Part 2 (World of Ruin walkthrough)
As Terra, Vicks, and Wedge, head north through Narshe. You will fight guards along the way, which are easily defeated by the Fire Beam. If you get severely injured, use the Heal Force, Tonic, or Terra's Cure1 spell. Remember to save at the first opportunity, because you don't want to repeat the intro again! During the battle with Whelk, remember not to use the Bolt Beam (he fights back if you do), and to avoid hitting the shell. Have Terra use TekMissels, while the other two shoot the Fire Beam. When the creature goes back into its shell, use the Heal Force to get back HP, or wait until he comes out. Continue until it dies. The frozen Esper will kill Wedge and Vicks. When you wake up, explore the house's clock, as it holds a valuable El- ixir. Then head out the back door. There's only one way through the cave, so follow it. Be sure to save your game and open up the treasure chests along the way. Eventually the guards will corner you, and you'll fall through the floor. Enjoy the little cinema scene!
Never fear, Locke's here! He'll come to Terra's rescue, with the help of those ever cute Moogles. In the group battle, switch to the group that has Mog in it (no, he doesn't join you right now). When he learns his first dance, use it to waste the other enemies (including the Marshall at the end). Before kill- ing the Marshall, unequip Mog so that Edgar can use his weapons later! Upon completion, Locke will bring Terra out of the cave, and through a secret passage that will be important later. From there, leave the town and save your game. Head straight for Fig- aro Castle. Upon arrival, be sure to visit the item and tool shops. There you should buy plenty of Tonic and the three tools for Edgar. Talk to Edgar and explore the castle. An old guy will tell you about Edgar's brother, Sabin. Cinema scene! When Kefka storms the castle, you'll escape on Chocobos. Fight the M-Tek- Armors that Kefka sends at you, using Edgar's AutoCrossbow and Terra's Fire spell. Ride to Figaro Cave (to the south-east), and save your game. Enter the cave and be sure that you visit the recovery spring (with the turtle in it). Don't worry about the passage on the other side, you'll reach that later. Continue through a doorway, and head to your left. Go upstairs and open the treasure chest. Head back down, then to your right, and down. Pick up the treasure chest in the alcove to your right. Before going up those stairs, go to your left and find the trea- sure chest. Then go back to the stairs, go up, head downwards, and go down those stairs. Exit the cave and head south-east to South Figaro. Save your game outside, then enter. Go meet Shadow (you'll meet again after the river ride), then explore the town. There are treasures in almost every barrel and crate. Don't miss the one behind the Chocobo stable, and in the barrel on the walkway above it. Next, go into the big house at the north of the town (this is the rich man's house). In the room that's drafty, walk behind the bookshelf and down some hidden stairs. Head down the next flight. In the hallway, walk to the right, then, when it goes down, walk through the wall, then to your right down a hidden flight of stairs for some nice relics. Cont- inue exploring the rest of the hallway for a truckload of money, then go back to the entry hallway of the rich man's house. Go through the right door (not the one you came in from), and exp- lore the barrels there. Walk behind the house to find a hidden passage, and explore that room for some goodies. There's a hid- den door at the very bottom of the room. It takes you to the old cider guy's house (remember that he wants cider for later). Exit there, then go to the item, armor, and weapon shops. Buy all the equipment you need (you should have enough money), then leave the town. If you wish, you may rent a Chocobo and take it to Sabin's Cottage (north of S. Figaro), which is suggested if you want some drama. Then head for Mt. Kolts (to the east). You should build your members up 2 or 3 levels outside, then use a tent, save, and enter. The enemies here are pretty strong, so, when you get the opportunity, use a tent and save. At the entr- ance, go behind the large rock and outside for some treasure. Go back, then head up. Check the right wall for another passage that leads to a VERY usefull Atlas Armlet. Follow the pathway (it's very linear), save your game at the designated spot, then continue until you reach Vargas. Defeat his bears, then attack him. After a while, Sabin will jump in, and the others will be blown away by one of Vargas' techniques. Fight Vargas with the Fight command (or you can perform a Blitz immediatley). When it tells you to do the Blitz, do so (duh). If you're having some trouble, see the closing remarks of this section for the easiest way to perform the Pummel Blitz. When you beat him (that is, if you beat him), head out of the cave, grabbing the treasure chest on your way.
Once outside, head north to the Returner Hideout. Explore it with Terra (make sure to get the treasures in the top room and its right wall for a White Cape) and see the closing remarks before you talk to Banon outside. Locke will leave the party, and then you'll be in a group with Banon, Terra, Edgar, and Sabin. Go back into the hideout to buy some items and stop at the inn. Then head out on the river. It doesn't really matter what ways you choose to go (although if you choose right at the first intersection, you'll fight more enemies, and if you keep going to the left at the second, it'll never end). Make sure that you have Banon use Heal during battles, and that you save your game at every opportunity. Eventually you'll reach Ultros. Have Terra use Fire, but beware: Ultros will blind you if she does. Make Banon use Heal every time he attacks, while Sabin uses the Aura Bolt Blitz and Edgar fights or uses AutoCrossbow. You'll beat him, then Sabin will fall off.
Here are some tips and tactics that you may want to use:
1) In order for the Pummel Blitz to work, select Blitz from
the menu, then press left, release it, press right, release it,
left and 'A'. Make sure that this is done within 1 and a half
seconds.
2) Make sure that you buy the NoiseBlaster and Bio Blaster.
Edgar already has the AutoCrossbow in his inventory.
3) You will need plenty of Tonic, Potion, and Fenix Down. Tents
are also important, but you will usually find them. The others
can be found if you search in the Returner Hideout and South
Figaro.
4) If you can't afford a lot of weapons and armor, at least buy
the best possible stuff for Terra, as she's weak in the beginn-
ing.
5) When Banon asks Terra to help the Returners, you will rece-
ive a Gauntlet for a 'Yes' reply. However, if you choose 'No,'
go back inside and to the top-most room. The person there will
give you a Genji Glove, which, in my view, is much more valu-
able.
6) When you are controlling Terra alone in the Returner's Hide-
out, walk up to the very top of the table (where the meeting
will take place later). Press A and you will find a piece of
paper. If you throw it away, nothing different will happen.
However, if you leave it there, Banon will throw it away during
the meeting. This is only for a small laugh, though. Also,
search the injured guy's room berore the Lete River for some fun.
7) Before beginning the raft ride on the Lete River, move Banon
to the back row of your party. This will reduce the damage he
takes. Remember, if he dies, the game ends!
Here the story has split into 3 groups. Mog appears and asks you to choose a scenario (Kupo!). You should save your game here so that you can come back if you make a mistake. I suggest going the Locke's first, then Sabin's, and finally Terra's.
Locke's scenario can be difficult if you don't listen to the clues given by the townspeople. You must first go to the old man's house, and talk to the boy downstairs. Then go to the item shop and talk to the man in the corner. You'll fight him. Steal from him for a nice Plumed Hat, and his clothes! Equip the Plu- med Hat, and go back to the boy in the old man's house. He let you through. Explore the town for some tips, but DON'T talk to soldiers in Magitek Armor. If you wish, talk to a Green Soldier and steal his clothes, then talk to the people in the town for more info. The soldier outfit also lets you talk to other sold- iers without being attacked. Remember the Cider delivery man? Go there and fight him. Steel from him for another Plumed Hat and his clothes. You'll also take his Cider. Bring this back to the old man, then go to the boy who's downstairs. The password is 'courage.' Anything else gets you beaten up! Take the hidden passage to the rich man's house, then go upstairs. In the windy room, go behind the bookshelf and follow the passage too the room where Celes is. Save her, then take the guard's clock key. Go to the clock that isn't ticking and wind it for a secret passage. Enter and head right, then down, right, up, right, down, and left to a few treasure chests. Take the contents and equip them. Go back to the entrance and search along the walls for a hidden passage. Go south in the passage to some more trea- sure, then, about half way back in this passage, push to the left for another passage. Go downstairs and take the valuable items from the chests (don't miss the Ribbon, which is behind the north chest!). Return upstairs to the entrance, then take the other passage south. Go left for some treasure, then head right to find the exit. Leave S. Figaro and go to Figaro Cave. Make your way through until the TunnelArm comes. Defeat it by having Celes use Runic while Locke fights.
Finally together, the group doesn't have much time to think. Kefka and a squad of soldiers are on their way to claim the fro- zen Esper and kill Banon! Although some of the group's members are negative toward each other, they decide that they must stop the Empire at all costs. A decisive battle is about to take place.
The fights shouldn't be difficult IF you use the correct attacks. Edgar should constantly use the Bio Blaster, as this can destroy an entire enemy group! Have Cyan use the Quadra Slam, while Celes and Terra fight and cure with magic. If you still are having trouble, don't worry about losing. Instead, keep fighting with Sabin's group until he learns the Fire Dance, then use that to waste the enemies. Battle Kefka with a combi- nation of magic users and fighters. After the battle, the group goes to the Esper, where Terra morphs for the first time. Un- fortunately, she goes ballistic, and flies off to the west.
After Terra flys away you'll be in Narshe. Buy and equip some weapons, armor, and relics, but, if Sabin or Edgar is in your party, don't buy items. Search the town for a room filled with treasures, and remember about the locked treasure chest. You should go to Figaro Castle. There, buy tools and items. If Sabin or Edgar is at the front of your party, you get them for half price! Submerge the castle, then head for Kohlingen. If Locke is in your party, you'll see a few cinema scenes. If you only have 3 people with you and 3000 GP, then you can enlist Shadow for a little while. If you're not in a hurry, head north to the small house where the Coliseum will be in the World of Ruin. Search the house for a valuable Hero Ring. Head south to Jidoor, where you should search the town. Then head north to Zozo. You may want to gain a few levels before you enter. Upon entering, head as far left as you can, and find the building with the stopped clock. Set it for 6:10:50, and you'll find a passage to the valuable Chainsaw. Head down to the large tower, where you should proceed to climb it. Make sure to find every treasure chest along the way, as one holds the Thief Glove, which makes Locke use Control, allowing him to fight and steal in one turn. When you think you can't go any farther, try jump- ing between buildings. Continue up the tower until you fight Dadaluma. Use your strongest attacks on him, as well as Potions and Cure spells to recover your HP. When he calls reinforce- ments, ignore them and concentrate on him. Head upstairs to the topmost room, and look around for a few treasures. Then go up to Terra.
After finding Terra, you must pick 2 people to go with Celes and Locke. Depending on your actions, Cyan may stay with Terra. If you haven't already gotten Shadow, DO NOT go back to put him in your party! If you do, he'll leave during the Opera, and you'll be stuck with 3 fighters untill after the Magitek Fac- tory! Go back to Kohlingen, and talk to everyone in the town. Then go to Owzer's house (the one farthest north), and talk to the Impresario. Read the letter and talk to the man, then head for the Opera House (it's south of Jidoor). When you arrive, enjoy the cinema scene, then go with Locke to the dressing room. When performing the opera, press A immediately on the first choice. For the second, press down, then A. On the third, press A. Go upstairs, and walk over to Draco. Follow him, and when he stops, press A as if to talk with him. Pick up the flowers, then go upstairs. Half way up, you'll stop. Press to the right, then continue up. Walk to the balcony, and enjoy! With Locke, pick up the note in the room, and talk to the Impresario. Equip the Spr- int Shoes (if you don't have them on), and go up and right on the balcony. Talk to the man, then pull the far right switch. Go back to where you were sitting and head to the left, then up. When you're above the stage, try to avoid as many rats as poss- ible. If you have to fight them, kill the yellow ones first, because they can call reinforcements. When you reach Ultros, you'll fall onto the stage, then fight him. Use your strongest moves, and he'll eventually leave. Setzer will come up. Watch the scene, and prepare for the trek through the Empire. Now, wasn't that fun?
When you reach Albrook, buy some new weapons, armor, and relics (the best available), then gain a few levels outside. Use the Espers to learn some magic spells, especially Cure1. You may want to go to Tzen and Maranda to find more weapons and info, but you don't need to. Head to Vector (it's the big cas tle). DON'T sleep at the inn. Instead, go over to the small building and refuse to pledge your allegiance to the Empire. Fight the guards, and the man will heal you. Buy weapons (if you haven't already done so), dodge the soldiers in the north of town, and enter the buildings. When you think you're ready, go to the right and talk to the man behind the boxes. Climb onto the box, and go over the guards to get into the factory. Make sure Celes has a sword, because you will want to use Runic. Explore the first room thoroughly, you should find 2 or 3 trea sures. Climb into the left pipe, and go downstairs. Remember, there are a lot of treasures hear. Try pressing against the far southern walls, and you will probably find doors leading to a few treasures. Equip all of the Flame and Thunder equipment that you find, and look for Kefka. Jump off where Kefka threw the 2 creatures, than talk to the left one. For Ifrit, use strong Ice attacks, and use Fire attacks on Shiva. They'll turn into Magi cite. Go through the left door, use a tent, and save your game (by the way, have Locke steal from soldiers to get tents). Go back through the door, and go into the right one this time. Go all the way up the stairs, and search the room with several Es per Processing Chambers for the Break Blade. Go throug the next doorway to fight #024. It is difficult to hurt him with magic (he changes what he is weak against when he glows), so use pri marily fighting attacks. The Aura Bolt and Dispatch techniques work best. Go up through the door, and talk to Cid. Watch the cinema scene, then follow Cid. Use a tent and save your game and talk to Cid. In the mine cart, use strong fighting techniques plus Ice and Fire spells on the Mag Roaders. When you fight #128, attack the body, not the arms, with strong Ice and Thunder attacks. Save your game when you are outside, and talk to Set zer. When you fight the Cranes, use strong magic (you might want to Scan to see what they're weak against), and Setzer's Slot. If the Slot lands on 3 diamonds, you'll probably win.
Oh boy! You get to control the airship. JOY!!! Fly to Nar- she. Remember the locked treasure chest? Go to that house and follow Lone Wolf to where the Esper is (at the cliff). When he tells you not to step forward, stand still. When Mog wrestles free, both will almost fall of the cliff. You only have time to save one. If you save Mog, he joins your party (kupo)! If you save Lone Wolf, you get a Gold Hairpin, which cuts in half the magic needed for the wearer to cast spells. I STRONGLY suggest taking Mog! You may want to fight with him in forests, plains, different backgrounds, until he learns his dances. See the "A Few Tips and Secrets" section for info on getting the Water Rondo dance. When you're ready, fly to the Imperial Base. Nobody will be there. Go across the bridge and to the cave. You'll find a valuable treasure at the beginning, so take it. When you reach the room with moving bridges, make your way to the treasure che- st on the little island. It holds the Coin Toss, which lets Setzer kill the enemy with money! Follow the route, and, when you pull a switch that makes you hear a distant sound, backtrack to reach a treasure chest. After fighting a Ninja (when you pull a switch), head right and down, then hold A and walk around on the bluff. You'll find many treasures! When you reach the area with 2 switches on the floor, DON'T step on either of them. Instead, pass the first one, then go up the right bridge. Pull the switch in the chest, and go downstairs, then down again. Go to your left to the little raised piece of ground, and step on the switch. It will open a cave with the VERY valuable Atma Weapon in it! Equip it on Terra. Keep going to the right, until you eventually reach the Sealed Gate. Hit Kefka once, and enjoy the show! When it's over, exit the cave through the new passage, and go to the airship.
After the Sealed Gate, talk to the people in Maranda. They have new things to say. Head to Vector, and go to the castle. You'll talk to Gesthal and Cid. Talk to as many soldiers as possible. You may have to fight some. DON'T talk to Kefka, as he takes away from your time to talk to soldiers. When you have talked to 24 soldiers, wait out the timer. During the confer- ence, be as courteous and polite as possible when talking. Refer to the Miscellaneous Info section for what should be said during the conference. Go to the Imperial Base if the door was opened, then go to Albrook. Go to the ship, and enjoy the cinema scene. Afterwards, sleep at the inn for free for yet another cinema scene. Go back to the ship, and you'll set sail. When you reach Crescent Island, head north to Thamasa. Press A next to the bar- rels and boxes for some prizes, and by new weapons and armor. Some of the relics are also useful. Explore until you find Stra- go and Relm. Sleep at the inn, and go to the burning house. Enter with Strago. If you have it, equip Strago with the Ice Rod, and use Ice and the Aqua Rake spells on your enemies. Try to avoid the fireballs, and eventually you'll reach a big fire- ball. Defeat him with Ice2 and Aqua Rake. Shadow will save the day. When all is done, see if there's any equipment you could use at the shops, then head for the Crescent Cave. Save outside, and go up a few levels. Take the treasure chest immediately to your left, then head up and right, through the door. When you're outside, work your way to the left, and into another cave. Pick up any treasure, and you'll eventually reach the 3 Golden Sta- tues. When fighting Ultros, use the strongest fire attacks poss- ible, and, when Relm joins you, have her sketch Ultros. You'll win (for now), and head out the left door. Save when you have the chance, and, when you see 3 tiles on the ground, step on the upper-left one. Go out the door and collect the treasure, then go back inside and upstairs. Fall through the upper-right one, and continue until there's a cinema scene. When in Thamasa, watch the action. Fight Kefka with General Leo, it should be easy. Unfortunately, Leo is killed by Kefka. Board the airship when the party comes, and watch the cinema scene.
After Thamasa, fly to Doma Castle (if it was freed), and, if you wish, South Figaro. Gain several levels (you'll need to for the upcoming battles), and save somewhere. Board the airship, and choose to look for the Floating Continent. You'll battle the IAF (pretty tough, cure between battles), and you'll face off with Ultros and his friend, Chupon. Use fire attacks on Ultros, and all of your strong ice and special attacks on Chupon. Chupon will eventually sneeze you away, and you'll fall. You'll fight a machine on your way down! Concentrate on the body itself, and destroy the little machines it releases that absorb magic. You have to hurry, because when the countdown ends, you'll be fried! You'll end up on the Floating Continent. Talk to Shadow and he'll join you. Make sure to save your game so that you don't have to face the IAF again. The battles here are tough, so you should have Shadow throw Shurikens and Ninja Stars, as well as different Skeans. When you think you've reached a dead end, try pressing against the wall. Basically, you should make your way to the right, collecting the blue orbs (treasure chests). Don't miss the Masmune, or any other treasures. When you find a save place (haven't seen one of those for a while), use a tent and save. Soon you'll have the option to go back to the airship or not. You really should keep going. Fight the Atma Monster using very strong ice spells, and all of your best attacks. Cure2 is imperative to your survival, so make sure somebody has learned it by now. When you win, head up and enjoy the long cinema sce- ne. Shadow will trap Kefka between the statues, and a timer will come up. Hurry to your right. If you have the Charm Bangle, equip it now. When you defeat the enemy at the glowing star, continue going right. When it asks if you want to jump to the airship or wait, choose wait. Move back a step and step forward. Choose to wait for Shadow. If you don't, you can't get him la- ter!!! At about 5 seconds left, Shadow will come, and you'll escape. Enjoy the splendor of the end of the world!
By now you should have found the 12 normal characters, and no hidden ones. You will have 11 if you didn't save Mog. If you neglected Mog, you'll have to wait for the next chance to find him. By now your characters should be at least at level 25, that being the minimum. Sabin should have learned the Fire Dance (maybe the next one also), and Cyan should know the Quadra Slam. Make sure that you found the Atma Weapon before this point, or you won't be able to get it back. You could live without it, but it is probably the best weapon in the game.
If you want to gain levels quickly, then you should stay near the beginning of the Floating Continent. The enemies here can be defeated, and they give you a lot of experience. If it's magic you want, go to the Triangle Island (upper left corner of map). Defeat the invisible Intangir by casting Doom, but beware: it will cast a powerful spell on the person who kills it. Have your party above 1000 HP each.
If you think that the Atma Weapon is faulty or doesn't work, that's because it gains power as you gain HP. The more HP you have, the stronger it is. Remember, if you're low on HP, it will hardly do anything.
Terra's Morph will last longer at higher levels, and if you go many battles without using it.
Many people wonder how to get two of Mog's dances; the Water Rondo and the Snowman Jazz. The Snowman Jazz can be found in the World of Ruin only, but the Water Rondo MUST be learned in the World of Balance. The W. Rondo is, in fact, Mog's strongest dance. To acquire it, form a group with Mog in it. Land the airship at Nikeah, and rent a Chocobo. Ride it all the way to Baren Falls, and hop off. Jump the falls, and go all the way to the Serpent Trench, and jump in. Fight a water enemy without dancing and you'll learn the Water Rondo! You'll end up in Ni- keah, right next to your airship! An alternate, longer route is to take the raft down the Lete River with Mog. The Serpent Tre- nch is much faster, though.
If you want Mog's Dance to have a 100% success rate, then use the dance that goes along with the background you're in. The other dances still work, but there's the possibility that you will stumble.
To save Shadow on the Floating Continent, during the destr- uction, wait instead of jumping onto the ship. Step forward, then choose to wait for Shadow. If you stand there until only 5 seconds are left, he'll come and you'll leave together.
There is a trick that works on almost all enemies and bosses in the game. Have somebody learn Vanish, and have somebody who knows either Doom or X-Zone. When you Vanish someone, weapons won't hurt them, but magic will have a 100% success rate! Cast Doom, and the enemy will die! Later in the game, enemies don't always die from Vanish/Doom, but instead die from Vanish/X-Zone. The X-Zone works on 99% of the enemies in the game! BEWARE, though that Vanish/X-Zone doesn't allow you to collect any items from the enemy!!!