Final Fantasy 1

Where the legend began. Guide four Warriors of Light as they restore the crystals and save the world from eternal darkness.

Release Year
1987
Playtime
15-20h
Difficulty
Easy
Platform
Pixel Remaster
Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster Key Art

Quick Navigation

Walkthrough Chapters

Cornelia Castle and town on the world map in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 1

Cornelia & Garland

20-30 minutes

A complete FF1 Pixel Remaster walkthrough for Chapter 1. Learn how to equip your party in Cornelia, defeat Garland in the Chaos Shrine, and rescue Princess Sarah.

Cornelia, Chaos Shrine Easy
Pravoka town Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 2

Pravoka, Matoya's Cave & The Ship

20 minutes

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide continues. This Chapter 2 walkthrough covers Matoya's Cave, the town of Pravoka, and how to defeat the pirates to get your own ship.

Pravoka, Matoya's Cave Easy
Elfheim and the Marsh Cave in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 3

Elfheim, the Marsh Cave & Crown Recovery

1 hour

This FF1 Pixel Remaster walkthrough for Chapter 3 covers Elfheim, the poisonous Marsh Cave, defeating the dark elf Astos, and getting the crucial Mystic Key.

Elfheim, Marsh Cave, Western Keep Medium
Melmond town Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 4

The Mystic Key & Earth Crystal

2 hours

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 4 covers the Mystic Key treasure hunt, the town of Melmond, the Cavern of Earth, and the defeat of the Fiend of Earth, Lich.

World, Melmond, Cavern of Earth Medium
Mount Gulg volcano and Crescent Lake in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 5

Crescent Lake & Mount Gulg

2 hours

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 5 covers the Sages of Crescent Lake, getting the Canoe, braving the volcanic Mount Gulg, and defeating the Fiend of Fire, Marilith.

Crescent Lake, Mount Gulg Hard
The Cavern of Ice and the Airship in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 6

Cavern of Ice & the Airship

1 hour 30 minutes

This FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 6 details how to navigate the Cavern of Ice, defeat the Evil Eye to get the Levistone, and acquire the Airship.

Cavern of Ice, Lykion Desert Hard
The Citadel of Trials and Bahamut's lair in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 7

Citadel of Trials & Class Change

1 hour 30 minutes

In our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 7, navigate the Citadel of Trials, claim the Rat's Tail, prove your courage to Bahamut, and unlock powerful advanced job classes.

Citadel of Trials, Cardia Islands Medium
Gaia town in the mountains and the Desert Caravan in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 8

Gaia & the Bottled Faerie

1 hour 30 minutes

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 8 covers visiting the town of Gaia, purchasing powerful new spells, buying the Bottled Faerie, obtaining the Oxyale, and exploring the Waterfall Cavern for the essential Warp Cube.

Gaia, Desert Caravan, Waterfall Cavern Easy
The Sunken Shrine underwater and the port town of Onrac in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 9

Sunken Shrine & Kraken

2 hours 30 minutes

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 9 covers the town of Onrac, the sprawling Sunken Shrine, finding the Rosetta Stone, and defeating the Fiend of Water, Kraken.

Onrac, Sunken Shrine Hard
Lufenia town and Dr. Unne in Melmond in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 10

Lufenia & the Chime

45 minutes

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 10 covers translating the Rosetta Stone with Dr. Unne in Melmond, visiting the ancient town of Lufenia, and obtaining the Chime.

Melmond, Lufenia Easy
Mirage Tower and Flying Fortress in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 11

Mirage Tower & Flying Fortress

2 hours 30 minutes

In our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 11, use the Chime to enter the Mirage Tower, find the Adamantite in the Flying Fortress, and defeat the Fiend of Wind, Tiamat.

Mirage Tower, Flying Fortress Hard
Chaos Shrine 2000 years in the past in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 12

Chaos Shrine (Past) & The Four Fiends

2 hours 30 minutes

In our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for Chapter 12, travel 2000 years into the past, navigate the final dungeon, find the Masamune, and defeat the four Fiends reborn.

Chaos Shrine (Past) Very Hard
The final battle against Chaos in Final Fantasy 1
Chapter 13

Chaos

30 minutes

Our FF1 Pixel Remaster guide for the final chapter covers the ultimate battle against Chaos. Learn the best strategy to break the 2000-year time loop and complete the game.

Chaos Shrine (Past) Extreme

Final Fantasy Trivia

A Company's Last Hope (1987)

Square was on the verge of bankruptcy when director Hironobu Sakaguchi decided to create one "final" fantasy game. Ironically, this desperate gamble became one of gaming's most successful franchises, saving the company and revolutionizing JRPGs forever.

Revolutionary Features

FF1 introduced many elements that became series staples: crystals as plot devices, chocobos for transportation, iconic spells like Fire and Cure, and a flexible class system that let players customize their party of four Warriors of Light.

Cultural Impact

The game's success in Japan led to its eventual Western release in 1990, introducing console RPGs to a broader audience. Its influence can be seen in countless JRPGs that followed, establishing many genre conventions still used today.

The Pixel Remaster Legacy

Released in 2021, the Pixel Remaster preserves the original's classic gameplay while adding modern quality-of-life improvements. It's the definitive way to experience Sakaguchi's masterpiece for both newcomers and veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Final Fantasy 1?

Final Fantasy 1 is the first game in the legendary JRPG series, originally released in 1987. You play as four Warriors of Light on a quest to restore the world's crystals and defeat the forces of darkness. The Pixel Remaster version features enhanced graphics, remastered music, and modern quality-of-life improvements.

How long does it take to beat Final Fantasy 1?

Most players complete Final Fantasy 1 in 15-20 hours for the main story. Completionists exploring all optional content may take 25-30 hours. The Pixel Remaster's auto-save and reduced grinding make it faster than the original.

Is Final Fantasy 1 good for beginners?

Yes! FF1 is excellent for newcomers to JRPGs. It has straightforward mechanics, clear objectives, and the Pixel Remaster version removes much of the original's difficulty. It's the perfect introduction to the Final Fantasy series.

What is the best version of Final Fantasy 1 to play?

The Pixel Remaster (2021) is widely considered the definitive version. It preserves the original's classic feel while adding modern conveniences like auto-save, improved graphics, remastered soundtrack, and quality-of-life improvements.

Do I need to play Final Fantasy games in order?

No! Each numbered Final Fantasy game tells a complete, standalone story. You can start with any game in the series. FF1 is a great starting point due to its simplicity and historical significance.

Essential Tips for Success

Combat Essentials

  • Party Balance: Include both physical fighters and magic users
  • Equipment: Always upgrade weapons and armor in new towns
  • Magic: Stock up on healing spells and items early

Exploration Tips

  • Talk to Everyone: NPCs provide crucial hints and information
  • Don't Rush: Take time to level up when areas feel too difficult
  • Explore Everywhere: Spend time exploring new places to get all the treasure