Defeat Skull Dragon in Final Fantasy VI

The Skull Dragon is a relatively weak boss whose defeat yields the Crusader magicite and opens the path to the Dragon's Den.

The Skull Dragon is a relatively weak boss whose defeat yields the Crusader magicite and opens the path to the Dragon's Den.

The Skull Dragon is a relatively weak boss whose defeat yields the Crusader magicite and opens the path to the Dragon's Den.

The Skull Dragon is a relatively weak boss whose defeat yields the Crusader magicite and opens the path to the Dragon's Den.

Walkthrough

1
After defeating the Skull Dragon, a message will appear on-screen stating that the “Eightfold Seal” has been broken.
2
The area will vibrate, and you will obtain the Crusader magicite.
3
A stone slab will fall, granting access to the Dragon’s Den.
4
Take the eastern exit and proceed along the path.
5
Once outside, step on the northern switch and swap teams.
6
Go south and continue to the next area.
7
Head east and follow the path until you are outside.
8
Go north and west at the fork to find the Pinwheel.
9
Backtrack and go east along the path.
10
You will eventually reach your other allies but be cut off.
11
Position both teams on switches to open the main door.
12
Proceed north and step on another switch.
13
You can now choose to go left or right. The second-strongest team should go right, the weakest left, and the strongest down the middle.
14
Party #1 (right path): Go to the far south and move Party #3 aside. Have Party #1 move the four-ton weight onto the switch. Go to the far north and step on the switch. Swap teams.
15
Go upstairs and north. Step on the switch and go west. Go to the far south and move Party #2 aside. Have Party #3 move the four-ton weight onto that switch. Go to the far north and step on the switch. Swap teams.
16
Go north onto the final switch.
17
Go south on the new path.
18
Once outside, step on another switch. This opens two new paths for the other teams.
19
Go north and heal up.
20
Continue into the next room for a battle.

Tips

The Skull Dragon's attacks include a basic attack, Hit (which can remove Reflect), Doom, Disaster, Will o’ the Wisp, and Apparition.
One strategy is to use Ragnarok’s Metamorphose ability, which has about a 1 in 10 chance of working.
A more effective strategy is to cast Hastega and then use powerful spells like Firaga and Holy, or summon Espers such as Ifrit, Valigarmanda, and Alexander.
Casting Reflect can be helpful, but be aware that the Skull Dragon can remove it with its Hit ability.