Walkthrough
A complete step-by-step guide through all six acts of Vandal Hearts.
Table of contents
- How to Use This Walkthrough
- Story Structure
- Quick Navigation
- General Walkthrough Tips
- Spoiler Policy
- Credits
- Next Steps
How to Use This Walkthrough
This walkthrough is organized by Act (the game’s main chapters) and then by Section (individual battles and story segments). Each section includes:
- 📖 Story Summary - What’s happening in the plot
- ⚔️ Battle Strategy - How to approach the fight
- 💎 Treasures & Secrets - Chest locations and hidden items
- 🔑 Key Items - Trial of Toroah keys and prerequisites
- 👥 Character Events - When party members join
Story Structure
Act I - A Premonition of War
The story begins with Ash Lambert, a platoon leader in the Ishtarian Security Forces, uncovering a conspiracy that will change the fate of the nation.
Sections: 6 battles New Characters: Eleni, Huxley, Kira, Grog Key Available: Nova Key (Trial #1)
Act II - Island of Madness
Ash and his companions journey to Gillbaris Island to find General Magnus, only to discover dark forces at work involving ancient magic.
Sections: 6 battles New Characters: Dolan, Amon, Sara Keys Available: Earth Key (Trial #2) Major Event: Magnus corrupted, Time Rift opened
Act III - Escape to Tomorrow
Ash emerges from the Time Rift three years in the future to find Hel Spites has become emperor. The resistance must free political prisoners and regroup.
Sections: 7 battles New Characters: Zohar Abu Sa’id, Darius Keys Available: Mana Key (Trial #3) Major Event: Three years have passed, Hel’s dictatorship established
Act IV - The Successor
The search for the Royal Ring leads to Trade City Kerachi and a confrontation with the Crimson Guard. Dolf’s true plans begin to emerge.
Sections: 5 battles New Characters: Kira returns Keys Available: Chaos Key (Trial #4) Major Event: Dolf kills Hel, seizes power
Act V - The Legacy
The journey to the Torog Mountains to seek the legendary Vandal Heart, the only weapon capable of stopping the Flames of Judgement.
Sections: 6 battles Keys Available: Logos Key (Trial #5) Major Event: Obtain the Vandal Heart sword
Act VI - A Fool’s Epitaph
The final confrontation with Dolf and his forces. Ash must master the Vandal Heart and save Sostegaria from the Flames of Judgement.
Sections: 4 battles Keys Available: Heaven Key (Trial #6) Major Event: Final battle with Dolf
Quick Navigation
By Battle Type
- Story Battles - Main storyline encounters
- Optional Battles - Trials of Toroah (see Trials section)
- Boss Battles - Major antagonists and mini-bosses
By Goal
- Character Recruitment - See when each party member joins
- Equipment Farming - Best locations for rare items
- Experience Grinding - Optional leveling strategies
- Key Collection - All six Trial keys and how to get them
General Walkthrough Tips
Before Each Battle
- Save your game at every town
- Equip your party with the latest gear
- Check the tavern for hints and key items
- Visit the Dojo to advance characters at levels 10 and 20
During Battles
Characters cannot be revived during battle! If someone falls, they’re out until the battle ends. Plan carefully!
Universal Strategies:
- Use archers against flying enemies and mages
- Use magic against heavily armored enemies
- Keep healers in the back, protected by fighters
- Don’t spread out - maintain formation
- Check enemy movement range (○ button) before moving
After Battles
- Characters who fell are automatically revived after battle
- Experience is distributed to encourage even leveling
- Visit shops to upgrade equipment with your winnings
Spoiler Policy
This walkthrough contains full story spoilers. Each battle section includes story context and plot developments.
Credits
This walkthrough consolidates strategies from:
- Lancel0t - Act-by-act battle strategies
- Richard Uyeyama - Comprehensive battle data
- Wolverine Inc. - Perfect battle tactics
- Jeff Chan - Character and class analysis
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Choose your starting point:
- Act I - A Premonition of War - Start from the beginning
- Characters - Review your party first
- Job Classes - Plan your advancement strategy