The Nibelheim Incident: The Eastern Continent

Your destination is the town of Kalm, located to the north-east of Midgar.

As you travel on the world map, you will encounter random monsters.

You can learn the Enemy Skill “Matra Magic” from Custom Sweeper enemies found near Midgar. You can also steal Atomic Scissors from them.

The game then flashes back five years to when Cloud was a 1st Class SOLDIER.

Cloud is on a truck with Sephiroth, who explains the mission: to investigate a malfunctioning Mako reactor that is spewing out monsters.

A monster attacks the truck, showcasing the power difference between Cloud and Sephiroth.

After the battle, Cloud continues his story to his present-day companions.

Back in the past, Sephiroth gives you permission to explore your hometown, Nibelheim.

Most houses circle the water tower; the inn is at 11 o’clock and the general store is at 12 o’clock.

Cloud's house is at 2 o'clock. Inside, you can speak to his mother.

Tifa's house is next door at 3 o'clock.

Go upstairs in Tifa's house to her room, which has a piano. Interact with the piano.

When Tifa asks about your musical inclinations, say “Yeah, I jammed on it”. This is crucial for obtaining Elemental Materia much later.

To play the piano tune, use the following inputs: Playstation controller: X, [Square], [Triangle], R1 + [Triangle], R1 + [Square], X, [Square], [Triangle], R1 + X, [Circle], X, [Square], X. PC controls: [CANCEL], [SELECT], [MENU], [PAGE UP] + [MENU], [PAGE UP] + [SELECT], [CANCEL], [SELECT], [MENU], [PAGE UP] + [CANCEL], [OK], [CANCEL], [SELECT], [CANCEL].

If you play the tune well, Cloud will comment on it, and repeating the performance later will yield great rewards.

Search the dresser in Tifa's room to find “Orthopedic Underwear”.

Visit a house to the south and Tifa’s dad near the mountain exit, though these are less critical.

Head into the inn and speak to the grey-haired man near the counter, Zangan, Tifa’s martial arts teacher.

Go upstairs and talk to Sephiroth twice, then choose to rest to advance to the next day.

The next morning, talk to Sephiroth. Your guide, a childhood friend, will appear.

After some dialogue and a photo opportunity, head towards the mountain.

Follow Tifa across a bridge. This is your only chance to see baby-Cloud’s party portrait.

Head north-east into a cave. The monsters here are very strong, but Sephiroth is immune, making the battles brief showcases of his power.

Continue north along the eastern side of the cavern to find a Mako fountain.

Sephiroth will explain Mako, Materia, and magic.

The party reaches their destination: the Mako Reactor on Mount Nibel.

Go up the stairs to the reactor. The two SOLDIER members will proceed ahead.

Inside, travel along pipes and a walkway, then jump to reach chains leading to a lower level.