=========================================================================
********** PHANTASY STAR ONLINE EPISODES I & II: FAQ/WALKTHRU ***********
=========================================================================
Gamecube Online RPG; released 2003 UK
FAQ/WALKTHRU (Version 1.0) 25/07/2003
Author - falsehead (Sophie Cheshire). Contact me at falsehead@aol.com
Copyright stuff; this is (c) Sophie Cheshire. If you wish to use this FAQ on
your website, feel free to do so under the following conditions. a) You email
me first and let me know where it will be appearing and b) you do not alter the
content in anyway (if you need to change the formatting slightly for display
purposes that's OK).
This guide may NOT be used as part of a restricted Pay-to-Enter website or in
print unless you are prepared to pay me for its inclusion.
If I find out that any part of this FAQ has been lifted and used without credit
to me, especially if you use it to earn money, then I will be annoyed. I didn't
type all this up for the good of my health you know.
========================================================================
********************************* CONTENTS *****************************
========================================================================
1) INTRODUCTION/REVISION HISTORY
2) THE BASICS
a) Creating a Character
b) Character Types
c) Section ID/Section ID calculator
d) Game Basics
3) GAME WALKTHRU - EPISODE ONE
a) FOREST
i) Hunters Guild Quests
ii) Defeating the Dragon/Sil Dragon
b) CAVES
i) Hunters Guild Quests
ii) Defeating Del Rol Le
c) MINES
i) Hunters Guild Quests
ii) Defeating Vol Opt
d) RUINS
i) Hunters Guild Quests
ii) Defeating Dark Falz
4) GAME WALKTHRU - EPISODE TWO
a) VR TEMPLE
i) General Strategy
ii) Defeating Barba Ray
b) VR SPACESHIP
i) General Strategy
ii) Defeating Gol Dragon
c) CENTRAL CONTROL AREA
i) Beach
ii) Jungle
iii) Mountain
iv) Defeating Gal Gryphon
d) SEABED
i) Upper Level and Lower Levels
ii) Seabed Boss - Olga Flow
5) BATTLE MODE
a) The Rules
b) Basic Info
c) Strategy
- Hunter
- Ranger
- Force
6) CHALLENGE MODE
a) Stages
b) Strategy
c) Rankings and Prizes
7) MAGS
a) Normal Mag Types
b) Raising Mags/Photon Blasts
c) Special Mags and Mag Cells
d) Mag Abilities Chart
8) WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
a) Weapons
b) Shields
c) Armour
d) Armour Slot Items
e) Weapons Side Quests
f) Amplifiers, Barriers and Merges
g) Photon Drops
9) TECHNIQUES
a) Simple
b) Normal
c) Hard
d) Healing
e) Support
10) ENEMY LIST
a) Forest
b) Caves
c) Mines
d) Ruins
e) VR Temple
f) VR Spaceship
g) Central Control Area
h) Seabed
i) Rare Creatures
11) ULTIMATE MODE STRATEGIES
a) General Strategies
b) Force
c) Ranger
d) Hunter
12) FAQ
a) General FAQ
b) Dreamcast Veterans FAQ
13) THE STORY OF PHANTASY STAR ONLINE
a) Episode 1 - Messages from Rico
b) Episode 2 - Conversations with Elly
=========================================================================
*************************** 1) INTRODUCTION *****************************
=========================================================================
INTRODUCTION - Well after spending much of 2002 playing and writing up a FAQ on
PSO ver. 2 for the DC, it was inevitable that I would turn my attention to PSO
Ep I & II when it finally arrived in the UK.  And so I now present my
FAQ/Walkthrough for the latest incarnation of Segas online masterpiece. Some of
this guide may seem familiar; basically I have taken the relevant information
from my DC guide, rewritten it where necessary and used that as a basis for the
Episode One walkthrough and my guides to Challenge and Battle Mode.  The
Weapons and Enemy listings have also been taken from that guide, but obviously
I have added lots of new information and all the new Episode 2 enemies and of
course a full guide to Episode 2.
Regarding items and weapons etc.  There are literally hundreds of weapons,
items and armourments in PSO Ep I and II.  All the items available in the DC
version are present and many more new ones added.  I would welcome submissions
from readers of any rares you come across that I have not listed.  If you can
send in the stats, description, your section ID and where you found it, I will
list it in the FAQ along with your name if you so wish!  I want to try and make
this guide as comprehensive as possible, so I also welcome any strategies for
any character types in Battle/Challenge, against Bosses and in Ultimate Mode.
Especially for Episode 2.  Contributions to the usual address and please mark
them PSO related or they will be overlooked.  Enjoy the FAQ!
***********************************************************************
Credits: in writing this massive guide several sources have proved invaluable
for checking my findings against.  If you don't find answers here check out
either of these two fantastic PSO sites.
www.pso-world.com
www.mamak.com
And also props to www.camineet.com for allowing the use of their script from
PSO Ep I at the end of this guide.
***********************************************************************
REVISIONS - (25/07/2003) Version One. This guide covers all of the offline
adventure for both Episode I & II.  It also covers all character types in
detail with strategy for Battle, Challenge and Ultimate Mode.
There is a fairly comprehensive item/armour/weapon listing contained here, but
all genuine submissions of new finds are more than welcome for future addition.
Future updates will hopefully contain guides to download quests if Sega ever
gets around to offering them to online players and more detailed walkthroughs
for online only quests.
Currently I am not available for online play, but as soon as I am, I will post
it in an update along with my character names and times most likely to be
online.  Before that though, it's not worth emailing me about it, I'll only
forget =)
=========================================================================
***************************** 2) THE BASICS *****************************
=========================================================================
The first thing you need to do upon beginning the game is create a character
based on one of twelve different classes.  You use the colour pallets and
proportion tweaker to create a unique online identity.  For those new to the
game here is a guide to the relative strengths and weaknesses of each type.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
a) CREATING A CHARACTER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The most important part of any game of this type is creating a character that
you will feel comfortable playing as for long periods of time.  PSO offers
three "races" and three job types, which combine to offer twelve character
types
to choose from.  Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and like me you'll
probably start off trying several before settling with one or two characters
you really want to build up.  You can save up to four characters to your
Gamecube memory card.
The races are as follows:
HUMAN - These are the basic "good all-round" characters.  They can use magic
(techniques) and have well-rounded stat growth.  They also come in all three
job flavours.
NEWMAN - These are more magic orientated characters.  They tend to lack
physical power but have excellent mental faculties and good defence and can use
techniques to devastating effect. Newmans can regenerate TP if they stand
still.
ANDROIDS - These can't use any magic techniques at all, but compensate with the
ability to spot and set traps.  They are also immune to poison and paralysis
(though can suffer "shock paralysis" from Zonde techs).  They have high
attack power and HP and will regenerate lost HP while standing still.
The jobs are as follows:
HUNTER - Excel in close range combat.  Experts in hand-to-hand combat, they can
also use pistols and techniques to add long range attacks.  This is a good
class to start out in if you are new to the game.  All four are physically
strong and powerful and you can make headway quickly early on in the game.
Later on though things become more challenging.  The two android classes lack
of techs means they have to get up close and personal with some very powerful
enemies and can't take them down in crowds easily.  HUmars can keep themselves
healed, but can be disadvantaged by the low level they max out techs at.
HUnewearls have it
easier at higher levels as they can cast defence and attack raising magic and
use attack techs to a high level.
RANGERS - The most accurate fighters in the game.  Rangers provide support with
a range of high-powered rifles and pistols. Rangers excellent accuracy means
you'll rarely miss an enemy at lower levels and the long range ability coupled
with a lot of power makes the android Rangers effective.  Unlike the android
Hunters in higher difficulties they can clear rooms from a distance with
powerful Shotguns.  The human rangers also benefit from having attack
techniques with the RAmarl having more tech power than a RAmar, but less
strength and defence.  Rangers stay pretty effective at all levels of play.
FORCE - masters of techniques, Force characters can learn magic up to the
highest levels.  Can heal, cast support magic and powerful offensive spells.
Forces are a good choice for a more experienced player. They can be tricky to
keep healthy at lower levels especially when you are playing on your own.  But
as they level up the awesome power of their tech abilities become apparent.
All Forces can learn all techs to their maximum level.  Each Force is more
efficient with a few types of tech than others.  Eg. FOmars will do about a
third as much damage again with Gifoie, but be less effective with say Rabarta.
FOmars and FOnewms have the most physical defence and attack power, so can hold
their own if need be with melee weapons.  FOmars and FOnewearls compensate for
low attack, health and defence with superior casting speeds and higher mental
strength.
The twelve character types that result are listed below, along with the
approximant maximum stats each type can achieve.  There is no real "best"
type; each one suits a certain style of play.  For example playing as an
Android means you don't have to watch your step checking for traps, but in the
harder modes offline the inability to cast offence/defence raising magic can
slow you down a lot.
Playing as a Force means you have access to tremendous magic power, but the
lack of Hit Points can be unnerving when monsters can lay you out in one blow.
If you like to play it safe rather than getting stuck in up close then you may
prefer a Ranger, being able to blow things away from a great distance.
Whatever you choose, remember the dynamic of your character can change a great
deal from online to offline.  Whereas offline your android may struggle from
lack of heal and stat raising magic, online with a Human or Newman in tow you
can get stuck in!  For them having you get up close and personal means they can
stay out of physical danger and concentrate on using magic without having to
keep running away!  That's an oversimplification, but it's worth bearing in
mind
if you feel you are getting nowhere with the game offline.  I know I found the
whole PSO experience falling into place when I finally got online and became
part of a team.
When you create character, it doesn't matter how large or small they are, they
will still do the same damage etc.  Creating an itty bitty Hunewearl and seeing
her wield a gigantic sword is always good comedy!  It also pains me to say
this, but no matter what sex you are in real life, if you create a female
character, you WILL get chatted up in the online lobbies.  Especially if you
have a Hunewearl character. It can be quite funny, but also annoying as well,
so be warned.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
b) CHARACTER TYPES
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a) HUcast - Hunter + Android + Male
My own personal favourite type, they look cool and kickass!  Hucast's have the
highest attacking power of all the characters.  They can use no techniques, but
can use a variety of different weapons.  They excel with close combat ones
though.  Pure brawler, a HUcast is for those of us who can't be bothered with
techs or tactics, I raised my DC HUcast (falsehead) to stupidly high levels,
and have recreated him for this Cube adventure. It's nice not to have to worry
about spotting traps or worrying about poison and paralysis, an advantage all
four androids share.  With a HUcast you need to get yourself in the thick of a
fight straight away and not be afraid to take a few hits, you're the toughest,
you can take it!
Approx Max Stats
HP:   2012
TP:   0
ATP:  1611
DFP:  601
MST:  0
ATA:  191
EVP:  818
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Sword, Partisan, Dagger, Mechgun, Handgun, Slicer, Claws
Traps: One new Damage trap every 11 levels
One new Freeze Trap every 7 levels
One new Confuse Trap every 7 levels
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
b) HUcaseal - Hunter + Android + Female
A female version of the HUcast. She hasn't quite the power of a HUcast, but has
amazing speed and a high evasion rate to compensate.  She also has the highest
accuracy of all the Hunters. Fit this speed demon out with a pair of daggers or
a claw and you have a whirlwind of close combat viciousness that can't be
matched by any other character!
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1700
TP:   0
ATP:  1350
DFP:  550
MST:  0
ATA:  231
EVP:  870
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Sword, Partisan, Dagger, Mechgun, Handgun, Slicer, Claws
Traps: One new Damage trap every 9 levels
One new Freeze Trap every 10 levels
One new Confuse Trap every 10 levels
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
c) HUmar - Hunter + Human + Male
The HUmar is probably the best character for beginners to use.  They can use
close combat weapons, pistols and can learn techniques.  I had a rather nifty
HUmar called Bradley whom I grew fond of in the DC version and used him a lot.
I tended to rely less on offensive techs, concentrating more on healing and
melee fighting. At the highest levels though they can suffer from being
"jack-of-all-trades, master of none", so skill is needed to get the best from
them at all points of their development.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1670
TP:   912
ATP:  1404
DFP:  506
MST:  713
ATA:  161
EVP:  702
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Sword, Partisan, Dagger, Mechgun, Handgun, Slicer, Fists
Techniques: All Foie, Barta and Zonde based techs to level 15
Jellen and Zalure techs to level 15
Resta to level 15
Anti to level 3
CANNOT LEARN - Deband, Shifta, Grants, Megid and Reverser
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
d) HUnewearl - Hunter + Newman + Female
Higher technique points and good offensive technique skills, low on HP though.
I have never used a Hunewearl character in my PSO gaming history, but I know
from bitter experience that they are great favourites in Battle Mode.  Back in
the DC era, many of the top battlers used Hunewearls as their combination of
superior offensive techniques, speed and physical strength gave them a big
advantage over practically every other character type at higher levels. You
need to put the hours in to make a Hunewarl a formidable fighter though so they
are less popular for challenge mode.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1558
TP:   1185
ATP:  1350
DFP:  433
MST:  986
ATA:  164
EVP:  799
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Sword, Partisan, Dagger, Mechgun, Handgun, Slicer, Fists
Techniques: All Foie, Barta and Zonde based techs to level 20
Deband, Shifta, Jellen and Zalure techs to level 20
Resta to level 20
Anti to level 5
CANNOT LEARN - Grants, Megid and Reverser
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
e) RAmar - Ranger + Human + Male
Another balanced character type.  Can use all guns and a variety of attack and
defensive orientated techniques. Like the HUmar you are probably best off using
your tech abilities for healing and support and relying on your bloody big guns
to cause damage!  Unlike HUmars, RAmars can use Deband/Shifta, but they can't
learn Jellen/Zalure.  They don't learn techs to as high a level as a RAmarl
though, maxing them out at level 15.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1770
TP:   955
ATP:  1137
DFP:  531
MST:  756
ATA:  210
EVP:  737
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Partisan, Slicer, Handgun, Mechgun, Rifle, Shotgun
Techniques: All Foie, Barta and Zonde based techs to level 15
Deband, Shifta techs to level 15
Resta to level 15
Anti to level 3
CANNOT LEARN - Jellen, Zalure, Grants, Megid and Reverser
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
f) RAmarl Ranger + Human + Female
A female RAmar, she lacks physical strength but her tech abilities are far
superior. I am actually impressed with this class, more than I thought I would
be.  My RAmarl (susan) kicks serious ass, proficient with both really big guns
and techniques as long as she stays out of slashing range she can totally
dominate a room!  The key is to keep her out of serious physical danger as she
lacks defence and HP so a few swipes can see her dead frighteningly quickly.
However she can use all techs bar Grants, Megid and Reverser up to level 20 and
Anti up to level 5 making her formidable at higher levels when you have some
decent armour to keep protected. And I find the daft costume (mmm, pedal
pushers and pixie boots!) to be the icing on the cake =P
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1450
TP:   1300
ATP:  1037
DFP:  501
MST:  1000
ATA:  241
EVP:  850
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Partisan, Slicer, Handgun, Mechgun, Rifle, Shotgun
Techniques: All Foie, Barta and Zonde based techs to level 20
Deband, Shifta, Jellen and Zalure techs to level 20
Resta to level 20
Anti to level 5
CANNOT LEARN - Grants, Megid and Reverser
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
g) RAcast - Ranger + Android + Male
Excellent attack accuracy and power. Can use all guns but no techniques. Once
again the accuracy of the Ranger class makes them a great choice from the off
and the RAcast benefits from the best ATP of the ranger class.  I actually like
playing my RAcast (Marvin) like a reverse Hunter, often using melee weapons to
back up my firepower.  Some people get sniffy about Rangers getting into melee
combat, but like the RAmar, the RAcast has the power to pull it off to some
extent as he can soak up damage reasonably well, unlike the RAmarl and inflict
more damage than the RAcasceal.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   2214
TP:   0
ATP:  1267
DFP:  606
MST:  0
ATA:  222
EVP:  751
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Partisan, Slicer, Handgun, Mechgun, Rifle, Shotgun
Traps: One new Damage trap every 7 levels
One new Freeze Trap every 9 levels
One new Confuse Trap every 11 levels
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
h) RAcaseal - Ranger + Android + Female
Has the best defence of the Rangers and although attack power is lower than the
RAcast, she has higher evasion. Another class I haven't personally used much,
but one that has some hard-core fans, of all the Rangers, she has the best
defence and evasion.  Although some pass her over as being less powerful than
the RAcast and less accurate than the RAmar she is still a worthy choice as she
can take the knocks best and still pump out the bullets with extreme accuracy.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   2140
TP:   0
ATP:  1214
DFP:  558
MST:  0
ATA:  230
EVP:  830
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Partisan, Slicer, Handgun, Mechgun, Rifle, Shotgun
Traps: One new Damage trap every 7 levels
One new Freeze Trap every 11 levels
One new Confuse Trap every 9 levels
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
i) FOmarl - Force + Human + Female
The most balanced of the Forces.  Has the most HP and good defence. Like most
of the Human type chars with a FOmarl you are getting a character that has a
good balance of offence and defence without excelling in one area to the
detriment of others.  I haven't much experience with Fomarls, but most FOmarl
players I have met online tend to play them fairly defensively, using techs to
protect the team rather than attack.  The extra ranges effects for resta,
deband and anti means they can pretty much reach everyone in the room fairly
early on.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1469
TP:   2209
ATP:  865
DFP:  480
MST:  1274
ATA:  158
EVP:  616
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Handgun, Mechgun, Slicer, Wand, Cane, Rod
Techniques: All techniques to maximum levels.
Grants hits for half as much damage again
Deband, Resta and Anti have 2x range
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
j) FOmar - Force + Human + Female
A challenging character type.  Very low in health and defence, but has
phenomenal casting speed and this speed allows for good melee combat skills.
But you have to be VERY good to survive with this character class going
toe-to-toe with a Hunter.  Male characters tech casting speed is considerably
improved if they are unarmed, so if you are using your Fomar for magic, best to
dequip your weapon.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1195
TP:   2100
ATP:  810
DFP:  400
MST:  1340
ATA:  160
EVP:  640
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Handgun, Mechgun, Slicer, Wand, Cane, Rod
Techniques: All techniques to maximum levels.
Grants, Gifoie, Gizonde and Gibarta all hit for an extra third
Shifta and Deband have a 2x range
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
k) FOnewm - Force + Human
Has the best defence of all the Forces. Fonewms back an offensive punch with
their offensive techniques, all the Gi and Ra techs doing extra damage.  With
the best defence of the forces he can take a few hits in combat and like the
FOmar his casting speed will be increased if he is bare-handed.
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1431
TP:   2430
ATP:  735
DFP:  490
MST:  1421
ATA:  141
EVP:  637
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Handgun, Mechgun, Slicer Wand, Cane, Rod
Techniques: All techniques to maximum levels.
Gifoie/Barta/Zonde and Rafoie/Barta/Zonde hit for an extra third
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
l) FOnewearl - Force + Newman
Physically the weakest character in the game but counters that with having the
most powerful level of mental strength.  These little ladies are pure, naked
tech power.  As soon as you can find frames with at least two slots in, pump up
that pitiful defence and HP with plug-ins.  Her MST rises so dramatically you
don't really need to boost it even at lower levels, however if you have a four
slot frame and manage to find a God/Mind that's about the only MST booster
worth sacrificing a defensive slot item for.  I really only equip Canes etc if
they give a good MST boost, it's rare I have her strike out physically.  If you
can keep her away from up close physical danger, you have a formidable fighter
who can lay out whole rooms with techniques even at low levels.  This is
another class I enjoy playing with a lot as it is almost completely opposite to
my fave class the HUcast and that helps keep the game fresh =)
Approx Max Stats
HP:   1398
TP:   2709
ATP:  579
DFP:  401
MST:  1607
ATA:  148
EVP:  688
LUCK: 100
Weapons: Sabre, Handgun, Mechgun, Wand, Cane, Rod
Techniques: All techniques to maximum levels.
Foie, Zonde and Barta hit for an extra third damage
Resta and Anti have a 2x range
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
c) SECTION ID and SECTION ID CALCULATOR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once you have named your character you will be assigned one of ten section
ID's.  These ID's dictate several things in the game.  First of all the layouts
of the levels can be sightly different across each section ID, mags will evolve
differently and most importantly the ID dictates which Special Weapons and Rare
items you will come across.  Each ID tends to have a bias for finding certain
general weapon types, and there are some weapons that will not be available at
all on your section ID.  This is to encourage trading amongst characters.
The sections IDs can also be split into Type A and Type B, this is more
relevant to mag evolutions and is covered in more detail in that section.
Type A
VIRIDIA, SKYLY, PURPLENUM, REDRIA, YELLOWBOZE
Type B
GREENILL, BLUEFULL, PINKAL, ORAN, WHITILL
Very basically this is a list of what weapons are most common on each ID.
VIRIDIA - Shotguns and Partisans
SKYLY - Swords and Rifles
PURPLENUM - Mechguns
REDRIA - A good chance of all types and good for armour as well.
YELLOWBOZE - Similar to Redria, with meseta being more plentiful rather than
Armour
GREENNILL - Rifles and Daggers
BLUEFULL - Partisans and Rods
PINKAL - All Force weapons and Technique discs
ORAN - Daggers and Wands
WHITHILL - Slicers and Mechguns
Don't get too hung up on this though.  For example my HUcast is a PINKAL, he
find plenty of canes he can't use sure, but he has also found more Twin Blades
than any of my other characters as well.  In the same vein, my PURPLNUM RAmarl
is always tripping over H&25 Justice's etc, but also gets some nice rare
plug-in's and Tech Discs.  The best strategy is to go with the name you like
and run a few characters across different IDS.  Then if you are offline only
you can still have fun trading items amongst yourself!
The section ID is calculated using the letters in the characters name, upper
and lower case letters, as well as blank spaces can affect the outcome.  For
example I named my RAmarl Susan with a capital S and got the SKYLY ID.  I then
scrapped her and renamed her susan with a lowercase s and she became PURPLENUM.
There are section ID calculators available at pso-world.com.
But if you want to do it your self here is how to do it.  Each letter and
character has a number assigned to it.  By adding up the numbers that make your
name you will get a two digit number.  The second number is the one that gives
you your section ID.
A=5  K=5  U=5  d=0  n=0  x=0  7=4  $=6  =2  ^=4
C=7  M=7  W=7  f=2  p=2  z=2  9=6  ^=8  :=8  |=5
D=8  N=8  X=8  g=3  q=3       0=7  '=9  ;=9  ~=6
E=9  O=9  Y=9  h=4  r=4  1=8  (=0  +=3  ?=3
F=0  P=0  Z=0  i=5  s=5  2=9  )=1  ==1  @=4  Any spaces have a value of 2
G=1  Q=1       j=6  t=6  3=0  *=2  -=5  [=1
H=2  R=2  a=7  k=7  u=7  4=1  !=3  ,=4  ]=3
I=3  S=3  b=8  l=8  v=8  5=2  "=4  .=6  {=3
J=4  T=4  c=9  m=9  w=9  6=3  #=5  /=7  }=4
So to give you an example take my HUcast falsehead
f + a + l + s + e + h + e + a + d
2 + 7 + 8 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 7 + 0 = 35
The final digit is 5 which gives you your section ID.
VIRIDIA = 0
GREENILL = 1
SKYLY = 2
BLUEFULL = 3
PURPLENUM = 4
PINKAL = 5
REDRIA = 6
ORAN = 7
YELLOWBOZE = 8
WHITILL = 9
So that makes my falsehead HUcast a PINKAL.  This is more of a Force ID, so if
I wanted to change the ID without changing the name I could try capitalising
the F or adding spaces to the end which have a value of 2 each.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
d) GAME BASICS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
When writing the following walkthrough, you should bear in mind that I have
mostly played as Hunter characters in the past.  Currently playing through with
a RAmarl (susan), HUcast (falsehead), FOnewearl (Shirley) and a RAcast
(Marvin).  This plus my previous observations of other players online in the DC
era have hopefully provided a balanced guide to playing, whatever character you
choose to play as.
The first thing you need to think about is which Episode to begin with.  For
those new to the game I recommend you play Episode One first, it will make
events in Episode 2 make more sense and it also eases you into the action
gently.  If you have played PSO before on the DC the temptation is to skip over
to Episode 2 straight away.  However, I would recommend spending time
revisiting Episode 1 to level up in as the difficulty curve of Version 2 is
much steeper.  There is no penalty for switching between the two Episodes, so
you can keep things fresh if you are a more experienced DC era player.
When you begin a game of PSO you will have quests available to complete at the
Hunters Guild in PSO Episode 1.  Completing certain missions will unlock new
ones.  You don't actually have to do any of the missions, but it is highly
recommended that you do so as they help you gain valuable experience, and break
up the monotony of replaying the four areas until you have levelled up enough
to progress.
With this in mind I have laid out this guide with quest walkthroughs for each
area, the final part of each section guide is advice on killing that Boss
character so you can unlock the next area, this include Boss tactics per
difficulty mode.  I have noticed a certain "randomisation" in map layouts as
well, which is why the guides are not detailed room-by-room walkthroughs (I got
very lost following one in a DC PSO version 1 FAQ, when I realised I had
actually started in a different position to the author).
In fact most quests are very simple, you must progress to a point decreed by
your Employer.  On the way you must unlock rooms by either clearing them of all
enemies or activating buttons or switches in nearby rooms.  The Area map is
your best friend; use it to return to doors and rooms with switches you may
have missed if you find your progression is halted.
Protecting NPC's in the Episode I missions is very important.  If you die you
both go back to the medical bay, but if they die, it's mission failed.  Most
NPCs can only heal themselves a limited amount of time, so if you are an
android you'll need Star Atomizers on hand to heal them.  If you are out of
them warp back to the medical bay and as long as you are not at full health,
you will noth be healed.
You also need to fight some NPC's in a few missions.  The common mistake is to
cast Resta on yourself while battling them.  DON'T do this; you will cure your
opponent as well.  When in combat with an NPC, always cure yourself with mates,
or the fight will never end!
The joy of PSO is in exploring and finding new weapons and items.  You can also
use the items you collect to sell on to raise meseta to fund purchases of
things like recovery items.  Most weapons and armour you should pick up as you
adventure.  I never bought stuff from the weapon or armour shop.  But as a keen
Mag raiser (see MAG section) I spent a fortune on items to feed them with.
Make sure you have plenty of telepipes especially when exploring large areas
like the caves and ruins, as you will want to telepipe back to sell up and
stock up many times.
=========================================================================
******************** 3) GAME WALKTHRU - EPISODE ONE *********************
=========================================================================
As you explore the first three areas, you'll come across a strange pillar in
each one.  To access the fourth and final area of Episode One you need to have
activated all three, so to save time later do it as you explore early on.  The
columns will not appear during the Quests however, only during normal
exploration.
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a) FOREST
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As your first area to explore the Forest is straightforward. There are two
sections, with the second half of Forest 2 being accessible only via a warp
pad.
********************** a) HUNTERS GUILD QUESTS *************************
1) BATTLE TRAINING
You are hired to find a data disk and a young hunter called Ash.  You should
first talk to Kireek the HUcast by the door, then return and talk to Zid.  Now
you both warp down.  The purpose of this quest is mainly to give you
instructions in how to battle.
Kireek will explain how to perform combo hits and also how to use the target
colours to decide on the most effective attacks. As you progress, check your
area map and Ash will show up as an arrow.  Make your way over and talk to him,
then walk towards the glowing object.  Collect the disk and fight off the
wolves then return to Ash.  Talk to Kireek and then use the pipe to return to
the ship.  Talk to Ash and Zid then claim your reward.
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2) CLAIMING A STAKE
You are hired to find a man called Racton who has gone down to Ragol.  Warp
down to Forest 1 and as you get close by you'll see an arrow appear on you map.
This is Racton.  Talk to him and he will only come if you can find three
capsules he has left lying about.
Head up and right to acquire the first capsule, which is, a glittery object
lying on the ground. Go back to the area with Racton in it and go past him and
to the left into the next area.  Work you way round until you find the next
capsule.
Finally the last capsule is located by the teleport to Pioneer 2, collect it
and return to Racton.  Talk to him, then uses the telepipe to return to the
ship.  Talk to his son and claim your reward.
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3) A MAGNITUDE OF METAL
This quest is designed to introduce you to the concept of Mags and to
introduce a couple of PSO NPC's.  First you'll talk to Garon who will tell you
that he has lost a valuable commodity down on Ragol.
Warp down and explore Forest 1 until you come across a pink RAsceal called
Eleanor.  Talk to her and answer "I was looking for it".  She will now join you
and as you explore she will tell you more about mags (see Mag section for more
details on Mags).
Return to the Pioneer teleport area and you'll see a glittery object on the
ground nearby.  Walk up to it and you'll have found the missing Mag.  Talk to
Eleanor again, then return to Pioneer 2 and talk to Garon.  Visit the Guild
counter to complete the quest.
After completing this mission further ones will open up. Now you can play
"Journalistic Pursuit", "Fake in Yellow", "Native Research"
and "Gran Squall".
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4) VALUE OF MONEY
This is a quick quest.  Basically you must go and persuade a reluctant man not
to spend all his cash on weapons.  Go and find him pacing in the shop area.
Answer "I don't understand" and "Because you're a fool".  Now return to the
wife talk to her, then return and talk to him.  Finally return to the wife and
you can then collect the reward.
(This quest won't appear until you have accessed the Caves)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) JOURNALISTIC PURSUIT
Your mission is to squire about a young journalist called Nol around the Forest
areas without letting her get killed.  She is pretty good at keeping her self
healed as long as you don't let her get overwhelmed by monsters.
First make your way through Forest 1, as you go Nol will halt and make
observations.  Soon you'll reach a red transporter, which will take you to a
new area, Forest 2.   Use it and carry on exploring.
You'll pass an area with a "weather station" in it, Nol will point it out to
you.  You can't get across yet as the bridge is out.  In the next area a switch
(a red glowing post) can be activated to bring the bridge up.  Return to the
weather station and examine it.  Walk away from it and Nol will decide its time
to return to Pioneer 2.  So use the pipe back and collect the reward.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) THE FAKE IN YELLOW
This is another easy quest.  The only enemies you have to face are Rag Rappies.
Warp down and take out all the Rappies, you'll keep coming across one you can
talk to.  Each time though he will disappear.  Work your way around taking out
the Rappies as you go until finally you will be able to talk to the last rappy
and he won't disappear.  Keep talking to him until he reveals himself to be the
Professor you were sent to find.
Now use the pipe but before you claim your reward, pipe back again and you will
see three Rappies staring at a wall.  Talk to them and then approach the wall.
A tiny Chao will appear and reward you for finding her by registering the
mini-game "Tiny Chao Garden" to your character.
Now when you return to the Hunters Guild to collect your reward a GBA link up
machine will have appeared and if you can link your GBA up to your cube you can
download and play a Chao mini-game!  Finally talk to the lab assistant then
collect your meseta reward.
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7) NATIVE RESEARCH
Alicia the scientist has hired you to collect data on the five types of
creature that roam the forest area.  For this you must visit Forest 1 and 2 and
kill enough of each type within 20 minutes.  Basically it works out at about 10
Boomas 9of any type), 8 Savage Wolves, 5 Rag Rappies, 2 Monests and 1
Hildebear.
In Forest 1 you can find the Rag Rappies and Booma's easily.  But don't miss
the
Monest that appears in a dead end section with a blue force field.  When you
get to Forest 2 you can find the second Monest in one of the small areas off
the big "lakeside" section.  Kill everything in the main body of that section
to gain access to the lakeside and you'll meet a Hildebear.  Kill that and its
mission complete and handily there is a transporter back to Pioneer 2 nearby.
Talk to Alicia then collect your Reward.
You can now access the new mission "Forest of Sorrow"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
8) FOREST OF SORROW
Now Alica wants you to take her down to Ragol.  Again you should protect her,
but she can heal you if things get bad and keep herself healthy as well.
First take her to Forest 2.  Once there lead her to the area with the bridge
and weather station.   Go into the next area to activate the bridge and also go
into the small area leading off it where you will find an injured baby
Hildebear (doh, cute!). "Talk" to it and it will disappear.
Now return to the weather station and examine it.  Alicia will make some
comments about the animals.  Now make your way to the large lakeside area and
make for the area off to the left that usually contains the warp up to the
upper section of Forest 2.  You'll be attacked by about six Hildebears, after
you have fought them off, head down to the far end and you'll find the baby
Hildebear again. Alicia will ask you if she should take it back to the ship. It
doesn't matter what you answer, she won't do it.  Now return to Pioneer 2, and
collect the reward.
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9) GRAN SQUALL
This is a fairly straightforward quest.  You are contracted to find survivors
of a ship the "Gran Squall".  As you progress you will find all is not what it
seems.  First make your way through Forest 2 until you find a RAmar called
Bernie.  He is found usually in one of the dead end areas.  Talk to him and say
you believe the story.  He will join you.  You need him anyway as soon you will
come to a jammed door and only Bernie can open it.
Warp to Forest 2 and make your way to the warp pad that takes you up to the
raised area.  You will face a heavy wave of enemies, but Bernie is pretty tough
and in the early difficulties, quite powerful. Once you have cleared the area
make you way to where the dragon teleport usually is.  You'll see a girl lying
unconscious. Bernie says he will take care of it, so use the pipe back to
Pioneer 2 and claim your reward... you'll meet Bernie again.
Once you complete all the Forest Quests and defeat the Dragon, new quest
"Letter from Lionel" becomes available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
10) LETTER FROM LIONEL
This is a fairly straightforward quest.  Poor old Lionel the android has been
pulled to pieces.  It's your job to find all his bits!
After you take the quest, read the clue to where his first bit is in the Quest
Board.  His first two bits are actually in two one of the side areas to the
large area in Forest 2. The third is in Forest 1, but only findable after you
find his head, the next part is in the Caves and the final bit is found on
Pioneer 2!
You'll notice when you arrive there that one area stays locked.  You need to go
and talk to the RAmar in the area that usually contains a warp up to the raised
area.  Now warp up and then down, and you will see a sparkly object.  Its
Lionels Head and one arm!  You can talk to it now in the Quest board.
His other parts are found in the following places:
1) Talk to Lionel's head and he will say he is in a monsters stomach.  Return
to
the previously locked room in Forest 2 and kill the Hildebear/Hidelt that
appears.  This will give you one of Lionel's arms.
2) Talk to the arm (cos the face ain't listening.. ahem), and then go and find
the Legs in the River in Forest 1.
3) Return to Forest 2 and go to where the Dragon Warp usually is, this time
you'll warp to Caves 1.  Make your way through into Caves 2, Lionel's other leg
is about three rooms in. Talk to Lionel's Leg BEFORE returning to Pioneer 2.
4) Return to Pioneer 2 and find the RAmar up there.  Talk to him to get
Lionel's torso. If he is not by the Hunters Guild, go back down to the surface
and talk to Lionel's Bits then return and he should be there.
Now go to the Hunters Guild and talk to the restored Lionel before claiming
your reward!
**************** b) DEFEATING THE DRAGON/SIL DRAGON ********************
Before taking on any boss, drop a telepipe just before the Boss Warp.  This
will save time returning to battle if you get killed.  Keep dropping one each
time you have to go in and confront it.
DRAGON (Normal/Hard/V.Hard) - This first boss is fairly straightforward and I
was around level 5 (Hunter) when I took him out.  Its attack pattern is slow
and predictable.  It will land and walk towards the middle of the arena, if you
run around the side of it you will avoid being blasted by its fire breath.  It
will then sit itself down so make sure you aren't underneath it or you will get
squashed.  The dragon has targets across its body, but you will find its legs
the easiest to attack.  (Although its head is the weakest). Get in close and
hack away with your most powerful weapons/techniques (Barta seems to be the
best tech to use).  After a minute or so it will rise up and fly into the air,
if you are packing a long-range weapon you can keep hitting it as it rises.
It will dive down under the ground and burrow out from the middle at high
speed; you can track its progress on your radar.  Just keep moving and you
should avoid taking a hit.  Once it reappears, just repeat the steps above.
You should make sure you stay to the right of the dragon as when it dies it
will topple over to the left and can squish you.  Once it is dead walk around
the outside of the area and collect the items from the boxes then use the
teleport to return to Pioneer 2.
Once back you MUST go and talk to the principal, this is the only way to gain
access to the next area, the Caves.
SIL DRAGON (Ultimate) - Although this dragon looks pretty impressive in the new
snowbound arena, its actually virtually identical in tactics to the Dragon.  It
moves faster and is tougher obviously but it shouldn't cause you too much
grief. However just watch out for it when it dives under ground.  As well as
burrowing out it a straight line, it will also spiral inwards under ground as
well. Also it now has ice breath and can freeze you if you don't avoid its
frontal attacks.
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b) CAVES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Caves are the largest area in the game.  Three large maps to navigate
Around and not as many shortcuts across unlike the Ruins.  Plenty of telepipes
are recommended as you get deeper inside.  You will also face traps here for
the first time.  These take the form of floating mines that can explode in your
face or poison you.  Androids can see and target them.  Everyone else won't see
them until they are right up close, so Trap Vision is a must.  Make sure you
search Caves 2 thoroughly and activate the column, this will save you time
later in the game.
There is one thing to be aware of; on your first time through the Caves it is
likely you will do the Quests in order.  However the Ruins quest "Soul of
Steel" has two different endings.  To get the "good" ending, you need to leave
two of the caves quests (Waterfall Tears/Black Paper) until after you have done
two Mines Quests (Doc Osto's Research + Unsealed Door).  But you can choose to
do this on another difficulty setting if you wish.
The same goes for the quest for the Soul Eater weapon don't do Waterfall Tears
until you have done Doc Osto's Research and Unsealed Door.  These also require
these quest to be undertaken in this order.  You also can't acquire the Soul
Eater, or see the good ending to Soul of Steel in the same difficulty mode.
(see "Special Weapons Quests" in the Weapons Section)
The key event is whether or not you tell Sue your name in the quest "Doc Osto's
Research".  Tell her and you can see the true end of "Soul of Steel", don't
tell her and you can get Soul Eater weapon.  Please refer to the weapons side
quests section in the Equipment listings and/or the Soul of Steel quest  guide
in the Mines section for full step-by-step details.
********************** a) HUNTERS GUILD QUESTS *************************
1) ADDICTING FOOD
This is a simple quest, but a long one.  You have to make your way through the
caves, into Caves 3. Once in caves 3 you need to hunt down the Cake Sisters.
They are found in one of the large (one exit bottom, two exits top) rooms
located on the right side of the map.
This can be a challenging quest as it throws about three times the normal
amount of enemies at you, so its great for leveling up in.  However if you are
new to the Caves you may want to play "The Graves Butler" first which is a bit
gentler on a new player.
When you get to Caves three you'll walk into one of the larger rooms and there
are two exits, if you go through one exit it will say "a sweet smell", this
means that is the fastest way to the Cake sisters.  You can take the other way
if you like, Caves 3 is more of a "square" shape, with most of the rooms
interlocking via shortcuts. Once you find them, buy a cake off them and return
via a pipe.  Talk to the girl and get your reward at the counter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) THE LOST BRIDE
This is another simple quest, but can become tricky in higher difficulty modes.
You have to chaperone a fat woman called Cicil down into one of Caves 2
waterfall caves.  She says she has got fat using recovery items so would like
to get down there without using any.
So you have to keep Cicil out of trouble.  She can actually use magic and heal
herself, but if you let her die then its mission failed.  Try and let her
sustain as little amount of damage as possible as she may declare the
mission over if she has to heal up too many times. The easiest way is to stay
close to doorways, so she will be out of harms way.  It may result in slow
progress, but her health drops alarmingly when surrounded vicious Pal Sharks or
the Lilies on Ultimate difficulties that like to Megid you.  If you are a
Hunter, I recommend you get a good long distance weapon.  You'll need it!
Once you reach the right cave Cicil will let you know.  Just use the pipe to
return and talk to the newly slim Cicil to end the mission and then claim your
reward.
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3) SECRET DELIVERY
This is a bit more complex than the missions thus far.  You are instructed to
find an android who has stopped transmitting or something and input YN-0117.
You have 45 minutes in which to do it.  You want to get yourself down to Caves
2 as quickly as possible.  In caves 1 you'll meet Bernie again who'll mutter
about another code.  To get access to the warp down to caves 2 you need to find
a room with a green arrow in it (an android in an alcove).  You can talk to the