Ness
The young protagonist from Onett. Ness uses baseball bats, yo-yos, and powerful PSI abilities while leading the party.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the character or select menu options. |
|---|---|
A | Talk, examine, open, confirm, or choose a menu command. |
B | Cancel a menu selection or close a screen. |
How it plays
How does EarthBound play?
EarthBound presents an overhead view of towns, roads, caves, dungeons, and other environments. Ness moves through connected areas, speaks with residents, examines objects, solves simple progression problems, and encounters enemies represented by visible sprites.
Battles use menus for attacks, items, special PSI abilities, and defensive actions. Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo gain experience and levels, while equipment and consumable items improve their effectiveness. The rolling HP meter allows some damage to be recovered before the meter reaches zero, and different characters have distinct combat roles.
The adventure is primarily a single-player story campaign divided into major regions and key objectives. Progress comes from exploring new areas, defeating bosses, obtaining special items, and unlocking PSI abilities or story events.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play EarthBound?
Keep several healing items available, especially before entering unfamiliar dungeons. Paula's PSI attacks are powerful but consume PP, so use ordinary attacks or Jeff's tools against weaker enemies.
Upgrade equipment in each new town, but do not sell unique items until you are certain they are ordinary gear. Use the rolling HP system to heal characters before their meters reach zero, and remember that status effects can be more dangerous than raw damage.
Save frequently at telephone locations and prepare for bosses by carrying recovery items, bottle rockets for Jeff when appropriate, and defensive or healing PSI for Paula and Poo.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Paula
A gifted girl from Twoson who joins Ness. She specializes in offensive and defensive PSI.
Jeff
A mechanically skilled student from Winters. Jeff uses unusual tools and inventions instead of PSI.
Poo
The prince of Dalaam, trained in martial arts and PSI. He joins the group after completing his spiritual training.
Giygas
The mysterious cosmic antagonist whose expanding power threatens Earth and the entire world.
Pokey Minch
Ness's selfish and unreliable neighbor, whose actions bring him increasingly close to Giygas.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to residents and inspect unusual objects; many clues and useful items are easy to miss.
- 2
Keep inventory space available before major story areas, because key items and rewards may be added automatically.
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