Key Items
Key Items are unique, irreplaceable objects essential for progressing through the epic journey of Final Fantasy V. Unlike standard inventory items, they cannot be sold, used in battle, or consumed. This section details each crucial Key Item, its location, and how to utilize it to advance the story or unlock new areas and abilities.
Crystal Shards
These fragments of the shattered Wind, Water, Fire, and Earth Crystals are central to the plot. Collecting them is often tied to major story beats and provides your party with new Job Classes.
- Wind Crystal Shard: Obtained automatically after the Wind Crystal shatters at the Wind Shrine. This grants access to the Knight, Monk, Thief, White Mage, Black Mage, and Blue Mage Jobs.
- Water Crystal Shard: Acquired after defeating the Siren at the Water Shrine. This unlocks the Red Mage, Time Mage, Summoner, and Berserker Jobs.
- Fire Crystal Shard: Found after confronting Galuf at the Fire-Powered Ship and witnessing the Fire Crystal's destruction. This provides the Mystic Knight, Geomancer, Ninja, and Bard Jobs.
- Earth Crystal Shard: Gained after the Earth Crystal breaks in the Ancient Library. This unlocks the Trainer, Conjuror (Oracle in some versions), and Chemist Jobs.
Ship's Wheel
This vital component is needed to repair the Wind Drake's ship, transforming it into a functional vessel for sea travel.
- Location: Found in the Pirate's Hideout, hidden within a secret passage behind the waterfall.
- Action: After obtaining the Ship's Wheel, return to the Wind Drake's crashed ship on the beach near Tule. Interact with the ship, and the party will automatically install the wheel, allowing you to sail the high seas.
Canal Key
The Canal Key is essential for opening the floodgates of the Torna Canal, providing passage to the open ocean.
- Location: Given to you by King Tycoon in Tycoon Castle after the events at the Wind Shrine and the Pirate's Hideout.
- Action: Take the Ship's Wheel-equipped ship to the Torna Canal, located east of Tycoon Castle. Approach the gate, and the party will use the Canal Key to open it, granting access to the Great Sea.
Dragon Grass
This rare herb is the only known cure for the Wind Drake's illness, allowing it to fly once more.
- Location: Found in the North Mountain, specifically near the summit where the Wind Drake rests. You'll need to navigate the treacherous mountain paths to reach it.
- Action: Once obtained, approach the ailing Wind Drake on North Mountain. The party will administer the Dragon Grass, healing the drake and restoring its ability to fly, which is crucial for reaching new continents.
Fire Ship Engine
A powerful engine that allows the Fire-Powered Ship to traverse lava flows.
- Location: Acquired after defeating the Guardian at the Fire-Powered Ship.
- Action: With the engine in hand, the Fire-Powered Ship, previously stuck, can now move across the lava rivers within the Ronka Ruins, enabling further exploration of the ancient structure.
Magical Lamp
This mystical lamp holds the power to summon various Eidolons, though its uses are limited.
- Location: Found in the Ancient Library, within a hidden room accessible after solving a small puzzle involving bookshelves.
- Action: The Magical Lamp can be used a limited number of times (typically 8) to summon a random Eidolon in battle without consuming MP. Each use depletes one "charge," and the lamp breaks after all charges are expended. It's a powerful tool for early-game boss fights or tough encounters.
Submarine
A crucial vehicle for exploring the depths of the ocean, leading to hidden areas and treasures.
- Location: Obtained in the town of Surgate after the events at the Ancient Library. The townspeople will provide it to you.
- Action: Once you have the Submarine, you can access underwater locations on the world map. Simply sail your ship over a deep-sea trench or designated underwater entrance, and the option to dive will appear. This opens up new dungeons and story segments.
Airship
The ultimate mode of transportation, allowing free flight across the entire world map.
- Location: Acquired after defeating the Crystal in the Ronka Ruins and witnessing the Earth Crystal's destruction. The Airship is found within the ruins itself.
- Action: The Airship provides unparalleled mobility, allowing you to reach previously inaccessible areas, revisit old locations quickly, and progress to the final stages of the game. It's an indispensable tool for exploration and side quests.
Fork Tower Key
This key is necessary to unlock the sealed doors within the mysterious Fork Tower.
- Location: Found in the town of Moore, after the events at the Great Forest of Moore. A villager will entrust it to you.
- Action: Use the Fork Tower Key to gain entry to the Fork Tower, a unique dungeon that requires splitting your party into two groups. Without this key, you cannot proceed.
Elder Branch
A sacred branch from the Elder Tree, essential for calming the raging volcano.
- Location: Obtained from the Elder Tree itself, located within the Great Forest of Moore, after a significant event involving the forest's guardian.
- Action: Bring the Elder Branch to the volcano (usually Mount Mesa). The branch will allow you to pass through the fiery obstacles and reach the core of the volcano, where another challenge awaits.