Rance 1 Walkthrough 【ULTIMATE • CHEAT SHEET】

This covers the main story progression, essential item locations, and how to avoid dead ends.

Note: The original 1989 version differs slightly. This guide is for the 2005 / 2013 remake (most commonly played today). rance 1 walkthrough

Part 2: Early Game (Prologue to Independence)

Goal: Survive the tutorial battles and prepare for the Free Cities Alliance war.

1. Zeus Coronation: Participate in the tournament. Do not bet against yourself.
2. Helman Invasion:
   • You will face a scripted loss against the Helman General (Thoma) early on. This is normal.
   • Focus on defending your castle.
   • Key Strategy: Use Rance’s "Rance Attack" to one-shot minibosses.
3. Recruitment:
   • Sill: Your primary healer/buffer. Keep her level high.
   • Kenshin: Available early if you visit the specific town (focus on the "Martial Arts" events).
   • Maria: Essential for her tanking abilities. Recruit her in the Free Cities.

Sidequests that affect endings (do these)

• Rescue quest in Bandit Hideout — needed for Good Ending variant.
• Ally-specific favors (help Sill/Lia with personal quests) — influence epilogue scenes.
• Recover the Sacred Relic from the Desert Ruins — unlocks an alternate final boss and secret ending.

The Princess' Request

Go to the Castle Plaza -> Castle Gate. The guard lets you in if you have Sill (the story assumes you do). Inside, you meet Princess Lia Leazas (a sadistic, spoiled brat). She wants you to find a "special book" for her in the Castle Underground. This is a main quest, but also a trap. This covers the main story progression, essential item

Before the Castle Underground:

• Go to the Weapon Shop (Day only). Buy Rance a Long Sword.
• Go to the Armor Shop (Day only). Buy Leather Armor.
• Heal at the Inn if needed.

2. Prologue – Leazas Castle

You start as Rance, a wandering swordsman, looking for a girl named Hikari. Note: The original 1989 version differs slightly

• Talk to the King (he’s useless).
• Talk to Maris (the prime minister) – she gives you permission to search.
• Explore the castle:
  • 2F Library – talk to the old man (info on monsters).
  • Training grounds – optional fight (good for early exp).
• At night, visit Hikari’s room (2F left side) – she’s gone.
• Search her room – find a hairpin (key item).

Important: Talk to the gate guard before leaving – he’ll mention the slave trader.

Phase 3: The Slave Market

• Location: Eastern district, only open at night.
• Disguise: You cannot enter as Rance. Go to the Costume Shop (daytime) – buy the Merchant Outfit.
• Slave Market (night, disguised): Talk to the orc guard. Say you’re a buyer.
• Inside: Find the auction list. Hikari isn’t there. Talk to the back-alley dealer. He demands 5,000G for info.
• Money: Grind fights in the sewers or sell unused gear. (Or win at the casino – save-scumming works.)
• Pay him: He reveals Hikari was sold to Count Vance’s Mansion.