on the airship minus Quina who wasn't able to find transport. Head up the stairs and follow after Beatrice. After the cutscene, head back and down the stairs -- you will see a Mogli show up; follow after it and save your game, then head back down the stairs.

Section 4: Escape and Retrieval

You'll have to swing left and right when you see Steiner and Marcus. When you start off with slow pushes to the left, wait until you're heading in the left/right direction before pushing the controller in the same direction. As the swing arc widens you'll be able to hit right or left more often; the more you get in, the faster you get out. You'll have to fight guards as you try to escape to the left. Climb up the ladder and eventually Steiner will meet back up with Zidane, VIVI, and Freya.

Even though the clock says 30 minutes, you'll actually have 29:30 after Marcus shuts his trap. Once you have control again, Head down, left, and up into the castle. Once inside head left up the stairs and into the bottom entrance. Go up the spiral staircase (this is where you first met Garnet, remember?) -- don't bother going to the right to find the Mogli, he's no longer there. Once you get upstairs take a left into the door and continue straight ahead. Once inside the Garnet's bedroom check the fireplace on its left for a switch; hit it.

Once you go down the stairs you should have 25 minutes left on the clock. Check the chests in the room with the pendulum then head down the stairs and enter the door that will be to the north when you reach the floor.

You should have about 22:30 seconds left on your clock when you start fighting the two jokers, Scorn and Zorn. Once the battle starts you won't have too much of a hassle. Concentrate your attacks on just one of them and they will be done quickly. Occasionally they will cast Comet on the party for about 200-250 HP but it's not a big deal; as soon as you finish one of them off they will both run away. Make sure you save your game and use a tent after beating Scorn and Zorn.

Return back to Garnet's room and you'll have to fight Beatrice again. Use the same strategy you used the previous time; the only major difference is that Steiner hits harder than Quina and Beatrice has more HP. As usual she will drop the party's HP down to one when she has been beaten.

Beatrice and Freya will team up for this battle. While the monster looks freakier than Quina and its people, it can be defeated quite quickly -- just use Beatrice's strongest spell.

Once the battle is over have Zidane run down the stairs. You'll have to fight three black mages that are like Black Waltz #3 but nowhere as strong. Just concentrate your attacks on one at a time and you'll be fine. Keep going down and you'll have to fight two of those freaky-looking beasts; concentrate your attack on each of them again and have Garnet heal and recover if one of your team gets put to sleep. They will be dispatched in no time.

Eventually Steiner will leave your party to help out Freya and Beatrice --which does you no good because you have to fight yet another one of those freaky monsters. The scene will switch back to Freya and Beatrice; if you have enough MP use the attack again against the next monser. Steiner will show up and join Freya and Beatrice; just wail on the two beasts.

When you have control of Zidane again, head to where you saved the game after beating Scorn and Zorn; the Mogli will be there again so save again. Head across to where Steiner and Garnet were originally captured and proceed into the ant tansport.

You'll have to fight a caterpillar this time; it's not too difficult just don't attack when its tail coils up. It will occasionally use a strong lightning attack that can take off 150-200 HP. Aside from that have Garnet heal and VIVI charge/use Fire2 again.

Section 5: The Destruction of a Kingdom

Once you gain control of the party (Garnet will be in the lead this time) save your game at the Mogli. Continue down to get another Mithril Vest. Directly behind the chest there will be a small area you can enter -- Ramuh (1) will be there. Head to the left and Ramuh (2) will be in front of the left chest -- check the chest for an Ogrenix. Head to the right around the green root going upwards into another screen to find Ramuh (3) again. Go back and head up on the green root then to the left and continue until you find Ramuh (4) . Head back into the previous screen and take a right and cross the bridge; go down and meet Ramuh for the fifth and final time -- when prompted pick the second answer then the first. Head a little bit back and jump down to the chest for a Mithril Bracelet. Save your game and go into the area that Ramuh was in front of the last time you met him.

After another AWESOME FMV you'll be in Lindubulm. Head into the inn and save your game on the second floor / heal if you have to. Proceed up to the next screen and enter the house on the top. Proceed to the upper right side and let the cutscene ensue! Afterwards King Cid will give you 3,000 Gil. You'll be back in town afterwards; head to the weapon shop and buy whatever you need then save again. Check inside the monocart section and take a ride around town if you'd like; when you are ready to go head back and talk to the guy in front of the fountain in front of the weapon shop.

Once you are back on the outside, make sure you stop by Qu's Marsh again to pick Quina back up. Go back to where the Mogli are (get some more frogs~!) and head to the right all the way then up into the grass. Quina will eventually say it knows another, faster way to Fossil Roo -- follow it.

Head into the gate to go inside Fossil Roo. As you continue in you'll have to run away from a chariot that's chasing after you; just run through the pendulums. If you get caught just use one of VIVI's Fire2 spells to take it out.

Rene will be waiting for you when you stop running. She can dish out the damage but, thankfully, doesn't have ridiculously high damage or HPs like Beatrice can have. As an added plus to you, every time she uses a strong attack her axe will jam on the floor. Just use the standard tactic: VIVI using his strongest spells, Garnet strictly as a healer, and Zidane/Quina attacking. Keep your HPs up and protect Garnet; you'll have Rene down in no time. She'll promptly run away after the battle. Continue to the right.

Look familiar? Instead of using a small bug grab one of the flowers that is to the left of the entry way and then stand in the middle to call the large bug. As soon as you land head up into the next room and down; save your game. Head up and grab another flower; as soon as you land head to the right and hit the lever. Go back out, grab a flower, and hit the action button in the middle of the dark brown patch and ride the beast again.

After you land go up the stairs to your left and up the ridge. Go back down and head north from where you had landed and follow the path around the bend and hit the lever. Go back, get a flower and head up the stairs to the middle of where the barrels are; climb the beast again. You'll be back in the room with the dark brown spot; hit the lever again and ride the beast. Head back to the Mogli (Save) and continue down the path that's to the right of the Mogli. You will land right next to a weapons salesman <grin>. When you are ready head up the stairs and continue past the lever. Head south as soon as you land and climb the vines to the right.

Talk to the miner and use the pick around the center sphere to find a mess ëo items -- then check the wall on the far right side (all the way to the right on the top floor where you have to pick at) to find a Mogli. Save your game again if you need to and after you give the pick back to the worker head to the path behind him and check the left to find a Survival Vest. Save your game again if you want to and head back to the vines then hit the lever. Once you hit the lever head down and to the right. Grab a plant and ride the beast again then head outside.

Section 6: Magetown

Make your way around the bend and into the plateau to find the town of Conde Petie; save your game before entering. As soon as you have control of Zidan, head to the right and into the item shop. Save your game at the Mogli and check the corner of the stairs to the right of the Mogli (the platform before the staircase leading up). Keep going up and talk to VIVI, then follow after him back into the Item Shop.

After you regain control head back to the Item shop and buy whatever you need; the door on the right hand side leads to a weapon store. Note the two guards that are there and won't let you pass. Once you're ready, head out.

Spend time outside raising levels and gaining AP points to earn new abilities. If you need to heal, there is an Inn to your immediate left after you enter Conde Petie. Once you've gotten what you have mastered and have reached around level 28 head to the south. Once you reach as south as you can go, you can go to the left to find a marsh where Quina can eat more frogs. Your objective is to the right, into the brown section.

You'll arrive at the maze leading to the Mage Town. The screen repeats itself so the only way to find your way out is to pay attention to the owls -- everytime you go into the correct side you will see an owl fly off; you'll get to town when the last owl flies away; you'll also see one mage peek out from the opposite side you're in when you are on the next-to-last owl -- always follow the Mage at this point. You'll be in the Black mage Village.

Upon entering you will have an ATE; after your regain control of Zidan head towards the left to the weapons shop and stock up on whatever you need. Head to the top right and save your game at the Mogli then take the ATE. Enter inside and talk to Quina -- check the right side of the store. Go back and up the center circle then to the right and check the ATE; afterwards cross the bridge into the Inn and check the far right side. Exit the Inn and head across the bridge again into the left for an Item shop -- stock up on whatever. Head to the left to find Garnet(dagger) talking to two of the Black Mage. Exit and head to the left again and into the next screen. Talk to the two Black Mage and return to the Inn. VIVI will be there; choose the first option and everyone will head to bed. When you awaken, make sure you have everything you need and return to Conde Petie.

Once you are back in Conde Petie, proceed back to the section where the two guards are (at the weapon shop) and talk to them, then go back to the left hallway (the one within the door that's immediately to your left when you enter Conde Petie) and talk to the huge dwarf. After the cutscene, raise your levels up to 30 and then head back to the two guards and they will let you pass.

Head across the mountain bridge and equip Quina with all the worthless stuff. Eventually you'll run into Eiko -- she'll join your group and replace Quina. Go up the ledge on the right of where you found Eiko and climb up the root; check the treasure chest on the left and continue to the right for a letter. Head back down and to the right; climb up the far right root and head to the left to get another letter. Climb back down and continue to the right. Talk to the 2 Moogles and save your game; head to the left and up the ladder. Continue on this path until you run into the Hell Gigas.

Hell Gigas isn't that tough. Hopefully you are around 30-31 or so so his attacks won't do that much pain (but enough to still be felt!). Eiko's best use this battle is to heal after the Gigas does an earthquake attack. VIVI can power up and use his spells as usual while Zidan and Garnet attack. The Gigas will be taken down! An interesting note is that if you use one of Eiko's summons Garnett will have a thought or two about itÖ

After the battle continue to the right and take the left fork for the exit. On the world map, save your game and head to the northwest until you find the little town of Madain Sari by the shoreline.

Section 7: Iifa

As soon as you have control of Zidan, go to the right and talk to the Moogle. Return to the left and you'll hit a forced ATE -- continue to the left and find/talk to VIVI. Talk to the moogle above VIVI and then move towards Garnet back at the entrance of the town and head to the right. When you regain control of Zidane check the ATE and head back to the moogle above VIVI -- it should let you enter now. After talking with Garnet get the pot and head to the left and talk to Eiko. Go back to the kitchen and when the mogli asks pick the first option. Once you get control back, exit the town and save your game. Try to raise your levels of everyone to thirty if they're not there yet and try to hit level 35. If you need to rest just go back to the kitchen inside and talk to the moogle within. The first moogle as you enter the town will sell items- stock up on potions and ethers as well as phoenix feathers.

Head back to the Mountain Pass and go towards the top. Once you exit head straight towards the tree -- welcome to Iifa. Once you get the option, pick the third option for Eiko to lower the barrier. Continue straight ahead and spend some time battling (you may hit level 40 here!) -- the monsters here are very easy to beat and carry a ton of experience points. Save your game at the mogli and continue on. When you reach the platform pick the option with Eiko's name and descend to the depths of Iifa.

Chapter 1: Crowning Achievements

Section 1: Alexandria

Once you have control of VIVI, head to the right and view the ATE. Afterwards talk to the hippo family on the left side of the street and play the mini-game -- you'll win easily. Go back and to the left where Marcus and the other guys ran to chase after the bar wench -- view the Öunusual ATE, keep going to the left and view another ATE. You can explore the buildings again while you're here and when you're ready head to the left. You'll see Marcus and Baku -- talk to them and then enter into bar (there's a staircase behind Baku). A lot of cutscenes and FMVs will go on and eventually you'll get control of Eiko.

Head back into the room you just left and save your game at the Moogle so you don't have to sit through all the FMVs again. Exit the room and head to the right for another cutscene and watch the humor ensue yet again. When you get control of Zidan, exit the bar and watch the ATE; head towards the bell tower that VIVI had climbed and ring the bell for some stuff then head back to the town square and head north; you'll meet up with Freya and Aramat. When you are able, get into the boat and head towards the Castle. Several cutscenes will show until you regain control of Zidan in Treno.

When you get control of Zidan head down the spiral steps, watch the ATEs, and head downstairs. Continue all the way to the right (save your game at the Moogle by the drunk) and go into the auction house if you wish -- there will be some weapons for sale there also. Proceed south all the way from the Moogle and watch another ATE -- you should be in front of the Card House. Take the time to play for a couple of cards; if you get stuck check the Quadmist Basics for more information. After playing your first game, exit for an ATE. Play a couple more and head to the auction house again and watch another ATE (keep an eye out for a special sword for Zidane and the Dark Matter!). Return to the card house and play another game but this time y ou have to win so the game will continue -- you're on the right track if you get an ATE with Quina. After the ATE with Eiko go back into the card area and King Cid will show up. You'll have another cutscene and an awesome FMV.

Section 2: Queen's First Trial

You'll have control of Beatrice and Steiner. Fight your way down into the town and eventually you'll regain control of Garnet. Go up to the spiral stairs and into the north door, then into the left door. Get ready for another awesome cutscene and continue up the stairs. Another set of cutscenes and FMVs will ensue. When you have control of Zidane go up the way Garnet went and find her.

You'll be back in Lindbulm once the FMVs end. Zidane will be inside the castle waking up; head down and to the left then south again to the elevator -- you're going up to the dinning room. Talk to the group and then head up towards the left tower (the first left as you exit the elevator in the dinning room) towards the telescope again. After the talk and the ATE head back down and talk to Baku then go back and head upstairs to talk to Cid. Once you get control of Zidane head back the bedroom you woke up at and talk to Garnet.

After speaking with Cid, you'll be given a task: find the location of the three leaves. Head back to the guest bedroom floor and instead of heading to the right up to the bedroom again go straight and to the left into the monocart -- pick the first choice.

1. After exiting the monocart talk to the woman by the fountain at the farthest end of the Commercial area to get a leaf. Head back to the monocart and pick the first option.

2. In the Worker's Area, after the ATEs, head to the house to the right of the two Roo's and check the lower left table (immediately in front of the stairs) for a leaf.

3. From the painter's house head straight and downstairs to were you'll see Zidane's friends working on the clocktower.

After retrieving all three leaves head back to the Castle and give them to King Cid. After the conversation view the ATE and head to the Commercial area to meet up with Quina -- you'll have to pay 100Gil but it's still a good thing to keep Quina in your party. Head back to the castle and ride the elevator all the way down; take the right shuttle and board your ship. You'll have to sort into two teams -- try to make them as even as possible.

Once you find this ridge exit the boat and head towards the Black Mage Village (to the left of this shoreline). Once you enter the village VIVI will head off to the east side of the village -- follow him. When VIVI runs off the second time go all the way back to the entrance and then to the right were the Chocobo egg was. Exit the town and then go back to the boat then head to the upper right hand corner of the continent -- you should fine a sandy area with four sand whirlpools -- stand still in front of the whirlpools and go into the one that glows in the center (in case you run into troubles, try the upper right hand corner whirlpool). If you pick the wrong whirlpool the Antlion will popup and you'll have to fight it again so save your game before trying each one.

Section 3: Nowhere and Everywhere

After the cutscene have Zidane head straight down the hallway and talk to the two black mages who will teleport Zidane to another floor. After you pick your team (I suggest you take the first group with three powerhouses and one healer and the second team full of mages and one or two powerhouses) you'll land in a very strange place. Kujah's ship will be docked where you land -- head to it.

Once you land in the Forgotten Continent save your game immediately. Head back into the ship to stock up on items and then head directly south (to where the tail of ship ispointing to) and pick up a Chocobo. The monsters here (even if you are around level 45) can be a pain in the royal butt so the Chocobo can help ensure you get to the target safely. There's also a marsh here to pick frogs up if you brought Quina along. Your destination is to the north of the airship within a temple.

Make sure you're stocked up before entering Oeilvert. Your powerhouse team will be useful in here because your magic will not work inside and the monsters are fairly tough. Save your game at the Moogle (he'll also have some pretty powerful stuff for sale!) and enter.

Head upstairs and then to the left and hit the blue orb so it turns red. Go back downstairs and take a left for a cutscene then head down into the next room. Check the base of each light (four of them) and the last one will show a hologram. Check each light again and a hologram should appear on each light. When all four are holograms continue to the left and hit the Silver Orb. Keep going and enter the door on top (yes, you've gone in a full circle but you needed to hit all four lights and the silver door to unlock the door). You'll see a pretty freaky room with a bunch of broken masks.

Once you get control again head out and to the right towards the entrance (if you have ran out of items exit, but more, and reenter) and continue to the right. You'll see a hologram of the planetary system appear. When you regain control head around the orb to the left and save your game at the Moogle then go back around towards the right and unto a platform; when you land check the platform on the middle.

Ark is a toughie anyway you put it together. You may be anywhere from 45 to 50 at this point which will help a lot. You don't have magic and hopefully you didn't use up all your items (and if you did you restocked!). Since your team may vary right now just stick to a basic strategy: the weak characters in the back healing exclusively and the powerhouses up in front.

You'll have to deal with some very powerful attacks that will require you to keep your HP over 1000 if you can. Ark can hit all your party members for a lot of damage, drop your HP down to 1, and try to confuse the group. This is another boss that you may have to try several times to win. If you didn't save your game at the previous moogle you've got one heck of a backtrack to do to get back to this point =o( After the battle check the triangle again to get the orb in its center. The game will switch to the other team at this point.

Once you have control of King Cid head to the bottom right and you'll have to play a mini-game to move Cid to the center; just keep using the circle button to jump forward while the monster isn't looking at you ("red light, green light" or "stop/go" for those of us who remember that far back in life). Once you reach the center, pick the third, then fourth, then second options. You'll have control over your second group; head to the left.

Section 4: Desert Empress

The monsters in here aren't tough physically but it can wind up to be a skill vs. skill battle; your magic users are pretty good for this level. Light the candle on the left then tag the orb on your right. Head up the center and then the left, then up and "light up a phat one for the daddy!" as you light the three fires. Continue to the door on top and head around so you can light the bottom left fire which will make the two statues on the left side disappear (don't light any of the others -- it took me a bit of time to get this one right!). Proceed back to the left and to the middle and light two more fires, which should make the last pair of statues disappear (where's Houdini when you need him?). Now make your wildest pyro dreams come true and light all the fires that are left plus the bottom fire and then check the stand that's glowing neon then head to the door that's opened on the far right.

Around the bottom of the hallway light the last candle and then hit the orb that lights up -- pick the first choice for an item and continue around to the stairs. At the top of the stairs light the candle that's next to you and continue around the hallway into a library. On the far left of the room light the candle and then the one that's on the second floor -- enter through the door that opens up and tag that hot neon ball yet again. Head back into the library and then light the candle that's on the second library stand (use the ladder that's to the right of the first candle you lit) and enter through the door.

Go up the stairs to the left and light the candle on your way. Make your way back to the room BEFORE you had to light all the candles and a new pathway will open up next to the angel statue in the middle. Take the path and light the candle then return all the way back to the library and light the candle that's to the right of the bottom bookshelf and enter the doorway to light another candle. Head back and go through the wall on the left (yes, the wall on the left) and save your game at the Moogle -- you do NOT want to go through this procedure yet again -- and continue through to the left.

Light the two candles and tag the orb then turn off the left candle and enter the doorway and proceed through the path. Light all three candles and then tag the orb then turn off the middle candle. Another light pathway will open up on the right side so go back to the right and proceed back to the moogle -- save your game and make sure you've got the best equipment ready because next up is another boss.

The Tablet isn't that hard compared to the Ark. It's got a fairly strong Fire 3 attack but that's all you have to worry about. Use any summons you have and attack as normal. This Tablet will be ground to dust in no time.

NOW light the candle and head down a bit -- a light will glow on the floor and an exclamation mark will pop up --you're about to be transported to a new area. The game will switch back to Zidane's party arriving back at Kujah's place. Head off the ship and all the way to the right to the blue portal on the floor -- use it.

Have Zidane go into the middle section and into the hallway to meet up with Kujah (you gotta love the way Aramat stands in the back with his hands in a "so WHAT were you saying?" type of way). Check around the room for some items and head back to the portal you arrived in (Zidan's Group, the one on the left) and go back to where the ship was and go straight up. Hit the switch and climb down the ladder; head down and to the left.

After you've regained control, pick whomever you want to join Zidane and save your game (again, you do NOT want to go through all that again!). If you have any Gysal left take a Chocobo (or go on foot, it doesn't matter) and head to the building on the left.

Welcome to Esto Gaza. Head inside and talk to the man who'll tell you that you have to go to the Gulg Volcano. Head to the right first to stock up on items and new weapons then head up where Kujah went -- save your game at the Moogle. Head to the right and into Gulg.

Head all the way to the left for a treasure chest and then go all the way to the right and climb down the rope. Head to the right and save your game, get all the items, go back to the Moogle (Save again) and head back to the where you got off the rope. Hit the switch next to the well three times (second option all three times) and climb down to fight a boss.

There's two dragons you'll have to deal with. They have high HPs and powerful physical hits; however, since they are "living" creatures nail'em with some Bio (if you have it) and Poison. Have Eiko/Garnet heal, VIVI using Bio/Poison or combos with Steiner, and the other guys attacking.

The real danger from these two is that they'll hit the whole group always so try to concentrate all your attacks on just one of them to lower the rate your group gets hit. Your healer will be the one you have to make sure to keep healthy.

After the battle climb back up, save your game and heal anyone who needs it. Head back to the bucket and climb back down then go through the hole in the wall that the two dragons made. You'll hit the cutscene and into a battle with Eiko against Scorn and ZornÖwell, sort of. After that, you'll have another battle.

VIVI's run off, so Eiko will take his place. Eiko will have to be the full time healer unless you have Garnett in your team; otherwise have her use Summons as much as possible. "Scorn And Zorn phase 2" will do a group hit that can cause Poison (vs. HP and MP!) AND Stop. Cure the Poison as soon as it hits and just wail on them. Keep everyone with high HP's and MP's -- it's just a matter of who lasts out with this battle.

Eventually you will wake up back at Lindbulm -- head to the dining room and after a set of FMVs you're off again on the airship -- this time yours!

Chapter 1: Crowning Achievements

Section 5: Elemental

Head to the large southeast continent where you landed while being flown by Kujah. You'll have to enter into the castle that's on the upper left corner of the Southeast Continent. If you're not higher than fifty you may have a very hard time with the monsters in here. Enter into Ipsen's Heritage and save your game at the Moogle, then go down the pole on the right.

Head to the ladder (The one that's chiseled into the wall) and continue to the left and enter the door; climb up the ladder here and head to the left for a treasure and then to the right for another treasure then go down and to the right to yet another ladder -- go up.

Head to the right for a treasure then go up and into the door. First go down and check the door; pick the 2^nd, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 4^th, 3^rd, 6^th, and 7^th option -- take the treasure and then go up to the elevator to meet up with Aramat. Check the map on the wall after Aramat leaves and take all the items -- afterwards you'll get into a fight!

Magic works great against this guy, especially Bio and other types of non-elemental magic. Attacks are kind of useless so don't bother -- summons work great also, especially the non-elemental damage ones. Just keep your HP and MP up; the battle will be yours.

Head back to the entrance and fall into a couple of trap doors to get some otherwise inaccessible items. Make your way back out and then only Zidane will go back in to find Aramat (he'll be at the bottom of the first room you land in after sliding down the pole). After finding Aramat, go back to the ship and to the following locations in this EXACT order:

1. Water - Big whirlpool that's in the northwestern corner of the Forgotten Continent (where you are right now). Eiko and Garnet will handle this one.

2. Fire - Gulg Volcano (near Esto Gaza, on the continent that's northeast on the map). Freija and Aramat will tackle it.

3. Wind - Wind Funnel on the southern part of the Forgotten Continent (southeastern continent, about slightly south-east from Oelivert). Steiner and VIVI will go.

4. Earth - Three rocks around the Desert Empress (northwest continent, there should be an earthquake). Zidane and Quina will rock this house.

Head outside of the Earth Shrine before continuing and save your game. Re-enter the shrine and just head south -- after some cutscenes you'll have to fight the guardian of the shrine (aka Lich from FF1)

Lich's not that hard; have Quina boost up the defenses (Big Guard) and Zidane can attack normally; if he hits Trance use his strongest attack (48 mp). Quina will be strong vs Quake so have Quina heal if Zidane goes low. The rest of the team will also win their respective battles automatically. You'll be able to pick your party again -- save your game as soon as you have control and then head to the northwest continent and look at the islands around it -- one of them will be glowing in its center; go there.

Section 6: Dubious Homecoming

Welcome to Terra. After talking to Garland head down and follow the blond-headed girl. Keep heading north, then to the right across the bridge, then climb down the glowing spider web on the far right; make your way down and speak with the girl. Head straight up the road and the staircases until you reach Branbal.

If you had Steiner and Garnet in your party you'll have to re-pick new members; after you've done that head to the left and enter the first house to your left; once you get control back head to the next screen (to the right) and enter the house on the far right (red trim around the door) -- there will be a moogle inside the jar that will also sell you some items -- upgrade your weapons and armor, especially for Zidane; save your game and head to the door that's in the top center of the screen. Go downstairs (using the stairs to your right) and talk to the girl at the bottom left of the screen; follow her upstairs.

You'll now be in control of Eiko. Check the ATE, head outside, view another ATE, then go to the right for another ATE. Save your game with the moogle (if you do his wandering sales buddy will be there too -- buy the special stuff he's selling!) if you wish and then talk to VIVI (he'll be on the far right side of the screen). Make your way back to the entrance (from VIVI, head straight down and around) for another ATE then talk to Aramat. Head back to the room with the crystal in it and re-enlist Quina (your party will now consist of Eiko, VIVI, Aramat, and Quina -- kinda unbalanced, if you ask me), save your game (you really want to because you're up for some long situations), and return to the entrance and go through the green light. Talk to the girl and you'll be back in control of Zidane.

Welcome to Pandemonium (literally, can be "House of Demons"). Head straight ahead and meet up with Garland. Keep going after him and eventually you'll have three battles to fight:

1. The first battle isn't that hard but it may seem like it since you'll be starting off with Zidane alone. Eventually, however, Aramat and Freija will join the troupe -- attack/heal as your normally would.

2. Quina and Steiner start off this rumble (who'd have thought that Quina would be such a helpful character?). Use Quina's Big Guard (yes, you'll be using this VERY often) or his healing stuff. Steiner can still whip damage with his sword, so use it. Eventually Zidane will join and the battle should go your way.

3. Zidane will start this one off alone. It's going to be tough for a bit but try to keep him healthy -- just don't worry if he's not near max. Garnet will eventually come in to the fray and restore Zidane's life to full. After this point, the beast is somewhat damaged so just keep using Zidane to attack and Garnet to heal Zidane or use an occasional summon.

After the battles and once you have regained control, head to the right and meet up with the rest of the crew. Save your game [if you're low on levels consider sticking nearby the moogle and raising some levels, preferably to 55] and head to the right, check the chair, then back to the previous screen and to the left until you reach a room with rounded objects. Hit the switch that's on the upper right hand corner and then go to the left while avoiding the lights -- if you're next to one OR touch one you'll have to fight a monster and start over. Cross the bridge and then go to the left again and check the globe -- move the rock that's floating the the "4" position, then go left. Check the left for the elevator switch and take the elevator up; upon exiting follow the path to yet another elevator. Enter the teleporter on the left, then the teleporter on the north, and finally the last teleport. Save your game at the moogle and get ready for THREE boss battles. If you did get around level 55/56 you'll be more than fine.

The White Dragon is kind of strong but the fight will go a LOT faster if you have VIVI; just keep using Bio and if poison hits it'll do damage each round. Have the typical people that attack do so while Eiko/Garnet heal.

Garland is a bit tougher than the White Dragon but only because it takes longer to kill him. Just use your standard attack/heal strategy plus an occasional Summon.

Right after Garland you'll have to fight Kujha; how repetitive can this be? Kujah's the same as Garland but with a bit more lifeÖjust use the same attack/heal strategy and he'll be gone in no time.

After a fairly cool FMV, head down and to the right two screens; you'll reach a teleport and leave Pandemonium. Head south until you reach Branbal.

Chapter 1: Finale

Section 1: The End

You'll immediately have the option to pick your party. Whomever you pick make sure it's balanced out. Save your game after exiting the town and get in the airship. Head back towards Oelivert and, using Oelivert as your bearing, head south a bit until you see Daguereo. The best Combo shop you'll find is in this library as well as the best place to raise levels; around this part is the Grand Dragon who can give you 8800 EXP every time after killing it. You will want to stock up on every item you may be missing, especially tents.

When you're ready AND have saved your game, go towards Iifa and enter the portal. You'll immediately have a boss battle against the portal's guardian. Hopefully you're around 55-60; just keep using the basic attack/heal combination.

You'll be in the Temple of Fiends after the battle is over. Choose another well-balanced party that includes VIVI (chose well because these are also the people you will fight until the end with) and head north. Check the Rainbow Ball to save your game and keep heading up, then left and upstairs. Continue left and you'll meet your first flashback.

Kary is weak against Ice (duh!) so if you brought VIVI along splurge out on Ice3 until she whips out a reflect on herself. Otherwise, just keep attacking/healing as normal (it'd be great if you also had Steiner equipped with the Icebrand now that you know AHEAD of time that Kary's first =o) )

After you've beaten Kary head up, right, upstairs, left and then right.

Now you have to fight Tiamat. He can absorb the MP from any character or just do a "KO" attack which will render a character useless. As soon as you get in, if you have VIVI, attack with Lit3 and the usual attack/healing strategy.

From Tiamat head north, and continue until you see another Rainbow Ball ? save your game and heal / recover MP. From the Rainbow Ball continue left and you'll have to fight Kraken.

You have three different targets to hit; Kraken's body and 2 tentacles. Kraken is IMMENSLY weak against Lightning attacks and Garnet's Ramuh summon. Concentrate your attack on the tentacles first to knock out some of his power and you'll give yourself some breathing room. Kraken may freeze an enemy in a block of ice, rendering them useless; use Fire1 with VIVI to bring them back. Occasionally Kraken will use a water-based spell on itself for healing purposes. If you feel like a tough guy and rendering your spells useless you can try to cast Reflect on it but it's a pretty big risk to do so. Also watch out for a normal hit that can also blind you.

You've probably realized how close you are to the end of the game. Kraken was incredibly tough and you still have two more to go. After beating Kraken head up, up the stairs, left, up the ladder, and north to a room with three doors. Lich will be waiting for you.

Oddly enough the Phoenix Summon (Eiko) works wonders against Lich so consider using her in your party. Apart from that small advantage, you'll have to deal with what may seem at times a constant barrage of various "death" and "stop" attempts (that WILL work more often than not! Dang!) so keep your healers alive (Especially Eiko if you have her!) and be patient. If you have float, use it to avoid Lich's 2000+ damage quake spell.

True to FF1 legacy, continue north after beating Lich to an invisible platform that leads to a time warp. After landing, save your game at the Rainbow Ball and go north.

Doomgaze isn't like he was in the previous Final Fantasy; you can't kill him by just casting "Life" ? you actually have to fight. And since you don't have X-Zone and Vanish either you're screwed. Doomgaze can use Meteo for some high damage so get ready to use Cure or Cure 2 on your group asap after he's used it. He won't abuse the death spell like Lich (CHEAP BAG OF BONES!) and will try to hit with physical attacks. His slow speed will give you more time to recover from his blows.

After defeating Doomgaze, return to the Rainbow Ball and save your game. Head back to the room and talk to Kuja again.

This time, Kuja doesn't take after Garland ? he takes after Lich in terms of cheapness. You WILL get blasted with Megaflare at least three times in a row so be ready to deal with it OR have a spare controller in case you lose your temper with'im. On a bad day he's actually used that Megaflare SIX times in a row, wiping out my whole team in one fell swoop ? I was NOT happy. So, you learn from my mistake. Try to use slow or stop to keep him from getting the upper hand but don't concentrate on just that technique. Keep attacking him as often as possible for as much damage as possible, especially since he can heal himself for close to 3500 HP and can do it at the same speed he'll use Megaflare. The only thing cheaper than this is a ticket to hell, folks.

After finally finishing off Kujah you'll have to re-pick your team. Everyone will be at 1 hp and pick your new team wisely because those you leave behind will use the last of the power to heal you, rendering them useless. Eiko and Garnet are a MUST for this battle. When you're ready, it's time to face the Eternal Darkness.

Comparing Eternal Darkness to Kuja, Eternal Darkness fights fair ? it's just that he is incredibly tough and strong. He can cause random status (Supernova attack) effects on your group (prepare for that, especially zombie and confusion!) and that does include instant death. If one of your troupe dies from the Zombie status, you have to de-zombifie them first and THEN bring then back to life. Keep your healers healing and don't waste any magic on summons unless it's Eiko calling the Phoenix. If Eiko is dead, don't start worrying fast because her Phoenix summon may still work automatically even if she is dead. Apart from that, Eternal Darkness has a bit of a weak (if you can even consider it that!) magic defense that you can try to exploit. Freya can come in handy this battle because if he Jumps at the right time the Supernova ? or any other attack ? will miss him if he's offscreen. Bio works decently with him as well as non-elemental Summons (but again I suggest you save your healer's MP for healing!)