FF WalkthroughBefore entering the Underground Waterway, spend some time leveling Rydia in the desert outside Kaipo. She needs Thunder for the boss at the end of this dungeon, and the extra HP will help her survive. Aim for level 10 before heading in.
Grinding Tip
The desert northeast of Kaipo has weak enemies that Cecil's Darkness ability can clear in one hit. Put Rydia in the back row so she takes less damage while you grind. Get her to level 10 so she learns Thunder before tackling the boss.
Finding the Entrance
The Underground Waterway connects Kaipo to Damcyan. From Kaipo, head northeast across the desert until you reach the mountains. The cave entrance is tucked into the mountainside. This is a two-part dungeon - the southern section leads to the northern section, which exits near the Subterranean Lake and then Damcyan.
Enemies
Most encounters here won't give you trouble. Here's what you'll face:
- Red Mousse (35 HP) - Weak to Fire, absorbs water. Physical attacks work fine.
- Gigantoad (47 HP) - Can inflict Toad status. Kill quickly or use a Maiden's Kiss.
- Zombie (52 HP) - Undead. Weak to fire and curative magic.
- Sahagin (64 HP) - Weak to Lightning. Easy with Thunder.
- Killer Fish (65 HP) - Weak to Lightning. Often appears with Sahagin.
- Alligator (175 HP) - Weak to Ice. The toughest random encounter here.
South B2 - Gathering Supplies
South B2 has four more chests. Two contain Potions, one near the first room and another by the save point. Grab the Ether along the central path. The Ice Rod sits in the eastern branch - give this to Rydia immediately. It boosts her ice magic and gives her a backup attack when MP runs low.
Use the save point before proceeding. You're about to gain a new party member, and the dungeon gets more complex from here.
B3 - Short Connecting Floor
This small floor connects the south and north sections of the waterway. Pick up 580 Gil on the main path and a Bomb Fragment in a side alcove. The Bomb Fragment is a consumable item that deals fire damage to all enemies - save it for groups of Red Mousse if you want irony, or just hold onto it for emergencies.
Meeting Tellah
On the northern section of the dungeon, you'll encounter an old man blocking the path. This is Sage Tellah, an elderly mage searching for his daughter Anna. She ran off with a bard from Damcyan, and Tellah has some choice words about that. Since you're both headed to Damcyan, he joins your party.
Tellah knows both black and white magic. He can heal, nuke enemies with Thunder, and inflict status effects. But his max MP is low, so you can't spam spells. Use Thunder on water enemies, Cure when someone drops low, and save MP for the boss.
North B2 - After Tellah Joins
With three party members, the encounters become easier. This floor has two chests: a Potion in the main area and a Feathered Cap in a hidden path.
Hidden Path
On the left side of North B2, there is a hidden passage you can walk into. Follow it up and around to reach the Feathered Cap. This is a solid helmet upgrade - equip it on Cecil or save it for a future party member.
North B1 - Final Stretch
The last section before the lake has the best non-boss loot in the dungeon. Collect an Ether in the first room, then an Antarctic Wind on the south path. Grab the Hourglass before the lake entrance - it inflicts Stop on enemies.
The Shadowblade hides in a nearby alcove. This weapon has a chance to instantly kill enemies and is a direct upgrade for Cecil. Equip it right away.
Subterranean Lake
Follow Tellah down the waterfall to reach the Subterranean Lake. At the bottom, you find four pieces of excellent equipment in quick succession:
- Hades Helm - Dark-element helmet with solid defense
- Hades Gloves - Matching gloves, good stats
- Hades Armor - Heavy body armor for Cecil
- Hermes Shoes - Auto-Haste when equipped
The Hermes Shoes are the standout item. Auto-Haste means the wearer always acts faster in battle. Put them on Cecil - he will get more attacks in, making random encounters much faster.
Boss: Octomamm
At the end of the Subterranean Lake, a giant octopus blocks the exit to Damcyan.
Weakness: Lightning, Darkness
This giant octopus attacks with its tentacles. As you deal damage, tentacles disappear one by one and the boss becomes progressively weaker. The fight gets easier as it goes.
Strategy
- Cecil - Use regular attacks. The Shadowblade has a chance to instant kill, but don't count on it. Darkness isn't effective here.
- Rydia - Cast Thunder every turn. This is your main damage source. If she learned Chocobo summon, that works too.
- Tellah - Cast Thunder when the party is healthy. Switch to Cure when someone drops below half HP.
- Watch tentacles - Each one that disappears means less damage incoming. Stay on the offensive.
Keep Rydia alive at all costs. Her Thunder spell deals the most damage. If she dies, have Tellah use Phoenix Down while Cecil defends.
After defeating Octomamm, exit the waterway. You emerge near Damcyan Castle, your next destination.
Treasure Chests
The Underground Waterway contains 18 chests spread across both sections, plus 4 more in the Subterranean Lake. The hidden waterfall room on South B1 is easy to miss.
South B1
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
Potion | South B1, near entrance |
Maiden's Kiss | South B1, south path |
Tent | South B1, east side |
Iron Armlet | South B1, before waterfall room |
South B2
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
Potion | South B2, first room |
Potion | South B2, near save point |
Ether | South B2, central path |
Ice Rod | South B2, east branch (give to Rydia) |
B3
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
580 Gil | B3, main path |
Bomb Fragment | B3, side alcove |
North B2
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
Feathered Cap | North B2, hidden path on left side |
Potion | North B2, after Tellah joins |
North B1
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
Ether | North B1, first room |
Antarctic Wind | North B1, south path |
Hourglass | North B1, before lake entrance |
Shadowblade | North B1, hidden alcove (equip on Cecil) |
Subterranean Lake
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
Hades Helm | Subterranean Lake, after waterfall descent |
Hades Gloves | Subterranean Lake, near Hades Helm |
Hades Armor | Subterranean Lake, east side |
Hermes Shoes | Subterranean Lake, before boss room |