Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece: 5 Essential Tips for Newcomers

Square Enix has officially launched the beloved Disney-based action-adventure saga Kingdom Hearts on Switch. Chances are, being a series that has been going for nearly two decades, you've already had the pleasure of soaking up its lengthy timeline with Sora, Donald, and Goofy at the helm. But then, perhaps you haven't, and you're now on the hunt for some tips before diving into it headfirst.

Whatever the case, it's worth taking into account that Kingdom Hearts, despite being a game based entirely on Disney, is actually pretty difficult when it wants to be. And its story? Well, let's just say you'll need therapy after spooling through its many, many winding plots and perplexing spin-off movies. But for now, we'll just give you a few pieces of advice. Here's to you, the Kingdom Hearts newcomer.

5. The Ultima Weapon is, quite literally, the key to success

In this day and age, it seems that every role-playing game and its spin-off has a special weapon of some sort. A weapon that, with a whole lot of patience, can be acquired somewhere near the end of the game. For Kingdom Hearts, it's the Ultima Weapon, an all-powerful Keyblade that can quite easily be obtained providing you have the patience of a saint.

While you won't be able to waltz up to a nearby vendor and purchase such a thing in a matter of seconds, you will be able to go out of your way to obtain all the necessary resources to forge it yourself. However, in order to synthesize the blueprints for the Ultima Weapon in any of the three major Kingdom Hearts chapters, you will, unfortunately, have to gather up a whole lot of rare items. Do so, and you'll have more power than even Sephiroth himself. And that, of course, ushers us into the next essential tip.

4. Don't even think about tackling Sephiroth until level 75+

Like most role-playing games, Kingdom Hearts likes to stuff in a hidden boss or two for players to scout out when not trucking through the story. Sephiroth, unfortunately, is one of the few that makes an appearance in both Kingdom Hearts 1.5 ReMix, and Kingdom Hearts 2.5 ReMix. However, despite the game being based on all things Disney, the boss battle itself is more along the lines of any Dark Souls game. And if you think we're joking, then feel free to take a look at the gameplay video above.

While the average player will beat Kingdom Hearts at around level 50, endgame content shouldn't really be touched with a barge pole until 75+. Providing you have managed to obtain the Ultima Weapon through item synthesis, then you might just stand a chance at beating the reckless so-and-so. However, to be on the safe side, we suggest putting in a little extra legwork and climbing to level 90 or higher before stepping into the ring.

3. Never turn your back on a fight

Over the course of your journey through the many Disney-themed worlds, you will encounter a plethora of foes. Each of these, of course, tend to drop XP, which helps you level, and items, which can either be used, or combined for synthesis. Now, going back to what we said about obtaining the Ultima Weapon — you will need to gather up a whole lot of resources if you're planning on forging it.

Some key items will only drop from certain Heartless or Nobodies, meaning you'll have to throw down with every enemy you brush shoulders with. It is, of course, an incredibly time consuming thing — but also a crucial thing if you're planning on making it to the end with all the bells and whistles to boot. So, do yourself a favor and don't turn the other cheek when trouble comes knocking.

2. Watch every cutscene, and don't even think about skipping the spin-off games

To be clear, Kingdom Hearts, structure-wise, is one of the messiest creations in the known gaming world. With spin-offs, mobile ports, and even movies contributing toward its overall plotline, many of us tend to lose track of what's what and who's who. Sadly, all of this can quite easily happen when setting a fresh pair of eyes on the franchise in its entirety.

Fortunately, Square Enix made the smart decision to package every entry in order, meaning you don't have to resort to Reddit to bridge any gaps in the story. However, that doesn't stop the series from being an absolute nightmare to wrap one's head around. The only thing we can strongly suggest is this: shut off the lights, immerse yourself in the world of Kingdom Hearts, and don't let a single thing disrupt you from understanding its story. Believe us when we say — it's confusing beyond belief.

1. Donald is useless, seriously

As you begin to master the art of the Keyblade, you'll soon come to learn that Sora, along with an ideal stock of potions, can perform as a one-man army against even the mightiest of foes. Goofy, being one of Sora's closest allies, can also put up a fight in most instances, and can often turn the tide with a whole plethora of attacks. But as for Donald, well — nobody really likes to talk about Donald.

Being a mage, you would have thought the Disney duck would have plenty to offer. Turns out, he doesn't, and can often spend more time being knocked out than actually contributing toward any given battle. Level him up as you wish, but just bear in mind that he will bring you down a lot more than any ally probably should. Truth be told, Jiminy Cricket makes for a better fighting companion than Donald.

You can pick up Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece on Nintendo Switch today. Included in the collection is Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 ReMix, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts 3.

So, what do you make of Kingdom Hearts so far? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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