Help Hello! Stuck and it's barely begun!

[LovingOfLightning]

Well I had the game back in the day. Got to the last boss, but that was then...

Recently picked up the PS2 version second hand and never mind the second hunt, I die fighting wolves!
Not a problem, I thought. Go to the Waterways and fight some rats to level up.
Only trouble is when I got there, no rats!
Can't remember how I did it last time. Still, it's great to reacquaint myself with this title. But I feel a solution to my problem is staring me in the face.
Any ideas how to level Vaan relatively quickly?

 

[Six]

Well I had the game back in the day. Got to the last boss, but that was then...

Recently picked up the PS2 version second hand and never mind the second hunt, I die fighting wolves!
Not a problem, I thought. Go to the Waterways and fight some rats to level up.
Only trouble is when I got there, no rats!
Can't remember how I did it last time. Still, it's great to reacquaint myself with this title. But I feel a solution to my problem is staring me in the face.
Any ideas how to level Vaan relatively quickly?

Pretty sure you're safe to just fight the cactuars and wolves, just don't take on too may at a time. That's how I did it anyway, plus the hunts (but if you're struggling with those I suggest the lower level enemies)

 

[LovingOfLightning]

Thanks Six! Really walked before could run. Now in the Mines and wondering why it's only Vaan and Lamont in the party... And then remembering I haven't clicked other party members forward!
Falling back in love with the game, so if not here you could guess where I am.
Thanks again!