Strategic Item Box Usage
Don't hoard items in your inventory. Use Item Boxes frequently. Only carry what you absolutely need for the immediate area. For example, if you're solving a puzzle that requires three specific key items, carry only those three. Store excess ammo and healing items until you anticipate a fight or need to heal.
Herb Combinations
Always combine herbs to maximize their healing potential. A single Green Herb is less efficient than a G+G or G+R combination. Prioritize creating G+R for full heals and G+R+B for full heal and poison cure. Don't use a First Aid Spray unless you're in 'DANGER' or facing a boss.
Ink Ribbon Economy
Ink Ribbons are finite. Save strategically. Don't save after every minor achievement. Save before major boss fights, after solving complex puzzles, or before entering a new, unknown area. If you're confident in your skills, try to limit your saves for a better end-game rank.
Map Awareness
The map is your most powerful tool. It shows locked doors, explored areas, and your current location. Use it to plan your routes, identify areas you haven't fully explored, and remember where key items might be needed. Minimizing backtracking saves time and resources.