FF WalkthroughAfter completing the Coliseum, you MUST visit the Rebel Camp before proceeding to Castle Fynn. The Rebel Camp is the ONLY permanently missable location in the entire game. Once you begin the assault on Castle Fynn, the camp disappears forever. Visit it now to add it to your location log!
After the tragedy at Deist Cavern and the death of the Last Dragoon, return to Altair to find the rebellion in disarray. Princess Hilda has been kidnapped again - this time by the Empire and offered as a prize in the Coliseum's brutal tournament. Gordon rejoins your party for the rescue mission.
Gordon Rejoins
Return to Altair and speak with the rebels. The situation is grim - Hilda has been captured and is being held at the Coliseum, a gladiatorial arena where the Empire forces prisoners to fight to the death for entertainment.
Gordon refuses to sit idle while Hilda is in danger. He rejoins your party as the fourth member. Make sure to equip him with your best spare gear - he'll be with you for the Coliseum assault.
Warning: Gordon will leave the party after the Coliseum events. Any equipment he's wearing will be lost, so consider giving him expendable gear or items you can spare.
Journey to the Coliseum
The Coliseum is located in the desert region. From Altair, you'll need to travel through harsh desert terrain to reach it. The journey is long and the desert encounters can be dangerous. During your journey through the desert, you'll encounter Sand Rays (common desert enemies that use physical attacks) and Desert Scorpions (which can inflict Poison, so have Antidotes ready).
Two enemies can only be encountered on the desert path to the Coliseum: Antlion and Land Ray. If you're completing a bestiary, make sure to encounter these before reaching the Coliseum.
The Coliseum
The Coliseum is a massive arena built by the Empire. As you approach, you can see the towering stone walls and hear the roar of the crowd inside. This dungeon has 4 treasure chests.
The Coliseum introduces several dangerous new enemy types:
- Behemoth - Extremely powerful (will be the boss)
- Dual Deads - Undead, weak to Fire
- Parasite - Can drain HP
- Specter - Ghostly with high evasion
- Stalagmite - High defense, weak to magic
- Wizard - Casts powerful spells (prioritize killing)
1F - Entrance Area
From the entrance, you have two paths - left and right. Both sides contain treasure. Head left first to find an Ether in the side room. This is useful for restoring MP during the upcoming boss fight. Now head to the right side of the entrance area and enter the room to find a Cottage. Save this for a full heal before the boss if needed.
The Arena Floor
After collecting the side room treasures, proceed to the central path leading to the arena. You'll emerge onto the sandy floor of the Coliseum, surrounded by cheering (or jeering) spectators. The Empire has set up quite the spectacle. As you step into the arena, you're announced as the next challengers. The Empire's champion is about to be released to fight you - the terrifying Behemoth.
Boss: Behemoth
The gates open and the massive Behemoth charges into the arena. This is one of the toughest boss fights you've faced so far. Prepare for a lengthy battle.
Weakness: None | Absorbs: None
The Behemoth has no elemental weaknesses, making this a pure war of attrition. It hits extremely hard with physical attacks and has high HP. Your strategy should focus on defense and consistent damage.
Recommended strategy:
- Protect - Cast on all party members to reduce physical damage
- Blink - Creates afterimages to dodge physical attacks entirely
- Berserk - Cast on your heavy hitters to maximize damage output
- Have one party member dedicated to healing each turn
- Gordon should use items or cast support magic rather than attack
The Behemoth's raw power means even with Protect and Blink, you'll take significant damage. Keep Cure spells ready and don't hesitate to use Hi-Potions or Elixirs if needed. This is not the time to conserve items.
Imprisonment and Rescue
Captured!
Despite defeating the Behemoth, your victory is short-lived. Imperial soldiers overwhelm your exhausted party and throw you into the Coliseum's prison cells. It seems the Empire never intended to honor any prize - this was a trap all along. You awaken in a dark cell beneath the arena. Things look bleak - but help is coming.
Paul's Rescue
Just when all hope seems lost, a familiar face appears at the cell door - it's Paul, the master thief from Fynn! He's been tracking Imperial movements and found his way into the Coliseum's underbelly. Paul picks the lock and frees your party. He tells you that the real Hilda is being held somewhere in these cells - the woman being offered as a prize was likely an impostor (the Lamia Queen in disguise). You must find the true princess.
Prison Cell Treasures
Now free, explore the prison area. There are two more chests to collect here:
- Elixir - Side passage in the cell blocks
- Hi-Potion - Near Hilda's cell
Finally, you'll find Hilda - the real Princess Hilda - locked in one of the deeper cells. Free her from captivity.
Escape and Gordon's Departure
With Hilda rescued, make your way out of the Coliseum. Paul will guide you to a hidden exit that leads back to the world map. Use Teleport if you have it to escape quickly. After escaping, Gordon decides to escort Hilda back to safety while you continue the fight against the Empire. He leaves your party at this point.
Reminder: Gordon takes any equipped gear with him when he leaves. If you gave him valuable equipment, it's now gone. Plan accordingly for future fourth party members.
The Rebel Camp
Return to Altair with the good news. Hilda is safe, and the rebellion can finally take the offensive. Speak with the rebels to learn of the plan - it's time to retake Castle Fynn from the Empire.
The rebels are preparing for the assault on Castle Fynn. Before they move, the Rebel Camp is established as a staging ground near Fynn. This is your last chance to visit before the attack begins.
The Rebel Camp is the ONLY permanently missable location in Final Fantasy 2. Once you begin the assault on Castle Fynn, the camp is dismantled and disappears forever.
The camp is located near Fynn, south of the castle. Visit it now to:
- Add it to your location log for 100% completion
- Stock up on supplies before the Castle Fynn assault
- Speak with the rebel soldiers preparing for battle
Leave Altair and head toward Fynn. Before reaching the castle, look for the Rebel Camp south of Castle Fynn. It's a temporary encampment where the Wild Rose rebels are gathering for the assault. Inside the camp, you can rest at the tent to restore HP/MP, purchase supplies from the camp vendors, and speak with rebel soldiers about the upcoming battle.
Make absolutely sure you visit the Rebel Camp before proceeding to Castle Fynn. This is your only opportunity - once Castle Fynn is liberated, the camp is permanently gone.
The stage is set. The rebels are ready. It's time to retake Castle Fynn from Imperial control and liberate the town where your journey began.
Before beginning the assault on Castle Fynn:
- Visit the Rebel Camp (permanently missable!)
- Stock up on Hi-Potions, Ethers, and Phoenix Downs
- Make sure Esuna and Basuna are ready for status ailments
- Have Teleport prepared for quick escapes
- Save your game before entering Castle Fynn
Note that Castle Fynn has 20 treasure chests, with 8 being missable - the castle layout changes after liberation, so collect everything during the initial assault.
Treasure Chests
The Coliseum has 4 treasure chests. None are missable - you can explore freely before and after the Behemoth fight. Two chests are in the entrance area, and two are in the prison cells after Paul's rescue.
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
Ether | 1F, left side room |
Cottage | 1F, right side room |
Elixir | Arena cells, after Paul rescue |
Hi-Potion | Arena cells, near Hilda |