Cornelia & Garland

Updated: 21 Sept 2025 Playtime: 20-30 minutes

Your adventure in the Final Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster begins as soon as you gain control of your party, standing on the world map just south of Cornelia. Walk directly north and enter the castle.

The world map showing the town of Cornelia and its surroundings in Final Fantasy 1.
The town of Cornelia in Final Fantasy 1, viewed from the world map.

Visit Cornelia Castle

Enter through the main gates. You’ll notice several locked doors and treasure chests - ignore these for now as you need the Mystic Key to open these later on.

The entrance to Cornelia Castle in Final Fantasy 1, with the party standing at the gate.
Cornelia Castle, where you'll pick up your first quest.

Navigate to the throne room in the center of the castle. Approach the King of Cornelia and speak with him. He’ll explain that his daughter, Princess Sarah, has been kidnapped by Garland, a knight who once served the kingdom but has now turned to darkness. The King begs you to rescue her from the Chaos Shrine to the north.

Inside Cornelia Castle, showing the King on his throne speaking with the party.
A conversation with the King of Cornelia in his throne room.

After the conversation, exit the throne room and leave the castle. Once you’re back in the world map, take a left or right into Cornelia town.

Preparing for Battle

Before you save Princess Sarah, it’s crucial to equip your party properly. Cornelia is your first opportunity to buy weapons, armor, and items that will help you survive the upcoming battles.

The bustling main street of Cornelia town in Final Fantasy 1, showing various shops.
Cornelia town, the first town in Final Fantasy 1.

Visit the following locations in Cornelia:

  • Weapon Shop: Purchase the best available weapons for your party members.
  • Armor Shop: Buy the best armor you can afford.
  • Magic Shop: If you have a White Mage, buy Cure spells. If you have a Black Mage, buy Fire spells. These will be invaluable in the upcoming battles.
  • Item Shop: Stock up on Potions (at least 3) to heal during battles.

Once you’ve equipped your party, head out of town and get ready for battle.

Levelling up

Before heading to the Chaos Shrine, it’s a good idea to level up your party. Stay close to Cornelia so you can quickly retreat to the Inn and rest up if needed. Grind on the enemies in the grasslands until all party members reach level 2.

A battle screen showing the party fighting two goblins and a wolf outside Cornelia.
Battling goblins and wolves outside Cornelia is the safest way to gain your first levels.

Once everyone is levelled up, return to Cornelia and rest at the Inn. This will restore your HP and MP, preparing you for the upcoming battle. Stock up on more Potions if you used any during your grinding session.

Chaos Shrine

Now that your party is equipped, rested and levelled up, it’s time to head to the Chaos Shrine to confront Garland and rescue Princess Sarah.

Exit Cornelia town and head as far north as possible to reach the Chaos Shrine. It’s a large grey structure that you can’t miss.

The exterior of the Chaos Shrine, a large gray stone structure, in Final Fantasy 1.
The foreboding Chaos Shrine, your first dungeon in Final Fantasy 1.

Inside the Chaos Shrine

The enemies in the Chaos Shrine are significantly stronger than those outside Cornelia. Make sure to use your spells and items wisely to conserve MP and HP. You can always return to Cornelia to rest and stock up on supplies if needed.

The layout within the Chaos Shrine is a straightforward central path with small rooms on either side. Only visit the bottom left and top left rooms for treasure.

  • Bottom-left room: Contains a Leather Cap.
  • Top-left room: Contains 1 Potion and 1 Tent.

After collecting the items, it’s best to head back to Cornelia and rest at the Inn and stock up on Potions before proceeding.

Boss Battle: Garland

Before stepping forward to trigger the boss battle, make sure to heal your party with Potions or Cure.

Garland standing at a glowing altar inside the Chaos Shrine, ready for battle.
Garland awaits at the altar in the Chaos Shrine, ready for your first boss battle.

Garland is one of the easier bosses in the game. You can defeat him with basic tactics:

  • Use physical attacks from your Fighters and Thieves.
  • Cast Cure on your White Mage to keep the party healthy.
  • Use Fire spells from your Black Mage to deal extra damage.

After the Battle

After defeating Garland, you’ll speak with Princess Sarah. You’ll be automatically transported back to Cornelia Castle.

The party standing with Princess Sarah after rescuing her from Garland.
Princess Sarah is rescued after defeating Garland in the Chaos Shrine.

In the throne room, the King thanks you profusely. As a reward, he will repair the northern bridge, and Princess Sarah will give you the Lute, a key item that will be crucial.

A text box on screen showing the party receiving the Lute as a reward.
Princess Sarah gives you the Lute, an important key item for your quest.

With the bridge repaired, you can now access new areas to the north. This opens up the world for exploration and sets the stage for the next chapter of your adventure.

A cutscene showing the bridge north of Cornelia being repaired.
The bridge is repaired, allowing access to new areas north of Cornelia.

Before you leave Cornelia, make sure to stock up on supplies and rest at the Inn. Head northeast across the bridge to continue your journey. A short cutscene will play.

The chapter 1 complete screen in Final Fantasy 1.
Chapter 1 complete screen in Final Fantasy 1.