Guide to the Underkeep in Dragon Quest VI, including defeating Murdaw, finding treasure chests with Amor Seco Essence, and Iron Mask.
Walkthrough
- 1Talk to Nevan to create an invisible spot allowing you to Zoom back later.
- 2To exit the Underkeep, head to the room where Murdaw was fought; a well in his place leads to the boss room, from which you can cast Evac to leave.
- 3The upper right door is now unlocked. Enter and climb the stairs to find three treasure chests: the top left contains Amor Seco Essence, the lower left has 1000 Gold Coins, and the right chest contains an Iron Mask, a superior helmet for Hero or Carver.
- 4Return to the main floor, walk through the open doorway, and follow the hallways to a large hall with a red carpet. An intriguing scene will play, and Carver will remember the skill Knuckle Sandwich.
- 5Proceed down the hall and through the lower right door. You will encounter new enemies: Harmour (summons Healslimes), Sorcerers (use Oomph), and Scorching Man (uses Sizzle). Sap is useful against defended enemies, Kabuff against large groups, Fizzle can prevent spell use, and Poof can clear out Undentured Servants.
- 6Continue up the hallway to a metal statue blocking the path. Check it to fight the mini-boss Sculptrice.
- 7Mini-Boss: Sculptrice - Its main threat is Kasap; counter with Milly's Kabuff. Cool Breath is ineffective against those with the Dragon Shield, and Kasnooze does not affect everyone. You receive 165 experience and 210 Gold Coins.
- 8You may fight a second statue if you wish, then climb the stairs in the top right corner.
- 9On the next floor, walk down and around to the lower right. Break a single pot to reveal the enemy Urnexpected. Be cautious as it uses Whack; use Carver's Forbearance to prevent Nevan from being affected. It also casts Absorb magic, which heals it when it takes magic damage, but depletes its MP, preventing further Whack spells. It has a desperate attack that can deal significant damage to characters with low HP and defense.
- 10Climb the stairs in the lower left corner to find a small room with a person. Talking to them initiates a battle with the Grim Keeper, a mini-boss not listed in the Big Book of Beasts.
- 11Mini-Boss: Grim Keeper - This monster summons a Healslime for backup and uses an Envenom attack on one target. You receive 569 experience and 171 Gold. This battle may remove the electricity around the statue on the lower floor.
- 12Return to the floor with the statues and defeat the one blocking access to a treasure chest. Walk over the dangerous floor to open it and obtain a Fire Claw weapon, which should be equipped to Carver.
- 13Go back to the large red carpeted hall. Entering the lower left door allows you to fight two more Sculptrice statues. Steps under the second statue lead to a lower floor, but require a key for locked doors. One small room contains a single enemy.
- 14Once you have found all items, proceed up the red staircase and to the door. Ensure everyone has Medicinal Herbs, Amor Seco Essences, and possibly Magic Water. If Milly and Nevan have Midheal, consider giving the Staff of Ghent to Hero so he can also use Midheal. Carver should be your primary attacker, with the others focusing on healing.
- 15After a brief conversation, enter to face Murdaw again. During the ensuing events, you will have a Yes or No choice that has no impact on the outcome. Recommended team levels are Hero: Level 21, Carver: Level 22, Milly: Level 19, and Nevan: Level 14.
- 16Boss: Murdaw 1 - Murdaw is accompanied by two Prickly Pranksters. Prioritize defeating the allies, as they have low HP and Carver can defeat one with Double Up. Use Milly's Kabuff to counter Murdaw's likely Kasap. Sap may be ineffective. Concentrate on defense boosts with Kabuff. Murdaw's fire attack can deal up to 50 HP damage to all party members; heal Milly and Nevan immediately after.
- 17Murdaw may summon a Harmour, and possibly a second one later. Defeat these summons with any attacks while Carver continues using Double Up on Murdaw. You will receive 1522 experience and 262 Gold Coins.
- 18Boss: Murdaw 2 - This battle is significantly harder. Murdaw's magic attack, Chilly Breath, can inflict up to 80 HP damage. Ensure the party is at full health before starting, as there are no automatic heals from the previous battle. Use Kabuff to mitigate his physical attacks. He also has a lightning magic attack that deals around 40 HP damage to all and a sleep attack that targets one person.
- 19The greatest threat is if Murdaw uses both his ice breath and lightning magic in the same turn.
Tips
- You can Zoom back to the Underkeep later if you miss any items.
- The Iron Mask is a better helmet for Hero or Carver.
- Sap and Fizzle can be useful against certain enemies.
- Carver's Forbearance is crucial against Urnexpected's Whack spell.
- Ensure your party is well-prepared with healing items and MP-restoring items before facing Murdaw.
- Milly and Nevan's Midheal, combined with the Staff of Ghent on Hero, provides strong healing support.
- Focus on defeating Murdaw's allies first in the initial encounter.
- Prioritize healing after Murdaw's powerful attacks in both battles.
100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content