:''See the [[Final Fantasy/Classes|classes]] and [[Final Fantasy/Parties|parties]] pages for more information.''
To start the game, you must choose a name for each of four characters, and their character class. The available character classes are Warrior, Thief, Monk, Red Mage, White Mage, and Black Mage. These classes will determine the way the rest of the game goes, and you can't change the basic makeup of your party afterwards, so you are advised to choose carefully. Strong combinations include Warrior/Thief/White Mage/Black Mage, and Warrior/Warrior/Red Mage/White Mage.
Moving your character around the world map is fairly self-explanatory. The Final Fantasy landscape consists of plains, grasslands, forests, swamps, deserts, oceans, ports, rivers, and mountains. Oceans can only be traversed by ship, and ships may only dock at ports, which are usually located near points of interest in the southern hemisphere. Rivers may only be traversed by canoe; however, the Light Warriors are apparently able to carry the canoe with them, so it is automatically activated when you reach a river. (Rivers are shown as stagnant-looking narrow waterways cutting through land.) Mountains may not be traversed at all. With an airship, you can fly over anything, but can only land on plains and grasslands.
The landscape of Final Fantasy consists of a variety of terrains, such as grasslands and forests. Oceans may only be traversed by ship, and ships may only dock at ports, which are usually located near points of interest in the southern hemisphere. Rivers may only be traversed by canoe; however, the Light Warriors can carry the canoe with them, so it is automatically activated when you reach a river. Mountains may not be traversed at all. With an airship, you can fly over anything, but can only land on plains and grasslands.
Occasionally you will reach points of interest such as towns, castles, and caves. When you step onto one of these, the game "zooms in" and you control the Light Warriors inside the point of interest. Here, you will often find people that will yield some information when you talk to them. Sometimes the information is useless, other times vitally important to the story. You will also occasionally find treasure chests, many contain only mundane items, but others contain rare equipment or key items. In towns, you will find several different kinds of shops that will exchange goods and services for money. These include item stores (sell curative and utilitarian items), White and Black Magic stores, weapon and armor stores, clinics (can revive slain allies), and inns (restores living Light Warriors to full status, and saves the game).
Occasionally you will reach points of interest such as towns, castles, and caves. When you step onto one of these, the game "zooms in" and you control the Light Warriors inside the point of interest. Here, you will often find people that will yield some information when you talk to them. Sometimes the information is useless, other times vitally important to the story. You will also occasionally find treasure chests, many of which contain common items, while others contain rare equipment or key items. In towns, you will find several different kinds of shops that will exchange goods and services for money. These include item stores (sell curative and utilitarian items), White and Black Magic stores, weapon and armor stores, clinics (can revive slain allies), and inns (restores living Light Warriors to full status, and saves the game).
When wandering throughout the world map and in dungeons, you will fight "random encounters". The enemies you face in these encounters depend on the area of the world you are currently travelling in and the terrain. Oceans and rivers have their own set of enemies. There are no random encounters while riding on the airship or in towns/castles. Sometimes battles are preprogrammed (usually directly in front of key items).
When wandering throughout the world map and in dungeons, you will fight "random encounters". The enemies you face in these encounters depend on the area of the world you are currently traveling in and the terrain. Oceans and rivers have their own set of enemies. There are no random encounters while riding on the airship or in towns/castles. Sometimes battles are preprogrammed (usually directly in front of key items).
==Subscreen==
==Subscreen==
On the subscreen you can view data relating to the Light Warriors and perform miscellaneous actions. These actions are:
On the subscreen you can view data relating to the Light Warriors and perform many actions. These actions are:
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 NES Subscreen.png|right|thumb|NES subscreen]]
* '''Item:''' Use items such as cure potions, tents, or story-related items.
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 GBA Subscreen.png|right|thumb|GBA subscreen]]
* '''Weapon:''' Equip each Light Warrior with one (or no) weapon. Not all warriors can use all weapons; this depends on the class of the warrior. Weapons include daggers, swords, hammers, nunchuks, and staves.
* '''[[Final Fantasy/Items|Items]]''': Use items such as potions, tents, etc. or [[Final Fantasy/Key items|key items]]. After the NES version of the game, all items appear in this list, as opposed to armor and weapons appearing in their own menus. However, battle items and equipment that may be used as items cannot be activated from this menu. "Using" a piece of equipment will show you which [[Final Fantasy/Classes|classes]] can equip it.
* '''Armor:''' Equip each Light Warrior with armor. A Light Warrior may be equipped with one armor, bracelet, or shirt, one shield, one helmet, and one pair of gauntlets/gloves. Again, this depends on the character class.
* '''[[Final Fantasy/Gameplay#Magic|Magic]]''': Magic that has been purchased from a magic shop can be used here, assuming the character has enough MP. After the NES version, learned magic may be discarded if desired.
* '''Status:''' View the attributes of each Light Warrior in greater detail. These attributes are explained in greater detail elsewhere. Also shows the number of experience points needed to advance to the next level. Light Warriors gain experience points from winning battles; upon reaching certain milestones (levels), they are granted higher attributes, more HP, and (possibly) more MP.
* '''Equipment''': [[Final Fantasy/Weapons|Weapons]] and [[Final Fantasy/Armor|armor]] can be equipped or removed from this menu. Along with seeing what is equipped you can also see the character's ATK, ACC, DEF, and EVA [[Final Fantasy/Gameplay#Character stats|stats]] and what effect the equipment has on it. In the NES versions, weapons and armor must be equipped separately through different menu selections.
* '''Magic:''' If your characters have magic-using capabilities, you can use them here assuming you have the requisite level of spell charges. Outside of battle, this includes mostly curative spells.
* '''Status''': View the attributes of each Light Warrior in greater detail including experience needed for the next level, [[Final Fantasy/Gameplay#Character stats|stats]], current equipment, HP, MP, and current level.
* '''[[Final Fantasy/Gameplay#Formation|Formation]]''': Change the order of the party. In the NES version of the game, this is performed by pressing the {{nes|Select}} button.
Displayed for each Light Warrior are HP and MP, compared with their maximum. HP (Hit Points) is the amount of damage a warrior can withstand before dying. It can be restored by using Heal Potions or curative spells and items, and can be restored completely by visiting an Inn.
* '''[[#Saving|Memo]]''' (''Origins'' only) Quick save your game to the system's temporary memory at any point. When the power is shut off this file is erased.
* '''[[#Config|Config]]''' Change video, audio, and gameplay options. Also view the [[Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls/Enemies|bestiary]] (''DoS/20AE'') or [[Final Fantasy Origins/Collections|Collections]] (''Origins'').
MP (Magic Points) is a little more complicated. There are eight levels of spells, Level 1 being the weakest spells and Level 8 being the strongest. A Light Warrior, assuming he has the capacity to do so by his character class, can learn spells by buying them from a magic store. A Light Warrior may learn no more than three spells for each level; a total of 24 spells, and spells cannot be removed or sold. A Light Warrior also has a certain number of MPs for each spell level. These MPs are not interchangeable between spell levels, and they are not rechargeable except by staying at an Inn. For example, if a Light Warrior has 3 spell charges for Level 1 and 1 spell charge for Level 2, he may cast three Level 1 spells and one level 2 spell. He may not cast two Level 2 spells before staying at an Inn under any circumstances, until his experience level increases.
* '''[[#Saving|Save]]''' (''DoS'' and ''20AE'') Save the game.
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==Party Order==
=== Saving ===
You may change the marching order of your party. The character at the front of the line will tend to take more damage from non-magical attacks. Therefore, your leader should be the warrior with the strongest armor and highest HP value.
* '''Saving''' (Original version and ''Origins''): This is the standard way to save your game and there are two methods of doing it. The first way is to stay at an inn and save your game when it prompts you. The second way is to use a [[Final Fantasy/Items#Bag|bag]], [[Final Fantasy/Items#Tent|tent]], or [[Final Fantasy/Items#Cottage|cottage]] on the world map and save your game when prompted.
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 GBA Save.png|left|thumb|GBA save screen]]
==Combat==
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 PSX Memo.png|right|thumb|PlayStation memo]]
In combat, you are presented with your party on one side and your enemies on the other. One by one, each Light Warrior steps forth and awaits your orders. (Sometimes, the Light Warriors may be surprised by an enemy, in which case the enemy gets a free round of attacks.) Your choices are:
* '''Saving''' (''DoS'' and ''20AE''): The game can be saved at any point (except during a battle) from the [[#Subscreen|subscreen]]. Simply open up the subscreen and select "Save".
* '''Memo Saving''' (''[[Final Fantasy Origins]]'' only): This is more of a precautionary method of temporarily saving your game inside a dungeon in case you die. While purists of the original game may dislike Memo Saving, it's definitely helpful for beginners and the like. To use the Memo Save feature, go into the main menu and select the Memo option. After that, select yes when it prompts you to save your game. Note that this type of save is only temporary - if you shut off the console without doing a normal save, you will lose your data.
* '''Fight:''' Attack a specific enemy using the equipped weapon
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* '''Magic:''' Use magic spells, either to attack an enemy or enemies, cure party members, increase the attributes of party members, or decrease the attributes of opponents.
=== Config ===
* '''Item:''' Some weapons and armor have special effects when used in battle.
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 PSX Config.png|right|thumb|PlayStation configuration]]
* '''Run:''' Attempt to flee the battle. Based on an individual warrior's Luck attribute; however, if one warrior successfully flees, all warriors flee.
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 GBA Config.png|right|thumb|GBA configuration]]
* '''[[#System|System]]''' (''Origins'' only): Allows you to disable certain changes made from the NES version and ''Origins''.
After the warriors receive their orders, they carry them out one by one while the enemy also attacks using its own set of orders. If one side is completely incapacitated, the other side gets free rounds of attacks until at least one member recovers; if one side is killed or turned to stone, the battle is over. If that one side happens to be the Light Warriors, the game is over.
* '''B Button Dash''' (''DoS'' and ''20AE'' only): If on, the character will always run, otherwise you have to hold B to run.
* '''Cursor''': If "Memory" is selected, the next time a menu appears, the cursor will start at the last option chosen, otherwise the cursor always returns to the top of the menu.
* '''Text/Message Speed''': Adjust the speed that dialog appears when talking and how fast the text changes during battle.
* '''Window Color: ''' Mix red, green, and blue to make a custom background color for the subscreen.
* '''Controller''' (''Origins'' only): Customize the controller layout.
* '''Sound Output''' (''Origins'' only): Switch between mono and stereo sound.
* '''Vibration''' (''Origins'' only): Turn off/on the PS1 rumble feature.
* '''Screen Adjustment''' (''Origins'' only): Position the screen so it fits properly on your TV.
* '''Collections''' (''Origins'' only): View the [[Final Fantasy Origins/Collections|collections]].
* '''Bestiary''' (''DoS'' and ''20AE'' only): View the [[Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls/Enemies|bestiary]].
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=== System ===
[[Image:Final Fantasy 1 PSX Extra Config.png|right|thumb|PlayStation extra settings]]
* '''Auto Target''': If on and a character is directed to attack a dead enemy, they will select a random target to attack instead. If off they will simply attack empty space.
* '''O Dash''': Allows the party to run in towns and dungeons if the O button is held. This does not affect the encounter rate.
* '''Battle Support''' Allows the use of various [[Final Fantasy/Items|curative items]] during battle, especially [[Final Fantasy/Items#Gold Needle|Gold Needles]].
* '''Button Info''' If on, text describing what each command will do when the cursor is pointed to it will be displayed during battle.
The landscape of Final Fantasy consists of a variety of terrains, such as grasslands and forests. Oceans may only be traversed by ship, and ships may only dock at ports, which are usually located near points of interest in the southern hemisphere. Rivers may only be traversed by canoe; however, the Light Warriors can carry the canoe with them, so it is automatically activated when you reach a river. Mountains may not be traversed at all. With an airship, you can fly over anything, but can only land on plains and grasslands.
Occasionally you will reach points of interest such as towns, castles, and caves. When you step onto one of these, the game "zooms in" and you control the Light Warriors inside the point of interest. Here, you will often find people that will yield some information when you talk to them. Sometimes the information is useless, other times vitally important to the story. You will also occasionally find treasure chests, many of which contain common items, while others contain rare equipment or key items. In towns, you will find several different kinds of shops that will exchange goods and services for money. These include item stores (sell curative and utilitarian items), White and Black Magic stores, weapon and armor stores, clinics (can revive slain allies), and inns (restores living Light Warriors to full status, and saves the game).
When wandering throughout the world map and in dungeons, you will fight "random encounters". The enemies you face in these encounters depend on the area of the world you are currently traveling in and the terrain. Oceans and rivers have their own set of enemies. There are no random encounters while riding on the airship or in towns/castles. Sometimes battles are preprogrammed (usually directly in front of key items).
On the subscreen you can view data relating to the Light Warriors and perform many actions. These actions are:
NES subscreenGBA subscreen
Items: Use items such as potions, tents, etc. or key items. After the NES version of the game, all items appear in this list, as opposed to armor and weapons appearing in their own menus. However, battle items and equipment that may be used as items cannot be activated from this menu. "Using" a piece of equipment will show you which classes can equip it.
Magic: Magic that has been purchased from a magic shop can be used here, assuming the character has enough MP. After the NES version, learned magic may be discarded if desired.
Equipment: Weapons and armor can be equipped or removed from this menu. Along with seeing what is equipped you can also see the character's ATK, ACC, DEF, and EVA stats and what effect the equipment has on it. In the NES versions, weapons and armor must be equipped separately through different menu selections.
Status: View the attributes of each Light Warrior in greater detail including experience needed for the next level, stats, current equipment, HP, MP, and current level.
Formation: Change the order of the party. In the NES version of the game, this is performed by pressing the button.
Memo (Origins only) Quick save your game to the system's temporary memory at any point. When the power is shut off this file is erased.
Config Change video, audio, and gameplay options. Also view the bestiary (DoS/20AE) or Collections (Origins).
Saving (Original version and Origins): This is the standard way to save your game and there are two methods of doing it. The first way is to stay at an inn and save your game when it prompts you. The second way is to use a bag, tent, or cottage on the world map and save your game when prompted.
GBA save screenPlayStation memo
Saving (DoS and 20AE): The game can be saved at any point (except during a battle) from the subscreen. Simply open up the subscreen and select "Save".
Memo Saving (Final Fantasy Origins only): This is more of a precautionary method of temporarily saving your game inside a dungeon in case you die. While purists of the original game may dislike Memo Saving, it's definitely helpful for beginners and the like. To use the Memo Save feature, go into the main menu and select the Memo option. After that, select yes when it prompts you to save your game. Note that this type of save is only temporary - if you shut off the console without doing a normal save, you will lose your data.
System (Origins only): Allows you to disable certain changes made from the NES version and Origins.
B Button Dash (DoS and 20AE only): If on, the character will always run, otherwise you have to hold B to run.
Cursor: If "Memory" is selected, the next time a menu appears, the cursor will start at the last option chosen, otherwise the cursor always returns to the top of the menu.
Text/Message Speed: Adjust the speed that dialog appears when talking and how fast the text changes during battle.
Window Color: Mix red, green, and blue to make a custom background color for the subscreen.
Controller (Origins only): Customize the controller layout.
Sound Output (Origins only): Switch between mono and stereo sound.
Vibration (Origins only): Turn off/on the PS1 rumble feature.
Screen Adjustment (Origins only): Position the screen so it fits properly on your TV.
Auto Target: If on and a character is directed to attack a dead enemy, they will select a random target to attack instead. If off they will simply attack empty space.
O Dash: Allows the party to run in towns and dungeons if the O button is held. This does not affect the encounter rate.
button.
