I chose to write a direct walkthrough, though it is still divided
into sections for quick reference. Basically, a really lazy person
can just follow this guide through the entire game, though that
wouldn't be very much fun. Use this at your own risk, as spoilers
will undoubtedly be abundant. In fact, you should probably save this
as a last-ditch rescue kit or for when you have completed the game.

                 ***THE WORLD OF BALANCE WALKTHROUGH***

(1)  The Story Begins
       
    As Terra, Vicks, and Wedge, head north through Narshe. You
will fight guards along the way, which are easily defeated by
the Fire Beam or in groups with Terra's BioBlaster. If you get
severely injured, use the Heal Force, Tonic, or Terra's Cure spell.
Remember to save at the first opportunity, because you don't want to
repeat the intro again should an upcoming battle leave you defeated.
You will fight your first boss: the Whelk. During the battle,
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 reappears.
Continue until it dies. The frozen Esper will kill Wedge and Vicks, then
knock Terra unconscious. When you wake up, explore the house's clock,
as it holds a valuable Elixir, 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 (or save them for later in the game).
Eventually the guards will corner you, and you'll fall through the
floor. Enjoy the little cinema scene flasback to Terra's past.
    Locke will make his entrance. 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 killing 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, or
explore the Beginner's Guild to learn the basic functions of the game.
Head straight for Figaro Castle (it's to the south in a desert). Upon
arrival, be sure to visit the item and tool shops. There you should buy
plenty of Tonic and the second two tools for Edgar. Talk to Edgar and
explore the castle. An old guy will tell you about Edgar's brother,
Sabin. After the cinema scene, return to the throne room and talk to
Edgar. After the brief actions, follow Locke to a bedroom (nothing
happens there you sicko!) 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. Cinema time.
    Ride to Figaro Cave (to the southeast), 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.
Decide whether you want to collect the treasures here or save them for
later. If so, 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 treasure chest. Then go back to the stairs, go up, head downwards,
and go down another set of stairs. Exit the cave.
    Head southeast 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. Continue 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 hidden 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.
    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 entrance, 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 while Terra heals the party. 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, 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. Whether you accept his offer right away or wait
has some significane in the item you receive. 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 be a USEFUL neverending loop). Make sure
that you have Banon use Heal during battles, that he's in the back row,
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 the raft.

        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 beginning.

5)  When Banon asks Terra to help the Returners, you will receive 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 valuable.

6)  When you are controlling Terra alone in the Returner's Hideout,
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 a
poorly translated piece of humor from the Japanese FF6. 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!

                       -------------------------

(2)  A Fork in the Road
       
    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
on Locke's first, then Sabin's, and finally Terra's.

Locke's Scenario
----------------       
    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 Plumed Hat, and go
back to the boy in the old man's house. He will let you through now.
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 soldiers 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. What outfit you wear to meet her will give you
various funny Star Wars references. ;) 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 treasure, 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.

Sabin's Scenario
----------------       
    This is the longest (and hardest) of the three scenarios. Start by
visiting the cottage with the crazy old man. Although it is your choice
to enlist Shadow or not, you should take him along. If you do, buy at
least 30 - 50 Shurikens from the traveling merchant. Search the Imperial
Camp for treasures. When you find a locked treasure chest, hit it
instead of kicking it, or you'll be attacked. After fighting Kefka once,
head left and up behind a tent for entry to a hidden tent. When Cyan has
to fight, use the Dispatch SwdTech command (number 1). When you win the
Black Belt, equip it on somebody (preferably Shadow or Sabin).
    You can't enter Doma Castle after it's taken over, so head straight
for the Baren Falls. In the spooky forest, follow the path fighting
monsters as you go. Make sure to walk up to the pond to be fully healed.
There will be a strange train which you should enter and then try to
leave. On the Phantom Train, head right at the start to save your game
and meet the Impresario. Head to the left, collecting treasures. Let the
ghost guy join you, and have him Possess an enemy. There are several easy
puzzles here which involve flipping switches. There is also a treasure
chest that instigates a fight with Sigfried/Zigfried/Segfried, but you
can't aquire the item that he takes from you. Some of the ghosts will
provide items for you to buy, while some will attack. Keep heading left
to the engine room. Examine the console on the left for instructions on
stopping the train. You will end up having to fight it. Use Cyan's
Dispatch, Sabin's Suplex (which strangely works against a TRAIN...), and
have Shadow throw the Shuriken. There will be some interesting scenes
involving Cyan. When they are done, exit the station.
    Follow the only direction to reach Baren Falls. At the waterfall, opt
to jump off. At the bottom of Baren Falls, you'll meet Gau. Head to
Mobliz and buy some goods there. Make sure to buy some Dried Meat also.
Fight in a battle in the Veldt and, when Gau appears, use the Dried
Meat on him. Here's the appearance of the coolest imp, Kappa!
    Head with Gau to the Crescent Cave, and explore for a few laughs.
Eventually you'll find the diving helmet. Use it to go into the Serpent
Trench. When you have to decide which way to go, choosing two rights
takes you to both caves, while two lefts takes you straight to Nikeah.
You're better off visiting the caves, as the second one has a valuable
Green Beret. Once you arrive at Nikeah, buy some goods, then take the
ship to South Figaro.
 
Terra's Scenario
----------------
    This is the easiest of the scenarios. If you can't figure this
one out, you really need a mental examination! All that you must do is
enter the secret passage from the beginning of the game in Narshe.
Follow the familiar path back to the house where Terra woke up. Just
remember to say hello to the Moogles for fun. KUPO!!!

                        -------------------------

(3)  Reunited

    Finally together, the group doesn't have much time to think.
Kefka and a squad of soldiers are on their way to claim the frozen
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
combination of magic users and fighters. After the battle, the group
goes to the Esper, where Terra morphs for the first time. Unfortunately,
she goes ballistic and flies off to the west.

                        -------------------------

(4)  The Search for Terra
       
    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 are at the front
of your party, you get them for half price! Explore and sleep at the inn
to see a few important cinema scenes (though you can do this later also).
Submerge the castle from the engine room to travel across the mountain
range.
    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. If you talk to
the inhabitants of the town and know that they mostly all lie, you can
figure out the correct time to enter. If you're lazy and want it spoiled
for you, 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 jumping 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 reinforcements, ignore
them and concentrate on him. Head upstairs to the topmost room, and
look around for a few treasures, then go up to find Terra and Ramuh.
                       
                        -------------------------

(5)  The Opera House
       
    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 Factory! Go back to Jidoor,
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! If you don't do this quickly, you will fail and
have to do the entire thing over again. With Locke, pick up the note in
the room, and talk to the Impresario. Equip the Sprint 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 possible. 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?
                      
                       -------------------------

(6)  Magitek Factory
       
    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 northwest from Albrook to Vector (it's the big castle). DON'T
sleep at the inn. You will be swindled by a thief. 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 shimmy over the guards
while they attend to the sick man to get into the factory. Make sure
Celes has a sword, because you will want to use Runic here. Explore the
first room thoroughly, you should find 2 or 3 treasures. Climb into the
left pipe, and go downstairs. Remember, there are a lot of treasures
here. Try pressing against the far southern walls, and you will 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 two creatures. Make sure that you are fully healed at this point.
Talk to the left creature and you will enter a fight. For Ifrit, use
strong Ice attacks, and use Fire attacks on Shiva. They'll turn into
Magicite. Go through the left door, use a tent, and save your game
(by the way, have Locke steal from the soldiers around here to get
tents). Go back through the door, and go into the right one this time.
Go all the way up the stairs, fighting enemies on the way. Search the
room with several Esper Processing Chambers for the Break Blade. It is
hidden out of view. 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 primarily fighting attacks. Sabin's Aura Bolt and
Cyan's Dispatch techniques work best if they are in your party. Go up
through the door and talk to Cid. Watch the cinema scene, then follow
Cid. Use a tent and save your game before you talk to Cid again. In the
mine cart ride 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 Setzer. Once back on the airship, you will have to fight
some 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 the fight easily.
                      
                       -------------------------

(7)  To the Sealed Gate
       
    You get to control the airship here. Fly to Narshe. Remember the
locked treasure chest? Go to that house and follow Lone Wolf to where
the Esper is (at the cliff). He will grab a Moogle to use as a hostage.
When he tells you not to step forward, stand still. Mog wrestles free,
but 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, and other 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.
Don't bother searching the building as everything inside is locked up
right now. Exit on the right side. Save here before you do anything else.
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 chest 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 hidden treasures here; apparently they are
the 'prize under the staircase' that he is talking about. 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
only if she has a rather high HP count at this point. 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
that is created. You should be able to easily reach the airship.
                       
                       -------------------------

(8)  Search for the Espers
       
    The airship crashes. Go and talk to the people in Maranda. They
have new things to say. Head to Vector, and go up to the castle.
You'll talk to Gesthal and Cid. Before the banquet begins, you will
be sent on a small mission. 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 banquet, 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 as there are a few goodies to find there now. If you want to see
a special cinema scene at this point, head back to the airship and talk
to Setzer. When you're ready to move on, go to Albrook. Go to the ship
and enjoy the cinema scene where Celes is reunited with the group.
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 barrels and boxes for some
prizes, and by new weapons and armor. Some of the relics are also useful.
Explore until you find Strago and Relm in one of the houses. Sleep at
the inn and when you awake 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 fireball. Defeat him with Ice2 and Aqua
Rake. Shadow will save the day when all looks bleak. After finishing,
see if there's any equipment you couldn't afford before 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 at the entrance, 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 Statues. Along comes that pesky octopus
again. When fighting Ultros, use the strongest fire attacks possible,
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. Kefka will do some evil, and when you
wake up, you will be General Leo. Don't try exiting Thamasa at all as
you cannot defeat the Guardians stationed at the outskirts. Fight Kefka
with General Leo; it should be easy. Unfortunately, Leo is killed by
Kefka. You will watch the sad burial. Board the airship when the party
comes, and watch the cinema scene.

                        ------------------------

(9)  The Floating Continent
       
    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, which
consists of several battalions of enemies. This can be pretty tough if
you haven't advance your levels, so be sure to cure between battles.
Eventually 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 your group. 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 Masamune, 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
continue onwards. You really should keep going unless you are short on
supplies or have unfinished business, in which case leave now or forever
hold your peace. 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. You should be victorious if
you pound away. When you win, head up and enjoy the long cinema scene.
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. There
may be some blue orbs, but don't bother trying to get them now. When
you defeat the enemy at the glowing star, continue going right. At the
edge it asks if you want to jump to the airship or wait; your decision
here is very important. Choose wait, move back a step, and step forward.
Now choose to wait for Shadow. If you don't, you can't get him later!!!
At about 5 seconds left, Shadow will come, and you'll escape. Enjoy the
splendor of the end of the world!
 
                        ------------------------

(10)  What You Should Have Done By Now
       
    By now you should have found the 12 normal characters. You will
have 11 if you didn't save Mog. If you neglected Mog, you'll have to
wait for another 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. You could live without this weapon,
but it eventually becomes one of the best weapons in the game.                     

                        ------------------------
 
(11)  A Few Tips and Secrets
       
    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. Alternately, use the loop on the
Lete River that is listed in the misc. section of this FAQ.
    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.
    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.
    In Mobliz, it is possible to get a valuable Tintinabar. Talk
to the injured soldier, and read the letter on the desk. Go to
the house in the center of town and send something in the mail.
After going back and forth and spending a lot of money on mail,
the soldier will give you a Tintinabar!
    Many of the treasure chests in the WOB can be found in the
WOR (as long as the level they were in is still accessible). If
you leave treasure chests, then open them in the WOR, they will
contain better items! This holds true particullarly for treasures
in the Narshe Caves and the Magitek Factory...

                  ***THE WORLD OF RUIN WALKTHROUGH***

(1)  Stranded on a Deserted Island
       
        This is a very short part of the story, but can also be very
dramatic. You will be alone as Celes. Cid is your only companion, and
he is becoming ill from a year of being stranded. To pick up fish for
Cid, go to the beach south of the house and press A next to a fish.
Remember: the faster the fish, the healthier it is. There are 4 types
of fish: Rotten Fish, Fish, Just a Fish, and Yummy Fish. Each one can
be seen in the Rare items list. If you feed Cid 10 Yummy Fish (the very
fast moving ones), he'll live! If you take to long to catch the fish,
or if you feed him Rotten Fish, Cid will die, and Celes will almost
commit suicide. Either way, you will set sail using a raft that Cid made.
Remember where the Solitary Island is for later in the game.
                      
                        ------------------------

(2)  Search for The Others
       
    You will arrive on a new body of land. Head north to Albrook and
talk to the people to learn of the World of Ruin. You'll hear about
several key story elements: the 8 dragons, Phunbaba, and Doom Gaze,
as well as Kefka's reign of terror. Buy new equipment (you'll need it)
and sleep at the inn. When you leave town, head north past Kefka's
Tower and through a desert. Eventually you'll reach Tzen. Save outside,
and when you enter, a disaster hits. Go the inn for HP and MP if you must,
then go up to Sabin. Enter the house, taking the treasures, and head to
the left. Go downstairs, and up to the long landing. The child should be
above the fireplace. Take it outside, and Sabin will join you. Buy
equipment for him if you must, then save outside.
    Go northwest and find a small forest. In the middle, rent a Chocobo
and go south. Go east across a bridge and follow the green trail that
was once the Serpent Trench to Mobliz. It has been pretty much destroyed.
Sleep at the house you find and talk to Terra. You'll fight Phunbaba, who
can be stopped by strong ice spells, the poison and bio spells, and the
Suplex Blitz. Terra won't join you yet, but you can't give up now.
                       
                        ------------------------

(3)  Edgar!
       
    After the fight with Phunbaba, head south to a forest where you can
rent a Chocobo. Follow the Serpent Trench past the Fanatics' Tower and
to the town of Nikeah. Talk to the thieves at the inn, and, when they
leave, go outside and talk to Gerard (he looks like Edgar). Follow
Gerard into the ship, and, at South Figaro, locate him at the inn. Buy
new weapons, armor, relics, and items at the town, then leave.
    Go to Figaro Cave to the northeast. Follow Gerard, the thieves, and
the Sigfried impostor to the Recovery Spring. Remember that opening on
the other side? Jump on the turtle and enter it. It leads to Figaro
Castle. If you search the cave, you may find Sigfried, but he runs away.
Go to the engine room and down the stairs that you couldn't enter before.
Collect the treasures, and find the engine. Gerard will reveal himself to
indeed be Edgar and you'll collectively fight the Tentacles. It is a good
idea to have relics protecting you from poison and berserk, as well as
Running Shoes to negate the effects of slow. Have Celes cast Regen on
everyone as soon as possible. Each Tentacle gets injured by different
magic. Have Edgar use the Chainsaw, Flash, or Drill, Sabin use the Aura
Bolt, and Celes use magic to cure or runic. When you win, go through the
door and press A by the statue for the Soul Sabre. Go back the way you
came, and the engineer will make the castle go to Kohlingen. Buy the
new items and tools in the castle at half price by putting Edgar or Sabin
in the front of your party. Head out for Kohlingen.

                        ------------------------

(4)  A New Airship
       
    When you find Setzer in the cafe of Kohlingen, he'll join you. Buy
new equipment from the shops. Equip Setzer with either the Dice or the
Trump. Go to Daryll's Tomb and save outside. From the beginning, go
down stairs and to the right. Go up through the door, and press A on the
tombstone. A door will open, which you should go through. Flip the
switch at the top of the room and the water will go down. Return to the
main hallway and go down. Keep going and collect the treasure chest.
Once again go to the main hallway, only go all the way to the left and
down (if you REALLY want to solve the tombstone puzzle, go down the
center twice, and read each of the tombstones. Go to the main hallway,
into the upper-left door, and put in THE WORLD IS SQUARE backwards).
Go down the next set of stairs and collect the chest to your right. Move
against the right wall and you'll find a hidden passage that leads to a
treasure chest that contains the valuable Experience Egg. This doubles
the experience earned of whoever has it equipped, so use it wisely. Go
back through the passage and in the door to the north. Walk across the
water and flip the switch. You'll see a door open. Return to the main
hallway and go down through the center door. Flip the switch, then jump
on the turtle. It'll take you to the door, which you should go through.
Open up the right chest, than use a tent and save your game. You'll have
to fight a dangerous enemy in the left chest, but, once defeated, he
yields 1 or 2 powerful Fire Claws for Sabin. Save your game again, then
go through the northern door. Walk up to the casket to fight Dullahan.
Have Sabin use Blitzes and the Fire Claw, Setzer use the Dice and Slot,
Celes cast Fire and Cure spells, and Edgar use the Chainsaw or Drill. It
shouldn't be difficult. When done, go up through the door and enjoy the
cinema scene. You'll take off in the new airship.

NOTE: From this point on, the main objective is to find all of your
party members. This can pretty much be done in any order, with a few
exceptions. There are also a few side quests that allow you to collect
very valuable items. At any point you can go to Kefka's Tower, although
it is advised to gain levels before you do so. Many people don't like
the openness of this point in the game; the story pretty much revolves
around single character elements. However, it is still rather enjoyable.
If you want to fully understand each character, you should spend time
with their little subquests (Hidon, Doma Castle, Gau's home...). The
path is really up to you.
                        
                        ------------------------

(5)  Cyan's Grievances
       
    When you first take off in the new airship, you'll see a bird, and
follow it to Maranda. In the house in the upper-right, a girl says she's
been receiving letters from her love in Mobliz, but you know that he's
dead. The handwriting on the letter is that of Cyan. Take the girl's next
letter to the carrier pigeon, and watch as it flys to Zozo.
    After flying to Zozo, talk to the man that told the truth the first
time (he's up and to the right of the big tower) and he'll give you info
and Rust-rid. Go into the Cafe and find the rusty door which will now
become unrusted. Go through the passage to end up on Mt. Zozo. Make your
way through the first room, making sure to collect the treasures. In the
second room, use a tent and save your game, then step on the switch to
your upper-right. This will release one of the 8 dragons from a treasure
chest. If you are weak, you can save this fight for later. Otherwise,
fight it using your strongest abilities. You should win. Continue climbing
the mountain until you find Cyan. Enjoy the cinema scene. When it's
done, you can go to where Cyan was and get the key to open his treasure
chest. Open the chest and take his books, although they don't really do
anything. Make your way out of Zozo or use a Warp Stone (or Warp magic),
and fly back to Maranda with Cyan in your group. Talk to the townspeople
again.

                        ------------------------

(6)  Face to Face With Phunbaba
       
    By this time you can check back on Terra in Mobliz. When you do,
you'll notice that she's gone. Go into the house where Duane is and
follow the dog into a secret passage behind the bookcase. There's an
Elixir hidden in one of the pots. You'll have to fight Phunbaba again
here, so make sure that you're healed up. Use the same tactics as when
you fought him before. Midway through, Terra will morph and join you in
the fight. Phunbaba's life resets at this point. It should be easy with
Terra's magic skills. Terra will rejoin the party, and you can now
continue your adventure.
                       
                        ------------------------

(7)  To the Veldt!
       
    Short chapter! Anyway, all you have to do is fight a battle in the
Veldt with 3 people in your party. Gau will rejoin you and will have
learned a few new Rages. If you wish, you may take him and Sabin to the
house in the northwest. There Gau will meet his father. It's both funny
and a tear-jerker.

                        ------------------------

(8a)  Save Shadow

Note: You can only save Shadow if you waited for him back on the
Floating Continent!!!
       
    This is a split scenario. If you waited for Shadow on the Floating
Continent, he will be waiting in the Veldt Cave. Go there and follow
Interceptor. BE SURE to open EVERY treasure chest in the cave, or you
may miss the valuable Striker!!! Eventually you'll find Shadow lying on
the ground (it's after a save location). Be ready, because you'll have
to battle two powerful Behemoths! Use Ice magic, and you shouldn't have
trouble. However, get ready! Just after beating the first, its ghost
will trap you from behind! This one is easy. Just use the item `Revivify' \
on it to kill it in one hit.
    When you do defeat the monster, you'll take Shadow to Thamasa.
(NOTE: Ignore the fact that they mention him with 'she.' This was just
bad coding, as you can also rescue Relm here in an alternate fashion)
After sleeping at the inn, he'll disappear, having gone to the Coliseum.
Make sure to search the left wall of Strago's house (upstairs) for
another Memento Ring.
    Head far west to the Coliseum. You'll hear about a man dressed in
black searching for a Striker. Bet the Striker (you should have found it
in the cave), and you'll fight Shadow (even though it says Shadow Chupon).
You'll easily defeat him, and he'll join your party for the rest of the
game.

                        ------------------------

(8b)  Save Relm
       
    No matter if you saved her in the cave or saved Shadow instead, Relm
will end up at Owzer's House (it is located at the top of Jidoor). Head
to Jidoor and up to the large house there. After trying to go up the
stairs, read Owzer's Diary. Press A on the lamp (near the stairs), then
go up. If you wish, fight the flower portrait. Look at the picture of
Geshtahl twice for a clue about the Phoenix Cave. Then look at the
woman's portrait. When you defeat the enemy, enter the door that appears.
Follow the path (some of the portraits do things, so watch out), and,
when you find 3 doors on 1 wall, walk behind the wall and press A for the
valuable Relic Ring (makes Doom/Poison cure, and Cure/Life injure). Go
through the left-most door. If you wish, stand under the floating chests
to fight an enemy. You have to go to each one in a certain order. Then
go through the door. Save your game and go through the right door (the
left is a trap). Fight the Spirit Chadarnook, using strong fire attacks
on the demon form. You may want to cast Regen on everyone, because one
of his moves damages everyone over time. He'll transform, and, in doing
so, change what he takes damage from. After winning (it may take awhile),
Relm will join your party.

                        ------------------------

(9)  Strago and Ebot's Rock
       
    Having saved Relm, take her to the Fanatics' Tower. A very confused
Strago will be marching with some Kefka Worshippers, but will snap out
of his trance when he sees Relm. Take both of them to Thamasa, and, after
a cinema scene, buy some equipment and head to Ebot's Rock. Enter the
cave and talk to the chest. Using the transporters, find 22 or more
pieces of coral, then bring them back to the chest. The chest will move
out of the way, and you can face Hidon. Take Strago along, and kill off
the little Hidonites first. This will cause Hidon to use Grand Train
(which Strago will learn afterwards). Keep attacking with Fire and Cure
attacks and eventually Hidon will fall. Hopefully you got him to cast
Grand Train, which is one of Strago's best Lore attacks. Enjoy the
cinema scene. If you DIDN'T learn Grand Train, fear not; all is not lost.
Talk to Gungho in Thamasa until he says, "Hidon hasappeared at Ebot's
Rock again!" Go back to Ebot's Rock, feed the chest, and you can face
Hidon again. Do this as often as you want.

                        ------------------------

(10)  Mog Lives!
       
    Take your airship to Narshe. Ignore the fact that the doors are
locked until you find Locke later on. Remember the Moogle Village? Well,
return there by going through the Narshe Caves. Mog will be there, and
he'll join you. Search where he was standing for the Moogle Charm (avoids
random enemy fights). Take Mog with you and head north through the caves
where you started the game.  In the snowy area where you fought Kefka you
will find the Ice Dragon. Simply use Fire attacks to kill it quickly.
Fight another enemy in the area and you'll learn the Snowman Jazz dance
for Mog. Go to the frozen Esper Tritoch and fight it. Use strong weapon
attacks and Fire magic. When you thaw it out, you will receive its
Magicite, and the cliff will break. Have Mog in your party and jump off
the now open cliff.
    Follow the cave's route, picking up treasure chests along the way.
It is a puzzle that shouldn't take long once you realize where the ground
breaks away. Beware of the chest that contains the Pugs, as they are
very deadly. Come back to them later. You'll eventually reach a room
with a bone carving. Take the Magicite from it and Umaro the sasquatch
will fight you. Defeat him with powerful attacks, and, after beating him,
Mog will forcibly make him join your party (they are friends). If Mog
isn't in your party, be sure to bring him to Umaro.
    This is a good time to take care of the Earth Dragon. Fly to the
Opera House, where you will hear of a dragon on the stage. Go to the
switch room and flip the third switch from the left. This will cause you
to fall onto the stage. When you fight the Earth dragon, make sure that
you equip everyone with a Cherub Down relic (which you can buy in
Jidoor). This will alow you to float, avoiding the dragon's deadly
quake attacks and prevent him from negating the effect. Defeating him
will then be simple.

                        ------------------------

(11)  Phoenix Cave
       
    Head to the Pheonix Cave, which, as Gestahl's portrait told you, is
hidden in the center of the star-shaped mountain range. Fly over it and
you will drop down to the entrance, breaking up into two parties. If you
want to make this area very easy, have Mog in one of your parties and
equip him with the Moogle Charm. If you want to rough it and face tough
enemies, by all means do not use his relic. You may also want to have
Umaro because of his immunity to fire attacks thanks to the Snow Muffler.
Follow the maze's twists and turns, and notice how most of the chests
are empty. Look carefully at the ground for difficult-to-see switches.
It is required that both parties flip switches so that others can
advance further into the cave. You'll eventually end up at the Fire
Dragon (make sure to save your game beforehand). Fight the dragon, or,
if you're weak, save it for later. Use strong ice attacks against the
beast to make quick work of it. Afterwards, go back up and stand on the
switch to make a set of rocks appear. Have the other party leap across
using the rocks, then head down with both parties. Have each stand on
one of the 2 switches, and the raised land will lower. Follow the path 
and you'll at last find Locke.
    Enjoy the long cinema scene, then take Locke to Narshe. Search the
weapon shop and the northern shop for the Ragnarok Sword/Esper and
Cursed Shield. I suggest you take the Esper, or read the Secrets section
for another way to learn Ultima involving uncursing the shield.

                        ------------------------

(12)  Fanatics' Tower
       
    Go to the Fanatics' Tower. In this tower you cannot normally fight,
so be sure to come with your strongest magic users (or, if you wish,
include Umaro; his Berserk-like state allows him to attack. However,
his inability to heal your other party members may be your downfall).
If you are lazy and don't want to fight anyone, or you want to get the
treasures present beforehand, use Mog's Moogle Charm. You may wish to
learn a lot of magic before entering. Especially make sure that everyone
knows Osmose so that they can replenish their MP in fights. Equip someone
with the Siren Esper, and have somebody know Life3. Berserk also helps.
It is also suggested to know the Ultima spell, as it will wipe out even
the toughest of enemies in a few attacks. Equip strong magic-defending
equipment, such as Force Armor and the Force Shield. Use the Siren Esper
to perform an almost 100% working Mute attack, which debilitates any of
the strong magic that enemies use. Fight your way to the first treasure
room and take the treasure. Then move to the right of the chest, walk up,
and press A. You'll here a noise. Go out the room and downstairs to the
new door. Enter and take the Air Anchor (one of Edgar's Tools). Then
continue your journey up the tower. If you fight a Magic Barrel, DON'T
KILL IT. Instead, let it heal you until it runs away. You'll fight a
Dragon higher in the tower. The fight should be easy with the Ultima
spell. At the top of the tower, take the Gem Box and equip it on the
strongest magic user. Be prepared for what is probably the most annoying
boss of the game. When you fight the Magi Master, cast Life3 on as many
people as possible (but at least one). The Magi Master changes what he
can be hurt by magicwise, but, if you have the Berserk spell, cast it on
him immediately to keep him from changing. It will be a tough, long
battle. However, if you have the Ultima spell, it shouldn't take too
long. If you cast Life3 on somebody, then you'll win even after he uses
Ultima as a final attack. Alternately, you can use Rasp and Osmose to
gradually wear down his 50,000 MP. Once he runs out there is pretty much
nothing that he can do (including the final casting of Ultima). Now head
back down the tower (easier said than done, unless you have the Moogle
Charm equipped).

                        ------------------------

(13)  Cyan's Dream
       
    Fly to Doma Castle. Make sure that you have Cyan in your party. Upon
arriving, strange things will happen and your group will be seperated.
Walk through the various doors until you find your two other group
members. You should be able to make it as far as the Three Dream Stooges
easily. Kill the flying one first, as that one can cast Life on the
others. Once he's down, the rest should be easy. After that, you'll
continue through Cyan's mind. You will find yourself back on the Phantom
Train. The puzzles are much like they were the first time around. When
you find the Lump of Metal, go up to the moving chest and press A to
put the metal in the chest, stopping it (you won't lose it, though). Flip
the switch and study the chests' patter. When you find another group of
six chests later, enter the same pattern and flip the switch to move on.
Eventually you will wind up in Magitek Armor. Go down, then to the right.
Enter the cave, than walk outside. Fall through the bridge. In Doma
Castle, save your game, and feel free to walk around, witnessing Cyan's
memories of his family. Head to the throne room and fight Wrexsoul. When
he enters someone's body, either kill each other off one at a time until
he appears, or use Life3 on everyone and kill the party. After that, use
Vanish/X-Zone if you are a cheap coward, or use strong fire attacks.
DO NOT use X-Zone if you want to collect a valuable Pod Bracelet. Either
way, you'll end up with a nifty Aura sword for Cyan, and he'll learn the
final few SwdTech attacks! Go back the throne room when you wake up and
collect the Alexander Esper.

                        ------------------------

(14)  Ancient Castle

    Take your strongest party and fly to Figaro Castle. Inside, you
should rest and buy supplies, then ask the engineer to submerge the
castle. On your way back to the large desert, you'll bump into
something. Tell the engineer that you'd like to stop and search, then
head to the jail. Enter the open jail cell, and you'll be in a large
cave. Be sure to pick up the treasures in the first room, then enter
the right-most door near the bottom of the screen. Open the treasure
chest and be ready to fight the Master Pugs! If you win, you'll get
the powerfull Graedus sword! After winning this battle, head to the
left and through the wall (it is fake), then down a ladder below you.
Head left, and keep walking along the bottom of the room, then climb
up a ladder. Go up and to the left through a doorway. Search the bottom
of this new room for two treasure chests, then go down the set of
stairs. Save at the save point, and continue left and up. Enjoy the
sequence that reveals the past of the Ancient Castle, then enter the
main doorway. Fight your way to the throne room and walk to the very
top of the screen. Talk to the stone statuete of Odin for his Magicite.
Enter an archway (the first one on the left), and open the chest for
Umaro's valuable Blizzard Orb. Go back into the throne room and head to
the right and down into a hidden doorway. Press A next to the sparkling
image on the shelf for a book. The man in Figaro's library (if you go
back) will now reveal a secret. Otherwise, here is what he tells you:
go 5 steps down from the queen's throne in the Ancient Castle. Do so,
and press A. You'll hear a noise. Go back to the right and into the
Ancient Castle library to find a new staircase. Go down it and talk to
the queen's statue to transform the Odin Magicite into Raiden. (NOTE:
be aware that the Odin magicite is the only one that provides and agility
bonus at level up, and after the transformation it will be gone forever)
Fight the dragon then go to the castle courtyard. Walk left and into
the double doors. Open the treasure chest and fight a tough enemy for
the awesome Offering Relic. Go back into the courtyard, but this time go
right. Walk into a crack in the wall and open the chest. Now you
can FINALLY get out of here.

                        ------------------------

(15)  Finding That Mimic
       
    When on Triangle Island (it is in the upper-right of the world map),
fight the Zone Eater (the only enemy there). Don't kill it. Instead
have everyone be engulfed. You'll find yourself in a cave. On the
bridges, don't touch the green guys or you'll be knocked off (although
there are some handy treasures if you fall down there). Make sure to get
the Fake Mustache (changes Sketch into Control). Work your way past the
deadly falling ceiling room (stand under the small openings to avoid
being crushed), and you'll eventually find Gogo.

                        ------------------------

(16)  Kefka's Tower
       
    Oh no! You have to split up into 3 groups! The pain! The
horror! Actually, it shouldn't be that difficult if you're near level
50. This tower is made out of pieces from other areas of the game and new
areas. Basically, work your way through the hordes of enemies. If you're
going for the Crusader Esper and the valuable Merton spell, defeat the
2 Dragons here. You'll have to fight Atma and a machine. Fight the 3
statues, saving after each victory. Make sure to equip the Sky Render
on Cyan and the Aura Lance on either Mog or Edgar. Now you can head for
Kefka. Enjoy the overdramatic cinema scene, equip all of your characters,
then fight. Use Pearl, Ultima, and basically the strongest magic possible
on all of his lower minions. If you have a Genji/Offering combo, this
really shouldn't be a tough battle at all. One of the parts will cast Doom on someone at the end of
a fight, so you may lose one character (that is okay; after each round,
dead characters are replaced by alternates). There are also valuable
items to steal which can then be equipped through the Item menu. Have
somebody cast Life3 for the battle with Kefka, as he casts Fallen One,
which makes your HP go down to a measly 1 pont. It shouldn't be too
difficult at all. Enjoy the lengthy ending.