Final Fantasy/Walkthrough

''Note: This walkthrough is primarily based on the Final Fantasy Origins remake for the PlayStation (normal mode). The only major differences between the NES versions and Origins are name changes and a modifications to a few enemy stats. The Dawn of Souls edition has the same names as the Origins edition, but radically different stats and four new (optional) dungeons.''

A great darkness shrouded the world.

The wind died.

The seas raged.

The earth began to decay.

Only a prophecy kept hope alive in people's hearts:

"When darkness veils the world, four warriors shall come."

And after journeying far, four young warriors did at last appear.

In the hands of each rested a mysterious crystal...

Alternate paths
While chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 have to be completed in order, and chapter 10 obviously had to be completed last, there are options on the order in which the other five or completed.
 * Chapter 7 can be completed at any point after you have the canoe, which you can pick up after beating the Lich.
 * Chapter 8 can be completed at any point after you get the airship.
 * Chapter 9 can also be completed at any point after you get the airship, though you will have to get to the uppermost floor of the Sunken Shrine first.

The path listed in the walkthrough is chosen because it gets you the class change as soon as possible. Aside from having access to better magics and equipment after the change, the new classes have different growth rates. This means that the lower your levels are when you change, the more stats will be gained under the new system. This is especially important for the Knights and Ninjas who do not gain any MP until after the change, and Red Wizards who gain little or no MP for the highest magic levels until the change.

In the original Final Fantasy on the NES, the only character that would not benefit from a class change was the Black Belt class. They would gain no improvements upon graduating to the Master class, and would in fact gain less magical defense (a hidden stat) with each level gain.