You probably remember the ending of the original Final Fantasy IV. Cecil and Rosa are on the throne, the Red Wings are no longer a global threat, and the world is finally at peace. Then Square Enix decided to drop a sequel that felt like it was made specifically for the die-hard fans who spent way too much time grinding in the Lunar Subterrane. This isn't your standard RPG. It’s an episodic beast that can be punishing if you don't know which characters to prioritize or how the Lunar Phases actually dictate your damage output. If you're looking for a Final Fantasy IV The After Years walkthrough that doesn't just list maps but actually explains how to survive the True Moon, you're in the right place.
The game is a massive undertaking. It’s split into several tales—some are great, some are basically filler—and they all converge into a massive final dungeon that makes the original game's finale look like a tutorial.
Why Your Lunar Phase Strategy is Killing Your Damage
Most people ignore the Moon. Don't do that. It’s the most unique and frustrating mechanic in the game. Basically, every time you rest at an inn or use a tent, the moon shifts. This isn't just cosmetic; it physically buffs or nerfs specific command types.
If it's a Full Moon, your Black Magic hits like a truck, but your physical attack power is essentially cut in half. Imagine trying to use Ceodore’s physical strikes when the moon is full; you’re basically tickling the enemy. Conversely, a New Moon boosts physical attacks but kills your magic. I've seen players get stuck on bosses for hours simply because they were fighting against the lunar cycle. You have to check the menu. If your primary damage dealer is Edge or Kain, you want that New Moon. If you’re relying on Rydia or Palom, wait for the Full Moon. It sounds tedious, and honestly, it is, but ignoring it makes the endgame nearly impossible.
👉 See also: Finding the Right Words That Start With Oc 5 Letters for Your Next Wordle Win
The Character Tier List Nobody Wants to Admit
In the original game, your party was mostly set for you. In The After Years, the final chapter lets you pick almost anyone. This is where most players mess up their save files. You'll want to bring your favorites, but the reality is that some characters are just objectively better because of their Bands.
Bands are those combined attacks that use MP from two or more characters. They are the backbone of your DPS.
- Cecil, Rosa, and Ceodore: This is your core. Ceodore is surprisingly versatile, and the "Vibra Plus" band is a reliable heavy-hitter.
- Edge: Never leave him behind. His "Smash and Grab" and high speed make him a tactical necessity. Plus, his Ninjutsu bypasses a lot of the annoying physical reflects you'll find in the late game.
- The Mages: You really only need one dedicated nuker. Rydia is usually the go-to because of Summons, but Palom's "Dualcast" ability (if you've unlocked it properly) can break the game's damage cap.
- The Bench: Sorry, but Edward and Cid are mostly niche. Unless you are doing a challenge run, they shouldn't be in your final party of five.
Navigating the Episodic Grind
You have to play through the individual tales before you get to the "Gathering." Each tale has a "Challenge Dungeon" at the end. Here's a tip that most guides gloss over: Do not skip these. The gear you find in Ceodore’s or Kain’s Challenge Dungeons carries over. If you rush to the finale with basic shop-bought swords, the Man in Black's segment is going to be a nightmare. Specifically, in Edge’s tale, make sure you find all his sub-ninjas. If they die in their respective missions, they are gone for the rest of the game. That’s a lot of potential Band attacks down the drain just because you were impatient.
✨ Don't miss: Jigsaw Would Like Play Game: Why We’re Still Obsessed With Digital Puzzles
The Gathering: Where the Real Game Starts
Once everyone meets up at Baron, the game stops holding your hand. You’ll head to the True Moon. This place is a gauntlet. It’s not just one floor; it’s a massive descent through floors that recreate bosses from Final Fantasy I through VI.
You’ll face the Archfiends again. You’ll face the Phantom Train. You’ll face Ultima Weapon. The trick here is resource management. Since you can swap characters at the submarine (the Falcon), keep a "B-Team" healthy. Use your secondary characters to clear the trash mobs in the hallways, then swap in your heavy hitters like Cecil and Kain for the boss fights. This saves your precious MP for the fights that actually matter.
The Difficulty Spike is Real
Let's talk about the "Creator." The final boss is a multi-phase endurance test that makes Zeromus look like a pushover. If you haven't farmed for Adamantite or Tails, you’re going to have a rough time.
🔗 Read more: Siegfried Persona 3 Reload: Why This Strength Persona Still Trivializes the Game
Tails are rare drops. We’re talking 1/64 or worse. But a Pink Tail gets you the Pink Armor, and a Green Tail gets you a Rare Band. You don't need them to beat the game, but if you're finding that the enemies on the lower floors of the True Moon are one-shotting your mages, it’s time to head back to the surface and grind. It’s grindy. It’s old-school. It’s exactly what 2000s-era Square Enix thought we wanted.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
If you want to finish this game without losing your mind, follow this specific order of operations:
- Prioritize Ceodore’s Awakening: In the early game, focus on leveling Ceodore. He starts weak but becomes a top-tier Paladin/White Mage hybrid.
- Save Your Silver and Gold Needles: The True Moon is full of enemies that love to use Stone. If your healer gets petrified and you're out of items, it’s game over.
- Learn the Band Requirements: Look up the specific Band triggers. Some require you to have specific equipment or have completed certain dialogue prompts in the individual tales. You don't want to find out you missed "Holy Burst" when you're already 30 hours in.
- Manipulate the Moon: Use Tents constantly to keep the moon in a phase that favors your current party composition. If you're entering a cave full of undead, make sure the moon is Full to boost your Curaga and Holy spells.
- Farm the Small Tails: Collect the colored tails in the individual episodes. They can be traded in the final chapter for some of the best weapons in the game, like the Onion Sword.
The Final Fantasy IV The After Years experience is all about nostalgia mixed with high-level strategy. It’s less about the story—which, let's be honest, is a bit of a retread—and more about the tactical joy of building the perfect party from a roster of nearly 20 characters. Master the Moon, respect the grind, and don't let the Creator catch you with a low-level party.