Fire Cavern
FINAL FANTASY VIII guide · The SeeD field exam
← All areas in this guide
The Fire Cavern serves as a preliminary trial for Squall's SeeD exam, located east of Balamb Garden. Accompanied by Quistis, Squall must navigate the fiery caves within an allotted time limit to reach the inner sanctum. Defeating the boss at the end rewards the player with the Guardian Force Ifrit.
Items
0/1
Enemies
Buel
Weak to IceSteal / drop Magic Stone
Low-level flying demon that uses Fire magic.
Red Bat
Weak to Ice, Earth, Wind, HolySteal / drop Vampire Fang
Weak winged monster found frequently in the cavern.
Bomb
Weak to IceSteal / drop Bomb Fragment
Grows in size and eventually uses Self-Destruct if attacked multiple times.
Ifrit
Weak to Ice
The boss of the cavern who uses powerful Fire attacks and joins as a Guardian Force upon defeat.
Tips
- Choosing the 10-minute timer at the entrance awards the highest score for the Judgement category of the SeeD exam, but requires quickly moving through the dungeon without lingering.
- Junction the Shiva Guardian Force to Squall or Quistis and equip Ice magic to their Elemental Attack to deal heavy damage to every enemy in this dungeon.
- Stock up on Blizzard magic from the draw point outside the cavern or from Buel enemies inside to prepare for the boss fight against Ifrit.
- Scan Ifrit during the battle to unlock unique dialogue interactions between him and the party.
Not listed for this area: secrets, shops and people.
Stuck somewhere in FINAL FANTASY VIII?
Quest Compendium sees your screen while you play: ask about exactly where you are, and keep this guide open right beside your game.
Get live help while you play