Introduction
Lich is the first of the Four Fiends in Final Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster and the toughest boss you've faced so far. This undead sorcerer guards the Earth Crystal on B5 of the Cavern of Earth, two floors below the Vampire you defeated earlier. You'll need the Earth Rod from the sage Sarda to break through the sealed door on B3 and reach him. A party around level 20-22 is recommended. Restoring the Earth Crystal is the first major step in the main quest, and a story trophy unlocks when the light returns.
Boss Stats
Strategy
To beat the Lich in FF1 Pixel Remaster, open with NulFrost to halve his Blizzara damage, then target his Fire and Dia weaknesses with Firaga and Diaga every turn. Buff your physical attackers with Haste and Temper for supplemental damage, and keep your White Mage alternating between Diaga and Curaga to maintain pressure.
Lich has 1,200 HP and is extremely vulnerable to Fire and Dia magic. His spell rotation includes Blizzara, Fira, Thundara, and Sleep. Blizzara hits the entire party, so casting NulFrost on your first turn is critical; it cuts that ice damage in half and can be the difference between surviving a round and losing someone. Firaga is your Black Mage's best tool here, dealing massive damage each cast. Your White Mage should alternate between Diaga (which also hits hard against undead) and Curaga to keep the party healthy. Stack Haste and Temper on your Warrior for consistent physical damage between spell casts. And if Sleep lands on your healer, have a backup plan ready; a Red Mage with Curaga or even a Potion from another party member can buy you time while the effect wears off.
Battle Plan
- Turn 1 priority - White Mage casts NulFrost before anything else to protect against Blizzara
- Black Mage - Cast Firaga every turn; this is your highest single-target damage source against Lich's Fire weakness
- White Mage - After NulFrost, alternate between Diaga and Curaga depending on party HP
- Physical attackers - Buff your Warrior with Haste and Temper, then attack each turn for steady supplemental damage
Quick Tips
- NulFrost first - Blizzara hits every party member, and without NulFrost the cumulative damage adds up dangerously over several rounds.
- Fire and Dia spells do the heavy lifting - Firaga and Diaga each deal roughly double damage thanks to his undead weakness; physical attacks are supplemental.
- Watch for Sleep - If your healer gets put to sleep, don't panic. Use a party member's turn to heal with a Potion while you wait for it to wear off.
Rewards
After the Battle
The Earth Crystal's light is restored the moment Lich falls, and a portal appears behind the crystal. Step into it to warp out of the cavern instantly. Back in Melmond, rest at the Inn and restock your supplies. The Dry Ether from the boss drop is worth holding onto; Ethers are rare this early in the game and you'll want the MP recovery for tougher fights ahead.
Your next destination is Crescent Lake, where the sages will point you toward Mount Gulg and the Fiend of Fire. Sail east around the southern tip of the continent to reach it. But before you leave Melmond, grab a few extra Gold Needles if you're running low. Cockatrices still roam the overworld here, and getting caught without a cure is a guaranteed party wipe. The Marilith at the end of Mount Gulg is a significant step up from this fight, so you'll want your party fully prepared.