Supposed to stay below level 25 before class change?

[WoundedRonin]

This is my first playthrough of FF1. I read in one of the character guides that if your fighter gets to level 26 before class change to knight he will gimp his long term progression. However, I just gave the ntiro to the dwarf and all the characters are like level 19. From reading the walkthrough, it seems that the class change isn't available till much later in the game and I am concerned that it seems very likely that all characters will exceed level 26 by then, what with random encounters and boss battles. Is exceeding level 26 with the fighter going to be a big problem for completing the game? Should I start over and try not to grind/upgrade at all to try and be below level 26 by the class change? Just want to check in before I invest more hours in the game if I'm already playing a gimped run.

[m_brent]

Originally posted by WoundedRonin:

This is my first playthrough of FF1. I read in one of the character guides that if your fighter gets to level 26 before class change to knight he will gimp his long term progression. However, I just gave the ntiro to the dwarf and all the characters are like level 19. From reading the walkthrough, it seems that the class change isn't available till much later in the game and I am concerned that it seems very likely that all characters will exceed level 26 by then, what with random encounters and boss battles. Is exceeding level 26 with the fighter going to be a big problem for completing the game? Should I start over and try not to grind/upgrade at all to try and be below level 26 by the class change? Just want to check in before I invest more hours in the game if I'm already playing a gimped run.

I wouldn't worry about it. This version has level cap of 99 and I suspect the guide is referencing the original that had a level cap of 50 (plus it had some bugs? with the magic resist stat of the black belt). As long as you leave a few levels available for new magic users (knight, ninja) which is only a handful of levels, you're fine.

[WoundedRonin]

Originally posted by m_brent:

Originally posted by WoundedRonin:

This is my first playthrough of FF1. I read in one of the character guides that if your fighter gets to level 26 before class change to knight he will gimp his long term progression. However, I just gave the ntiro to the dwarf and all the characters are like level 19. From reading the walkthrough, it seems that the class change isn't available till much later in the game and I am concerned that it seems very likely that all characters will exceed level 26 by then, what with random encounters and boss battles. Is exceeding level 26 with the fighter going to be a big problem for completing the game? Should I start over and try not to grind/upgrade at all to try and be below level 26 by the class change? Just want to check in before I invest more hours in the game if I'm already playing a gimped run.

I wouldn't worry about it. This version has level cap of 99 and I suspect the guide is referencing the original that had a level cap of 50 (plus it had some bugs? with the magic resist stat of the black belt). As long as you leave a few levels available for new magic users (knight, ninja) which is only a handful of levels, you're fine.

Thanks!!!!!

[Electric Cupcake]

I habitually try to get through the Citadel of Trials before Lvl 30.

[torchsfireplace]

1. Progress to the Earth Fiend and kill him.
2. Run through the ice cave as fast as you possibly can by running from groups of enemies and making a quick path to the floater or levistone whatever they called it in this game lol BTW this is very difficult but well worth it. (you can also grind a bit at Crescent Town the Centepedes are worth a lot in xp and money)
3. Go to the Castle for the Rat's Tail and work your way through this as quickly as possible as well also kinda rough but doable.
4. Ascend your characters at Bahamut.

this is every run for me and I use Fighter,Black Belt,Thief, and White Mage

[Drain]

Lower is better but there is no magic number and it is not a big deal. Most players will likely be around 30 when they upgrade and that's fine.

[GamerXT]

Probably doesn't matter, this isn't as hard as the NES version since more exp is earned, unless you lower the exp with the option they added, which is more like increasing the tedium.

When I played, I never even read about ideally being a lower level before promoting everyone.

Although maybe if there's skills that are easier to obtain after promotion, then you might care about being a lower level I guess.

[chuckpolk]

The NES game (and other versions) were among the first Speedruns and Min/Max games for formats like YouTube, and lots of what you read are for those purposes.

Having played the heck out of the original NES game in the 1980’s and 90’s, there is absolutely no way of gimping your character progression. None. You play how you want and it will be fine. Getting stomped? Advance another level or two, try again. In the end, it matters not!

[Starvingartizt]

Originally posted by chuckpolk:

The NES game (and other versions) were among the first Speedruns and Min/Max games for formats like YouTube, and lots of what you read are for those purposes.

Having played the heck out of the original NES game in the 1980’s and 90’s, there is absolutely no way of gimping your character progression. None. You play how you want and it will be fine. Getting stomped? Advance another level or two, try again. In the end, it matters not!

you must remember hitting air alot ;)