Terra Branford
A half-human, half-esper soldier who can use magic and transform through her Trance ability.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the character or select menu options. |
|---|---|
A | Confirm selections, speak to characters, inspect objects, and interact. |
B | Cancel selections and run while exploring. Running may be affected by equipped relics or the situation. |
L | Move the cursor or cycle selections in supported menus. |
R | Move the cursor or cycle selections in supported menus. |
Start | Open or close the main menu when available. |
Control notes
Sabin's Blitz techniques use directional inputs followed by the designated attack button; the exact commands are displayed in-game.
Some menu functions and field actions vary by context.
How it plays
How does Final Fantasy VI Advance play?
Explore a world map, towns, caves, ruins, and other story locations from a top-down perspective. Objectives range from following the main scenario to recruiting allies, finding espers, and completing optional events.
Combat is turn-based and uses the Active Time Battle system. Characters can attack, use abilities, cast magic, consume items, or exploit special commands. Espers teach spells and provide level-up bonuses, while equipment and party composition determine each character's strengths.
The story is divided by a major world-changing event, after which exploration becomes more open and many optional quests become available. The Advance release also includes the Dragon's Den bonus dungeon and additional endgame challenges.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Final Fantasy VI Advance?
Build parties around complementary commands rather than relying on one universal formation. Equip espers according to the desired level-up bonuses, but do not neglect physical characters whose unique abilities do not require MP.
Explore thoroughly after the world changes. Recruit optional characters, revisit towns, and check new areas before entering the final dungeon. Save rare elixirs and strong relics for difficult bosses, and use status protection against enemies that rely on instant death, silence, or confusion.
For the Dragon's Den, prepare several viable parties, stock healing items, and ensure that key characters have reliable elemental and status resistance.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Locke Cole
A treasure hunter and resistance ally whose Steal command and personal quest are central to the story.
Edgar Roni Figaro
The king of Figaro and an engineer who uses powerful Tools in battle.
Sabin Rene Figaro
Edgar's martial-artist brother, whose Blitz techniques use directional button inputs.
Celes Chere
A former imperial general and magicite-enhanced Magitek knight with the Runic command.
Kefka Palazzo
The empire's unpredictable clown-like general and the game's principal antagonist.
Cyan Garamonde
A swordsman from Doma who uses Bushido techniques.
Shadow
A mysterious assassin accompanied by the dog Interceptor.
Gau
A wild child who learns enemy abilities through Rage.
Setzer Gabbiani
A gambler and airship owner who fights with dice and cards.
Mog
A moogle who uses Dances learned from different environments.
Strago Magus
An elderly mage who learns enemy techniques through Lore.
Relm Arrowny
A young artist whose Sketch and Control abilities manipulate enemies.
Gogo
A masked mimic who can copy the commands assigned to the party.
Umaro
A powerful yet largely uncontrollable sasquatch found in the World of Ruin.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use Save Points before major dungeons and take advantage of the portable version's frequent save opportunities.
- 2
Learn useful spells from espers, but keep each character's unique command and equipment role in mind.
- 3
After the world changes, revisit earlier locations to find optional recruits, scenes, and equipment.
- 4
In the Coliseum, wager only items whose loss will not damage your main strategy.
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