Faxanadu

The game uses a side-scrolling perspective with travel across a world map and through towns, towers, caves, and other connected areas. Players jump, attack with a sword, and use magic while managing gold, experience, and equipment upgrades. Inns restore health, shops sell weapons, armor, and spells, and progression often depends on talking to NPCs, finding keys, and discovering hidden routes. Leveling up and improving defense are especially important because enemies and bosses can be punishing.

The protagonist

An elf adventurer returning to his homeland to investigate the dying World Tree and restore the kingdom.

The World Tree

The central sacred tree whose decline drives the story and the player’s mission.

Focus on defense and survivability early on, not only attack power. Talk to every NPC, since many give hints about hidden paths, required items, and dungeon progression. If a section feels too hard, backtrack to earn more gold and experience, then return with better gear. Explore suspicious walls, alternate stairways, and side routes carefully, as keys and route order often gate progress.

Tips and tricks

• Return to town often to heal and restock.
• Stronger armor usually matters more than raw attack early in the game.
• NPC dialogue frequently contains essential progression clues.