Final Fantasy I Pixel Remaster Walkthrough – Chapter 4 – Cavern of Earth

With the canal now accessible, players can venture beyond the inner sea in this chapter, which has 18 bestiary entries and 28 treasure chests. Our journey begins in the town of Melmond.

Sailing to Melmond

To reach Melmond, head west from the Mount Duergar port where you docked your ship. Sail across the sea until you reach the western shore of the far continent, passing a small island along the way. Once you arrive in Melmond, engage with the locals to learn about the looming threat of the Vampire. Before exploring the cavern, it's advisable to rest at the Inn and visit the shops. Keep in mind that Level 5 spells cost 4,000 Gil each, so prioritize purchasing Curaga and Firaga during your first visit.

Exploring the Cavern of Earth

From Melmond, head west and navigate south through the narrow strip of land between the mountains until you locate the cavern's entrance at the base of the northern mountain range. The cavern consists of five floors, but for this initial exploration, we will focus on the top three floors, which contain 16 chests, many of which are guarded by enemies.

On the first floor (B1), the top right has a room with a chest containing 1,975 Gil. Head southwest to find another room with 880 Gil and a Potion. Adjacent to this, two additional chests hold 795 Gil and an Antidote, with all but the 880 Gil chest being guarded. After collecting these treasures, return to the start and make your way to the stairs leading down to B2.

On B2, a room in the mid-south area holds three chests protected by an Earth Elemental. Inside are a Leather Shield, 575 Gil, and 5,000 Gil. In the top right corner, you will discover a Coral Sword and a Tent. Proceed to the mid-right stairs to reach B3.

On B3, follow the path to a small room on the right containing a Sleeping Bag. Continue north, then take the first right heading south to find a guarded Gold Needle. Backtrack north and move left to uncover 3,400 Gil in another room. Skip the top-left corner and head south for another guarded stash of 1,020 Gil. The southern path leads directly to the Vampire.

Defeating the Vampire

The Vampire is particularly dangerous, dealing significant physical damage and possessing the ability to paralyze your party. He is weak to Fire and Dia but resists Ice and Poison. To defeat him, cast Fira from your Black Mage and Diara or Diaga from your White Mage. Ensure your White Mage regularly casts Cura to maintain health, and keep backup healing items handy in case of paralysis. After defeating the Vampire, collect the Star Ruby from the chest behind him before exiting the dungeon.

Acquiring the Earth Rod

With the Star Ruby in hand, head north from the cavern and then west to find the entrance to Giant's Cave. Here, a Titan blocks the path, but he will allow you to pass once you present him with the Star Ruby. Inside, you can find four treasure chests, including a Mythril Helm and a Great Axe. After exiting through the north side, continue south around the mountains to reach the Sage's Cave, where Sarda will reward you with the Earth Rod for your victory over the Vampire and task you with defeating a deeper Fiend.

Returning to the Cavern

Make your way back to Melmond to rest and gather any spells and equipment you may have missed. Proceed to the room where you battled the Vampire, where the Earth Rod will unlock a sealed door leading down to B4.

B4 contains two treasure rooms; the northern room has five chests guarded by Sphinxes, while the southwest room holds a Tent, 1,250 Gil, and a Mythril Shield. Finally, head to B5 where you will encounter the first Fiend, Lich. Prepare adequately before entering the boss room, as Lich casts powerful status effects. Utilize the same strategy as before, casting Fira and Diara/Diaga while ensuring your White Mage keeps your party healed.

After defeating Lich, step into the portal behind the crystal to warp out of the cavern. Return to Melmond to rest and resupply before setting your sights on Crescent Lake for the next leg of your adventure.