Final Fantasy 1 Beginner's Guide
New to Final Fantasy 1? Learn which classes to choose, essential combat tips, magic mechanics, and beginner strategies for Pixel Remaster success.
Welcome to Your First Adventure
Welcome to the starting point of the Final Fantasy series. Final Fantasy 1 is where the Warriors of Light's first journey began. It is a classic tale of good versus evil. This guide covers the Final Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster from start to finish. Before you begin, you will choose four team members from six classes. Once they are all named and chosen, the adventure begins!
Getting Started
- • Choose balanced party: Fighter, Thief, White Mage, Black Mage
- • Buy equipment in Cornelia before leaving
- • Save frequently!
- • Talk to everyone for hints and lore
Key Features
- • Classic job system with 6 classes
- • Turn-based combat
- • Open world exploration
- • Epic crystal-based storyline
Important Notes
- • No permanently missable content
- • Grinding may be needed for tough bosses
- • Some puzzles require specific items
- • Pixel Remaster has quality of life improvements
Starting Classes Guide
Choosing your starting party is the most important decision you'll make. A balanced team with physical attackers and a healer is highly recommended for first-time players.
Warrior
Physical DPS / Tank
The tank. High strength and defense with access to the best weapons and armor. A must-have for any balanced party.
Thief
Speed/Utility
Fast and agile. Has a high evasion rate and can flee from battles easily.
Monk
Physical DPS
A powerful martial artist whose attack increases dramatically when unarmed.
Red Mage
Hybrid
A jack-of-all-trades who can use both White and Black magic, as well as decent weapons.
White Mage
Healer/Support
The dedicated healer. Essential for keeping your party alive with powerful healing and support spells.
Black Mage
Magical DPS
The offensive spellcaster. Wields powerful elemental magic to exploit enemy weaknesses.
Party Composition Tips
Recommended Balanced Party
Alternative Approaches
- • All Physical: 2-3 Warriors + Red Mage for healing
- • Magic Heavy: 2 Mages + Warrior + Red Mage
- • Challenge Run: 4 of the same class
Good News: The Pixel Remaster is very forgiving! You can overcome almost any party imbalance through grinding levels and purchasing better equipment. Don't worry too much about making the "perfect" party - experimentation is part of the fun!
Essential Tips for Success
Combat Essentials
- Always keep your party healed before tough fights
- Learn enemy weaknesses - some resist physical, others magical damage
- Don't target dead enemies or you'll waste your turn
- Use items liberally - they're cheaper than losing progress
Exploration & Progression
- Talk to every NPC - they provide crucial hints and lore
- Upgrade equipment immediately when reaching new towns
- Save frequently, especially before entering dungeons
- If an area feels too hard, go level up elsewhere first
Magic & Resources
- Buy magic spells from shops - mages don't learn them naturally
- Rest at inns to restore all magic charges
- Keep Antidotes and healing items stocked
- Don't sell unique equipment - you can't buy it back
Beginner FAQ
Can I change my party composition after starting?
No, you're locked into your initial four character choices for the entire game. However, classes will upgrade later in the story, gaining new abilities and better stats.
What happens if I make a bad party composition?
Don't worry! The Pixel Remaster is very forgiving. You can overcome almost any party weakness through leveling up and buying better equipment. Even challenging compositions like 4 White Mages can complete the game.
How important is grinding in Final Fantasy 1?
Moderate grinding is expected and often necessary, especially before major bosses. If you're struggling, gaining 2-3 levels and upgrading equipment usually solves the problem. The Pixel Remaster reduces grinding compared to the original.
Should I focus on physical or magical damage?
Both are useful throughout the game. Some enemies resist physical attacks while others resist magic. A balanced party with both damage types gives you the most options in combat.
Status Effects Guide
Your party can be afflicted with various status effects. Most can be cured with items or White Magic spells.
| Status | Effect | Cure |
|---|---|---|
| Poison | Lose HP each turn in battle and every step outside of battle. | Antidote, Poisona |
| Paralysis | Unable to perform any action until cured or the battle ends. | Remedy |
| Stone | Character is petrified and unable to act. If the whole party is petrified, it's game over. | Gold Needle, Stona |
| Silence | Prevents casting spells. | Echo Grass, Vox |
| Sleep | Character cannot act but will wake up if attacked. | Physical damage, Awakening |
| Darkness | Greatly reduces accuracy for physical attacks. | Eye Drops, Blindna |
| Death | Character is knocked out and cannot act. If whole party dies, it's game over. | Life, Phoenix Down |
Combat Mechanics
Turn Order & Actions
- • Turn order is determined by Agility stat
- • Select all party actions before the round begins
- • Actions execute in speed order, not selection order
- • Targeting dead enemies wastes your turn
Magic System
- • Magic uses a charges system (not MP)
- • Each spell level has limited uses per rest
- • Rest at inns to restore all magic charges
- • Higher level spells are more powerful but limited