FF WalkthroughYour party starts on the world map just south of Cornelia. Don't wander yet - at level 1 with no gear, even Goblins can wipe you. Head straight north into town.
Cornelia Town
You've got 500 Gil to spend. That's enough for the essentials if you prioritize armor over weapons. Grab Chain Mail for your Warrior, Leather Armor for everyone else who can wear it.
At the magic shops, Cure is a must for your White or Red Mage. Fire hits the weakness of undead enemies you'll face soon.
Spend whatever's left on Potions. You'll burn through them in the Chaos Shrine.
Cornelia Castle
The castle is northwest of town. Head inside and find the throne room. The King tells you his daughter Sarah was kidnapped by Garland, a knight who went rogue. He's holed up in the Chaos Shrine to the north.
You'll spot locked doors and treasure chests throughout the castle. Ignore them for now; you need the Mystic Key from the Elfheim section.
Leveling Near Cornelia
Before the Chaos Shrine, you need levels. Stay close to Cornelia so you can retreat to the Inn (30 Gil) when your HP or MP runs low.
- Goblins (8 HP) - Easy targets. Perfect for level 1.
- Wolves (20 HP) - Tougher than Goblins but still safe.
- Crazy Horses (64 HP) - Avoid until level 2. They hit hard.
See the full bestiary for detailed enemy stats.
Grind until everyone hits level 2. Level 3 makes Garland easy. Takes about 5-8 fights either way.
Chaos Shrine
Rest at the Inn, top off your Potions, then head north from Cornelia. Cross the bridge and follow the path to the large grey shrine.
Inside, you'll find a central corridor with side rooms. Enemies here are tougher than outside Cornelia. Skeletons and Zombies are weak to Fire; Ghouls can paralyze, so kill them first. Grab the chests from the northwest and southwest rooms before fighting Garland.
Heal up before approaching the altar at the shrine's north end. Garland is waiting there with Princess Sarah.
Returning to Cornelia
Talk to Princess Sarah after Garland falls. You're teleported back to Cornelia Castle automatically.
The King thanks you and repairs the northern bridge as a reward. Sarah gives you the Lute, an item you'll need later.
Leave the castle, head back to town to heal up and stock up on Potions. Then head northeast to the newly repaired bridge. A cutscene plays and the next part of your journey begins.
Treasure Chests
The Chaos Shrine has 3 accessible chests during this chapter. Cornelia Castle and the shrine's eastern rooms are locked — return with the Mystic Key later.
| Item | Location | Image |
|---|---|---|
Potion | Northwest room, right chest | |
Tent | Northwest room, left chest | |
Leather Cap | Southwest room |