Guide to Final Fantasy IX's Return to Alexandria section, covering Hippaul Racing, exploring the city, finding items, and triggering story events.
Walkthrough
- 1View the ATE "It’s So Big!".
- 2Find Hippaul and his mother on the left side of the street. Agree to race Hippaul.
- 3Alternate pressing Square and Circle (X/B on Xbox, Y/A on Switch) to race.
- 4Win prizes for every ten levels Hippaul gains, including the Wyerd Card (10), Carrion Worm Card (20), Tantarian Card (30), Armstrong Card (40), Ribbon Card (50), Nova Dragon Card (60), Genji Card (70), and Athlete Queen (80).
- 5After racing, return to the front of the pub and head left to view the ATE "Long Time No See!".
- 6Enter the item shop on the right to stock up.
- 7Return to the screen with the pub to view the ATE "To Fly High".
- 8Go to the screen with the item shop and continue to the main square to view the ATE "Artemicion".
- 9Head north from the square to the docks. Collect the Phoenix Pinion and 3,927 Gil next to the guards.
- 10Return to the square and exit left into the alleyway. Ignore Blank and Marcus and enter the church.
- 11Find Stiltzkin in the church and purchase his item set for 777 Gil (Phoenix Pinion, Hi-Potion, Elixir).
- 12Talk to the moogle Kupo and give him the letter from Kuppo.
- 13Speak to Kupo again to find a letter from Mogrika delivered by Artemicion.
- 14Climb the tower and pull the rope to find hidden cards: Shiva Card and Ramuh Card. If missed on the first trip, you'll get those too.
- 15Backtrack to the alleyway and approach Marcus/Blank to trigger Blank speaking. Agree to see the play.
- 16Descend the stairs behind Blank. Watch scenes with Doctor Tot giving Dagger an Opal, Topaz, and Amethyst.
- 17You will gain control of Eiko inside the castle. Move north.
- 18You will gain control of Zidane. Exit the pub and view the ATE "I Forgot!".
- 19Go to the square and enter the Synthesis and Equipment shops on the right.
- 20Synthesize the Angel Bless for Zidane using a Mythril Dagger and Gladius to teach him the Thievery skill.
- 21Consider purchasing Feather Boots (teaches Auto-Float), Ice Lance for Freya, Twist Headband, Gold Helm, Brigandine, and Plate Mails.
- 22Talk to Zenero, Benero, and Genero inside the equipment shop to play another mini-game.
Tips
- There is no penalty for pressing the buttons early in the Hippaul race; get into a rhythm before the race starts.
- As Hippaul's level increases, he becomes faster, making it harder to win by a large margin.
- Once Hippaul reaches level 80, there are no further rewards.
- The Athlete Queen key item is obtained at level 80.
- The Synthesis shop allows you to create the Angel Bless, which teaches Zidane the Thievery skill.
- Feather Boots can be synthesized to teach the Auto-Float passive ability.
- Consider purchasing upgrades like the Ice Lance for Freya and the Twist Headband.
- It is recommended to buy an extra Gold Helm if possible, as it can be synthesized later.
- Purchase another Brigandine if your current one is in use.
- Hippaul's Level 10: Wyerd Card
- Hippaul's Level 20: Carrion Worm Card
- Hippaul's Level 30: Tantarian Card
- Hippaul's Level 40: Armstrong Card
- Hippaul's Level 50: Ribbon Card
- Hippaul's Level 60: Nova Dragon Card
- Hippaul's Level 70: Genji Card
- Hippaul's Level 80: Athlete Queen (Key Item)
- Docks: Phoenix Pinion, 3,927 Gil
- Stiltzkin's Shop: Phoenix Pinion, Hi-Potion, Elixir
- Bell Tower: Shiva Card, Ramuh Card
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