The protagonist
An elf adventurer returning to his homeland to investigate the dying World Tree and restore the kingdom.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the adventurer and navigate menus. |
|---|---|
A | Jump. |
B | Attack with the equipped weapon. |
Start | Pause the game. |
Control notes
Button functions refer to the standard NES version.
How it plays
How does Faxanadu play?
Faxanadu uses a side-view perspective. The main objective is to travel between settlements, obtain equipment and key items, defeat monsters, and uncover a route toward the source of the world's corruption.
The adventurer walks, jumps, attacks with equipped weapons, casts magic, talks to residents, and enters doors or passages. Progress depends on finding stronger equipment, learning passwords or clues from townspeople, managing money and items, and overcoming platforming sections and bosses. The world is structured as a sequence of interconnected areas rather than a freely open map.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Faxanadu?
Talk to residents repeatedly and record their clues; several progression steps depend on information found in towns rather than obvious visual markers.
Buy or upgrade equipment whenever possible, keep healing items available, and avoid spending all money before entering a new area. Explore vertical passages carefully, since ladders, doors, and platforms often hide the intended route. Learn enemy patterns before committing to close-range attacks, and save magic for dangerous enemies or bosses.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
The World Tree
The central sacred tree whose decline drives the story and the player’s mission.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Check every town for equipment, healing, and progression clues.
- 2
Use cautious jumps and attack from a safe distance when possible.
- 3
Keep spare money for required purchases and later equipment upgrades.
Community discussion
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