[WIP] Kingdom Hearts II FM Any% (Beginner) Speedrun Notes

These notes are for both the PS2 (KH2FM), PS3 (KH2.5), and PS4 (KH1.5+2.5) versions. Any variations
between the two will be listed, with the notable exception that the functions for X and O are
flipped between the English and Japanese versions of the game. I will be using the English notation
whenever listing inputs throughout the notes as that is the version of the game on which I speedrun.

General notes:
- Text can be mashed with X & O. Text cutscenes can be skipped, except for on the world map.
- "CS" stands for "Cutscene Skip," which is Start down O (or X for English).
- "RC" stands for "Reaction Command," which most likely means press ▲.
- Unless otherwise instructed, hold forward through all loading screens.
- In most cases when talking to someone to start a quest, the "no" answer is selected by default.

===============
Twilight Town I
===============
CS at ??? (11.6 seconds for PS2, 15.2 seconds for English PS3)
CS at ??? seconds (???)
Mash text, hold forward, mash 1 textbox.
CS
Mash text, hold forward, mash ▲, mash text.
CS
Mash text, lock on (R1), mash text.
CS
Select the struggle bat to the right (▲ X down X), mash text (strength increase).
CS
Mash text. Air combo Seifer. Mash text.
CS

Seifer I
--------
Run up to Seifer, do a single ground hit to parry him, then 2 ground hits, being sure to start
with the lunge. Then 1 ground hit, one full combo, then run behind him and do a combo.

CS
Run through the woods, holding slightly to the left as the scene loads. Hold forward and mash
▲ as you run up to the dusk.
CS
Run up to the dusk and do a full air combo. It should do an upside-down walk. Jump behind it
and do another 2 air combos, then one ground hit should end the fight.
CS
Do 2 air hits on the next dusk, then a full air combo to kill it. Mash text after the fight.
CSx3 (second one can be skipped in the black).
Mash text, run up to the save point while mashing ▲, press Start, then mash text.
CS, then immediately mash text for map.
Run backwards and mash ▲ to grab the skateboard. Go forward to Station Heights.
CS

Mail Delivery
-------------
Mash text, press ▲, then select Mail Delivery (X left X). Mash text through the tutorial.
Skate up to the first person, jump and press ▲, then use a 360 spin to keep you in the air until
you reach the bird and press ▲. Jump just before the next person and press ▲, which should let
you jump over the rail and press ▲ at the next person. Then grind the rail with ▲ and mash ▲.

CS
Move to the right and head up to Station Plaza, picking up the skateboard on the way.
Hold right during the loading zone and grab the skateboard, then head up to Hayner and press
■ to dismount. Talk to him and select the bottom choice (X down X).
CS, then immediately mash text for munny pouch.
CSx2 (first one can be skipped in the black)
Move forward to the Back Alley.
Move right to grab the skateboard, then head to the left back up to Station Heights.
CS
Do 2 air hits, 2 air hits, 2 air combos, then 2 ground hits should end the fight.
CS
Select the Dream Sword. Mash text.
CS
Wait a second at the beginning of the fight so the dusks walk towards you. Then use two air hits
followed by a full air combo on each dusk, starting with the first one. Adjust as necessary if
you hit more than one dusk with your combos. Mash text after the fight.
CS
Open the chest, mash text.
CS
Mash text, head for the door. Hold slightly to the left as the scene loads. Run up the platforms
to the door.
CS

Twilight Thorn - https://youtu.be/P9D3ztWFMkc
--------------
Starts off with two RCs, then run forward, jump on Kairi, jump on Kairi, jump on Kairi, jump
on Riku, jump on Goofy, jump on Donald, jump on Kairi, run to the hand and say "haha, wait what"
to manipulate the RNG of the next dusk fight. One more RC, then try to get 4 full combos
while TT is knocked down (it's ok if you don't). Back up, then jump high and get a full air combo
as TT moves towards you. Move to the inside of the head and do 3 air combos. Back up slightly
to avoid the thorns, or use the RC twice (slightly slower). Then repeat this with only 2 air
combos instead until TT dies. Try to listen for the Creepers's attacks as well and kill one
or two with your combos if possible (helps reach level 3 early).

CSx3 (second one can be skipped in the black)
Move forward to the left, then open the menu, mash through the tutorial, and equip guard, as well
as any other config alterations you prefer.

**********************************
* Menu                           *
**********************************
* Abilities:                     *
*   Roxas:                       *
*     Guard                      *
* Config:                        *
*   Camera Left/Right -> Reverse *
*   Summon Effects -> None       *
**********************************
* ↓ X X ▲ O O ↑ X ↓ ↓ ↓ → ↓ ←    *
**********************************

Talk to the guy in front of the chalkboard.
CS
Run up to the left and talk to the tournament organizer to start the Hayner fight.
CS, then immediately mash text for the tutorial.

Hayner
------
Run to the back-left corner and dodge his first attack. Use 2 ground combos to knock him into
the corner. Use 2 more ground combos, the second of which should parry his attack. Use another
ground combo, then grab some orbs while he attacks. Repeat that, then one final combo should get
rid of all his orbs.

CS
Move to the right and talk to the organizer again.
CS

Vivi
----
Run up to Vivi and do a full ground combo. Then inch forward and do another combo. Back up as
Vivi retaliates, then do a single hit, single hit, then a full combo. Do another single hit and
mash guard. Two full combos should finish him off so you can collect all the orbs.

CS
Use 1 ground hit at the start of the fight, then use the RC and use 2 air hits followed by an
air combo. Use 2 hit combos for the rest of the fight.
CS

Axel I
------
<insert strat here>

CS
Talk to the organizer again.
CS
Just do single hits on Setzer to provoke him to attack you until you die.
CS, then immediately mash text for Medal and Struggle Trophy.
CS
Move forward to Back Alley. Grab the skateboard on your right and go up to Station Heights. Grab
the skateboard immediately to your right again and head left to the Station Plaza. Grab the
skateboard on your right again and head into Central Station.
CS
Equip the Medal and set summon animations to none.

********************
* Menu             *
********************
* Items:           *
*   Roxas:         *
*     Accessories: *
*       Medal      *
********************
* ↓ X X ↓ ↓ X ↓ X  *
********************

Walk down the steps to the Sunset Terrace. Head to the right over to the ball minigame, mashing ▲
as you reach the wall to investigate it.
CS
Do the minigame.
CS
Hold down as the scene loads and head over to investigate the Tunnelway.
CS
Let the first 3 Vivi clones jump and then dodge their attacks. Try to hit all three with a
horizontal slash. The rest of the fight just dodge attacks and try to use horizontal swings when
the clones are grouped up.
CS
Move to the left and forward to grab the skateboard, then head out of the Tunnelway. Walk over to the
wall fountain and investigate it to fight Shadow Sora.
CS

Shadow Roxas
------------
Full ground combo. 1 air hit. Full air combo to knock him into right corner. 2 air hits. Full air combo.

CS
Run over to the tram and mash triangle to jump on it. Jump off and swing to get over the ledge in
front of you. Head straight to Sunset Hill. Walk up and investigate the bag surrounded by trash cans.
CS
Get on the bag. Mash triangle during the entire minigame.
CS
Run back up to Sunset Hill, jumping and grabbing the ledge in your way from the stairs.
CS
Head forward to Station Heights. Grab the skateboard ahead and make your way to the Tram Common. Grab
the skateboard on your left and go to The Woods. Head to The Old Mansion.
CSx3
Move forward to the Back Alley.
CS
Use 1-12-123 air hits on each of the dusks, then two full air combos on the assassin.
CS
Hold top-right to go to the Sandlot.
CS
Head to The Old Mansion via the Tram Common and The Woods.
CS
Walk up the left staircase and enter the door to The White Room.
CS, then immediately mash text for Namine's sketches and the Mansion Map.
Head back into the Foyer. Hold right and jump off the balcony. Run up the right staircase and head into
the Library.
CS
Hold right to fall down and enter the doorway to the Computer Room.
CS
Use the door on the right to enter the Basement Hall.
CS
Use 1-12-123 air hits on the dusks. Kill 3 dusks, then tackle one of the assassins with 1-123 air hit
combos. Kill the last dusk while waiting for the second assassin to emerge, then finish him off
when he does. Use guard if the assassins stick their wings out of the ground without their heads.
Strat video: https://youtu.be/SpckWJTbXAI
CS

Axel II - https://youtu.be/3DAAbEVCMJ4
-------
Dodge the fire pillar attack immediately by running to the left. Run up to Axel and use two full ground
combos, waiting for him to fall to the ground after each one. Start a third, pressing X to do two slashes,
then square to use the finisher. Run to the center of the room and mash ▲ as he jumps into the wall. Let
him fall to the ground after the RC and do another full ground combo. This time, continue to mash X as Axel
is knocked into the air to finish the fight.

CS
Run to the door straight ahead.
CS
Repeat.
CSx2 (congrats you're now Sora)
Take all of Donald's items and equip Aerial Recovery on Sora in the forced menu.

****************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                        *
****************************************
* Items:                               *
*   Donald:                            *
*     Potion -> None                   *
*     Ether -> None                    *
* Abilities:                           *
*   Sora:                              *
*     Aerial Recovery                  *
****************************************
* X O ↑ ↑ X X ↓ ↓ ▲ ■ R2 ↑ X X ↑ X ↑ X *
****************************************

Mash text, run straight ahead.
CS
Straight ahead to the Back Alley, then head up to the Station Plaza via Station Heights.
CS
This fight will end under the following conditions: enough time has passed, Sora loses all his health, or
you deal enough hits. We opt for the latter. Use 2-hit aerial combos on everything until you reach level 6,
then use full air combos on the remaining Creepers.
CS, then immediately mash text for Munny Pouch, Crystal Orb, and Ansem Report 2
Run up and talk to Donald.
CSx2
Optional: Grab an Ether in the second chest on the left.
Run up to Pete.
CS
Simply use 2-hit aerial combos on the Shadows.
CS
Grab the Ether chest immediately to the right. Jump up the stairs and continue up to the next fight. Use
2-hit air combos on all of the shadows. Use a finisher as a judgment call when it might kill nearby shadows.
CS
Run up the stairs to the next fight. Use full air combos to kill the soldiers. Pay attention to your level.
CS
Run up the stairs and meet Yen Sid. Kill a soldier along the way if not level 7.
CS
Jump on the table and talk to Yen Sid.
CS
Walk through the door ahead.
CS
Talk to the Red Fairy.
CS, immediately mash text for Star Seeker and Valor Form.
Continue to mash text. Walk to the door ahead.
CS
Mash text and walk through the door again.
CS

Mash through the gummi ship text and the tutorial text after. Dash (O) and fly close enough to Hollow Bastion
to lock-on, then use O to warp in front of it. Press ▲ and mash X to land.

==================
= HOLLOW BASTION =
==================

=====================
= LAND OF DRAGONS I =
=====================

On landing:
********************************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                                        *
********************************************************
* Party:                                               *
*   Donald -> Goofy                                    *
* Items:                                               *
*   Sora:                                              *
*     Set Ethers to Auto-Refill                        *
*     Ether -> Potion                                  *
*   Ping:                                              *
*     Ether -> None                                    *
* Abilities:                                           *
*   Sora:                                              *
*     !Guard                                           *
*     Combo Boost                                      *
********************************************************
* (XO?)X X X O ↑ ↑ X X ▲ ↓ ↓ ↓ ▲ ■ ↑ ↑ ▲ X ↑ X ▲ R2 ↑ X ↓ X *
********************************************************

After summit fight:
*****************************************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                                                 *
*****************************************************************
* Items:                                                        *
*   Stock:                                                      *
*     AP Boost -> Use -> Sora (x4)                              *
* Abilities:                                                    *
*   Sora:                                                       *
*     Guard                                                     *
*     Slide Dash                                                *
*     Scan                                                      *
* Customize:                                                    *
*   Mulan:                                                      *
*     Technic Attack -> Party Attack                            *
*****************************************************************
* X O ↑ X ↓ X ▲ ▲ ▲ O O ↑ ↑ X ↑ X ↓ (X X X)x4 O ↓ X ■ ▲ ↓ ▲ ↓ ▲ *
*****************************************************************

====================
= OLYMPUS COLISEUM =
====================

After Hades mini-fight:
********************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                            *
********************************************
* Items:                                   *
*   Auron:                                 *
*     Potion -> None (x2)                  *
* Abilities:                               *
*   Sora:                                  *
*     !Combo Boost                         *
*     Experience Boost                     *
*   Auron:                                 *
*     !Divider                             *
*     !Healing Water                       *
*     !Auto Limit                          *
*   Donald:                                *
*     !Donald Cure                         *
********************************************
* X O ↑ ↑ X X ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲ ↓ ▲ L2 L2 ↓ ▲ ▲ ▲  *
* L2 ▲ ▲ ▲ ↓ ▲ ▲ ▲ ↑ ↑ ▲ ■ ↑ X ↑ X ↑ X ↑ X *
********************************************

After Hades Escape:
***********************
* Menu                *
***********************
* Items:              *
*   Sora:             *
*     Weapon:         *
*       Hidden Dragon *
***********************
* X X X X X X ↑ X X X *
***********************

Before Pete (after water clones):
*******************************************
* Menu                                    *
*******************************************
* Items:                                  *
*   Sora:                                 *
*     Weapon:                             *
*       Kingdom Key                       *
*   Stock:                                *
*     Power Boost -> Use -> Sora          *
*     AP Boost -> Use -> Sora (x3)        *
* Abilities:                              *
*   Sora:                                 *
*     Aerial Dive                         *
*******************************************
* X ↑ X ↓ → (X X X)x4 O ↓ X X X ■ ↓ ↓ ↓ ▲ *
*******************************************

After Pete:
********************************
* Menu                         *
********************************
* Abilities:                   *
*   Sora:                      *
*     !Guard                   *
*     Trinity Limit            *
*     !Experience Boost        *
*     Combo Boost              *
********************************
* X X ↓ ↓ ↓ ▲ L1 ▲ ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲ ↑ ▲ *
********************************

=====================
= HOLLOW BASTION II =
=====================

Upon Landing:
***********************
* Menu                *
***********************
* Items:              *
*   Sora:             *
*     Weapon:         *
*       Hero's Crest  *
***********************
* X X X ↓ X           *
***********************

==================
= BEAST'S CASTLE =
==================

Shop: Buy 2 Sardonyx Rings

After Beast:
*************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                     *
*************************************
* Party:                            *
*   Donald -> Goofy                 *
* Abilities:                        *
*   Beast:                          *
*     !Ferocious Rush               *
*     !Howling Moon                 *
*************************************
* X → X X O ↑ ↑ X ↓ ↓ X ↓ ▲ ▲ ▲ ↓ ▲ *
*************************************

=================
= DISNEY CASTLE =
=================

After Minnie escorts:
***************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                       *
***************************************
* Items:                              *
*   Sora:                             *
*     Accessories:                    *
*       Sardonyx Ring (x2)            *
***************************************
* X O ↑ ↑ ↑ X X ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ X ↓ X ↑ X ↓ X *
***************************************

==================
= TIMELESS RIVER =
==================

After second window (window 3):
**************************************************
* Menu                                           *
**************************************************
* Items:                                         *
*   Stock:                                       *
*     AP Boost -> Use -> Sora (x4)               *
* Abilities:                                     *
*   Sora:                                        *
*     Counterguard                               *
*     Reaction Boost                             *
**************************************************
* X ↑ X ↓ → (X X X)x4 O ↓ X s ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲ L1 ↓ ↓ ▲ *
**************************************************

================
= PORT ROYAL I =
================

When Jack joins party:
**************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                      *
**************************************
* Party:                             *
*   Donald -> Goofy                  *
* Customize:                         *
*   Goofy:                           *
*     Technic Attack -> Party Attack *
*   Donald:
*     Technic Attack -> Sora Attack  *
**************************************
* X → X X O ↑ X ↑ X ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ L2 ▲ ▲ ▲ *
**************************************

=============
= AGRABAH I =
=============

When Aladdin joins party:
**********************************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                                          *
**********************************************************
* Items:                                                 *
*   Aladdin:                                             *
*     Ether -> None (x2)                                 *
*   Stock:                                               *
*     AP Boost -> Use -> Sora (x3)                       *
* Abilities:                                             *
*   Sora:                                                *
*     Guard                                              *
*     Item Boost                                         *
*     Aerial Spiral                                      *
* Customize:                                             *
*   Sora:                                                *
*     Potion -> Reflect (X)                              *
*   Aladdin:                                             *
*     Technic Attack -> Sora Attack                      *
**********************************************************
* X O ↑ X X ↓ ↓ ↓ X ↑ X R2 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ↑ ↑ X ↓ X ↑ X ↓ X ↑ X *
* ↓ X O ↑ ↑ X ↓ → (X X X)x3 O ↓ X ■ ▲ ↑ ↑ ▲ L1 ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲   *
**********************************************************

After Treasure Room:
*************************************************************
* Menu                                                      *
*************************************************************
* Abilities:                                                *
*   Sora:                                                   *
*     Aerial Finish                                         *
*     !Counterguard                                         *
*     Quick Run LV1                                         *
*   Donald:                                                 *
*     Donald Cure                                           *
*     Fantasia                                              *
* Customize:                                                *
*   Donald:                                                 *
*     Sora Attack -> Technic Attack                         *
*************************************************************
* ↓ X X R1 ▲ ↑ ▲ R1 ↑ ▲ L2 L2 ↓ ↓ ↓ ▲ ↓ ▲ O O ↓ X ↓ ↓ X ▲ ▲ *
*************************************************************

====================
= HALLOWEEN TOWN I =
====================

When Jack joins party:
*********************
* Menu (FORCED)     *
*********************
* Party:            *
*   Donald -> Goofy *
*********************
* X → X X           *
*********************

After grabbing AP Boost (before Christmas Town):
***********************************************************
* Menu                                                    *
***********************************************************
* Items:                                                  *
*   Jack:                                                 *
*     Ether -> None (x2)                                  *
*   Stock:                                                *
*     AP Boost -> Use -> Sora                             *
* Abilities:                                              *
*   Sora:                                                 *
*     Finishing Leap                                      *
***********************************************************
* X ↓ X ↑ X ↓ X ↑ X ↓ X O ↑ ↑ X ↓ → (X X X)x4 O ■ X ↓ ↓ ▲ *
***********************************************************

Shop: Buy as many Ethers as possible

====================
= TWILIGHT TOWN II =
====================
No menus.

===================
= SPACE PARANOIDS =
===================

After Tron joins party:
*************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                     *
*************************************
* Items:                            *
*   Tron:                           *
*     Ether -> None                 *
* Abilities:                        *
*   Sora:                           *
*     !Aerial Finish                *
*     Flash Step                    *
* Customize:                        *
*   Sora:                           *
*     Fire -> Magnet (▲)            *
*************************************
* X O ↑ X X ↓ X ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ X O O ↑ X X *
* R1 ↓ ▲ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲ ■ R2 ↑ X ↓ X   *
*************************************

Grind until 1500xp from 23

======================
= HOLLOW BASTION III =
======================

After Demyx:
*************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                     *
*************************************
* Abilities:                        *
*   Sora:                           *
*     Vicinity Break                *
*   Donald:                         *
*     !Fantasia                     *
*************************************
* X O ↑ ↑ X X R1 ↑ ↑ ▲ L2 ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ▲ *
*************************************

After FF Fights:
**************************
* Menu (FORCED)          *
**************************
* Abilities:             *
*   Goofy:               *
*     Goofy Bash         *
*     Jackpot            *
**************************
* X O ↑ ↑ X ↑ X ↓ ▲ R1 ▲ *
**************************

=====================
= BEAST'S CASTLE II =
=====================

After Beast joins party:
*********************
* Menu (FORCED)     *
*********************
* Party:            *
*   Beast -> Donald *
*********************
* X X → X           *
*********************

After getting Rumbling Rose:
************************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                                *
************************************************
* Party:                                       *
*   Beast -> Goofy                             *
* Items:                                       *
*   Sora:                                      *
*     Weapon:                                  *
*       Hero's Crest -> Rumbling Rose          *
*       Kingdom Key -> Hero's Crest (Master)   *
* Abilities:                                   *
*   Sora:                                      *
*     Guard Break                              *
************************************************
* X X → X O ↑ ↑ X X R1 ↑ ▲ ■ X ↑ X ↓ ↓ X ↓ ↓ X *
************************************************

=================
= PORT ROYAL II =
=================

After getting Peter Pan:
************************************
* Menu                             *
************************************
* Item:                            *
*   Stock:                         *
*     AP Boost -> Use -> Sora (x5) *
* Abilities:                       *
*   Sora:                          *
*     Horizontal Slash             *
************************************
* X ↑ X ↓ → (X X X)x5 O ■ X ↓ ↓ ▲  *
************************************

=====================
= HALLOWEEN TOWN II =
=====================

Upon landing:
*******************************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                                       *
*******************************************************
* Abilities:                                          *
*   Sora:                                             *
*     Draw                                            *
*   Donald:                                           *
*     Flare Force                                     *
* Customize:                                          *
*   Jack:                                             *
*     Technic Attack -> Sora Attack                   *
*******************************************************
* X O ↑ X ↓ X ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ O O ↑ X X ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲ L2 R1 ↓ ↓ ▲ *
*******************************************************

==============
= AGRABAH II =
==============

After carpet bullshit:
*******************************************
* Menu                                    *
*******************************************
* Items:                                  *
*   Sora:                                 *
*     Weapon:                             *
*       Rumbling Rose -> Decisive Pumpkin *
*******************************************
* ↑ ↑ ↑ X X X ↑ X                         *
*******************************************

======================
= BEAST'S CASTLE III =
======================

Upon landing:
*************************************************
* Menu                                          *
*************************************************
* Items:                                        *
*   Sora:                                       *
*     Weapon:                                   *
*       Decisive Pumpkin -> Rumbling Rose       *
*       Star Seeker -> Decisive Pumpkin (Valor) *
*************************************************
* X X X ↑ ↑ X ↓ X ↑ X                           *
*************************************************

======================
= LAND OF DRAGONS II =
======================

After Riku:
*********************
* Menu (FORCED)     *
*********************
* Party:            *
*   Mulan -> Donald *
*********************
* X X → X           *
*********************

============================
= THE WORLD THAT NEVER WAS =
============================

After Roxas (and next room):
*****************************************
* Menu                                  *
*****************************************
* Items:                                *
*   Sora:                               *
*     Weapon:                           *
*       Rumbling Rose -> Two Become One *
* Customize:                            *
*   Sora:                               *
*     Blizzard -> Ether (O)             *
*****************************************
* X X X ↑ X O O ↓ ↓ X X X R1 X          *
*****************************************

Shop: Sell all Potions, buy as many Ethers as possible, open Synthesis for Elixir
************************************************
* Menu                                         *
************************************************
* Items:                                       *
*   Sora:                                      *
*     Weapon:                                  *
*       Two Become One -> Rumbling Rose        *
*     None -> Ether (x2)                       *
*     None -> Elixir                           *
* Abilities:                                   *
*   Sora:                                      *
*     !Guard                                   *
*     Slapshot                                 *
*     !Vicinity Break                          *
*     Aerial Finish                            *
*     Combo Master                             *
*     !Draw                                    *
************************************************
* ↑ X X R1 ▲ L1 ▲ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ▲ L1 ↑ ▲ L1 ↑ ↑ ▲    *
* L1 ▲ ■ X ↑ ↑ ↑ X ↑ X ↑ X ↑ X ↓ ↓ X ↑ X ↓ ↓ X *
************************************************

After Riku joins party:
*************************************
* Menu (FORCED)                     *
*************************************
* Items:                            *
*   Riku:                           *
*     Ether -> None (x2)            *
*************************************
* X O ↑ ↑ ↑ X ↓ X ↑ X L1 X ↑ X L1 X *
*************************************