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* EXCALIBUR II + PERFECT GAME GUIDE *
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Welcome to the Final Fantasy IX "Excalibur II + Perfect Game Guide"!
I hope you enjoy challenges!
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O
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Written By: Atomos199
* VERSION 7 *
March 25, 2008
Copyright © 2005-2008 Piotr Matl
* * *
CONTACT INFORMATION:
If you have anything at all to say about this guide or this challenge, feel
free to let me know by dropping me a line at atomos199@o2.pl.
* * *
VERSION 7 NOTICE:
This is it, everyone. I'm now completely satisfied with the contents as well
as the presentation of the guide, so there will be no more updates. If there
is an error in the guide, however, you may let me know and I will correct it.
I hope you enjoy the guide and the challenge. Have fun, and good luck!
* * *
NOTICE TO PAL GAMERS:
It is impossible to complete this challenge on the PAL version of the game.
Please consult Question 3 in the Frequently Asked Questions section for
more detailed information.
* * *
This guide may only be hosted on www.gamefaqs.com
* * *
Use the Ctrl-F function to quickly jump to any
section of the guide by searching for its code!
===============================================================================
* TABLE OF CONTENTS *
===============================================================================
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(A00)
II. MAIN GOALS OF THIS CHALLENGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(B00)
01. OBTAIN PERFECT AMOUNTS OF ALL MISSABLE ITEMS..............(B01)
02. OBTAIN MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF ALL MISSABLE UNIQUE ITEMS.......(B02)
03. OPEN ALL MISSABLE CHESTS..................................(B03)
04. SEARCH ALL MISSABLE FIELD ICONS...........................(B04)
05. OBTAIN ALL MISSABLE KEY ITEMS.............................(B05)
06. COMPLETE A LEVEL 1 GAME...................................(B06)
07. DELIVER & READ ALL MISSABLE MOGNET LETTERS................(B07)
08. BUY ALL OF STILTZKIN'S DEALS..............................(B08)
09. COMPLETE THE MR. MORRID'S COFFEE SIDE-QUEST...............(B09)
10. DEFEAT ALL MISSABLE TRENO WEAPON SHOP MONSTERS............(B10)
III. THE PROBLEM OF MAX STATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(C00)
IV. CHOOSING A STAT PATH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(D00)
01. THE MAX STATS APPROACH....................................(D01)
02. THE BASE STATS APPROACH...................................(D02)
03. DETERMINING YOUR STAT PATH................................(D03)
04. PATH A....................................................(D04)
05. PATH B....................................................(D05)
06. PATH C....................................................(D06)
07. PATH D....................................................(D07)
08. PATH E....................................................(D08)
V. THE GOLDEN RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(E00)
01. SKIP ALL DIALOGUE.........................................(E01)
02. SKIP ALL ATEs.............................................(E02)
03. SKIP ALL FMVs.............................................(E03)
04. MANAGE YOUR SAVES WISELY..................................(E04)
05. OPTIMIZE YOUR SYSTEM SETTINGS.............................(E05)
06. LEARN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BATTLE SYSTEM..............(E06)
07. PERFECT YOUR RUNS.........................................(E07)
08. DON'T LET THE CLOCK STRESS YOU............................(E08)
09. MAINTAIN YOUR INNER PEACE.................................(E09)
10. DON'T FORGET THE MAGIC SPELL..............................(E10)
VI. VIDEO ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(F00)
VII. WALKTHROUGH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(G00)
01. USING THIS WALKTHROUGH....................................(G01)
02. CIRCUIT LIST..............................................(G02)
03. TIMETABLE.................................................(G03)
04. DISC 1....................................................(G04)
05. DISC 2....................................................(G05)
06. DISC 3....................................................(G06)
07. DISC 4....................................................(G07)
VIII. LEFTOVERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(H00)
01. SIDE-QUESTS...............................................(H01)
02. MINI-GAMES................................................(H02)
03. CHARACTERS................................................(H03)
04. ITEMS.....................................................(H04)
05. OPTIONAL BOSSES...........................................(H05)
06. MISCELLANEOUS.............................................(H06)
IX. PERFECT STATS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(I00)
01. REASONING.................................................(I01)
02. USING THE SET-UPS PROVIDED................................(I02)
03. ZIDANE....................................................(I03)
04. GARNET....................................................(I04)
05. VIVI......................................................(I05)
06. STEINER...................................................(I06)
07. FREYA.....................................................(I07)
08. QUINA.....................................................(I08)
09. EIKO......................................................(I09)
10. AMARANT...................................................(I10)
X. TREASURE LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(J00)
01. ALEXANDRIA................................................(J01)
02. PRIMA VISTA...............................................(J02)
03. ICE CAVERN................................................(J03)
04. DALI......................................................(J04)
05. OBSERVATORY MOUNTAIN......................................(J05)
06. LINDBLUM..................................................(J06)
07. QU'S MARSH................................................(J07)
08. SOUTH GATE................................................(J08)
09. GIZAMALUKE'S GROTTO.......................................(J09)
10. NORTH GATE................................................(J10)
11. BURMECIA..................................................(J11)
12. SUMMIT STATION............................................(J12)
13. QUAN'S DWELLING...........................................(J13)
14. TRENO.....................................................(J14)
15. GARGAN ROO................................................(J15)
16. CLEYRA'S TRUNK............................................(J16)
17. CLEYRA SETTLEMENT.........................................(J17)
18. PINNACLE ROCKS............................................(J18)
19. FOSSIL ROO................................................(J19)
20. CONDE PETIE...............................................(J20)
21. BLACK MAGE VILLAGE........................................(J21)
22. CONDE PETIE MOUNTAIN PATH.................................(J22)
23. MADAIN SARI...............................................(J23)
24. IIFA TREE.................................................(J24)
25. OEILVERT..................................................(J25)
26. DESERT PALACE.............................................(J26)
27. ESTO GAZA.................................................(J27)
28. MOUNT GULUG...............................................(J28)
29. HILDA GARDE 3.............................................(J29)
30. DAGUERREO.................................................(J30)
31. IPSEN'S CASTLE............................................(J31)
32. TERRA.....................................................(J32)
33. BRAN BAL..................................................(J33)
34. PANDEMONIUM...............................................(J34)
35. INVINCIBLE................................................(J35)
36. MOGNET CENTRAL............................................(J36)
37. CHOCOBO'S AIR GARDEN......................................(J37)
38. CHOCOBO'S PARADISE........................................(J38)
39. MEMORIA...................................................(J39)
XI. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(K00)
XII. CREDITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(L00)
XIII. VERSION HISTORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(M00)
XIV. COPYRIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(N00)
===============================================================================
* INTRODUCTION (A00) *
===============================================================================
Being the perfectionist and completionist that I am, I was always very
frustrated by the seeming impossibility of creating a truly perfect save for
my favorite game, Final Fantasy IX. For years I thought that it really was
impossible, although it was never more than an assumption on my part. The
reason for this was the not-so-secret Excalibur II, a sword found at the end
of Memoria which disappears following 12 hours after the start of the game,
without which this challenge would be unbearably boring. Having gotten used
to spending ungodly amounts of time on perfect saves for even the simplest of
games, getting a perfect save for a game as huge as FFIX in under 12 hours
never even crossed my mind... until the winter of 2005, that is; just in time
for my annual FFIX binge! And that's how this guide was born.
Now let me get straight to the point: this guide is meant to get you from the
very beginning of the game all the way to the Excalibur II, without missing
any of the missable items, events, side-quests, etc. In other words, you will
get all the benefits of playing a normal game without sacrificing that lovely
sword. The keyword here is "missable". You will skip absolutely everything
which can be done on Disc 4, otherwise it is quite impossible to make it in
time for the Excalibur II. It seems that the game is very balanced in this
respect; there is just barely enough time to complete everything missable and
still get that elusive sword. As for what is and is not missable, consult the
next sections, which explain in detail what you will be doing during this
challenge.
So, let me say it, once and for all:
FACT: It is possible to have a perfect save which includes the Excalibur II.
===============================================================================
* MAIN GOALS OF THIS CHALLENGE (B00) *
===============================================================================
Not everyone has the same conception of a perfect save. Some are satisfied
with getting all items, others with learning all abilities and still others
with getting max stats, or any combination of these ideas and more. Therefore,
this guide includes all possible goals which anyone could possibly want in
their perfect save, and all are accounted for simultaneously. This means that
you can complete all of the goals below using this walkthrough; compromise
was not an option when I set about doing this, and it should not be for you,
either. That said, here is a rundown of the goals which you will be guided
toward for a perfect save, with precise explanations below:
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 1) OBTAIN PERFECT AMOUNTS OF ALL MISSABLE ITEMS (B01) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
There are 31 items in the game which can no longer be bought on Disc 4.
Furthermore, 9 of these items are used in synthesis, which makes another 8
items potentially missable. 2 of these items are then used in further
synthesis combinations, which makes another 2 items potentially missable, for
a grand total of 41 missable non-unique items in FFIX.
The challenge here rests on having the funds to buy all these items, and in
buying them in the correct amounts. Although it may be fine to have only 1
copy left of each of these items at the end after synthesis, I have decided
on a different, more "perfect" amount. This guide will have you buy these
items in such amounts so that you have enough of each of them to equip
everyone who can equip them, plus 1 remaining for your inventory. This also
includes the items which are synthesized from these missable items, which is
why some of them are bought in larger quantities than one would first think
are necessary. In this way, these missable items will never be able to leave
your inventory unless you sell them.
Due to obvious temporal and monetary constraints, you won't be synthesizing
any of the missable items on your way to the Excalibur II. However, you will
have the necessary items in the necessary amounts to be able to do so
eventually, when you have enough money and time.
The following is a list of the 31 basic missable items, with quantities
needed, quantities bought and their total cost (in order of availability,
though not necessarily purchase):
NOTE: Some of these items are found during the game, so the quantities bought
and their cost does not include these copies, since you won't miss them
with this guide. Also, you will be told exactly how many of these items
to buy in the walkthrough itself, so this is just for reference and
monetary planning if you decide not to follow the walkthrough exactly.
NOTE: Quantities needed are calculated BEFORE synthesis. Once you finish the
challenge, you will have to use an appropriate number of some items for
synthesis.
NOTE: All copies of missable items are mentioned in the guide, except for the
Diamond Gloves. 3 are needed but only 2 are bought. That is because 1
copy is obtained from Chocograph Treasure #5 - Abandoned Beach. All
other copies of missable items are accounted for.
.---------------------------------------------------------------------------.
| ITEM | NEEDED | BOUGHT | COST |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Javelin | 3 | 1 | 880 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Silver Gloves | 4 | 3 | 2,160 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Iron Helm | 3 | 2 | 900 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Leather Plate | 3 | 1 | 530 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Air Racket | 6 | 5 | 2,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Mythril Sword | 5 | 5 | 6,500 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Bandana | 12 | 9 | 4,500 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Chain Plate | 3 | 2 | 1,620 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Chain Mail | 15 | 14 | 16,800 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Mythril Vest | 10 | 8 | 9,440 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Diamond Sword | 2 | 1 | 4,700 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Trident | 2 | 2 | 7,160 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Mythril Claws | 2 | 2 | 13,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Fairy Flute | 2 | 2 | 9,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Silver Fork | 2 | 1 | 7,400 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Diamond Gloves | 3 | 2 | 4,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Green Beret | 7 | 7 | 15,260 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Judo Uniform | 7 | 7 | 35,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Gold Armor | 3 | 3 | 8,850 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Zorlin Shape | 9 | 8 | 48,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Flame Saber | 2 | 2 | 10,380 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Heavy Lance | 2 | 2 | 9,400 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Scissor Fangs | 2 | 2 | 16,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Asura's Rod | 2 | 2 | 6,360 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Hamelin | 2 | 2 | 11,400 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Octagon Rod | 2 | 2 | 9,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Black Hood | 6 | 5 | 12,750 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Rune Blade | 2 | 2 | 17,800 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Obelisk | 2 | 2 | 12,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Tiger Fangs | 2 | 2 | 27,000 |
|------------------o-------------------o------------------o-----------------|
|Diamond Armor | 3 | 3 | 26,400 |
`---------------------------------------------------------------------------'
.======================================.
|| GRAND TOTAL | 356,190 ||
`======================================'
Although the grand total may seem daunting, it's possible to finance all
these purchases with some careful planning, as well as through the use of the
so-called "Cotton Robe" trick.
The list below shows how some of the above items are used in synthesis:
NOTE: You won't actually be buying any of these synthesized items until after
getting the Excalibur II.
Javelin -> Save the Queen
Silver Gloves -> Save the Queen
Air Racket -> Priest's Racket
Mythril Sword -> Grand Armor
Bandana -> Silk Robe
Chain Mail -> Power Belt -> Grand Helm
Mythril Vest -> Brave Suit
Zorlin Shape -> Sargatanas -> Thief Gloves
OR
-> Masamune
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 2) OBTAIN MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF ALL MISSABLE UNIQUE ITEMS (B02) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
As you may already know, some items in FFIX are available in finite
amounts no matter how long you play and no matter what you do. Therefore, we
will be getting each of these items' missable copies on our way to the
Excalibur II.
The following is a list of all such items in FFIX, with maximum quantities
and locations included:
NOTE: Only MISSABLE unique items are of importance, so ultimate weapons and
some other items such as the Hammer have been omitted (since you can't
miss them permanently).
NOTE: Some unique items can be synthesized using other unique items. The
quantities provided are maximum quantities without synthesis.
NOTE: Some of the gems are also temporarily gotten during the Friendly
Monsters side-quest, but they cannot be kept without leaving the
side-quest incomplete. Those copies are therefore not included here.
NOTE: There is only 1 Dragon's Claws in the entire game, so do NOT use the
Dragon's Claws in a synthesis combination with Tiger Fangs to get Duel
Claws. 1 copy of Duel Claws can be stolen from Deathguise. So, you
should have 1 Dragon's Claws and 1 Duel Claws in your perfect save.
NOTE: Ozma holds 4 unique items; 2 Dark Matter, 1 Pumice and 1 Pumice Piece.
You must steal a Dark Matter and a Pumice Piece, then end the battle
and hope that Ozma drops BOTH a Dark Matter and a Pumice. If not, you
must reset and try again.
1) Diamond [3]
-On the boat in Conde Petie
-Included in Stiltzkin's Bran Bal deal
-Included in Chocograph Treasure #17 - Sea At Dusk
2) Emerald [2]
-Given to you by the Priest of Cleyra while you control Freya
-Included in Stiltzkin's Oeilvert deal
3) Ruby [2]
-Received when breaking the seal on the Iifa Tree
-Included in Stiltzkin's Alexandria deal (Disc 4)
4) Moonstone [3]
-Given to Steiner by Queen Brahne after impressing all 100 nobles with the
Tantalus performance
-Complete the Conde Petie Mountain Path colored stones puzzle
-Included in Stiltzkin's Alexandria deal (Disc 4)
5) Ribbon [4]
-Given to you by Mog in Mount Gulug
-Treno Auction House item
-Given to you by Stiltzkin after buying his final deal (Alexandria, Disc 4)
-Included in Chocograph Treasure #24 - Forgotten Island
6) Dark Matter [3]
-Treno Auction House item
-Stolen from Ozma
-Dropped by Ozma
7) Running Shoes [4]
-Dropped by Tantarian
-Won by defeating Amdusias in the Treno Weapon Shop on Disc 3
-Stolen from Hades
-Found in the clock in Quan's Dwelling
8) Pumice [1]
-Dropped by Ozma
9) Pumice Piece [3]
-Dropped by Ark
-Stolen from Ozma
-Included in Chocograph Treasure #22 - Outer Island 2
10) Rebirth Ring [2]
-Awarded for winning the Tetra Master Tournament
-Included in Chocograph Treasure #24 - Forgotten Island
11) Blood Sword [2]
-Stellazzio reward
-Stolen from Tiamat
12) Genji Helmet [2]
-Stolen from Kraken
-Included in the Chocograph Treasure found in the Mountain Crack on the
northeastern part of the Forgotten Continent
13) Genji Gloves [2]
-Stolen from Lich
-Included in the Chocograph Treasure found in the Foaming Water at the
southern tip of the Forgotten Continent
14) Genji Armor [2]
-Stolen from Maliris
-Included in Chocograph Treasure #21 - Outer Island
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 3) OPEN ALL MISSABLE CHESTS (B03) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Since we're going for perfection, we'll want to open all the treasure
chests in the game. However, you'll mainly be opening missable chests during
the course of the challenge. Furthermore, you'll be able to collect the Rank
S Medal if you do this, which is (in my opinion) fundamental for a perfect
save.
Keep in mind that this isn't really a difficult goal to meet; 99% of the
chests in FFIX are completely and comfortably along the way. Then again, 90%
of all chests in the game are missable, but don't worry, there's enough time
to open them all.
Although you shouldn't have any problems with finding all the chests, I have
created a treasure list in the event that you do. Check the Treasure
Locations section for the locations of all the treasure chests and all the
field icons in the game.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 4) SEARCH ALL MISSABLE FIELD ICONS (B04) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the same thing as the chests, except for field icons. In case
you're not familiar with this term, a field icon is the exclamation mark
which appears over Zidane's head when he stands near a treasure. Although
this icon appears near chests and other places as well, field icons, for the
purpose of this guide, will be considered treasures which are not in a chest
but lie on the ground, on a shelf, etc.
As with chests, many of them are along the way. Unlike chests, however, many
of them are not missable, especially the ones later in the game.
You can find a complete list of all the game's field icons, with locations,
in the Treasure Locations section.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 5) OBTAIN ALL MISSABLE KEY ITEMS (B05) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
There are 6 missable key items in FFIX: Moccha Coffee, Burman Coffee,
Rank S Medal, Moogle Suit, Autograph and Athlete Queen.
The Moccha Coffee and Burman Coffee are gotten as parts of the Mr. Morrid's
Coffee side-quest.
The Rank S Medal is gotten after the Excalibur II, but it is possible to miss
this key item by not picking up enough treasures before Disc 4. However,
since we'll be collecting ALL missable treasure (and can pick up the rest on
Disc 4), we'll be meeting the requirements for this key item automatically.
The Moogle Suit and the Autograph can both be gotten in Lindblum on Disc 1
after witnessing a short scene with Lowell.
The Athlete Queen can only be gotten at the very beginning of Disc 3, when
you control Vivi. You can play a mini-game in which you race a fat boy named
Hippaul to help him lose weight. You receive a reward for every 10 LVs which
Hippaul gains, and you get the Athlete Queen when he reaches LV 80.
This is the single most time-consuming event in the entire challenge; if you
don't lose a single time it'll take you about 21 minutes, with each loss
adding around 20 seconds. For some people this mini-game is a piece of cake,
but for others it borders on the impossible to reach LV 80. However, it's a
waste if you decide to skip getting the Athlete Queen, since the extra 20
minutes will make this challenge, well, not as challenging, and you won't
have a perfect save at the end, either. Thus, I suggest you get this key
item as well, no matter how painful it can get. Eventually, you will get it;
it's just a matter of practice and concentration, that's all.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 6) COMPLETE A LEVEL 1 GAME (B06) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Stats pose the biggest problem in this perfect game challenge. This is
because in order to obtain perfect stats, you must start working on them from
LV 1. Furthermore, you can only work on them after getting the Excalibur II
as you are not only limited by the LV at which you begin, but also by the
available selection of equipment. Simply put, you do not have access to all
of the necessary equipment until after you get the Excalibur II, and if it is
available, then you either don't have the time to actually get it or to level
up with it to a meaningful degree. What does this mean for you? It means that
you will be playing the whole game at LV 1!
If the game let you, that is. There are many forced battles in the game and
most of them can be won without getting any EXP by using the Stop spell and
the Needle Fork's Add Status property, which is Petrify. However, there are
3 battles in which EXP MUST be gained, namely the battles against Amdusias,
Abadon and Shell Dragon in Pandemonium. Depending on what your priorities for
your perfect save are, you may have to defeat Tantarian and gain his EXP as
well. That said, there is an important difference between this challenge's
Level 1 Game and the "regular" one:
"The characters who gain EXP from Tantarian and the Pandemonium battles are
not restricted from being in the active party. The focus here is the benefit
of stat gains rather than self-imposed challenge."
-1whoistornapart
Don't be intimidated by a Level 1 Game; it has its difficult parts, but it's
very fun overall!
The issue of the Level 1 Game and max stats is covered in detail in the next
2 sections of the guide. It's a bit complicated and lengthy, but you have to
read and understand it if you want a perfect save which you'll be happy with.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 7) DELIVER & READ ALL MISSABLE MOGNET LETTERS (B07) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is a pretty self-explanatory goal. In my opinion, it would not be a
perfect save if you missed any of the letters, as they're a part of the story
in a way. Moreover, you have to deliver them in order to revive Mognet
Central on Disc 4.
Reading and receiving all other mail is also a part of this goal. That means
you will receive all letters addressed to Zidane and read all the letters
from Stiltzkin and other moogles to each other. The point is to have all the
letters accessible at the end of the game under the moogles' Mognet menus.
You did say you wanted a complete and perfect save, didn't you?
The easiest way to achieve this goal is to simply check the Mognet option
every time you meet a moogle, even if it is for the second time in a row. If
there is anything to read, receive or deliver you will immediately be
prompted to do so. Don't worry, though, as the walkthrough will always
mention whether and which letters a moogle has at a particular time, as there
are some rare instances when you can miss a letter if you don't purposely
backtrack.
Here is a list of all the letters which you must deliver during the course of
the challenge, in chronological order:
Kupo -> Monty
Mois -> Gumo
Kumop -> Mogki
Mogki -> Atla
Grimo -> Nazna
Atla -> Monev
Nazna -> Mochos
Mopli -> Serino
Serino -> Moodon
Mosh -> Monty
Moodon -> Moonte
Kuppo -> Kupo
Mogmatt -> Suzuna
Mogryo -> Mocchi
Mogki -> Moodon
Mimoza -> Mooel
Mojito -> Mogsam
Mogrika -> Moolan
Moolan -> Mogtaka
Mogki -> Kumool
Moorock -> Mozme
...and here are the letters which you will read, also in chronological order:
Kupo -> Mosh
Ruby -> Zidane
Stiltzkin -> Monty
Ruby -> Zidane
Stiltzkin -> Moonte
Moodon -> Mogmi
Stiltzkin -> Mogrich
Ruby -> Zidane
Monev -> Mopli
Kupo -> Mosh
Stiltzkin -> Monty
Ruby -> Zidane
Kuppo -> Monty
Stiltzkin -> Mogryo
Stiltzkin -> Mocchi
Mogrika -> Kupo
Stiltzkin -> Kupo
Kupo -> Mogrich
Artemicion -> Mogrika
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 8) BUY ALL OF STILTZKIN'S DEALS (B08) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is an easy goal to accomplish. It is also very profitable, as you
actually make a profit from most of his deals, get several copies of unique
items, and a Ribbon as a reward for buying all of his offers. They are all
listed below in chronological order, with prices:
Burmecia : Ether, Hi-Potion, Soft : [333]
Cleyra Settlement : Hi-Potion, Ether, Phoenix Pinion : [444]
Fossil Roo : Phoenix Pinion, Remedy, Ether : [555]
Mountain Path : Magic Tag, Tent, Ether : [666]
Alexandria : Phoenix Pinion, Hi-Potion, Elixir : [777]
Oeilvert : Hi-Potion, Emerald, Elixir : [888]
Bran Bal : Diamond, Ether, Elixir : [2222]
Alexandria : Moonstone, Ruby, Elixir : [5555]
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 9) COMPLETE THE MR. MORRID'S COFFEE SIDE-QUEST (B09) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is also a pretty self-explanatory goal. The reason you have to do
this is that Observatory Mountain, Mr. Morrid's home, is locked off on Disc
4. Don't worry, though, it turns out that all 3 coffees are actually along
the way and delivering them is also along the way. The walkthrough will guide
you in completing this side-quest.
Some people insist on keeping all the coffees, as they are just as unique as
the Mini Prima Vista, which appears in the Tantalus hideout. This is true,
except that it leaves the side-quest incomplete. Then again, not completing
it lets you keep the coffees in your inventory. In the end, this is a
decision which every player must make for him or herself. You can leave this
decision up until the beginning of Disc 3, after getting the Burman Coffee.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 10) DEFEAT ALL MISSABLE TRENO WEAPON SHOP MONSTERS (B10) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Well, that's all there is to it; defeat Griffin, Catoblepas and Amdusias.
I'm not certain whether the rewards count toward your treasure ranking, but
it doesn't really matter. You want to be as complete as possible in this
challenge and you would have to defeat Amdusias anyway as the Running Shoes
are given as a reward. Thus, you may as well defeat the other 2 monsters for
the sake of completion.
===============================================================================
* THE PROBLEM OF MAX STATS (C00) *
===============================================================================
Stats are a gray area in FFIX. The problem is that unlike with unique
items or side-quests, stat perfection is rather subjective. Due to the way
the stat system is designed, it is impossible to max all stats for any
character. The max for Speed and Spirit is 50, while the max for Strength and
Magic is 99. Everyone is capable of reaching 50 Spirit, but no one can reach
the max in the other 3 stats, except Zidane, who can reach 50 Speed. They are
all limited by the choice of stat-raising equipment available in the game,
which isn't good enough to reach the max in any stat besides Spirit.
At this point, you may be wondering whether the unattainability of max stats
means that there is no such thing as a perfect save in FFIX. No, it does not.
Stats, and even individual stat points, are unique in exactly the same way as
unique items. The perfect result is therefore not the highest possible to be
comprehended by the game, which would be 99, but rather the highest
attainable in normal gameplay. After all, what is the point of considering 99
to be the maximum amount of Pumice Piece when you can't get any more than 3?
It's the same for stats.
Unfortunately, this is not at the heart of the stats dilemma, and not quite
the problem with which we are faced.
The real issue here is that it is impossible to achieve all of a character's
highest stats SIMULTANEOUSLY. Simply put, you effectively forfeit points in 1
or more stats in order to raise another; you can NEVER raise any stat without
not raising another as much as possible. For example, using the Robe of Lords
will give each stat 1 bonus point, but that means you forfeit giving Magic 2
points with the White Robe, or Spirit 3 with the Dark Gear, and so on,
depending on what equipment a character can use. That is why no character can
have their highest rating in all, or even 2, stats at once. This in turn
means that there is no universal set of highest stats for any character; each
player can distribute stat points differently.
However, this does NOT mean that all stat distributions are equally perfect
or fitting. Everyone will agree that a stat distribution giving Zidane his
highest Magic is inferior "perfection-wise" to a distribution giving him his
highest Strength. The opposite can be said for Vivi, for example. It is
because stats mean something that we CAN decide on a perfect distribution for
each character. If Speed, Strength, Magic and Spirit all did the same thing,
it wouldn't matter which was raised and which wasn't, but the fact is that
these stats do mean something, and therefore some mean more to certain
characters than to others. This is what allows us to come up with a universal
set of PRIORITIES for each character. Therefore, perfect stat distributions
exist; they are the best simultaneous fulfillments of those priorities for
each character.
The perfect save with perfect stats does therefore exist. It simply differs
from what one would first expect.
For a detailed overview of what these perfect distributions are, and why they
are the way they are, consult the Perfect Stats section.
===============================================================================
* CHOOSING A STAT PATH (D00) *
===============================================================================
Now that you know what is meant by perfect stats, you must decide whether
to acknowledge such a view for your perfect save; believe it or not, there IS
an alternative. There are 2 ways of looking at perfect stats in a perfect
save. You must choose one or the other, and you can't proceed past Tantarian
on Disc 3 without having made this decision. You can, however, play up to
that point without having chosen a path, as they are identical until you
reach Tantarian on Disc 3.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| THE MAX STATS APPROACH (D01) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the idea that there is a universal set of priorities for each
character, and that the perfect stat distribution is the one which fulfills
those priorities the best. This has been fully explained in the section
above, and is given further attention in the Perfect Stats section. This path
should be thought of as the one which yields the highest stats possible under
the circumstances created by the game and its stat system. In that sense,
this path provides stats which are perfect just like 3 Pumice Piece is a
perfect amount of a unique item. No one can dispute 3 Pumice Piece as being
the perfect amount, and for the same reason, there is no solid basis for
disputing these stats as perfect.
If this is the path you wish to follow, then simply follow this guide; it is
written with this path in mind.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| THE BASE STATS APPROACH (D02) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the alternative to the path above. Although it is impossible for any
character's stats to reach their highest possible values all at once, it IS
possible for them to reach their LOWEST possible values simultaneously. Think
of them as being maximized negatively, or being perfectly negative. This
solution is "perfect" in that all stats reach their negative max, and this
requires no fancy theories or proof. This approach requires no assumptions in
order to claim perfection, either, but it does require a different idea of
perfection itself. Here, perfection is mathematical, not practical.
If this is the path you wish to follow, then you can still use this guide.
The only difference is that you must NEVER gain any LVs with equipment that
boosts Speed, Strength, Magic and/or Spirit. This will guarantee that your
stats will be the lowest possible. The Perfect Stats section does not apply
to you, and neither do some of the suggested equipment set-ups in the
walkthrough, obviously.
The BASE Stats path makes this challenge much easier, as you won't have to
go through some of the most troublesome parts of the Level 1 Game. You don't
need the Needle Fork from Zaghnol, and you can let Freya absorb as much EXP
as you want after she joins at LV 1. Steiner can also gain LVs once Freya is
in the party. The other characters must remain at LV 1 until both Eiko and
Amarant join at LV 1, after which everyone can gain as many LVs as you like,
as long as they never have stat-boosting equipment equipped when doing so.
This information will also be pointed out in the walkthrough in the relevant
sections.
Why do you have to play the Level 1 Game at all? Well, if anyone joins at a
LV higher than 1, their stats will be lower than the so-called minimum
because they will have missed stat gains from the Level Ups they were given
for free; the game awards a set minimum amount of bonus points per Level Up,
but you don't get them when a character joins at the party's average LV. This
may seem to undermine the sense of this path, but it really doesn't; check
out Question 7 in the Frequently Asked Questions for an explanation.
*thanks to SteelShades for proposing the BASE Stats idea*
*thanks to Cicatriz_ESP for pointing out that even BASE Stat-ers must play
the Level 1 Game in order to achieve the true minimal stats*
*thanks to Shaun for pointing out that BASE Stat-ers don't need to play a
true Level 1 Game in order to achieve these goals*
NOTE: The rest of this section DOES NOT APPLY to you if you chose to follow
the BASE Stats path.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| DETERMINING YOUR STAT PATH (D03) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
The MAX Stats variant splits into 5 possible paths. This is due to the fact
that the unavoidable EXP received during the game can be allocated in a
number of ways, each yielding different sets of stats, but none being
inherently better or worse than another. This whole affair is actually quite
complicated and convoluted, but I've simplified it to 3 main factors in the
interest of saving you a headache. Answer the 3 questions below and you
should be led to the stats path which best suits your perfect game
requirements. Please note that you MUST choose a path eventually; you cannot
proceed past Tantarian on Disc 3 without having done so.
1. Which of the following parties do you want for your perfect save?
A: Party with highest possible number of characters at LV 1
B: Party with everyone at LV 99
NOTE: The most characters you can have at LV 1 by the end of the game is 7.
In such a case, Zidane is the one who will be at a higher LV; his
minimum is either LV 31 or LV 32, depending on your answer to Question
2. You can let him reach LV 99 as well, but the point is that 7 of 8
characters will remain at LV 1, which is the most possible by the end
of the game.
2. Assuming that the choice you don't pick will only be hurt by ~1%, which do
you value more as a requirement for a perfect save?
A: All unique items in maximum amounts and all optional bosses defeated
B: Perfect stats for all characters
3. Assuming they both sacrifice the same amount, which of the following
characters' stat potential would you be more willing to sacrifice in order
to preserve everyone else's?
A: Zidane
B: Freya
Use the table below to determine which stat path is best for you:
.------------------------------------------------------------------------.
| QUESTION #1 | QUESTION #2 | QUESTION #3 | YOUR STAT PATH |
|-----------------o-----------------o-----------------o------------------|
| A | A | - | PATH A |
|-----------------o-----------------o-----------------o------------------|
| A | B | - | PATH B |
|-----------------o-----------------o-----------------o------------------|
| B | A | A | PATH C |
|-----------------o-----------------o-----------------o------------------|
| B | A | B | PATH D |
|-----------------o-----------------o-----------------o------------------|
| B | B | - | PATH E |
`------------------------------------------------------------------------'
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| PATH A (D04) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the simplest and easiest path to follow. Zidane is given all the
unavoidable EXP in the game and will end up at LV 32, while everyone else
remains at LV 1. However, that is the only advantage this path has over the
others. Zidane can obtain better LV 99 stats by letting Garnet and/or Freya
gain LVs in Pandemonium, which they can do without sacrificing any stats. The
only drawback to this is that they will no longer be at LV 1 at the end of
the game. So, following this path you trade 1 or 2 of Zidane's stat points in
order to keep everyone else at LV 1 for your perfect save.
To conclude, this path is only good if you want your perfect save party to be
at LV 1 with maximum amounts of unique items in your possession. That is the
only thing which the other paths cannot do. Therefore, use Path C, Path D or
Path E if you're planning on making your party reach LV 99.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| PATH B (D05) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is a minor variation of Path A. The only difference is that by ignoring
Tantarian, you get better stats for Zidane and his minimum LV becomes LV 31
instead of LV 32. When comparing the lowest LV Zidane from this path to the
one from Path A, this one will have 1 more Strength and Spirit. However, this
is only temporary. If you let both of them reach LV 99, then this one will
have 1 more Speed and Magic than the other one. Stat-wise, this path is
inferior to Path E, which also skips Tantarian, but that one doesn't allow
you to have a LV 1 party, which is the only reason you're taking this path
into consideration.
To conclude, this path is for those who want the LV 1 party with a Zidane at
the highest stats possible when having that LV 1 party (remember, he can get
better stats by not keeping your party at LV 1 for as long as possible).
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| PATH C (D06) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the most optimal path when you want Zidane to be the one to sacrifice
his stat potential for that of the rest of the party and for the rest of the
requirements for a perfect save. In this path, Tantarian is defeated and you
get the last pair of Running Shoes. Overall, you satisfy all the requirements
for a perfect save, except for Zidane being 1 Strength point short of his
max. Everyone else attains their highest stat set.
This path is for those who want their perfect save party to be at LV 99 with
the best stats possible, who want all optional bosses defeated, who want all
unique items in maximum amounts, and who prefer to have Zidane be the one to
make the stat sacrifice required for defeating Tantarian and getting the last
pair of Running Shoes.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| PATH D (D07) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the most optimal path when you want Freya to be the one to sacrifice
her stat potential for that of the rest of the party and for the rest of the
requirements for a perfect save. In this path, Tantarian is defeated and you
get the last pair of Running Shoes. Overall, you satisfy all the requirements
for a perfect save, except for Freya being 2 Magic points short of her max.
Everyone else attains their highest stat set.
This path is for those who want their perfect save party to be at LV 99 with
the best stats possible, who want all optional bosses defeated, who want all
unique items in maximum amounts, and who prefer to have Freya be the one to
make the stat sacrifice required for defeating Tantarian and getting the last
pair of Running Shoes.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| PATH E (D08) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This is the only path which allows you to have ALL of your characters reach
their full stat-maxing potential. However, this comes at the cost of not
having defeated an optional boss and missing 1 copy of a unique item (the
Running Shoes). If you feel that that is a fair trade, then this is the path
for you.
* * *
At this point, you may be thinking whether it wouldn't just be best to ignore
Tantarian as he really throws a wrench into the whole perfect stats idea.
This is a common misconception. You see, the fact is that you neither gain
nor lose anything by ignoring or defeating Tantarian. He is simply a mechanic
which forces you to choose between 1 or 2 stat points, and the Running Shoes
and his defeat. His being missable is the only reason why you are forced to
make a choice between one or the other, and why you can't have both.
Neither choice is inherently or objectively better than the other, so it's
only a personal matter decided by what one values more in a perfect save. The
impact this choice has on your save is microscopic, but since we are dealing
with perfect saves, every detail must be taken into account.
Finally, since the game FORCES you to make such a choice, it can't be said
that Tantarian makes a perfect save impossible. A perfect save in FFIX simply
cannot have BOTH all the Running Shoes and everyone at perfect stats, just
like you can't have both the Mini Prima Vista and the 3 coffees, or all
copies of Moonstone along with all 4 colored stones from the Mountain Path.
It's that simple, so don't let it discourage you in the least.
* * *
Gameplay-wise, which path you choose makes little difference. The game plays
out identically for all paths up until Disc 3. After that, there are only
minor differences, mostly equipment set-ups, and some boss strategies.
Therefore, don't base your decision on any perceived difficulties.
If you absolutely cannot decide which path to follow, then check out Question
10 in the Frequently Asked Questions section to find my take on this matter.
===============================================================================
* THE GOLDEN RULES (E00) *
===============================================================================
Now that everything else is out of the way, you need to get acquainted
with the practices of doing a speed run. Here are the 10 golden rules:
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 1) SKIP ALL DIALOGUE (E01) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Skip ALL dialogue by alternately mashing the X and SQUARE buttons. Using both
buttons increases the speed of running through text as opposed to using only
1, sometimes even quite drastically.
*thanks to Ekke for being the first to bring the use of the SQUARE button to
my attention*
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 2) SKIP ALL ATEs (E02) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Skip ALL ATEs unless instructed to do otherwise. Some ATEs are not skippable.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 3) SKIP ALL FMVs (E03) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Skip ALL FMVs by opening the disc cover on your PS1 or ejecting the disc tray
from the PS2 while the FMV is playing. Then, close the disc cover or the disc
tray to resume the game.
Skipping FMVs on the slim-line PS2 is a bit more involved, but fortunately
still possible. This method should also work on the PS3. Here's what you do:
a) Once the FMV starts to play, open the lid
b) Replace the current disc with another one, possibly another FFIX disc
c) Close the disc cover and wait a moment for the console to begin reading
the disc
d) Open the lid again and put in the proper FFIX disc
e) Close the lid and wait for the game to resume
*thanks to CrAckLeT for being the first to inform me of this method*
This method is very reliable. However, if you would prefer to not swap discs
so often, then here is some advice from AtmaChild:
"If you got good hearing, you'll notice that there are 3 distinct sounds that
your slim-line PS2 makes after closing the lid. The 1st sound is somewhat of
a clicking sound, followed by 2 'screech' type sounds in quick succession.
The FMV starts to resume at the 3rd sound. It is just after hearing the 2nd
sound that you open and close the lid again (exactly 2 seconds after the 1st
open/close lid), guaranteeing an FMV skip.
Here it is step by step:
a) Open, and close lid after disc stops
b) Open and close lid again after hearing the 2nd sound (or open/close lid
exactly 2 seconds after Step a if you have trouble hearing)"
If you are using an emulator, the procedure is a bit more complicated. I have
no experience with emulators so I'll quote Stunning SteveAustin on this
matter:
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Skipping FMVs On An Emulator (ePSXe)
First you will either need an alternative disc ISO from the one you are
currently using, or in actuality you can just use any old useless file such
as a blank text document.
Once the FMV starts, press "Esc" then "File>Change Disc>ISO". Select the
alternative disc or the blank text document you just made (you will need to
select "All files" from the list for it to show up), then click "OK".
The moment the game loads back up you need to immediately press "Esc" and
change back to the correct disc. If you leave it for literally any more than
half a second, the game will hang and you will need to reload.
If you are emulating directly off the game CDROM then I haven't tried this
method that way so I'm not 100% sure if it will work.
NOTE: It might be wise to save state just before each FMV to make sure the
game doesn't crash.
You can download the latest version of ePSXe here:
http://www.epsxe.com/download.php
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
If you have any other questions regarding emulators, I would suggest posting
a message on the FFIX message board; I'm certain that you'll get an answer.
Please don't e-mail me asking about this subject; I have no experience with
emulators whatsoever.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 4) MANAGE YOUR SAVES WISELY (E04) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Try to have 1 memory card devoted to this challenge; you need to have at
least 5 back-up saves because you can always forget something or want to
improve a certain part of the game. I used 2 blank memory cards. If you only
have 1 memory card, I suggest you fill up the memory card with saves until
there is no more room. Then, if you have a PS2, copy all the files onto your
PS2 memory card and clear the PS1 card. Now you have another 15 save files!
If you ever want to return to a previous save, you have to copy it onto the
PS1 card before you can load it.
Also, try not to save on a single file more than twice in a row, especially
when having to do with longer and more difficult circuits. This will save you
real-life time in the long run as you won't suddenly find yourself having to
redo an hour or more of game-time if you make an error and save it.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 5) OPTIMIZE YOUR SYSTEM SETTINGS (E05) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
If playing on a PS2, activate the Fast Disc Speed mode of the PlayStation
Driver; this will quicken the load times and therefore significantly reduce
your game time.
In order to activate this mode, turn on the PS2 without a disc in the disc
tray. Press TRIANGLE on the screen with the "Browser" and "System
Configuration" options to display your PS2's Version Information screen.
Here, highlight "PlayStation Driver" and press TRIANGLE again. You will be
shown the PlayStation Driver's Options screen. Set "Disc Speed" to "Fast".
While you're there, you may as well set "Texture Mapping" to "Smooth" to
improve the game's rendered graphics. Back out of these screens, insert the
proper FFIX disc and play as usual.
Soft resets will thankfully not reset the PlayStation Driver's settings, but
a "hard" reset (i.e., pressing the RESET button or turning the system on and
off) will. This means you need to repeat this procedure every time you begin
a new session of play. But it is very much worth it, so please make use of
this excellent feature if you're playing on a PS2.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 6) LEARN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BATTLE SYSTEM (E06) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Playing the game at LV 1 requires you to use every trick up your sleeve just
to survive. Learning to abuse the WAIT ATB mode is of particular importance.
The WAIT ATB mode allows you to stop ATB time by entering a menu. This is
very useful when checking whether a Tent has succeeded, whether your
characters have managed to knock themselves out, or when your next actions
are determined by the effects of an enemy's or party member's attack. The
idea is to reduce the amount of ATB time between your characters' actions,
thus minimizing the number of turns the enemy gets, and making it easier to
carry out your battle strategies coherently.
Opening the menu at the right time can literally mean the difference between
a victory and a defeat. By not opening the menu, you are letting actions play
out in real time. If your other character(s) are only waiting to see the
effects of an attack before doing something themselves, it is in your
interest to open a menu. The action in question will still play out, but you
won't allow your enemy's ATB to gauge to fill during that time, which could
result in an enemy getting a turn between those of your party members. This
lets you use all your turns to the fullest, thus optimizing your performance
both in terms of the chance of success and the speed of victory.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 7) PERFECT YOUR RUNS (E07) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Play and read each circuit once or twice before attempting it seriously; you
need to acquaint yourself with treasure locations, shop lists, menu
operations and the overall route through each area. Read a circuit or two
ahead so that you have an idea of what you will be preparing for and what is
waiting for you.
It's also crucial that you have the minimum amount of enemy encounters
possible; try to follow the guidelines provided in the walkthrough. In no
case should you ever settle for having more than 1 extra battle in a given
circuit. A random battle wastes at least 45 seconds, and that's if you manage
to run immediately. Flee from all battles unless instructed to do otherwise,
and keep L1 and R1 pressed at all times during a battle in hopes of running
away sooner.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 8) DON'T LET THE CLOCK STRESS YOU (E08) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Use the PAUSE button to your advantage; pausing the game also stops the
timer, so use this when you need a break, or need to remember or think about
what to do next, especially during battles. If something unexpected happens,
just press PAUSE and analyze the situation.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 9) MAINTAIN YOUR INNER PEACE (E09) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This challenge has the potential to infuriate. Please don't dive in expecting
a walk through the park, anything but. That said, many aspects revolve around
luck, and you need to accept that. If something isn't working, just take a
break and do something else. More often than not, you'll get it within the
first few tries when you return. During those extended reset sessions which
everyone is bound to face at least once, I suggest listening to some music.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| 10) DON'T FORGET THE MAGIC SPELL (E10) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
L1, L2, R1, R2, START, SELECT
^_^
===============================================================================
* VIDEO ASSISTANCE (F00) *
===============================================================================
Believe it or not, this entire challenge has been recorded for your viewing
pleasure! It's all thanks to the skilled, determined and meticulous work of
1whoistornapart and InvncblGrlnd, who both tore this challenge to shreds!
Their master runs can now serve as your guide throughout this endeavor, from
beginning to end. If you need help, assistance, or just plain need to see to
believe, look no further!
.*-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-*.
// 1whoistornapart's videos \\
O-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7C21A6F5C05D3F2D
O-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O
.*-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-*.
// InvncblGrlnd's videos \\
O-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2121FC41A5B357F7
O-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O
You can find their videos at the addresses above. There you will find a
playlist with tens of individual videos. Each of them covers a specific
section of the game, titled accordingly, with comments. You don't have to
watch everything from beginning to end, just pick what interests you and
you'll be shown exactly how to complete that part of the challenge. However,
these videos are quite entertaining, so I suggest you watch them all anyway;
it will give you a very good idea of what this challenge is like and what it
takes to succeed.
SOME NOTES ABOUT THE RECORDED RUNS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The runs recorded on the videos are on an expert level; 1whoistornapart had
an incredible 32 minutes to spare when he reached the Excalibur II, and
InvncblGrlnd a colossal 54, which speaks for itself. The videos only show the
single most successful runs; some of them took many hours of attempts to get
just right. Therefore, do not expect to just turn on the game and "simply do
the same thing"; it takes a lot of practice, luck and determination to see
such spectacular results. The purpose of these videos is to show the optimal
route through every circuit, including battles, to prove that it is possible
to actually follow it, and that this challenge isn't as impossible at it
would seem.
Remember that there is no need to complete the challenge exactly as depicted
in the videos. A 32- or 54-minute lead is overkill unless you're bent on
setting a record or something, because there is nothing you can use that
extra time for. Nonetheless, the videos prove that time can be made up at
pretty much any point in the game, as the leads grow steadily after each
circuit. So, if you are having trouble keeping up with the target times, take
a look at the videos for some inspiration and help.
These videos are extremely helpful and a very valuable resource, so make sure
you take full advantage of them; they're the official supplements to this
guide! I'm sure they will help you on your way to the Excalibur II in more
ways than one!
===============================================================================
* WALKTHROUGH (G00) *
===============================================================================
Here it is, the walkthrough to help you on your way to a perfect save!
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| USING THIS WALKTHROUGH (G01) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
This walkthrough is divided into what I like to call "circuits". A circuit
contains all the action which takes place between 2 major save points.
Each circuit begins with an item checklist and ends with a target time, a gil
check and a battle frequency check, if applicable. Try to keep to the
standards provided and you shouldn't come across any problems.
TARGET TIME
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every circuit in the walkthrough has a target time listed at its end. This
is what your timer should read at that point in the game. Of course, this is
only an approximation, minor discrepancies are natural and expected, so don't
go killing yourself if you make it somewhere a bit later than listed.
However, with some luck and a lot of determination, it's possible to get a
lead as large as 54 minutes by the end of the game!
Please keep in mind that the target times end with around 10 minutes of play
time left to spare before 12 hours. That means you can theoretically accrue a
lateness of up to 10 minutes and still complete the challenge. However, it is
in your interest to have as small a lateness as possible as you never know
how future circuits will play out for you, so don't let this flexibility get
to your head. Consult Question 13 in the Frequently Asked Questions section
for some advice on how to allocate this additional time if you want to make
things a bit easier on yourself. But, don't ever spend all of it. After all,
you don't want to find yourself having to replay the Lich battle tens of
times because of the Excalibur II disappearing the moment you approach it or
mere seconds earlier. It's happened, but don't let it happen to you!
TARGET GIL
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The target gil entries are rather inaccurate, or so I've been told. They
have been manipulated and adjusted multiple times and across multiple
versions, so it's possible that they've become unreliable. From what readers
have been saying, you'll most likely have a deficit during most of the game,
but I haven't heard of anyone having to restart due to a lack of gil or
something similar. Gil generally doesn't pose a problem. Also, Phoenix
Pinions can be sold at any time if you need extra cash as they serve no other
purpose but to fill your wallet.
ENCOUNTERS
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The battle frequency check only takes into account random battles. Forced
or otherwise mandatory battles are NOT included in this number unless
specified. And just to be perfectly clear, if the number is 0, you are not to
enter a single battle during that circuit, regardless of what you would do in
that battle, be it run, fight or anything else. Most circuits have 0
encounters listed.
There is no reliable method to avoid encounters, all you can do is reset and
try again. However, there are some tricks which seem to work in certain areas
or circumstances, or are at the very least worth a try. Check out Question 6
in the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.
BOSS STRATEGIES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All boss strategies are for the Level 1 Game. If you're playing with a higher
LV party, you can still use them, though, since anything that works for a
LV 1 party will inevitably work for any party.
EQUIPMENT SET-UPS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I suggest you equip your characters as instructed, especially Zidane, who
will need to master certain abilities by certain points in the game. There
are also a few situations in which you absolutely MUST have your characters
equipped as listed due to available abilities, elemental defense, stats and
so on. I will not, however, point out when you can and cannot change your
equipment as you're using a guide for a reason, so just follow it. If you
don't, then don't blame me if you suddenly don't have access to a key ability
or something.
STELLAZZIO COINS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All the Stellazzio Coins are available on Disc 4, so there is no reason to
collect them during this challenge. The only thing they are good for is
exchanging them for gil, as the item rewards are useless. Since you shouldn't
have any major monetary problems if you follow the walkthrough, I don't see
any reason why you should waste time collecting them and then waste even more
time trading them in. However, if you decide that you want to buy some
expensive items not mentioned in the walkthrough, then you will most
definitely need additional funds, and you can get them this way. For this
reason, I have included the Stellazzio Coins in the walkthrough; collect them
if you wish, I didn't. You'll have to take care of all this on your own,
though, as the walkthrough will never instruct you to visit Queen Stella.
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| CIRCUIT LIST (G02) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
Search for the relevant code to be taken directly to that circuit!
DISC 1:
~~~~~~~~~
i) NEW GAME - Alexandria Steeple (D1-01)
ii) Alexandria Steeple - Alexandria Castle Guardhouse (D1-02)
iii) Alexandria Castle Guardhouse - Prima Vista Crash Site (D1-03)
iv) Prima Vista Crash Site - Evil Forest Spring (D1-04)
v) Evil Forest Spring - Gunitas Basin (D1-05)
vi) Gunitas Basin - Ice Cavern (D1-06)
vii) Ice Cavern - Dali Storage Area (D1-07)
viii) Dali Storage Area - Lindblum Inn (D1-08)
ix) Lindblum Inn - Lindblum Castle Guest Room (D1-09)
x) Lindblum Castle Guest Room - Lachenta Wetlands (D1-10)
xi) Lachenta Wetlands - Eunorus Plains (D1-11)
xii) Eunorus Plains - Gizamaluke's Grotto (D1-12)
xiii) Gizamaluke's Grotto - Daines-Horse Basin (D1-13)
xiv) Daines-Horse Basin - START OF DISC 2 (D1-14)
DISC 2:
~~~~~~~~~
i) START OF DISC 2 - Bentini Heights (D2-01)
ii) Bentini Heights - Gargan Roo (D2-02)
iii) Gargan Roo - Cleyra's Trunk (D2-03)
iv) Cleyra's Trunk - Cleyra's Trunk (D2-04)
v) Cleyra's Trunk - Cleyra Inn (D2-05)
vi) Cleyra Inn - Cleyra Inn (D2-06)
vii) Cleyra Inn - Cleyra Sandpit (D2-07)
viii) Cleyra Sandpit - Red Rose (D2-08)
ix) Red Rose - Alexandria Chapel (D2-09)
x) Alexandria Chapel - Pinnacle Rocks (D2-10)
xi) Pinnacle Rocks - Lachenta Wetlands (D2-11)
xii) Lachenta Wetlands - Fossil Roo Cavern (D2-12)
xiii) Fossil Roo Cavern - Fossil Roo Mining Site (D2-13)
xiv) Fossil Roo Mining Site - Magdalene Forest (D2-14)
xv) Magdalene Forest - Conde Petie (D2-15)
xvi) Conde Petie - Mountain Path (D2-16)
xvii) Mountain Path - Lucid Plains (D2-17)
xviii) Lucid Plains - Iifa Tree Roots (D2-18)
xix) Iifa Tree Roots - Lucid Plains (D2-19)
xx) Lucid Plains - Pualei Plains (D2-20)
xxi) Pualei Plains - START OF DISC 3 (D2-21)
DISC 3:
~~~~~~~~~
i) START OF DISC 3 - Nolrich Heights (D3-01)
ii) Nolrich Heights - Treno Knight's House (D3-02)
iii) Treno Knight's House - Lindblum Castle Guest Room (D3-03)
iv) Lindblum Castle Guest Room - Kiera Desert (D3-04)
v) Kiera Desert - Oeilvert Outside (D3-05)
vi) Oeilvert Outside - Oeilvert Star Display (D3-06)
vii) Oeilvert Star Display - Desert Palace Rack (D3-07)
viii) Desert Palace Rack - Desert Palace Library (D3-08)
ix) Desert Palace Library - Esto Gaza (D3-09)
x) Esto Gaza - Lindblum Castle Guest Room (D3-10)
xi) Lindblum Castle Guest Room - Ipsen's Castle (D3-11)
xii) Ipsen's Castle - Blairsurpass Plains (D3-12)
xiii) Blairsurpass Plains - Bran Bal Storage (D3-13)
xiv) Bran Bal Storage - Pandemonium Maze (D3-14)
xv) Pandemonium Maze - START OF DISC 4 (D3-15)
DISC 4:
~~~~~~~~~
i) START OF DISC 4 - Memoria Entrance (D4-01)
ii) Memoria Entrance - Memoria The Past (D4-02)
iii) Memoria The Past - Memoria Portal (D4-03)
iv) Memoria Portal - Memoria Time Warp (D4-04)
v) Memoria Time Warp - EXCALIBUR II (D4-05)
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| TIMETABLE (G03) |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
DISC 1:
~~~~~~~~~
Alexandria Steeple : 00:08:51
Castle Guardhouse : 00:18:21
Crash Site : 00:33:53
Evil Forest Spring : 00:45:24
Gunitas Basin : 00:52:01
Ice Cavern : 00:57:55
Dali Storage Area : 01:18:05
Lindblum Inn : 01:43:51
Lindblum C. Guest Room : 02:00:05
Lachenta Wetlands : 02:14:45
Eunorus Plains : 02:29:05
Gizamaluke's Grotto : 02:37:01
Vube Desert : 02:46:02
Eunorus Plains 2 : 02:50:56
Daines-Horse Basin : 02:54:36
-----------------------------------
START OF DISC 2 : 03:07:35
-----------------------------------
DISC 2:
~~~~~~~~~
Bentini Heights : 03:17:15
Gargan Roo : 03:29:29
Cleyra's Trunk : 03:37:49
Cleyra's Trunk 2 : 03:42:27
Cleyra Inn : 03:45:35
Cleyra Inn 2 : 03:55:06
Cleyra Sandpit : 04:02:02
Red Rose Cabin : 04:19:23
Alexandria Chapel : 04:28:00
Alexandria Chapel 2 : 04:50:57
Pinnacle Rocks : 04:59:36
Lachenta Wetlands : 05:10:26
Fossil Roo Cavern : 05:23:11
Fossil Roo Mining Site : 05:30:18
Magdalene Forest : 05:35:14
Conde Petie : 05:44:43
Mountain Path : 05:49:40
Lucid Plains : 05:52:37
Iifa Tree Roots : 06:03:51
Lucid Plains 2 : 06:23:29
Pualei Plains : 06:37:22
-----------------------------------
START OF DISC 3 : 06:53:14
-----------------------------------
DISC 3:
~~~~~~~~~
Alexandria Steeple : 07:26:34
Nolrich Heights : 07:38:22
Treno Knight's House : 07:50:18
Castle Guardhouse : 08:06:25
Lindblum C. Guest Room : 08:12:28
Kiera Desert : 08:35:52
Oeilvert Outside : 08:45:46
Oeilvert Star Display : 08:52:41
Desert Palace Rack : 08:59:52
Desert Palace Library : 09:04:24
Esto Gaza : 09:21:11
Mount Gulug : 09:29:48
Lindblum C. Guest Room : 09:41:37
Ipsen's Castle : 09:59:16
Blairsurpass Plains : 10:22:58
Bran Bal Storage : 10:35:01
Pandemonium Hall : 10:50:01
Pandemonium Maze : 10:57:43
-----------------------------------
START OF DISC 4 : 11:10:54
-----------------------------------
DISC 4:
~~~~~~~~~
Memoria Entrance : 11:20:15
Memoria The Past : 11:26:49
Memoria Portal : 11:37:06
Memoria Time Warp : 11:45:20
-----------------------------------
EXCALIBUR II : 11:50:15
-----------------------------------
===============================================================================
* HAVE FUN, AND GOOD LUCK! (G04) *
===============================================================================
,:
,' :
.- - - - - - . ,' :
: `. ,' :
: : ,' :
: _ _ _ : ,' :
: : : : ,- - -. ,- - - - -. ,- - - - -. ,' :
: : : : :_ _ _; : : : : ,' :
: : : : _ _ _ : _ _ _; : _ _; ,' :
: :_ _ _; : : : : : : .' :_ _ _ :
: : : : `_ _ _ : : `._ _ : :
: ,' : : : : : : : :
:_ _ _ _ _ _ .' :_ _ _; :_ _ _ _ _; `. _ _ _ _; : :
: :
:_ _ _ _ _ _;
i) NEW GAME - Alexandria Steeple (D1-01)
ii) Alexandria Steeple - Alexandria Castle Guardhouse (D1-02)
iii) Alexandria Castle Guardhouse - Prima Vista Crash Site (D1-03)
iv) Prima Vista Crash Site - Evil Forest Spring (D1-04)
v) Evil Forest Spring - Gunitas Basin (D1-05)
vi) Gunitas Basin - Ice Cavern (D1-06)
vii) Ice Cavern - Dali Storage Area (D1-07)
viii) Dali Storage Area - Lindblum Inn (D1-08)
ix) Lindblum Inn - Lindblum Castle Guest Room (D1-09)
x) Lindblum Castle Guest Room - Lachenta Wetlands (D1-10)
xi) Lachenta Wetlands - Eunorus Plains (D1-11)
xii) Eunorus Plains - Gizamaluke's Grotto (D1-12)
xiii) Gizamaluke's Grotto - Daines-Horse Basin (D1-13)
xiv) Daines-Horse Basin - START OF DISC 2 (D1-14)
===============================================================================
I) NEW GAME - ALEXANDRIA STEEPLE: (D1-01)
===============================================================================
-Potion -Remedy -Fang Card -Sahagin Card
-Potion -Tent -Fang Card -9 gil
-Potion -Ether -Skeleton Card -33 gil
-Potion -Phoenix Pinion -Lizard Man Card -38 gil
-Potion -Goblin Card -Zombie Card -47 gil
-Potion -Goblin Card -Bomb Card
-Immediately configure your settings under the Config menu:
MOVEMENT -> RUN
BATTLE SPEED -> MAX
FIELD MESSAGE -> MAX
CURSOR -> MEMORY
ATB -> WAIT
HERE ICON -> OFF (optional)
TARGET WINDOW -> ALWAYS
-Pick up the 2 treasures in the back of the room, then light the candle.
-----------------
BOSS: Masked Man
-----------------
-Have everyone Steal on the first round.
-During the second round, have Cinna Steal again and someone attack him to
knock him out; make the others Steal as well.
-If you don't get the Mage Masher by this time, reset.
-Once you get the Mage Masher, simply have everyone attack themselves to end
the battle; you won't get a Game Over, so don't worry.
*thanks to phileasbu for proposing this idea, and big_kake for refining it*
-Reply that you are kidnapping Princess Garnet; it takes quite a bit of time
to trigger the secret scene with Ruby. Although if you MUST trigger it, then
go ahead; it won't prevent you from successfully completing this challenge.
-As Vivi, search the house to the right, then head up the street.
-Search the item shop, but skip the pub; you'll search it on Disc 3.
-When you arrive at the square, head right and search the shops; do not
approach the ticket booth just yet. Also, don't forget the Phoenix Pinion to
the left of the main gate.
-Leave the square by way of the bottom left exit and head toward the docks;
enter the house ONLY if you see a girl run OUT of it, otherwise keep going.
There are 2 treasures in this house, but you can pick them up on Disc 3.
-Speak with the boy behind the steeple, reply "Yes" and head all the way back
to where you first gained control of Vivi.
-Head down, search the square and speak to the cat near the bottom of the
screen.
-Now go to the ticket booth and show the ticketmaster your ticket.
-Then, enter the alley once again and choose the first answer to every
question asked.
-Speak to Tom behind the steeple to claim your reward for finding the cat, a
Bomb Card.
-Follow the Rat Boy into the steeple, search it and then attempt to climb the
ladder.
-Pick up Kupo's letter for delivery and save your game.
TARGET TIME: 00:08:51
TARGET GIL : 630
NOTE: You can miss a Mognet letter depending on your actions in Alexandria.
The letter in question is the one Mosh receives from Kupo, about the
Jump Rope mini-game. In order to receive it, you must jump at least 100
times, which only takes about a minute. This letter is NOT visible on
Disc 4 because Mosh is then found in Mognet Central telling you how many
letters you delivered; his dialogue does not allow you to view any
letters he may have received in the past. It also does not count in the
total quoted by Mosh because only letters delivered by YOU are taken
into account.
*thanks to AtmaChild for informing me of Mosh's whereabouts on Disc 4*
So, should this letter be gotten? It depends.
You will eventually have to complete the Jump Rope mini-game and get
1000 jumps in order to obtain the King of Jump Rope key item. You can
do so on the first try to have a clean record with 1000 as the first
and only entry. The entries are only visible after 3 attempts, but that
doesn't mean it isn't possible to prove that you got 1000 jumps on the
first attempt by just playing 2 more games with 1 jump each. In this
case, getting the letter would mess up your ranking. But, you can also
go for a ranking screen with 3 1000's, in which case getting the letter
would be fine since it would be removed from the ranking anyway. It
depends on what you want your ranking screen to look like, and whether
you care about getting a letter not visible on Disc 4.
Getting 1000 jumps on Disc 1 would solve all the problems with this
letter, but there are better ways to torture yourself and destroy your
interest in this overall fun challenge. However, if you feel up to it,
then by all means give it a shot. Getting 1000 jumps takes about 8
minutes.
*thanks to Non Applicable for this info*
===============================================================================
II) ALEXANDRIA STEEPLE - ALEXANDRIA CASTLE GUARDHOUSE: (D1-02)
===============================================================================
-Moonstone -29 gil -63 gil -92 gil
-Climb the ladder and follow Rat Boy over the rooftops; don't forget to
search all the bird nests for gil.
-------------------------------
BOSS: King Leo, Benero, Zenero
-------------------------------
-Just attack King Leo with everyone and ignore his guards.
-If you're lucky, they won't use too much of that fake magic, which takes
longer than their physical attacks.
-Now comes the first real challenge; impressing all 100 nobles. Here are a
few tips:
a) Turn off the volume on your TV.
b) Accuracy is MUCH more important than speed, but you must be swift if
you want to impress 100 nobles instead of 99.
c) Stay calm and don't rush yourself.
d) Don't anticipate any of the buttons showing up, just take it one at a
time.
e) If you're still having problems, cover your TV screen so that you only
see the button prompts.
f) Try your best on the first attempt, reset if you don't get it by the
third time. Each attempt takes exactly 1 minute to complete,
regardless of whether you make a mistake or not, so take that into
consideration.
g) DO NOT MASH THE X BUTTON WHEN A SEQUENCE FINISHES!!! The default
option is to do the scene over, and you don't want that when you
finally impress all 100 nobles.
-Breathe a sigh of relief once you're done; this is one of the hardest parts
of this challenge.
-Please note that you MUST impress 100 nobles here. You will have serious
monetary problems which you may not be able to solve without the 10,000 gil
you receive here as a reward. Moreover, Black Waltz #2 will be extremely
difficult; you must be very lucky to defeat him at LV 1 without access to
Shell. And of course, the Moonstone given as a reward is unique.
-When you encounter Garnet on the stairs, choose whatever you want.
-As Steiner, run up the stairs, through the lower exit and speak to Queen
Brahne to claim your well-deserved Moonstone.
-Run down the stairs, to the right and save your game with Mosh the moogle.
TARGET TIME: 00:18:21
TARGET GIL : 10,814
===============================================================================
III) ALEXANDRIA CASTLE GUARDHOUSE - PRIMA VISTA CRASH SITE: (D1-03)
===============================================================================
-Phoenix Down -Phoenix Down -Phoenix Pinion -Elixir
-Speak to either of the 2 guards, pick up the Phoenix Down near the door and
exit the room.
-Enter the door under the walkway and catch the Pluto Knight running on the
balcony.
-Enter the right chamber on the second floor and speak to the Pluto Knight
there.
-Go back and down the stairs to the first floor, and then enter the left room
to find yet another Pluto Knight.
-Exit the library and leave the castle.
-Talk to the Pluto Knight by the water, then head left and talk to the Pluto
Knight by the tower entrance.
-Enter and climb the tower.
-Speak with the final Pluto Knight on the stairway to receive an Elixir, then
continue to the top of the tower.
-As Zidane, equip the Mage Masher if you stole it earlier, and follow the
princess.
-Once in the boiler room, turn the lever both ways to make 2 treasure chests
fall from the ceiling; open them and go through the door.
--------------
BOSS: Steiner
--------------
-Have everyone physically attack while Cinna steals whatever he can.
-When Vivi becomes available, use his Fire spell.
-Ignore the soldiers during the second battle.
-In the battle with the bomb, knock out everyone except Zidane and wait for
the battle to end automatically.
-At the crash site, watch the ATE and save your game.
TARGET TIME: 00:33:53
TARGET GIL : 10,814
===============================================================================
IV) PRIMA VISTA CRASH SITE - EVIL FOREST SPRING: (D1-04)
===============================================================================
-Potion -Ether -Rubber Helm -Bronze Gloves
-Phoenix Down -Ether -Wrist -116 gil
-Ether -Leather Hat
-Go through the forest to find Steiner, Vivi and...
------------------
BOSS: Prison Cage
------------------
-During the fight to save Garnet, use Zidane's Free Energy (NOT Tidal Flame)
ability and make Steiner attack physically.
-During the fight to rescue Vivi, simply attack with both Zidane and Steiner
until you win; there's no need to use a Potion on anyone.
-Every screen in the Prima Vista has some treasure in it, so search all of
them carefully.
-Go down the stairs and into the room on the right.
-Speak with Vivi, leave the room and choose to go look for Garnet. Choosing
the other option initiates an extra scene, but it has absolutely no impact
on the game whatsoever and takes an extra minute, so I suggest you skip it.
-Now head left, down the stairs and through the bottom exit; pick up the
Leather Hat and return to the previous room.
-Go through the right door, then backtrack and speak to Baku to initiate
combat.
-----------
BOSS: Baku
-----------
-If you have the Mage Masher, just attack 3 times and you'll win.
-If you're still using the Dagger, you'll have to attack 5 times, so you'll
need to use a Potion at some point during the battle.
-Now go to Steiner's room (don't forget to search it afterwards) and then to
Vivi's room.
-Exit the Prima Vista and save your game; there's also a letter from Ruby.
-Make your way through the forest until you reach the spring.
-Deliver Kupo's letter to Monty, read the letter Monty received from
Stiltzkin and save your game.
TARGET TIME: 00:45:24
TARGET GIL : 11,366
ENCOUNTERS : 0
===============================================================================
V) EVIL FOREST SPRING - GUNITAS BASIN: (D1-05)
===============================================================================
-N/A
-Head deeper into the forest to find Garnet.
------------------
BOSS: Plant Brain
------------------
-Have Zidane knock himself out on the first turn to make Blank appear and
immediately push the battle into the second and last phase.
-Vivi and Steiner should have full or nearly full ATB gauges by the time
Blank shows up, so use Fire, Fire Sword and Blank's physical attack all at
once to finish the battle in a single round.
-If you're very lucky, Plant Brain may not even get a single turn.
-Don't waste your time stealing anything; it's not worth it at all.
-Unequip Blank and revive Zidane before doing anything.
-There will be a forced encounter against a party of Plant Spiders. If there
are more than 2 Plant Spiders, RESET THE GAME and try again.
-Use a spreaded Fire spell against the enemy party to win the battle; make
sure everyone survives to keep your party at LV 1.
-Do NOT have Blank absorb all the EXP, as that will make Amarant join the
party at LV 3. You have been warned.
-Skip the tutorial by choosing "Nothing".
-On the World Map, head south while the nameplate is displayed to avoid
random battles and save right outside Ice Cavern.
TARGET TIME: 00:52:01
TARGET GIL : 12,016
ENCOUNTERS : 0
===============================================================================
VI) GUNITAS BASIN - ICE CAVERN: (D1-06)
===============================================================================
-Potion -Phoenix Down -Elixir -Mage Masher
-Potion -Tent -Ether -Leather Wrist
-This is a pretty straightforward area, just search every screen.
-NEVER make contact with the white wind as touching it instantly throws you
into a random battle. Wait for it to die down or turn dark; that's when it's
safe to pass through.
-Head LEFT at the fork near the end.
-Unequip everyone, then "optimize" Zidane.
-Defrost the moogle, skip the tutorial, accept the letter for Gumo and save.
TARGET TIME: 00:57:55
TARGET GIL : 11,993
ENCOUNTERS : 2-3
===============================================================================
VII) ICE CAVERN - DALI STORAGE AREA: (D1-07)
===============================================================================
-Potion -Eye Drops -Aries S. -156 gil
-Potion -Ether
-Return to the fork and head right.
-------------------------------
BOSS: Black Waltz #1 & Sealion
-------------------------------
-Alternate between attacking Black Waltz #1 and using a Potion.
-Once Black Waltz #1 is defeated, begin stealing from Sealion.
-Use a Potion when needed and wait for the Trance gauge to fill.
-Reset if you don't steal the Mythril Dagger; if you steal it and have extra
turns left, try to steal his Ether as well.
-Once Zidane reaches Trance, use a physical attack followed by Tidal Flame to
end the battle.
-If you stole the items very quickly and have extra turns, you should attack
Sealion once from the back row and once from the front row before entering
Trance, and then using Tidal Flame without the physical attack. This will
save you some time.
-Make your way up the slope by the waterfall and exit the cavern.
-Save in the middle of the plains (saving on the World Map requires less time
than engaging in a battle, it's convenient and reloading resets the
probability of an encounter; use this method whenever traversing the world
map).
-Enter Dali and deliver Mois's letter to Gumo; save if you didn't do so on
Nolrich Heights.
-Ignore all chests and field icons above ground.
-Leave the inn, head upwards and right to enter a farm plot, then go back and
meet up with Vivi by the windmill.
-Now enter/exit both the pub and the windmill, then go to the shop across from
the inn; Garnet should be there now.
-After the conversation, sell all your Phoenix Pinion and Leather Hat. Then,
buy the following:
> 1 Iron Sword
> 99 Wrist
> 2 Feather Hat
-Now return to your room at the inn and talk to Garnet, then go to where you
found Vivi earlier.
-Enter the windmill and go down the hatch; the Aries Stellazzio is behind the
container if you want to pick it up.
-Pick up all the items underground, then find Kumop in the barrel; take his
letter to Mogki and save your game.
TARGET TIME: 01:18:05
TARGET GIL : 729
ENCOUNTERS : 0
===============================================================================
VIII) DALI STORAGE AREA - LINDBLUM INN: (D1-08)
===============================================================================
-Potion -Phoenix Down -Iron Helm -95 gil
-Hi-Potion -Phoenix Pinion -Leather Wrist -135 gil
-Proceed onward until you find Vivi, looting all the chests along the way.
-Equip your characters exactly as follows:
> ZIDANE: Mage Masher, Feather Hat, Leather Wrist, Leather Shirt, -
> VIVI : Mage Staff, Feather Hat, -, Silk Shirt, -
> GARNET: Rod, -, -, -, Moonstone
-Examine and choose to open the large door; run from the resulting battle.
-Open all 3 chests in the Mist room, then continue to the end of the area,
equipping Zidane with the Mythril Dagger at the very end.
-Don't bother healing or reviving anyone as you will be fully healed prior to
the upcoming boss fight.
-As Steiner, equip the Iron Sword, Rubber Helm, Bronze Gloves and Bronze
Armor.
-Head down the mountain, pick up both treasures at the base, enter Morrid's
house and stand still; this sometimes makes him come inside immediately.
Talk to Morrid.
-Leave Observatory Mountain, then do whatever you like to the barrel :)
---------------------
BOSS: Black Waltz #2
---------------------
-Do not use Vivi's spells at all during this battle.
-Make Zidane attack physically and use one of Steiner's Sword Magic attacks.
-Black Waltz #2 should now target someone with a spell or attack. If he
targets:
> Zidane or Vivi -> cast Shell on Steiner
> Steiner -> cast Shell on Zidane
-It's possible that Black Waltz #2 gets a physical attack in before this. If
this happens to you, cast Shell on whomever of the two has more HP left after
Black Waltz #2's spell.
-Now quickly attack physically with both Zidane and Steiner once more, with
the one NOT protected by Shell acting first.
-If either Steiner or Zidane is knocked out before this, make Vivi use Fire
as the first attack of the second round.
-Black Waltz #2 will use Fira on everyone besides Garnet after the first
attack of the second round, which will knock out anyone not protected by
Shell.
-Use a Cure spell and attack once or twice more to win the battle.
-I have had 1 battle in which he did not use the spreaded Fira spell; Zidane
and Steiner made short work of him and the battle ended quicker. But don't
count on this because in all the years I've played this game, this only
happened to me once.
-Choose to depart immediately after Garnet corrects her speech.
-On the airship, climb the ladder in the back of the engine room and head
into the cockpit.
---------------------
BOSS: Black Waltz #3
---------------------
-During the first round, make Zidane attack physically, Steiner use Fire
Sword and Vivi Fire x 2, in that order.
-Repeat the same process as in round 1 to win the battle, but make Zidane
steal instead of attacking.
-You should not need to heal or revive anyone during this battle.
-In Lindblum, remove everyone's equipment before boarding the lift with
Minister Artania.
-Once you regain control of Zidane at the inn, skip the last tutorial, enter
the neighboring room and read the letter from Ruby; save your game.
TARGET TIME: 01:43:51
TARGET GIL : 1,363
ENCOUNTERS : 0 (excludes the forced battle after opening the door)
===============================================================================
IX) LINDBLUM INN - LINDBLUM CASTLE GUEST ROOM: (D1-09)
===============================================================================
-Hi-Potion -Leather Wrist -Ore -68 gil
-Echo Screen -Glass Armlet -Mimic Card -97 gil
-Tent -Silver Gloves -Mini-Burmecia -127 gil
-Ether -Leather Plate -Moogle Suit -163 gil
-Steepled Hat -Bronze Vest -Autograph -282 gil
-Head downstairs, pick up the gil near the entrance and exit the building.
-Head upwards to the market square, search the left street area and the house
between the 2 streets (Card Freak Gon's house).
-Go down the right alley and enter Dragoos' Weapon Shop.
-Sell ALL your Ether, Phoenix Pinion, Hi-Potion, and Remedy.
-If you can afford it, do not sell any of your Tent at the shop. If you have
to, leave at least 1 and sell the Rubber Helm and medicinal items instead.
In my case, I was forced to sell them because otherwise I would have had to
make an extra trip to the shop, which wastes time.
-Now buy Steepled Hat so that the number of them in your inventory will equal
your gil in thousands after you purchase them.
-Run outside and across the square to the synthesis shop; synthesize as many
Cotton Robe as you can.
-Return to the weapon shop, sell all the Cotton Robe you just bought and
repeat the process with the Steepled Hat described earlier.
-Keep buying Steepled Hat and synthesizing/selling Cotton Robe until you buy
your last batch of Steepled Hat (which should be equal to your remaining
Wrists).
-At that point, buy the following equipment as well:
> 1 Mage Masher (if you didn't get one at the beginning of the game)
> 1 Javelin
-Now go to the synthesis shop once more and buy the following:
> 1 The Ogre
> as many Cotton Robe as you can
-In case you are a bit confused, here is how I had to do this part:
> Bought 12 Steepled Hat, then synthesized/sold 12 Cotton Robe.
> Bought 19 Steepled Hat, then synthesized/sold 19 Cotton Robe.
> Bought 30 Steepled Hat, then synthesized/sold 30 Cotton Robe.
> Bought 38 Steepled Hat along with the equipment listed above.
> Synthesized 38 Cotton Robe and 1 The Ogre.
-Return to the aircab terminal opposite the Lindblum inn and commute to the
Industrial District.
-Loot the place, then fly to the Theater District and head to the Tantalus
hideout.
-Pick up all the treasures in the hideout, then head down the stairs outside.
-Speak with the crowd, then follow the "moogle" to Artist Michael's studio.
-Take the Moogle Suit, the Autograph and the Ore, then take an aircab to
Lindblum Castle.
-Enter the guest room, speak with Steiner and then attempt to take the lift.
-Speak to the sleeping guard outside the guest room, then take the lift and
find Garnet at the overlook.
-Find all 6 areas with the telescope.
-Back in the guest room, open both chests, deliver Kumop's letter, take the
letter for Atla and save your game.
TARGET TIME: 02:00:05
TARGET GIL : 19,056
===============================================================================
X) LINDBLUM CASTLE GUEST ROOM - LACHENTA WETLANDS (D1-10)
===============================================================================
-Tent -Coral Ring -Wyerd Card
NOTE: There are 2 issues to consider with the Festival of the Hunt; who wins,
and with how many points. This may be important to you as it is visible
on Disc 4 by checking the letter Mogmi in Gizamaluke's Grotto receives
from Moodon.
Who wins is really just a personal choice. The Coral Ring is certainly
more useful than 5,000 gil or the Theater Ship Card, but you can get
another one at the beginning of Disc 2 in Treno. It comes in useful for
the rest of Disc 1, but it's not essential.
As for the amount of points, this is also a personal choice, but one
which you unfortunately have no control over. The points received are
random, so it's very difficult to get a desired value. I suggest 100.
The guide assumes you let Freya win, simply because she gets the best
reward. If you don't let her win, buy a Rod during your visit to Dali
and use it together with the Lightning Rod gotten in Burmecia to
synthesize a Coral Ring when you reach Treno. Make a note of this.
NOTE: If you are playing the BASE Stats game, then there is no need to fight
Zaghnol trying to steal the Needle Fork. Simply have whomever you want
to win win, and end the event as quickly as possible. The instructions
below don't really apply to you.
-Take the aircab to the Theater District, then immediately commute to the
Business District.
-Equip Zidane with The Ogre, Feather Hat, Leather Wrist and Bronze Vest;
activate the Beast Killer and Add Status abilities and make sure he's in the
front row.
-It isn't worth it to equip the Mythril Dagger for the Bandit ability because
you can almost always steal the Needle Fork within your first 3 attempts, it
isn't rare at all.
-Head for the Business District Shopping Area (the screen with Card Freak
Gon's house). You'll have to fight a Trick Sparrow and, if you're not fast
enough, a Mu before you get there, but there's more than enough time.
-Since there's nothing better to do, auto-arrange your items and place the
Tent and Cotton Robe at the top of the list.
-Oh yes, and don't forget to agonize as you completely and willfully waste
7.5 minutes.
-Wait until the clock reads less than 4:30, then go to the square to fight...
---------
ZAGHNOL:
---------
-Immediately throw a Tent on him and hope that it works; throw another one if
it doesn't and if you actually have another one. If it still doesn't succeed,
consider resetting.
-I completed this battle without any Tent, so don't worry if you don't have
any.
-Have Freya Defend while Zidane tries to steal the Needle Fork.
-Once you've stolen it, have Zidane attack Zaghnol 3 times to do around 1500
damage.
-Then, you have to decide who wins the Festival of the Hunt. If you want
Zidane to be the winner, have him deal the finishing blow. If you'd rather
have Freya be the winner, have her use Jump to deal the final blow. Finally,
if you want Vivi to win, knock out both Zidane and Freya.
-The battle should end at around 2:30 if you steal the Needle Fork on your
first attempt and everything else goes perfectly.
-If you decide to have Zidane win the Festival of the Hunt, then you will
need to find another battle after defeating Zaghnol in order to knock Zidane
out, or just wait until time runs out.
*thanks to AtmaChild for pointing out these additional instructions in case
Zidane wins*
-Pay attention to the number of points the victor wins with. Reset if it is
less than 100 because otherwise you will miss a Mognet letter shortly.
-Take the lift to the base level station, ride to and open the chest at the
Serpent's Gate and then ride straight to the Dragon's Gate.
-Read the letter from Stiltzkin.
-Speak to the merchant and sell all the Cotton Robe you have for a huge
monetary boost. Then, restock your inventory so that you have 60 Potion, 50
Phoenix Down, 10 Antidote and 10 Tent.
-Pick up the Tent behind the platform, then head out into the Mist; save once
you reach the marsh area, about halfway to Qu's Marsh.
TARGET TIME: 02:14:45
TARGET GIL : 76,056
ENCOUNTERS : 0
===============================================================================
XI) LACHENTA WETLANDS - EUNORUS PLAINS: (D1-11)
===============================================================================
-Ether -Moccha Coffee
NOTE: If you are playing the BASE Stats game, then you may let Steiner and
Freya absorb any EXP you come across after Quina has joined the party.
Do this by having everyone except them get knocked out before a battle
ends. If neither of them is in the active party at the time, then you
are forced to follow the instructions given in order to avoid EXP, and
you must do so.
This will often let you skip elaborate equipment set-ups and battle
strategies. I will NOT point this out every single time, because it's
obvious as long as you remember that only Steiner and Freya can gain
LVs from now on, and no one else. Just don't forget that they are not
allowed to have any stat-boosting equipment on when they do so!
From this point onward, you need to keep this in mind at all times and
adjust the instructions given accordingly. Seperate notes for the BASE
Stats game would just make the walkthrough unreadable, and all they
would really say is "you can skip this". You should be able to judge
what is necessary or not when not having to avoid every single point of
EXP in the game. That said, only battle preparation and strategy
differ, with the difference being that if you're playing the BASE Stats
game and have either Steiner or Freya in the active party, you can skip
whatever is written and simply absorb the EXP from those battles.
-Enter Qu's Marsh, head to the pond and catch a frog for Quina (the huge one
in the top right corner of the marsh is easy to catch).
-Leave Qu's Marsh by way of the right path to avoid the frog-catching
mini-game and head in the direction of Chocobo's Forest; save once the
marshlands end.
-Enter Chocobo's Forest, then exit and call Choco; save your game.
-Now reset and return to play a game of Chocobo Hot&Cold. If you don't
unearth the "Stone with Patterns" during your first game, reset and try
again.
-The "Stone with Patterns" will always be the "Streamside" Chocograph, so
don't bother replaying in hopes of getting anything else. Once you've got it,
leave and save again.
-Now play another game of Hot&Cold. Reset if you don't unearth a Chocograph.
-When you do, quickly check which one it is you received; leave the forest
and save if it is either "Healing Shore" or "Small Beach".
-Return and play 1 more game in hopes of getting the other one; reset until
you do.
-This process could take many hours, or it could take 10 minutes (in my case,
it was both as I did this twice), but it is possible to get all 3 of these
Chocographs in your first 3 games, so don't give up.
-If you don't also discover at least 2 Gysahl Greens, buy them from Mene. You
only need 2, though, so don't go overboard buying 10 or something.
-Leave Chocobo's Forest and dismount between South Gate and the wild forest
near the river.
-Loot South Gate.
-"Optimize" your party, but equip Zidane with the Dagger and place Freya in
the front row.
-It would be a good idea to save near the wild forest.
-Enter the forest and try to encounter a group of Mandragora.
-Choose 1 Mandragora and have Freya attack it physically, Vivi use Fire,
Quina use Eat on it and Zidane use Flee. This will let Quina learn the
overpowered Limit Glove spell.
-After the battle, heal the party, equip Quina with the Needle Fork, Feather
Hat, Leather Wrist, Bronze Vest and Coral Ring and activate his/her Add
Status ability; place him/her in the back row as well.
-I'm not sure whether a higher Spirit really does affect the chance of Add
Status working, but it won't hurt and this set of equipment gives Quina the
highest possible Spirit right now while keeping Strength as low as possible.
-Ride Choco to Gizamaluke's Grotto and enter; pick up the soldier's
Gizamaluke Bell, then leave.
-Make sure you're facing the entrance to the grotto and save your game.
NOTE: You should take care of the scenes inside the grotto and get the bell
before saving in order to reduce the time it takes to reach the battle
against the Type A's. You'll be replaying that battle who knows how
many times, so you'll be grateful to have gotten that over with.
TARGET TIME: 02:29:05
TARGET GIL : 75,807
ENCOUNTERS : 0 (excludes the Mandragora)
===============================================================================
XII) EUNORUS PLAINS - GIZAMALUKE'S GROTTO: (D1-12)
===============================================================================
-N/A
-If you prepared your party in the previous circuit, then simply enter the
main cavern to initiate your first and worst forced EXP encounter :)
------------
TYPE A x 2:
------------
-This is the most annoying and luck-based forced battle in the game, from my
experience even the Type C's in Alexandria don't compare.
-This is also thankfully the only battle in which you will be completely at
the mercy of the Needle Fork, so be happy. In fact, you can ditch that
utensil once you get past this.
-Have Quina attack 1 of the mages and someone else throw a Tent at the same
one right after that.
-The third character throws a Tent at the other mage, and the fourth waits to
see which mage was inflicted with status and throws an Antidote at that mage.
-Repeat the process above until both mages have been inflicted with Darkness
and Silence; you can then try to Petrify them safely.
-Quina attacks constantly in hopes of Petrification.
-Follow up each of Quina's attacks with a Potion when Tents are no longer
necessary (Tents also heal so there's no need for Potions until the mage
Quina attacks is already under status).
-Once your other characters have nothing else to do, steal with Zidane; you
might just get your Tents back.
-You should aim to finish this battle with around 5 to 7 hits of the Needle
Fork.
-After the battle, revive everyone and heal Zidane to full health.
-You will now have to enter a random battle before you reach the save point
in the cavern with the moogles in order to have Quina knocked out.
-Return to the previous screen and check the soldier for another Gizamaluke
Bell.
-I suggest you exit the grotto once again now and save if you had a very good
battle against the Type A's.
-Go to the main chamber and run straight for the steps; you should be able to
skip the Black Mage in that area by heading for the left railing and then
quickly onto the steps. There isn't much strategy to this, just practice a
bit if you're having trouble. The most important thing is to not stop before
reaching the steps. This is not guaranteed to work every time, though. If it
looks like you won't make it, return to the other side of the bridge and
wait for the mage to go to the other end of the area, then try again.
-At the top, go through the large door. You could go through the left one and
get the other Gizamaluke Bell, but only if you saved after the battle with
the Type A's. Otherwise, don't as you'll be risking having more than one
battle.
-Pick up the Gizamaluke Bell from the chest and enter the moogles' room. If
you still have not had a battle, run around the door to the moogles' room
until you get one, knock out Quina and escape, then enter.
-Tell Moguta that you like Kupo Nuts, read the letter Mogmi received from
Moodon and save your game.
TARGET TIME: 02:37:01
TARGET GIL : 75,690
ENCOUNTERS : 1
===============================================================================
XIII) GIZAMALUKE'S GROTTO - DAINES-HORSE BASIN: (D1-13)
===============================================================================
-Potion -Hi-Potion -Tent -Multina Racket
-Revive Quina and reset until he/she is revived with EXACTLY 1 HP; revive
Vivi and Freya as well.
-Exit the room and enter the opposite door to face...
-----------------
BOSS: Gizamaluke
-----------------
-If Zidane's turn comes up before Quina's, attempt to steal once.
-Use Quina's Limit Glove.
-As Steiner, speak to the guards by the gate.
-Take the Multina Racket from the chest to the left of the gate, then speak
to Part-time Worker Mary and choose whichever option you like.
-Next speak with the guy "repairing" the left gate and choose what you want
here, too.
-Finally, talk to the guy on the far right and then make your way to the
passageway.
-Open the chest for a Potion, take Grimo's letter to Nazna and board the
cable car.
-Equip Zidane with the Dagger and give Quina the Coral Ring; activate Quina's
Insomniac ability. Place Zidane and Freya in the front row.
-Run a bit toward Cleyra and save your game.
NOTE: If you are playing the BASE Stats game, you still need the Oak Staff,
so everything below applies to you as well.
-Make your way to the coast, hugging the mountain range so that you walk on
the grassy area; this is where you can encounter Nymph.
-Encounter a party of 2 Nymph. Zidane's physical attack does around 40 damage,
Freya's does around 180, and Vivi's Fire spell around 80. You'll likely need
to improvise during this battle, so use that data to successfully Eat a
Nymph. In order to do so, you'll need to inflict about 340 damage; Freya
attacking twice is probably the fastest and simplest method. You should be
able to do this and flee before they use Night. If they do, have Quina
attack and hope for the best. This isn't too tough, and probably easier than
doing it in Fossil Roo with Seeker Bat or Abomination.
-It is strongly suggested that you DO learn