Getting a good start in Kingdom Hearts III isn’t just about breezing through combat—it’s about securing some high-quality gear early on. This guide highlights several standout items you can obtain near the beginning of the game, along with detailed instructions on how to get each one. Whether it’s boosting your strength, MP, or stacking up valuable abilities, here are the must-get early game items that can give you a real edge.

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Red Shield for Goofy (Olympus – Realm of the Gods)

Once you’ve unlocked fast travel, head to the “Corridors of the Gods” save point in Olympus. Instead of jumping on the nearby rail line, go up the right-hand staircase. Follow the water down to a hidden forge. The goal is to align the buckets so water flows from the outer one to the innermost, spilling onto the anvil and crafting Goofy’s upgraded red shield.

The reward is a significant upgrade: increased fire resistance, MP regeneration upon taking fire damage, and immunity to the burning status. Plus, it gives Goofy a distinct red look—far cooler than the basic blue.

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Hero’s Belt (Olympus – Thebes)

This accessory offers elemental resistance and the unique “Frontline Photogravure” ability, letting you keep your camera active during combat. To earn it, collect five golden Hercules statues scattered throughout Thebes. Most are located around the “Overlook” save point:

1. Temple Interior – Inside the temple where Hercules helped citizens.
2. Bench by Overlook Save Point – Visible immediately upon fast traveling.
3. Plateau with Statue – Slide down rooftops to reach it.
4. Inside the Garden Building – Near the man who gives you a Mythril Gem.
5. Buried in Garden Soil – Hidden among holes in the ground nearby.

Once you have all five, return to the boy showcasing Hercules statues in the Agora. He’ll complete his collection and reward you with the Hero’s Belt.

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Magic Ring (Olympus – Garden)

Near the final Hercules statue in the garden, you can find a magic ring. Hit the foot of a statue to collapse it into a wall, opening a new area with a chest. Inside: a Magic Ring to boost your spellcasting early.

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Lucky Emblems in Olympus (12 Total)

Once you reach Twilight Town and gain access to the Gummiphone, you can photograph hidden Mickey symbols (lucky emblems). Snap 5 in Olympus for the Expert’s Ring (+1 Strength, +20 AP) and 10 for the Etheral Trinket (elemental resistances + MP gain on thunder damage). Get all 12 and combine them with emblems from Twilight Town to unlock the Moon Amulet (+2 Strength, +2 Magic, +8 AP, and Damage Siphon).

Key emblem locations include:

• Near the forge – One before the forge stairs, another on the anvil.
• Water-filled enemy room – Break the barrels for a symbol.
• Sky Rail Area – Ride the rail, defeat enemies, find the emblem in the clouds.
• Mountaintop wall – Climb and find one at a stone wall.
• Stone Arrangement – One visible when peeking over a cliff edge.
• Tree at Summit – Found near the top, post-rock dodge section.
• City Staircase & Ruins – Near the statue boy and Goofy’s shield puzzle area.
• Fire-damaged area – Past the Goofy shield section, on a boulder.
• Overlook area rooftops – Slide down rooftops to reach the final emblem.

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Power Ring (Olympus – Mountain Statue)

In the statue of the foot area, find a chest containing the Power Ring (+2 Strength). Great for early physical boosts—give it to Donald or Goofy if you prefer a magic or AP-heavy setup for Sora.

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Bonus: How to Efficiently Collect Them

Once you unlock fast travel points, Olympus becomes a treasure trove. Plan your emblem run right after acquiring the Gummiphone. Prioritize:

• Forge puzzle for Goofy’s shield.
• Five golden statues for the Hero’s Belt.
• Magic Ring side area.
• Lucky emblems while sweeping Olympus.

This effort won’t take more than an hour and will dramatically strengthen your early game performance.

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Final Notes

These items provide lasting value throughout your playthrough, and many of them can be obtained with minimal backtracking if you plan carefully. Whether you’re playing on Critical Mode or just want a smoother ride, taking advantage of these early item pickups is well worth your time.

Stay tuned for more Kingdom Hearts III guides, including combat tips, boss breakdowns, and advanced synthesis farming strategies!