Tech combinations, side quests and endings
Strengthen the party and understand why the timing of the final battle changes the ending.
Spoiler notice: This guide discusses story progression or late-game content.
Original SNES campaign; additional content in later editions is outside this starter guide.
Build around complementary Techs
Double and Triple Techs combine the abilities of multiple active characters. Learn their individual techniques and test combinations in ordinary fights. A strong combination is useful only when the required characters are available and have enough MP to perform it.
Read enemy reactions
Some encounters punish particular elements or change behaviour after specific actions. If an attack heals a target or triggers a counter, stop repeating it. Look for a change in defence or vulnerability and consider whether attacking a support enemy first will simplify the fight.
Complete character-focused quests
Late-game opportunities include the Rainbow Shell, Sun Stone, Fiona’s forest and character-related battles. These are not all mandatory for the main ending. Follow one quest at a time and record its era, since a change in the past can affect what is available later.
Prepare for a sustained final battle
Restore the party before entering a long boss sequence. Include recovery that can reach the whole party and reserve MP for it. If a fight repeatedly fails at the same phase, adjust your defensive equipment or target order rather than assuming you need to replace every character.
Use New Game Plus for alternate endings
Many endings depend on when Lavos is defeated relative to the story. New Game Plus makes earlier confrontations more practical by carrying over much of your developed party. Keep separate saves around milestones and consult an ending-specific reference when pursuing a particular outcome; later editions add content beyond the SNES set.
Check the edition note above before following a route. Suggested preparation and tactics are editorial recommendations; alternative teams and routes can also work.