Lifespring Grotto is a new 20-level Soul of Chaos dungeon added in the Dawn of Souls release of Final Fantasy I. It is an optional dungeon, located east of Melmond in the ocean (it appears as a whirlpool). Access is granted once players have defeated the Fiend of Water, Kraken.
Astute Final Fantasy fans might recognize the bosses contained in Lifespring Grotto, as they all previously appeared in Final Fantasy V. Players will need to run the entirety of Lifespring Grotto at least twice in order to see all four new bosses.
It is highly recommended that you save your game before entering Lifespring Grotto! It is also highly recommended that you do not save inside Lifespring Grotto, as once you enter, there is no way out except for defeating a boss.
Entrance Area
A lone mermaid keeps watch over the entrance area. If you haven't defeated Kraken yet, you can't continue beyond this point. WARNING: Once you enter the nearby door, you will be unable to return to this area. Also, the White Magic spell Exit and Black magic spell Teleport will not function further inside! Enter the door when ready.
Basements 1-4
The basements are randomly-ordered from a set group of different basement layouts.
Basement 5 (Boss Floor)
This basement is a fixed layout and contains no random enemies. One of the four new bosses, Gilgamesh, resides on this level. Gilgamesh's location is random somewhere on this level. Upon locating and defeating him, the player may choose to proceed deeper into Lifespring Grotto or may choose to exit to the surface.
Gilgamesh
Located somewhere random on B5.
Basements 6-9
The basements are randomly-ordered from a set group of different basement layouts.
Basement 10 (Boss Floor)
This basement is a fixed layout and contains no random enemies. One of the four new bosses, Atomos, resides on this level. Approach the flame and press A to engage Atomos. Upon defeating him, the player may choose to proceed deeper into Lifespring Grotto or may choose to exit to the surface.
Atomos
Located in front of a doorway on B10.
Basements 11-19
The basements are randomly-ordered from a set group of different basement layouts.
Basement 20 (Boss Floor)
This basement is a fixed layout and contains no random enemies. Two of the four new bosses, Omega and Shinryu, reside on this level. Approach one of the flames and press A to engage a boss. Upon defeating either boss, the player is forced to exit to the surface.
Omega
Located in the western room on B20.
Shinryu
Located in the eastern room on B20. A treasure chest containing a Hero's Shield is located nearby.