Torneko no Daibouken 3 Early Guide (PS2): Seabed House Preparations and Playing Popolo

During regular story adventures, your level persists after leaving a dungeon. If your attacks barely hurt enemies or the next fight still looks difficult after healing, you can train again somewhere more manageable. Not every dungeon uses the same conditions, however. When entering somewhere new, check what happens to your level and possessions. Also check carry-in restrictions and the consequences of failure alongside the entrance conditions.

Early progression runs from the Mysterious Cave to Invitation Cave and the Southern Sea Underpass, then to Seabed House. The priest and warehouse are available there, so save and organize your inventory. Beyond it, the route goes through the Coral Reef Temple's hall and corridors. At rest stops, check the shop and recovery items before heading straight into the next entrance.

The early item shop at Seabed House stocks the Ocean Rod, Preservation Pots, Healing Pots, and Evac Scrolls. The Ocean Rod is an option for aquatic enemies ahead, but consider your existing supplies and budget if buying it would leave too little healing or food. The stock changes with progression: the early general shop lasts only until the sacred flame is lit at the Sea Dragon Lighthouse. Do not use up everything assuming you can later return to the same shop to buy it again.

The Coral Reef Temple's hall has many waterways, and some enemies move over or through water. Even what looks like an ordinary corridor can expose you to additional enemies approaching from the water. When you spot an enemy, look across the waterways as well as immediately around you before acting. Against several opponents, withdrawing to safety or using an item can be better than continuing to attack. If someone accompanies you, check their position and remaining HP instead of going ahead alone.

Popolo cannot equip swords or shields and fights with claws. For recruitment, let companions weaken the target, then finish it with Popolo's direct attack. A kill with a wand or Fire Herb does not recruit it. Recruitment is chance-based, however, so the monster you want may not rise immediately. Do not prioritize recruitment when HP is too low; surviving and returning comes first. Separate attempts to expand your roster from attempts to progress safely.

For ordinary movement, use “Stay with me” as your basic order and check that companions have not strayed. Orders are changed while adjacent, so you cannot necessarily stop a distant companion immediately after seeing an enemy. Sending a new recruit ahead as if it were fully trained is dangerous too. Choose its opponents and switch places with injured companions, keeping your fighting strength from being lost all at once.

Small Medals are in the dresser at Invitation Shrine and the pots at Seabed House. Check searchable objects even at rest stops. Organize collected medals and items you do not immediately need while warehouse space remains. Popolo cannot read scrolls, but can use an Evac Scroll by placing it at his feet. The placement step is required too, so waiting until enemies corner you can be too late. Secure a safe spot when you begin considering a return.