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The Evil Forest
Final Fantasy IX

The Evil Forest

Navigate The Evil Forest in Final Fantasy IX with our walkthrough. Learn strategies for the Prison Cage and Baku boss fights, and find all hidden items and ATEs on the Prima Vista.

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Navigate The Evil Forest in Final Fantasy IX with our walkthrough. Learn strategies for the Prison Cage and Baku boss fights, and find all hidden items and ATEs on the Prima Vista.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Prison Cage (First Battle): The boss absorbs HP from Garnet. Keep Garnet healed, using a Potion if her HP drops below 35. Avoid using Zidane's Tidal Flame if he is in Trance, as it will hit Garnet. Use Free Energy twice to make the boss retreat. Stealing is not recommended.
  2. 2
    Prima Vista Exploration: After the battle, return to the Prima Vista. Open the chest next to Baku for Bronze Gloves. Exit left and view ATEs: Time to Escape, My Little Baby (unlocks after viewing the first ATE), and Girl Who Was Left Behind. Head down the stairs, open the chest on the left for a Wrist.
  3. 3
    Vivi's Room: Enter the room on the right. Climb the bunk bed for 116 Gil and open the chest for an Ether. Speak with Vivi. Exit the room and choose any dialogue option.
  4. 4
    Further Exploration: Head through the opening on the left. Open the chest to your south for an Ether. Go down the stairs. Find a hidden treasure chest containing a Rubber Helm at the northern end of the room. Through the south opening, find another chest with a Leather Hat.
  5. 5
    Cargo Room: Enter the room on the right from the stairs to find Baku. Open the chest on the southern side for a Potion. Speak with Baku to initiate a fight.
  6. 6
    Baku Battle: This is a one-on-one fight. Focus on stealing Baku's items: a Hi-Potion and an Iron Sword. Heal when HP drops below 50. After stealing the Iron Sword, defeat Baku.
  7. 7
    Recruiting Steiner and Vivi: Head to the top of the stairs and enter the room to find Steiner. He agrees to help find the princess. Re-enter his room and open the chest for an Ether. Return to Vivi's location and he will join you.
  8. 8
    Equip Abilities: Before proceeding, open your menu, navigate to Abilities, and then Equip. Equip passive abilities for Zidane and Steiner using their available Ability Points.
Tips
  • The Trance mechanic is introduced in the first battle. It's a temporary power-up that increases strength and can unlock unique or amplified abilities. It fills automatically and empties after battle.
  • In the first Prison Cage fight, Garnet's HP is crucial. If she dies, it's game over.
  • In the second Prison Cage fight, Vivi will assist by casting Fire. You won't have Trance, so rely on normal attacks and stealing.
  • Baku's strongest attack deals around 30 damage.
  • When equipping abilities, prioritize based on your needs as you gain access to more options.
  • Bronze Gloves
  • Wrist
  • 116 Gil
  • Ether (x3)
  • Rubber Helm
  • Leather Hat
  • Potion
  • Hi-Potion (stolen from Baku)
  • Iron Sword (stolen from Baku)

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