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Desert of Shifting Sands
Final Fantasy V

Desert of Shifting Sands

Guide to Final Fantasy V's Desert of Shifting Sands. Learn enemy stats, boss strategies for the Sandworm, and how to navigate the treacherous terrain to reach Gohn.

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Guide to Final Fantasy V's Desert of Shifting Sands. Learn enemy stats, boss strategies for the Sandworm, and how to navigate the treacherous terrain to reach Gohn.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Upon entering the desert, walk forward and step into the shifting sand.
  2. 2
    Cid and Mid will appear and explain their plan to use a sandworm to cross the desert, but you must defeat it first. They will ask if you are ready before summoning it.
  3. 3
    Boss Fight: Sandworm
    • Level: 18
  4. 4
    HP: 3000
  5. 5
    Weaknesses: None explicitly stated, but susceptible to physical attacks and Aqua Breath.
  6. 6
    Counters: Uses Gravity if magic is used or if an empty hole is attacked.
  7. 7
    Strategy:
    • If you have the Blue Magic spell Aqua Breath, it can defeat the Sandworm quickly, though it might survive with 1 HP.
  8. 8
    If you do not have Aqua Breath, avoid using magic as the Sandworm will counter with Gravity. Black Mages are particularly ineffective.
  9. 9
    A recommended party composition is 3 physical attackers and a White or Red Mage for healing.
  10. 10
    Wait for the Sandworm to emerge from a hole before attacking to minimize the risk of hitting an empty hole and triggering the Gravity counter.
  11. 11
    After defeating the Sandworm, a stable path will appear in the sand.
  12. 12
    Follow these steps to navigate the desert:
    • Go to the end of the still sand and step right (A).
  13. 13
    From the sand's current, take 2 steps down (B).
  14. 14
    Go to the bottom of the still sand and step into the shifting sand flowing down to the left (C).
  15. 15
    Step onto the two-space wide section of sand flowing down to the left (D).
  16. 16
    Move left, then a couple of spaces down. Step onto the sand flowing right (E).
  17. 17
    This path will lead you between cacti and out of the desert.
  18. 18
    Once outside, head south through the mountain path to reach Gohn, the Town of Ruin.

Monsters in the Desert:

  • 059 Sandboil
    • Level: 23
    • HP: 420
    • Steal: Potion
    • Drop: Potion
    • Weak: Water
  • 060 Desert Killer
    • Level: 23
    • HP: 620
    • Steal: -
    • Drop: Antidote
    • Weak: Water
  • 061 Sand Bear
    • Level: 24
    • HP: 1000
    • Steal: Javelin
    • Drop: Antidote
    • Weak: Water

Navigation Notes:

  • Be cautious of attacking empty holes, as the Sandworm will counter with Gravity.
  • The Blue Magic spell Aqua Breath is highly effective against the Sandworm.
  • Passage through the desert.
  • Access to Gohn, the Town of Ruin.

Previous: Jachol Cave

Next: Gohn, the Town of Ruin

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