Caravan Heart | Chapter 1: securing food and preparing for the Cave of Departure

Version covered: Japanese GBA release. This guide runs from the Chapter 1 base camp through the town of Delcondar to the departure for the Cave of Departure.

Chapter 1 is easier to navigate if you learn where to replenish food before expanding your exploration. Check the free supply point and packed lunch, then review your preparations before heading for the cave.

Moving through the field and dungeons consumes food. When food reaches zero, movement starts reducing your guard monsters' HP. Check food supplies separately instead of only restoring HP.

Consumption also varies with the terrain. Useful decisions include looking for a route over open ground toward your destination instead of entering mountains and forests unnecessarily, and leaving enough supplies to return for more food.

At the first base camp, talk to your companions, stay overnight, and speak to Ruin to set out. The traveling merchant caravan north of the camp replenishes food for free. Visit it before walking around Delcondar and its surroundings, and remember where you can resupply.

Checking the supply point in advance makes it easier to plan your return than searching for it only after food runs low. Do not assume that every later merchant caravan offers this same free service.

When you arrive in town, meet Ruin's parents at his house, then speak to the mayor in the mansion. Next, talk to Ripple in the tavern to recruit her. If the conversation ends without her joining, speak to her again.

After recruiting her, return to the mayor for permission to depart. If you went to the cave first and could not pass, check that Ripple has joined and that you have visited the mayor again.

Before leaving, visit Ruin's house again and collect the packed lunch from his mother, Luna. It is an item that replenishes food. Top up at the free supply point and take the lunch with you to use when needed on the way.

Check these four things at this stage.

• Ripple has joined your party
• You have the mayor's permission to pass
• You have replenished food and have the packed lunch
• Your guard monsters' HP has been restored

Once ready, head for the Cave of Departure northeast of Delcondar. Speak to the guard at the entrance; passing through the cave takes you to the next chapter.

Return for supplies while you still have some to spare, instead of pressing on with no food. Consumption depends on terrain and detours, so this guide does not give a fixed amount that guarantees you will reach the destination.

Once you can move your base camp later on, watch food consumption while bringing the camp with you. Consider the cost of supplies and where to place the camp before moving it, instead of hauling it long distances on every exploration trip.