Desert Palace

Back at Kuja’s Palace Cid will learn of Kuja’s deceit. He’ll need to release the rest of the crew on his own. To do this you’ll need to play a little game of red-light, green-light with a hedgehog pie to get the hourglass key. First run down the path and go through the door on the right. Now simply get to the key before time runs out, but don’t run while the monster is looking.

After you get the key you’ll need to use the scale to jump up to the hourglass. Use the clay, stone, and iron weights on the scale. Then climb on.

This will release everyone and you’ll end up in control of Eiko. If you go back into the right room you can meet Mojito who will have a letter for Mogsam he’d like you to deliver. When you’re ready take the left exit. Then go up the stairs.

In this first area examine the candelabra on the left. Then examine the globe on the right to get a Promist Ring. Then go up the stairs. In this next area run all the way to the right and then run left as if you were going to exit to make a stairway appear.

Run up these stairs to light the candelabra; then come back down and exit to the left. In this area light the three braziers in the left portion to open up the two doors. Go across and light just the bottom left brazier. Run back and into the center area. Now light the two braziers above the stairs making the right set of statues disappear. Go light the two remaining braziers and then light the one at the bottom of the stairs.

Examine the bloodstone under the painting to get an Anklet. Then take the far right exit.

Along this circular chamber search for a candelabra to light; then examine the bloodstone for Shield Armor. Move around to the back of the area and go up the stairs.

Light the candelabra at the top of the stairs and come all the way around. Go in the entrance here. Inside the library light the candles on the left of the top level. Go through the door that opens. Here examine the bloodstone for a N-Kai Armlet.

Go back into the library and go down. Take the smaller staircase to the second level and light the candelabra on the right to open another doorway. Go through it and up the stairs, lighting the candelabra on your way. Note that you’ll wan to light all stained glass panels like this.

Continue up the stairs. Light the candelabra at the top here, then go back to the library. On the bottom level light the candelabra to the right that opens another door. Go in here to light another candelabra which opens the left wall of the library.

In this new room you’ll find Mogsam, whom you have a letter for. When you’re ready exit to the left.

Here you’ll want to light both candles to activate the bloodstone on the railing. Examine the bloodstone to get a Black Hood. Then head out the door and along to the other portion of this room.

Here light all three candles to activate the bloodstone. Then draw a Venetia Shield from the bloodstone.

Now turn off the left candle under both the demon and angel to reveal a magic staircase in the middle of the room. You may want to run back and save your game. When you’re ready head up the stairs. Examine the last candelabra and face the security guard of Kuja’s Palace.

If Dagger hasn’t already learned Leviathan equip the aquamarine on her. Also, if Vivi hasn’t learned Water yet equip the N-Kai Armlet on him. Have Eiko summon Carbuncle immediately to cast Reflect on everyone. She’ll need to do this about every other turn to make sure everyone stays protected. Use Steiner’s Water sword, Vivi’s Water spell, and Dagger’s Leviathan (when her commands work). Also, Eiko can heal the party when needed. If you’ve been doing the Chocobo sidequest you may have the Tiger Racket which teaches Eiko the helpful Dispel ability. Use this when the boss casts Reflect on itself to avoid hitting yourself with any of Vivi’s spells.

After the boss battle activate this last candelabra. Then go to the circular area and press the X button.

Now you’ll be back in control of Zidane who’s just arrived back. Return him to the paunch pad and teleport to outside Kuja’s room. Enter door to his room to start a long scene. After Eiko is captured the crew decides to follow Kuja to the airship. You’ll need to create a balanced party. I’d recommend taking Vivi, Steiner, and Amarant. Before leaving the room search the lower left corner of the room for the Namingway Card.

This is the only place in the game you can get it. Now go to the other room and teleport back to the cave and run to the landing platform. You’ll find the Hilde Garde 3 gone. Kick the lever at the landing to lower the ladder. Climb down and exit at the top of the screen. You’ll automatically sail in pursuit of Kuja to the Lost Continent. You’ll land and then you’ll need to make your way to Esto Gaza, which is left of the landing point. Also, there are chocobo tracks close to shore if you’d rather ride to Esto Gaza than walk.