~B
Excalibur II FAQ for Final Fantasy 9
Adapted and translated: Etoh-21/ JapRPG
Many thanks for permission from Snows-san to translate this FAQ into
English, original japanese FAQ can be found at
http://www.lares.dti.ne.jp/~ichii/ex2.html
First of all, this FAQ is solely for the purpose of acquiring the
elusive Excalibur II Sword for Steiner in FF9, and assumed that you
have completed the game already and mastered every nook and cranny of
it. The goal is to reach the ! mark in "Room of Emptiness" in the final
dungeon under 12 hours. Anything later and the ! mark will disappear.
This sidequest will pit you against time and skills so you'll need to
learn a couple of things before you start:
a)You have to know the game very well at the tip of your fingers. You
need to know clearly what to do next so you won't waste time
remembering and wandering aimlessly.
b)Skip ALL ATE events unless instructed.
c)Skip ALL FMV movies. IF you use a PSX, open the disc-cover until the
disc stops rotating and immediately close it back. For PS2 owners,
eject the disc and close it back in. FMVs take up a lot of time and
skippin them this way drastically reduces your clock-time.
d)Before you buy equipment, always save your game and plan what you
gonna buy and equip. Reset the game after that and rush through your
purchase again.
e)Try to have minimal encounters. Most areas are possible to have less
than 3 encounters. If you do have an unnecessary encounter, escape
using Zidane's 1st skill. If you felt there are way too many encounters
while in a dungeon, reset by pressing L1/L2/R1/R2/Select/Start all at
once and retry again. My trick to reduce encounters is to stop for a
while after running a short distance.
f) L1/L2/R1/R2/Select/Start. You're gonna use that a lot!
g)Skip all dialogue very quickly by pressing the 'CONFIRM' button very
rapidly. You'll have sore arms but it cuts down time.
h)Save game often, especially before and after a dungeon/town. But do
not save too much as it takes time. Try to set aside a few empty slots
and not just use one slot for the whole game.
With that said, I hope you have a lot of patience, endurance and
commitment to get this Sword for Steiner. But this is NOT a guaranteed
Guide and the stipulated time I've added in are general guides, a lot
still depends on your personal game and how you choose to play it.
PrimaVista
-After skipping thru the opening FMV, once you gain control of Zidane,
go to the menu configuration screen and quickly set both Battle and
Message speed to Fastest.
-Decide Zidane name by pressing START+Confirm button. You'll go into
your first battle.
-MAN WITH MASK, HP:188, Things to Steal: MageMasher
Have everyone in your party to steal from the masked man until you get
the magemasher, which'll be very important later. Once you've got it in
your hands, target all attacks on him. If you think you took too long,
reset.
-Meeting will start regarding Garnet's kidnapping. Be careful when you
skip thru the dialogue. After Blank has spoken 2 text boxes, be ready
to choose the 2nd option.
(FMV Skip)
Alexandria
-Control Vivi. Run all the way to the ticket booth in the Townsquare
and talk to the vendor. After getting cards from him, go take the
'PHOENIX PINION' hidden on a cart between the Inn and Castle Gate.
Pinions sell for big money!!
-Proceed towards the left and you'll meet a Rat-boy. Just press
'Confirm' rapidly and run off together with him.
-In the Bell Tower, retrieve 'TENT' and 'POTION' in the grass patch on
both sides of the building. Then climb the ladder.
-Follow the Rat-Boy on the roof, ignoring all treasures hidden there.
(FMV Skip)
Theater
-The battle of Lea King is insignificant. Just get over with it
Alexandria Castle
-Once inside the castle, equip the Magemasher on Zidane. Walk up the
stairway and you'll meet a girl. Just skip thru all the dialogue.
-Control Steiner. Walk northwards once you control him, and proceed
down the grand stairway. Exit the castle and run to the Left tower. Run
up the tower and don't talk to any of the guards.
(FMV Skip)
-Control Zidane. Follow the girl into the room on the right and talk to
Ruby. Once the girl sneaks down the stairs, follow her. The gang will
escape thru the Engine Room.
-STEINER, HP:165-176, To Steal: Leather Hat, Silk Robe
The battle will end once Zidane attacks Steiner twice. So use your
'TRIANGLE' Button to skip character and steal the required items before
going on. But these items are not compulsory, thus you can skip it if
it takes too long.
-Vivi runs up to the stage and creates chaos. Another battle with
Steiner ensues. This time the battle will end after Zidane attack and
Vivi's Fire spell on him, ignoring his 2 guards.
(FMV Skip)
-STEINER with BOMB.
Have Zidane, Vivi and Marcus kill themselves off, leaving Garnet
behind. This cuts down the number of rubbish spoken in the battle and
speeds up the battle. The Bomb growth rate will quicken too.
(FMV Skip)
-Barg loses control of PrimaVista.
(FMV Skip)
-Queen shows her anger.
(FMV Skip)
Evil Forest
-Do the necessary equipping and the compulsory ATE. Go downwards thru
the trunk to enter the Evil Forest. You should have 1 encounter for
Zidane to go to Level 2.
-PRISONCAGE, HP:512
Just attack the base of the monster, taking care not to target Garnet.
Using Trance Zidane's FREE ENERGY twice will end the battle. Take note
NOT to use Tidal Flame!!
-PRISONCAGE, HP:532
This time just concentrate on the plant base as in the previous battle.
With Vivi's help, this battle is a piece of cake.
PrimaVista
-After talking to Barg and taking the Bronze Gauntlet beside him, go
down the stairs and head to the righthand room and talk to Vivi. After
exiting the room, choose to help Garnet and proceed to the storeroom of
the ship. Take all the treasures along the way too.
-BARG, HP:202, To Steal: Iron Sword
Choose 'READY' after talking to Barg and enter into this battle. If
possible, try to steal the Iron Sword from him. But do not try too
hard. You should beat him in about 3 turns.
-After the battle, go recruit Steiner and Vivi, and save the game
outside the Ship. TARGET TIME 00:49:00
Evil Forest
-In the forest, a compulsory ATE will occur when you reach the spring
pond. Save your game. TARGET TIME 00:51:00
-PLANTBRAIN, HP:458
Suicide Zidane, and Blank will appear. Vivi cast Fire, Steiner does a
Fire Sword and Blank normal attack will finish the battle very quickly.
Remember to revive Zidane after the battle once you have control of
your team again.
-Unequip Silk Robe and Leather Hat from Blank. You'll go into a
compulsory battle with 2 to 4 Plantspiders. Kill off Blank and let Vivi
cast Fire on all at once. With Blank dead, you'll gain more experience.
(FMV Skip)
-Compulsory ATE. After going thru 3 boxes of text from the moogles,
press 'CANCEL' followed by 'CONFIRM' to skip.
Mist Continent
-As you are exiting the forest onto the world map, run all the way
southward to the Ice Cavern while the name label appears on the screen.
There are no encounters while the label is there, so take advantage of
it.
TARGET TIME 01:00:00
*******************************
1-2 Mist Continent ~ Lindblum
*******************************
MAX TIME 1:59:00
Ice Cavern
-Avoid touching all the blowing mist inside the dungeon. If you still
do not have the magemasher, there is one in this cave. There is a ice
log in the midst of the dungeon. Get the treasure chest on the top
first and a ! mark will appear on the log. After an event with Vivi,
the log will provide a way down to reach the Magemasher treasure below.
-Save the game at the left path where the mist is not blowing.
-BLACK WALTZ 1/CYLION, HP: 228+472, To Steal:MythrilDagger from Cylion
Try to steal the Mythrildagger from Cylion while waiting for your
Trance bar to fill. Your trance bar may only react to BW1's magic and
not to Cylion's. In the worst case scenario that your trance never
fills up, reset the game. But if it does, make sure your HP is above
130 and use TIDAL FLAME twice.
-Exit the Ice Cavern onto your way to Dali. TARGET TIME 1:16:45
Dali Village
-Control Zidane after resting in Inn. Head to the following places in
order. CornField, Enter Bar, Exit Bar, Enter Bar again, Exit Bar. Go
talk to Vivi after this.
-Head to the weapon shop near the entrance. Try to buy 1 Iron Sword,
some Feathered Hats and Leather Bangles if you don't have them already.
Sell your Phoenix Pinions if you don't have enough cash. Head on back
to the Inn and talk to Garnet.
-Go to the spot where Vivi once was and an event takes place. Go into
the windmill and open the hatch near the entrance. Take the Gil in the
chest once in the basement and the Iron Helm (on the box stack during
birds eye view after the save point). Remember to save your game here!
Watch Tower
-Control Steiner. You'll need to wait for the old man to descend down
the stairway before you enter his house. So in the meantime, retrieve a
HIPOTION and some GIL hidden around the area. Once the old man is about
6 or 7 steps from the bottom, you can enter his house.
-BLACK WALTZ 2, HP:1030
Try not to use any magic from Vivi as BW2 will counter back with his
magics. Rely mainly on Zidane and Steiner's Fire Sword, while Garnet
heals. The game will be over if Garnet is left surviving and cast to
sleep by BW2, so be careful.
-After the battle, skip thru the dialogue, taking care not to choose
'RETURN TO VILLAGE' in the midst of the dialogue.
(FMV Skip)
Cargo Ship
-Go up the stairway at the end of the room and talk to Steiner.
(FMV Skip)
-A strange figure descends to wreck havoc.
(FMV Skip)
-BLACK WALTZ 3, HP:1138
Vivi uses his W-Magic with Fire, Steiner uses Fire Sword and Zidane
normal attacks. If BW3 floats up, Zidane will change to Stealing.
(FMV Skip)x2
Lindblum
-After the events following the entrance to Lindblum, save in the Inn
after Zidane wakes up.
TARGET TIME 01:59:00
*****************************
1-3 Lindblum ~ Qu Marsh
*****************************
MAX TIME 02:32:00
Lindblum
-Control Zidane. Hurry to the Combine Shop and Weapon Shop to get your
necessary purchases. The most important being OGRE NIX, YELLOW SCARF
and GLASS BANGLE. Proceed to the tram station and go thru a compulsory
ATE with Vivi. At the tram station, choose to head toward Theater
Sector. Go inside the Clock Tower and an ATE occurs. Get all the Gil in
that room and head back to Linblum Castle.
Lindblum Castle
-Proceed to the guest room to talk to Steiner. The elevator will be
blocked by the guard, so talk to the Chief Guard in Red near the
stairway outside the guestroom and steal his costume to get past the
guards. Take the Elevator to the topmost floor.
-Take the left path, followed by a series of stairs to meet Garnet.
(FMV Skip)
-Go thru the Telescope with Garnet and locate, 2 mountain spots, South
Gate, Marsh, Chocobo Forest and a River.
Hunting Festival
-The hunting festival will start but first take the GLASS BRACELET and
ETHER in the guestroom before saving your game. Fight your way around
town and eventually battle a Wildboar with Freija. Steal the NEEDLE
FORK from the boar before letting Freija defeat the monster.
Alternatively, you could skip getting the NEEDLE FORK and instantly
kill off Zidane at the start of the festival and Freija automatically
wins, saving lots of time! Freija will receive the CORAL RING.
Lindblum Castle
-After events, head to the Earth Dragon Gate by taking the elevator to
the basement. Save your game.
TARGET TIME 2:22:30
Qu Marsh
-Head toward Qu Marsh slightly north from the gate. Catch 1 frog and
give it to Quina to recruit him.
-Exit the marsh. Bring Freija to the front row and adjust your
equipment and abilities. Make sure Freija has the CORAL RING on her and
Quina equips YELLOW SCARF to increase Gil amount after every battle.
Save your game.
Chocobo Forest
-Next head to the Chocobo Forest and get a Gryshal Green to catch a
chocobo back into the forest. Buy 2 more Gryshal Greens from the moogle
and leave. Save your game.
Mist Continent
-This is optional but useful for Quina if you have spare time. To the
northeast of the Chocobo Forest is a small cluster of forest. Try to
get an only encounter with the Radish-Heads. If you don't get a first
encounter with them, reset. If you do, have Quina to DEVOUR one to
learn his Blue Magic 'LIMITGLOBE', which deals 9999 damage whenever
Quina's HP goes to 1. It will prove to be very useful later on.
Gizamaluke Grotto
-Head North toward Gizamaluke Grottoes. Save your game.
TARGET TIME 02:32:00
******************************
1-4 Gizamaluke ~ Burmecia
******************************
MAX TIME 03:05:00
Gizamaluke Grotto
-After opening the door with the bell from the dead soldier on the
right, you'll go into battle with 2 sets of Mages. After getting the
bell from the second set of Mages, open up the biggest door at the
center. Get the bell inside the Giant Bell after releasing the moogle
and open the right-hand door. Talk to the moogles and SAVE your game.
TARGET TIME 02:38:00
-Open the left-hand door with the HolyBell and prepare to fight the
next battle.
-GIZAMALUKE, HP:3200, To Steal:ICE ROD, POINTED HAT
The best scenario to defeat it is to first use a TENT on the
Gizamaluke. It'll have a 50% chance of causing a load of status effects
on it.
Next, have Zidane to steal the ICE ROD and POINTED HAT from it, while
killing off Quina. Use a Phoenix Down on Quina and hope that his HP is
1. With his HP on 1, use his 'LIMITGLOBE' to end the battle.
This battle is a 'hard' one, to get the above results requires a lot of
trial and error and luck, especially getting Quina's HP to 1 using a
Phoenix Down, so expect to reset a lot here!
South Gate
-Control Steiner. Once inside the pass, retrieve the Maltina Racket
hidden near the left side of the entrance. Talk to the mutant, next
talk to the old lady til she runs away and talk to the young man on the
right til he runs away too. After a series of events, ride on the
Berkmea cable car.
Gizamaluke Grotto
-Control Zidane. The scene shifts back to Zidane's gang. Save the game
once exited. TARGET TIME 2:48:00
-Head north to Burmecia, hopefully with no encounters, otherwise you'll
know what to do... If you haven't learnt the limitglobe yet though,
Quina could still learn it by Devouring the AxeBeaks.
-Save just before entering Burmecia.
Burmecia
-Try to get one encounter with the MagicVisp and have Quina to devour
one to learn his Blue Magic 'MAGIC HAMMER'. Otherwise, try and try
again.
-You'll get into a battle with a pair of Mages. They are easily
defeated with MANEATER ability set and Vivi use Blizzara.
-Head toward the right and walk across the 'bridge' to get the
Kelmina's Boots. The 'bridge' will collapse. Backtrack outside and
choose the left path this time into the house. Jump across Balcony.
Talk to the dying soldier and get the Bell hidden at the back of the
room. Return back again to the right-hand path and use the Bell on the
locked door. Enter the room at the bottom for some events, and then
proceed on by exiting and taking the steps on the right.
-After certain events, continue on and entering the left room to
etrieve the MYTHRIL SPEAR if you have time. Otherwise, go to the right
room, get the THUNDER ROD and buy stuffs from Stilskin. Save your Game!
TARGET TIME 02:57:00
(Up to this point, you can tolerate up to 3 encounters inside Burmecia,
any more than that warrants a reset.)
Inner Burmecia
-When Freija squats to detect for activity, choose the second option
for the event to continue.
-BEATRIX, HP:3630, To Steal: MYTHRIL SWORD, CHAIN PLATE
The key is to survive a certain number of turns or dealing the stated
amount of damage above. Dealing damage is faster than waiting for the
set number of turns to pass. Stealing the above items are not necessary
but useful. The shortest method though is to use Quina's LIMITGLOBE
again, as in same case as the battle with Gizamaluke. Reset if
necessary.
(FMV Skip)
-Disc 1 End. TARGET TIME 3:05:00
*************************
2-1 South Gate ~ Cleyra
*************************
MAX TIME 4:12:00
South Gate
-Control Garnet. Equip the MYTHRIL SWORD on Steiner and MALTINA RACKET
on Garnet if you have them. Set 'MANEATER' ability for Steiner too.
Proceed inside the Rest Area -> Talk to Station Master -> Exit Rest
Area -> Talk to Marcus, Shina then Steiner in that order -> Enter the
Cable Car -> Talk to Marcus inside the Cable Car.
-BLACK WALTZ 3, HP:1292
Have all 3 members deal physical attacks on him for a quicker battle,
healing only when necessary.
-Take the Right Path after disembarking, remember to take the GIL in
the treasure chest after the broken bridge. Upon exiting the South Gate
to the World Map, save your game. TARGET TIME 03:12:30
Treno
-Control Steiner. If you have time, activate the first ATE option
involving Garnet. Head towards the Combine Shop (Bishop's House) and
catch the 4-Armed Man, he'll hand over the POWERBELT.
Next, head to the Auction House to get Garnet back into the team. Don't
forget to take the hidden GIL to the left pillars outside the Auction
House.
-At the Weapon Shop, buy 2 MYTHRIL SWORDs (if you haven't had one), 1
BANDANNA and a CHAINMAIL (2 if you can afford).
-Head to the Bar and talk to Marcus. When you are in control of Garnet,
ignore all Steiner's plea and talk to Barg below. After a series of
events, go to the LEFT TOWER on the extreme left-side of town. Retrieve
the MYTHRIL DAGGER from the chest there and enter the tower. Dr. Tod
will bring party down to Gargant Rul.
Gargant Rul
-Save Game. TARGET TIME 03:22:45
-Activate the Lever on the left path, then the handle deep inside the
right path, then to the feeding lever outside. The Crawlers in this
dungeon gives good EXP so you can beat 1 or 2 of them if time permits.
-LARUVA LARVA, HP:2296, To Steal:MYTHRILFORK
Steiner and Garnet attacks, while Marcus concentrate on stealing and
attacking thereafter. Make sure Steiner and Garnet had their
POISONGUARD ability activated before the battle.
Cleyra Trunk
-Control Zidane & Co. Save game outside the Trunk. TARGET TIME 03:33:00
(FMV Skip)
-Retrieve the SORCERER BOOTS and ETHER along your way. Blizzara works
well here. Take note that encounter rate increases as Vivi's MP drops.
There is an enemy called Carionworm after the Save Point in the middle
of the dungeon. Take the opportunity to devour it to learn Blue Magic
'RERAISE'. Before that, you should save your game!
TARGET TIME 03:37:30
-After the quicksand, remember to take the GRYSHAL GREENS hidden behind
the ladder. Head towards Cleyra.
Cleyra Settlement
-After Freija leaves, be careful to choose NOT to have a tour around
the town! There is one Phoenix Pinion at the stairways at the entrance
and one in the windmill area on the left. At the grass patch outside
the Sanctuary, hides a Gryshal Greens. Take the opportunity to buy new
weapons and armor (PARTISAN, SORCEROR HAT, MYTHRILVEST etc). Return to
the inn to trigger an event.
-ANTLION, HP:3938
Immediately cast RERAISE on Quina, then kill him off with the rest of
the party. Quickly cast LIMITGLOBE for a quick death.
Alternatively, Freija can JUMP while Vivi casts Blizzara with a POINTED
HAT equipped, while Zidane steals.
(FMV Skip)After dancing event.
-Head to the entrance to join up with Zidane. After that backtrack out
of the area. There'll be 3 compulsory battles with Alexandrian
Soldiers. Blizzara, and normal attacks will do. Rat-Boy will reappear,
telling you to return back to the town. A series of battles with the
mages will follow upon your return.
-For choices of path when rescuing the villagers a)Right b)Left c)Left.
-Retrieve all the items from each villager inside the Sanctuary after
Beatrix runs off. Save your game. TARGET TIME 4:12:00
-BEATRIX, HP:4732
Use the RERAISE/LIMITGLOBE tactic by Quina again.
(FMV Skip)
********************************
2-2 Alexandria ~ Conde Petit
********************************
MAX TIME 05:30:00
Alexandria
-Swing back and forth until they escape. You will fight 2 compulsory
battles with the Guards. After that, unequip the MYTHRIL SWORD and
LEATHERPLATE from Marcus.
-Avoid all the guards while running toward the Throne Room on the
second floor of the castle. Click on the wall candle to reveal the way
in. Take the 2 treasures at the beginning of the hidden dungeon
(ICEBRAND, ELIXIR) and proceed all the way below.
-SON/ZON, HP:2500
With MANEATER enabled and Vivi's POINTED HAT+Blizzara and Blizzara
Sword by Steiner concentrated on one of the two bosses. Take note to
nullify their magic preparation by landing a hit on that person.
-Save Game. TARGET TIME 04:30:00
-BEATRIX, HP:5708
Same tactic as with Son and Zon, Blizzara by Vivi while the rest have
MANEATER enabled.
-After event, a battle ensues. Zidane and the rest heads down the
dungeon again. For the battle with the 3 mages, each character focus
his attack on each mage for a more efficient battle.
-Steiner joins Freija and Beatrix. Beatrix's Crime Hazard works well on
double dogs. After some events with Blank, Zidane party escapes
Alexandria.
-LARUVAIMAGO, HP:3352
Three shots of Blizzara from Vivi will defeat the boss.
Pinnacle Rocks
-Save your game. TARGET TIME 04:57:30
You could go to the bottom to retrieve OGRE NIX and MYTHRILVEST though
not necessary. Otherwise, ignore the Ramuh event and choose "Give Up".
(FMV Skip)
(FMV Skip)
Lindblum
-After events with Regent Cid, head to the weapon and combine shops to
buy necessary equipment. More importantly, get 2 POWERBELTs and 1
EXPLODER. Thereafter, talk to the guy at the fountain who'll teleport
you to the Earth Dragon Gate. Save your Game.
-Proceed to Qu Marsh and talk to Quina. Go to the opening on the
extreme right of the marsh to trigger an event for Fossil Rul.
Fossil Rul
-Avoid all the pendulums and avoid going into battle with the chasing
Durahan.
-RANI, HP:5708, To Steal: GRADEUS
Quina's Reraise/LimitGlobe works well here again. It will be more
convenient to steal the Gradeus from Rani first, though success rate is
pretty low.
-Save the Game inside Fossil Rul. TARGET TIME 05:18:15
-Proceed to the bottom path and ride the gargant to retrieve the FAIRY
EARRINGS. Return and choose the upper path. Ride Gargant -> Switch the
lever -> Ride Gargant -> Switch the lever -> Ride Gargant back to
switch lever to return to save point area -> Save your game -> Proceed
to bottom path where you went to get the earrings -> Ignore the next
lever -> Ride Gargant -> Climb the vines to top-left platform to switch
lever -> Climb the vines and drop off at the lower platform -> Ride
Gargant to exit.
Outer Continent
-Walk as far as possible while the label appears. Save game after the
label is gone. TARGET TIME 05:25:00
-Walk beyond the Qu Marsh to get to the Chocobo Track. Call out a
Chocobo and ride towards Conde Petit to save time.
Conde Petit
-Get the 2700GIL behind the dwarf near the entrance. Go to the Item
Shop and collect the Phoenix Pinion hidden on the staircase. Go
upstairs to talk to Vivi and head back to the Item Shop. Exit the
village. Ride the Chocobo southeast to the DEAD FOREST. Save your game.
TARGET TIME 05:30:00
Dead Forest Maze
-The encounter rates in this forest is very high. So you'll have at
least 2 battles here. Way out is Right, Right, Left, Right.
(FMV Skip)
********************************
2-3 Black Mage Village ~ Iifa
********************************
MAX TIME 7:00:00
Black Mage Village
-Head to the upper left to trigger ATE. Chase after Vivi to the inn.
Don't forget to buy necessary equipment. Important items to get are
RUNETOES, MADAIN RING, CYPRUS STAFF.
-Ride the Chocobo back to Conde Petit.
Conde Petit
-Go upstairs to talk to everyone. Head back downstair outside the inn
to talk to the elder priest. After some events, talk to the Twins at
the weapon shop, who'll open a new path.
Mountain Path
-Recruit Eiko. Save your game midway in the dungeon. Prepare your party
by equipping CYPRUS STAFF to Vivi and 'SILENCE' for Garnet if any.
(FMV Skip)
-HILLGIGAS, HP:8106
Zidane attack + Vivi BIO + Garnet SILENCE. When Gigas' HP runs low,
he'll cast CURA which can be prevented with Garnet's Silence Spell.
-Exit the Mountain Path and save your game. TARGET TIME 05:48:00
Madain Sari
-Control Zidane. Talk to Vivi on the left side of ruins outside Eiko's
hut. Go northwards for Quina event and talk to the moogle there. Head
back to Eiko's hut and talk to the Moogle at the doorway. Exit the
screen and return to talk to the same moogle, who should fly off to the
Summoner Wall. Follow it and talk to it. Go to the entrance of the
ruin and bring Garnet to the moogle. After that, return to Eiko's hut.
After the dinner, the party leaves the village. Return back in the
purchase some HolyWater.
Head toward Iifa Tree.
Iifa Tree
-Save outside the Iifa Tree. TARGET TIME 06:00:00
-The undeads in this dungeon are weak against fire and curing spells.
At this point, make sure your party levels are not multiples of 5 to
prepare for the fight later on. Deep inside Iifa, there'll be 2
compulsory battles with Zombies followed by a DragonZombie. At the end
of the ride, when Zidane is in control, take the ELIXIR hidden at the
bottom of the stairway. Then check on the ! mark on the extreme left.
-SOULGAGE BOSS
At the first possible chance, use an ELIXIR on the boss. As simple as
that! Be careful of its LV5 Doom spell though…
(FMV Skip)
-Exit the tree and save your game. TARGET TIME 06:19:15
Return to Madain Sari.
Madain Sari
-Head to the hut below the kitchen. Afterward, proceed to the Summoner
Wall and prepare for a fight. Preferably with the best weapon for
Zidane + MP Attacks + Maneater + Counter. Choose to help Eiko.
-SALAMANDER, HP:8984
5 rounds of Zidane's attack will defeat him. Attack only while
Salamander is back in the frontline. Do not attack when he leaps to the
background. Heal with Hi-potions when HP falls below 600.
-Go back to the room below the kitchen. After a chat with Eiko, exit
the hut and a ! mark will appear. More chitchat with Garnet.
(FMV Skip)
Salamander joins. Leave the ruins to return to Iifa Tree. Save your
game outside the ruins. TARGET TIME 06:39:00
Iifa Tree
-Several events will occur with a couple of pretty simple battles with
the Mist Monsters. When running along the long branch, there are
normally 2 encounters, but there is a rare case of having only 1
encounter!
Alexandria
-Control Vivi. Go to the underground theater on the left side of town.
-Control Eiko. After getting the letter from Dr. Tod, walk northward to
bump into Barg.
-Control Zidane. Head north toward the Castle. You can retrieve the
hidden Phoenix Pinion below the left guard stand, and the Lapis Razly
behind the fountain at the other side of the moat. Take this
opportunity to get rid of ALL cards in your posession.
-After several events, the party leaves for Treno for the Card Battle.
Treno
-Talk to Dr Tod to receive 5 cards. Save your game in front of the
weapon shop in Treno. TARGET TIME 07:21:45
-Go to the Card Arena in the center of the town and talk to the counter
receptionist. Then head into the arena for 3 rounds of games. Reset
whenever you lose a battle. Keep trying, it's possible!
-After the battle, you'll receive REBIRTH RING and Eiko suggests
returning to Alexandria.
********************************
3-3 Alexandria ~ Oeilvert
********************************
MAX TIME 08:43:30
Alexandria
(FMV Skip)
-Garnet commands the army to move out. Choose the third team to go for
data collection and you'll receive the ANGEL EARRING which can be sold
for 10000GIL later on.
-Control Steiner. Equip IRONHELM, ICEBRAND, ESCARTION and POWERBELT,
and with that enable (MP Attack + Undead Damage Up + Level Up).
Followed up by 6 to 7 battles with the Mist Monsters. You can unequip
Beatrix's CROSSHELM and FULLPLATE after the fight in front of the bar.
-Control Garnet. Go upstairs and head towards the left door all the way
up.
(FMV Skip)x 3
-Control Zidane. Follow the same route that Garnet took previously.
(FMV Skip)x 3
Lindblum
-Zidane wakes up in the castle guestroom. Save your game.
TARGET TIME 07:48:30
-After talking to Blank, go to meet up at the Meeting Room. Then go
upstairs to Cid's Room. After some ATE events, head to the guestroom.
-Cid needs 3 special potions. One is with the Item Shop lady in white,
the other inside the Art Gallery in the Theater Sector (talk to the
artist and search in the extreme left corner), the last one is with the
Tantalus in the Clock Tower of the Theater Sector. Return to Cid once
everything is collected.
-Go down to the Water Dragon Gate to hop on board the ship! Save your
game.
-At this time, if you have a lot of time to spare, you could sail to
the beaches of the southwestern islands to level up. Devour the
ZombieWhale to learn Blue Magic 'Lv5 Doom' and use it on the Grand
Dragons. Each Grand Dragon awards 35000 EXP and defeating 2 or 3 of
them is sufficient. This is entirely optional.
Black Mage Village
-Approach the north continent from the south and park at the beach in
the middle crack of the continent that is closest to the village and
the marsh. Save your game. TARGET TIME 08:13:15
Walk a little northward, call out a Chocobo and ride to the village
with it.
-After the events, sail to the eastern-most of the same continent, park
on the beach where you can see the sandpools. Save your game.
The correct sandpool to enter is the one on the north-north west
direction.
Desert Empress
-Control Zidane. Go to Kuja's Room. You'll get to choose your party
members to follow you to Oeilvert. I suggest taking Steiner, Salamander
and Garnet.
Forgotten Continent
-Once landed, save your game. TARGET TIME 08:29:45
-Walk westward deep beyond the Qu marsh to find a Chocobo Track. Call
out a chocobo and ride southwest toward Oeilvert.
Oeilvert
-Save your game at the entrance and buy a couple of armor from it.
Important equipment to purchase 3 GREEN BERET, DIA GAUNTLET, TRIDENT,
MYTHRILCLAW, KUNGFU SUIT, plus a couple of SOFTs.
-Enemy encounters can be very low here. I got through with at most 1
encounter! The stone statue enemies can be rid of easily by using SOFT
on them.
-Go up the stairs to activate the Red Orb -> Go back down the stairs
and head left -> Take the bottom-left path after viewing the images ->
Turn on the 4 spaceship images starting from top-left pole clockwise to
the bottom-left pole -> Go up to the top-left path -> View the images
in the big hall -> Head leftwards then open the locked blue door ->
Events with the talking masks -> Go to the right-hand path from the
entrance and save your game.
TARGET TIME 08:43:30
-After viewing the images, prepare your party and equip the SORCEROR
BOOTS on Steiner and GREEN BERETS on the rest and enable BESERK GUARD
abilities. Take the elevator down.
(FMV Skip)
-ARK, HP:18182-20044
This is gonna be your first tough battle. Unless you have your BESERK
GUARD up, you'll have a lot of difficulties in this fight. You have to
enable MP Attack + FLY Damage Up for Steiner and Zidane. Salamander can
throw Wingedges and Shurikens for big damage. Heal with Potions using
Garnet's ALCHEMY LISCENCE for higher heal rate.
-Get the Gulgur Stone and return to Desert Empress.
***********************************
3-4 Desert Empress ~ Ipsen
***********************************
MAX TIME 10:22:00
Desert Empress
-Control Cid. After getting pass the toad mini-game, choose B-C-D and
hop onto the balance.
-Control Eiko. Save your game first at the Room on the right.
TARGET TIME 08:53:00
-The encounter rate in the castle is pretty low. Even with the few
encounters, try to escape. Otherwise use Vivi's magics and Freija's
normal attacks for higher damage. No walkthrough provided for this
dungeon. But be sure to light up all the candlesticks along your way
and be wary of the 9 lights puzzle in the middle.
-After the Library puzzle, save your game. TARGET TIME 08:58:00
-Light up the candles so that the shadows on both sides are pointing
towards the left. Go up the stairway.
-VALIA PILLAR, HP:12000, MP: About 10000
There are 2 methods to defeating it. Either by bringing its HP to 0 or
MP to 0. Quina's Reraise/Limitglobe method should be used for bringing
down its HP. For the MP method, use Quina's MAGIC HAMMER repeatedly.
Eiko should cast Carbunkle's Ruby Light for protection.
-Control Zidane. Head back to Kuja's Room. Joins up with the rest of
the members. Head back to where the HildaGaldy was and climb down the
ladder. Events will ensue towards the Sealed Continent.
Sealed Continent
-After disembarking, Save your game. Best party to take along,
Steiner,Vivi and Salamander. TARGET TIME 09:17:00
Esto Gaza
-Here after some events, head to the right and buy a couple of stuff
from the shop. Things to buy are OCTAGON STAFF, FLAMEDAN, BLACK CAP etc
Save your game here.
Gulgur Volcano
-At the entrance, head left to collect the hidden 9693GIL then head
right. Climb down the rope. Push the lever down 3 times to climb down
the well. From the rope, walk down towards the 'screen' and a battle
with the Red Dragons ensues. Use Vivi's Blizzaga and Steiner's Blizzaga
Sword.
After the battle, change equipment and abilities, with Devil Damage Up
and POISON GUARD enabled. Steiner also equips his FLAMEDAN.
-MELTGEMINI, HP:20946-30665
With the Devil Damage Up and MP Attacks, Zidane, Salamander and Steiner
should deal high damage to the boss. If lucky, it'll defeated in 2
turns, otherwise 3 turns. Ignore the effects of the Virus attacks.
Lindblum
-Save your game when you wake up in the guestroom. After acquiring the
airship Hildagarde3, if you have about 15 minutes or more spare time
before 09:54:00, you can opt to visit the next 3 locations. But the
Kuwan Cave sidequest is more useful.
Treno (Optional)
-Take the opportunity to defeat the monster at the Weapon Shop. The
first monster gives 15000GIL, while the second monster gives the ELMACE
SHOES. Personally, I'll just go for the money if I'm rushing on time.
Kuwan Cave (Optional)
-Bring Vivi and Quina into your active party and head to Kuwan Cave,
east of Treno. After some events, check the grandfather clock on the
balcony and receive the ELMACE SHOES. This method of getting the shoes
is faster than getting it in Treno. The ELMACE SHOES is a very
important accessory, so make sure you equip it on Zidane to learn its
AUTOHASTE ability.
Daguerreo (Optional)
-Go to the left path and solve the puzzle to enable you to buy weapons
from the shop. The more important things to buy here are EARTH ROBES
(at least 2), and BLACK ROBE for Vivi at the Combine shop.
Ipsen Heritage
-Save before entering. TARGET TIME 09:53:30
-Recommended party Zidane, Steiner, Vivi and anyone else. Change all
your equipment to their weakest (preferably initial equipment if you
still have them). Encounter rates are pretty low so if you're lucky
there'll be NO encounters. Ignore solving the trapwall near the
elevator. Before taking the 4 medals at the top of the castle, re-equip
Steiner with his FLAMEDAN.
-DHARGA, HP:28884-32349, To Steal: ORIHALCON
It is VERY IMPORTANT that Zidane steals the ORIHALCON from Dharga. In
the meantime, Vivi can Concentrate for a few turns and cast FIRAGA and
Steiner can use his FLAMEDAN + ADDED EFFECTS ability to inflict HEAT on
Dharga if you are lucky. If you think you take too much time to steal
the ORIHALCON, reset and try again. The ORIHALCON will last you up to
the last dungeon.
-Return to the castle entrance and be careful of the traps on the floor
on your way back at the save point. At the entrance, Zidane will run
back to look for Salamander. After finding him, save at the Moogle Save
Point before exiting.
The 4 Shrines
-Head to the shrines in the following order. The airship's direction
will be set for the next destination so it's not necessary for you to
steer it unless needed.
Water Shrine – South of Ipsen
Fire Shrine – North East at Sealed Continent
Wind Shrine – South edge of Lost Continent
Earth Shrine – West of the Desert Empress (map will be shaking)
-LICH, HP:19856-25040
Only Zidane + Quina for this battle. Abilities to enable are DEVIL
DAMAGE UP and MP Attack, if Zidane has the ORIHALCON equipped, he'll
deal about 5000 damage. Equip the EARTH ROBE on both characters to
absorb its earthquake attacks. Cast Reraise on Quina if he is too weak.
After about 3 hits by Zidane, Quina can choose to devour the Lich to
learn Blue Magic Earthquake.
Alternatively, Quina's Blue magic Mantra Magic may deal a speedy one-
shot lethal attack if you're lucky.
********************************
3-5 Terra ~ Pandemonium
********************************
MAX TIME 11:13:00
Shining Island
-After the battle with the Lich, head towards the Sealed Continent,
land your ship and save your game. TARGET TIME 10:09:00
Then fly off toward the Shining Island.
(FMV Skip)
Terra
-Chase after the Mystery Girl. Get the ELIXIR along the way just beside
the roadpath.
(FMV Skip)
Branbul
-Control Zidane. Before proceeding, change the equipment on Steiner and
Salamander to appropriate ones. Head off to the left path and enter the
first house. Then go to the house on the north and descend to the
basement to talk to the Mystery Girl.
-Control Eiko. Get the ELIXIR beside Freija. There is a hidden path
along the lake beside the bridge that leads to the treasure box
containing the FLASH CAP. Head across the bridge and talk to Vivi. Then
go to the first house on the right to release the Moogle in the blue
urn. Buy some equipment from him (DEFENSER, AVENGER, HOLY LANCE, 3
HYPNOCROWN etc) and save your game. TARGET TIME 10:32:00
Reset your game and start from your save point and you'll realise
Stiltskin the Moogle is there, so buy off the item package from him!
Get out and go to the bridge again, where Eiko will meet Salamander.
Then go north into the glowing gate.
Pandemonium
-Control Zidane. After a series of events between Zidane and Eiko,
Zidane will be inside Pandemonium. Equip the ELMACE SHOES (if you don't
have AUTOHASTE fixed yet) and a EARTH ROBE before venturing deeper.
Enable POISON GUARD, MP Attacks, FLYING DAMAGE UP, BEAST DAMAGE UP if
any. After a long series of speech, Zidane will start a chain series of
continuous battles.
-ARMDOCIAS, HP:5462
POISON GUARD comes in useful. Freija and Salamander will join in after
each turn to help out. Salamander will deal great damage together with
Zidane.
-ABADON, HP:10926
Steiner and Quina will start the battle first. Cast Reraise on Quina
for saftey reasons. After Abadon pass 2 turns, Zidane will appear.
Zidane and Steiner then concentrate on pounding Abadon.
-SHIELD DRAGON, HP:10920
Zidane will deal average damage about 2000 or so, but Zidane is
protected well from the earthquake attacks if you have the EARTH ROBE
on. Garnet will appear anytime when Zidane's HP goes into the low
yellow range. If you have trance at this time, it'll be the best as the
attacks will kill the dragon in 2 turns. Otherwise you will have to be
patient and Zidane goes up for each attack while Garnet can either heal
or cast powerful summons to help.
Inner Pandemonium
-Head back to the throne room after the battle with the Shield Dragon
to do necessary party adjustments, purchases and save your game!
TARGET TIME 10:53:00
-Be careful of the Glowing Light traps and reset when you fall for the
traps. At the Elevator Control, set the number to '4' and head
upstairs. Take the south path and warp your way until you reach the
second Save Point. TARGET TIME 10:57:30
-There will be 3 consecutive battles ahead. Prepare your team.
Recommended party are Zidane, Steiner, Vivi, Salamander/Eiko. Enable
FLY DAMAGE UP, Maneater, MP Attacks, AUTOHASTE, AUTOREGEN, ILLUSION etc
Armor that protects against Thunder and Wind are of utmost importance.
(HYPNOCROWN, CORAL RING etc)
-SILVER DRAGON, HP:23697-24597
Zidane, Steiner, Salamander attacks while Vivi casts Blizzaga. If your
levels are high, you could defeat it in 1 turn. Salamander can help
further by throwing WINGEDGES.
-GARLAND, HP:38317-41484
Zidane, Steiner, Salamander attacks, Vivi casts Blizzaga or Flare. If
you have Eiko instead, heal constantly or cast RUBY LIGHT. Tough
battle!
(FMV Skip)
-KUJA, HP:38911-42385
Protection against Thunder spells are best here. Otherwise Eiko can
cast her RUBY LIGHT for protection. If Salamander is in use, throw
WINGEDGES or SHURIKENS for big damage. Tough battle too!
(FMV Skip)
-After the battles, return to Branbul to gather Mikoto and the rest of
the Branbul villagers to the Invincible. Thereafter the FMV and a short
sequence, Disc 3 ends.
TARGET TIME 11:13:00
***********************************
4-1 Last Dungeon ~ Excalibur II
***********************************
MAX TIME 12:00:00
Black Mage Village
-After the events in Black Mage Village, form your party (same as the
Garland Battle party is good) and fly off to the Iifa Tree!
(FMV Skip)
(FMV Skip)
(FMV Skip)
-DRAGON LORD, HP:53199-58699
Vivi equips OCTAGON STAFF, Steiner equips a RIBBON, both Zidane and
Salamander/Eiko equips the HYPNOCROWN. Enable FLY DAMAGE UP and MP
Attacks, Salamander throws items or Eiko heals, Vivi cast Blizzaga with
his SORCEROR ROBE on. It will be defeated in about 10 turns or so.
Last Dungeon
-Save your game at the rotating Save Point. TARGET TIME 11:23:00
-Party recommended. Zidane, Freija/Eiko, Steiner, Vivi. Choose Eiko if
you have 2 or more PHOENIX PINION left and equip one on Eiko. Get the
hidden 'LOVE OF KAIN' spear hidden at the back of the pillar near the
save point and put it on Freija. Equip a REFLECTRING on Vivi and enable
AUTOREFLECT if any.
-MARILIS, HP:59122-61364
Zidane, Steiner MP Attacks + DEVIL DAMAGE UP. Vivi does Blizzaga on
himself and Freija jumps. If Eiko is here, choose RUBY LIGHT. If you're
lucky, her MUSTARDBOMB might get reflected back to her and cause
instant death.
Once Marilis dies, she'll cast SWORD RAIN! At your current level,
you'll most likely get wiped out by it. Time your attacks of Zidane and
Steiner such that Freija will JUMP first, before the other 2 commence
attacking, that way, Freija will still be alive if the other 2 score a
finishing strike. If Eiko is chosen, pray that REBIRTH summon will
activate after the party is wiped out.
-Get the RUNECLAW in the trails after the Marilis battle, prepare for
the next one. Save your game!
-TIAMAT, HP:59122-60875
Zidane, Steiner and Salamander MP Attack + DEVIL DAMAGE UP. Tiamat has
a high defense anf mainly uses wind-based attacks, so adjust your
equipment accordingly. Enable TEMPERATURE GUARD if any to guard against
its Breath attack.
-Save your game at the water cavern near the Kraken.
-KRAKEN, HP:54539-55938
Kraken is a very agile boss. It will act after each character's action,
and its attacks take up a lot of time so be very sure you have ELMACE
SHOES or AUTOHASTE enabled. Steiner should have the CORAL RING equipped
if any. The party should equip armor that absorbs or guard against
WATER attacks, like RIBBON, DIA GAUNTLET, OCTAGON STAFF etc.
Vivi should cast THUNDERGA, while Steiner attacks with THUNGERGA SWORD,
which should deal about 8000+ damage if coupled with the CORAL RING. If
everyone had their water-armor up, this battle should be easy but time-
consuming.
-Get the 'MACE OF ZEUS' at the left corner of the platform between the
2 ladders as you approach the Lich. Equip FLAMEDAN on Steiner and EARTH
ROBES on the rest of the party.
-LICH, HP:58104-63548
Be wary of its LV 5 DOOM spell, so watch out for your level value
before engaging it. Guard against its earthquake spells either
equipping EARTH ROBE or enabling AUTOLEVITE from the FEATHERED BOOTS.
Zidane and Salamander/Eiko attacks/heal while Vivi can equip a REDCAP
and cast FIRAGA, Steiner casts FIRAGA SWORD on the Lich. This Chaos
should be the easiest among the four if you have appropriate items. Do
not take too long though.
-Thereafter this glorious battle, QUICKLY check your time and check on
the pillar second from the right. There should be a '!' mark indicating
the position of the weapon we are all looking for. After reading the
note by CID the FIRST, you'll acquire the sword, EXCALIBUR II!!!!!
Congratulations!
From here on, this FAQ shall stop up to this point. Level up for a
couple of levels to at least 40 and take a challenge at the final
bosses up ahead, and admire the sword and your achievement accomplished
thus far. I wish you all the best and happy playing!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: nishikawa58@hotmail.com
Written: Etoh-21 / JapRPG
Original : SNOWS-san
