Introduction
The Vampire is the fifth boss in Final Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster, waiting on B3 of the Cavern of Earth west of Melmond. He appears as a bat blocking the path; talk to him and he reveals his true form. A party around level 17-19 is recommended for this fight, though you can manage at lower levels since his weaknesses make him straightforward. The Star Ruby he guards is needed to pass through Giant's Cave and reach the sage Sarda, who gives you the Earth Rod required to access the deeper floors where the Lich waits.
Boss Stats
Strategy
To beat the Vampire in FF1 Pixel Remaster, target his Fire and Dia weaknesses with Firaga and Diaga for massive bonus damage. He's undead with only 280 HP, so two or three rounds of focused spellcasting will end the fight. Physical attackers can chip in while your mages do the heavy lifting.
The Vampire has 280 HP and a high 76 Attack stat, but no magic of his own. He's a pure physical attacker, which makes the fight predictable. His undead nature means Fire and Dia spells deal roughly double their normal damage. Firaga from your Black Mage and Diaga from your White Mage will carve through his HP fast; even Fira and Diara work well if you haven't picked up Level 5 spells yet. Physical damage is fine as supplemental output, but your mages are the stars of this fight. And you shouldn't skip healing turns. His 76 Attack can two-shot a squishy caster if you let HP drop too low.
Battle Plan
- Black Mage - Cast Firaga every turn (or Fira if you don't have Level 5 spells yet); this is your biggest damage source
- White Mage - Alternate between Diaga and Curaga depending on party HP; both hits and heals matter here
- Physical attackers - Attack each turn while mages exploit the weaknesses; Haste on your Warrior speeds things up but isn't strictly necessary
Quick Tips
- Fire and Dia hit twice as hard - His undead nature means these spells deal roughly double damage, so even Fira and Diara will put serious dents in his 280 HP.
- Don't neglect healing - The Vampire hits hard at 76 Attack; a couple of unhealed turns can cost you a party member, especially your mages.
Rewards
After the Battle
Open the chest behind the Vampire to grab the Star Ruby. Exit the Cavern of Earth and head north, then immediately west to find Giant's Cave. A titan blocks the passage inside; hand over the Star Ruby and he'll let you through. Four treasure chests wait on the other side, including a Mythril Helm for your Warrior and a Great Axe.
Continue through the back exit of Giant's Cave and follow the path south to Sage's Cave. Sarda gives you the Earth Rod, which is needed to break through the sealed door on B3 of the Cavern of Earth and reach the deeper floors. Rest at the Melmond Inn before heading back in. The Lich awaits on B5, and that fight is considerably harder than this one (a party around level 20-22 is recommended for the return trip). Stock up on any Level 5 spells you couldn't afford earlier, because the Gil earned from clearing B1-B3 should cover what you need.