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[Final Fantasy] XI is the only good one
mere_immortal
So tasty!Registered User regular
So tasty!Registered User regular
This is the thread to talk about how terrible Final Fantasy games are.
You can talk about such Final Fantasies as the outdated one:
The overrated one:
The slow one with stupid minigames:
The linear one with the horrible script:
The even more linear one that has nothing to do:
And every other terrible, terrible game inbetween.
FFXIII Tips Shamelessley stolen from previous OPs
Oh God Oh God The Crystarium
-Stop. Chill. You cannot screw this up. You cannot put points in wrong and end up with totally useless characters. By the end of most chapters, you will have enough points to max out most Crystarium levels for all of your characters as long as you don't run around 90% of the enemies. Just put points in. That felt good, didn't it? Yes it did. Now get your hands out of Lightning's shorts, you perv.
-If you're having trouble selecting crystals at a branch, try using the d-pad instead of the joystick while holding X/A.
-Later in the game, all roles for all characters will be unlocked, but it is still advisable to continue with their main roles due to the CP cost of the side roles. The final stage of the crystarium (Level 10) is not unlocked until the game is complete. Literally. The final boss must be dead and you have saved after the credits.
-The final boss provides no CP, keep this in mind.
-To drastically increase your CP gain, complete mission 55 in Chapter 11. This can be achieved by:
What's A Role Level Do?
Role Levels grant a substantial bonus to all party members when that character is using that role.
Respectively, those bonuses are:
Commando: Damage Bonus
Ravager: Chain Bonus
Sentinel: Damage Reduction
Medic: Healing Bonus
Synergist: Longer Effects
Saboteur: Increased Effect Chance
Individually, these bonuses may appear very small (one to five percent per crystal) but they add up in the end.
Money Money Money, Always Money
Unlike other FF games, you will not be raking in the gil. Most enemies don't even drop any! However, you don't need it as much - up until at least Chapter 9, you'll be fine spending no money in the stores and just living off of drops and treasure spheres.
Any materials you have that offer only 1 EXP (see below) can be sold for pure profit.
Here's a list of sellable items, their values, and what they drop from:
If you're absolutely stretched for money, the best place to grind mid-game is in Chapter 9, in the Crew Corridors of the Palamecia. Hard enemies, but you'll rake in the Chips. Return to the External Berths (which you can also clear for CP) to reset all enemies in the Crew Corridors.
Once you are able to reliably Death kill the Adamantoise, they will likely be the best bet for farming money as they also have a chance to drop Trapezohedron, the material needed to turn level 2 weapons into Ultimate weapons. The drop chance is small, but it will save you 2 million gil if you get one, and you'll be needing all the gil you can get to upgrade other things, especially if you ever plan on getting the Treasure Hunter achievement.
The only other valid way to gain gil post-game would be to farm the white cie'th Sacrifices at the end of Ch. 12 for Perfumes. This isn't quite as good as killing the turtles however, as at least the turtles have a chance at dropping Trapezohedrons and saving you 2 million gil each time it happens.
Yes, neither of these methods are very reliable or quick. This is why that achievement is a bunch of crap and not worth the time. If you're OCD for achievements, have fun wasting 20 hours after the game is over just killing turtles over and over.
A Not-So-Short Introduction To Upgrading
Upgrading consists of applying materials to items. Each material grants a specific amount of EXP; once an item has enough EXP it will gain a level and become stronger.
Ultimately, once an item reaches a level that shows up as a star you can apply an expensive catalyst to make it even more powerful, but that's post-game/gamefaqs stuff.
In general, you want to apply an organic material or materials to drive the EXP modifier up to the cap of x3, then apply a single batch of a lot of one single mechanical component to actually get a large amount of EXP.
Here's a list of weapons and their final stats so you can choose your upgrades accordingly:
The most effective way to upgrade an item is to use 36 Sturdy Bones, Barbed Tails or Vibrant Ooze on it to boost the item up to a 3x EXP Multiplier and then use a high EXP yield item (or items) on it. The items that will get you the most bang for your buck are:
1. Ultracompact Reactor – 40,000exp – buy for 50,000gil from R&D Depot
2. Particle Accelerator – 4,800exp – buy for 10,000gil from R&D Depot
3. Superconductor – 400exp – buy for 840 from Lenora's Garage
4. Perfect Conductor – 751exp – buy for 1,600gil from Lenora's Garage
But when should I begin upgrading?
It's not really necessary until late in the game. Chapter 10 or later. There's no real harm in doing it sooner if you feel stuck, but you may not have access to some of the better weapons/accessories at the time and you may want to preserve valuable resources for them.
Accessories can also be upgraded, and sometimes transformed into other accessories. This is sometimes useful and, in order to get certain accessories, necessary. However It is highly recommended that you do NOT transform any of the following accessories:
- Gold Watch
- Champion's Badge
- Survivalist Catalog
You'll never be able to get another.
WTF Odin Is Kicking My Ass
Before the battle, use a Fortisol and Aegisol if you can. If not, start the battle off with Lightning as MED and Hope as SYN to get some buffs up. When Odin's attacking, go COM/MED just to keep your chain bonus building. When he casts Ullr's Shield, he won't be attacking - go all out COM/RAV on the silly goose. Rinse and repeat and you'll see it through. Withstanding the initial assault is the hardest part.
The End Boss Of Chapter 9 is Also Kicking My Ass
Yeah, this guy is a bitch. Check out the spoiler for some tips.
Where is (Insert Mission Here) located and how do I beat it?
This site has pretty effective maps as well as a list of rewards and links to videos to 5 star said missions (yeah they're in Japanese but for the most part you can usually tell what's going on). Creating a list of strategies here for each one would be a bit much. Google or ask the thread for advice.
The Collector Catalogue
At the beginning of Chapter 11, you'll be given the option to buy a Collector Catalogue for 100,000 gil, which increases the drop rate when equipped. Don't. You can get one quite easily later in the chapter by completing a small sidequest for no gil. Once you acquire a second, it can be upgraded to the Connoisseur's Catalog, which increases the drop rate of rare items. This is useful for upping your chances at a Trapezohedron when farming turtles.
What Can I Do In Chapter 11?
After you arrive on Gran Pulse, the game opens up. As in really wide up. As in "oh hi real FF gameplay" wide up.
Here you can run into lots of big turtles that will smash your face in one shot!
As you follow the main plotline, Cie'th stones will give you hunts (sidequests) of varying difficulty. Feel free to take those on to get some extra CP, items, and gill.
However, the majority of post-game (yes, post-game: the bonus content in FFXIII happens on a file AFTER you've completed Chapter 13) content also occurs on Gran Pulse. You can't do everything now, and you shouldn't try.
If you need money during Chapter 11, going Chocobo Treasure Finding is your best bet. You can unlock rideable Chocobos by completing Mission 14.
A map detailing the locations of treasure spots can be found here: http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps3/file/928790/58966
Where's the best place to grind for CP in Chapter 11?
One particularly good spot to start off at is on the very left of the Archlyte Steppe map there will be a gathering with many little bird monsters which are quite easy to kill and give off a fair amount of CP. There's a particular spot with 5 blue ones that will net you 3700 CP each time (without a growth egg) in about 20 seconds. Though be wary of their desire to spam Aeroga as if you're new to the area, you may get taken out and fast. It's still one of the easier spots and the respawn is near instantaneous if you just walk a few feet away and turn around.
Once you're strong enough, there will be a spot near the northwest save point and exit of the map where a Megistetherian and King Behemoth will be battling. You are guaranteed a pre-emptive strike each time you fight them. This'll net you 6600 CP (before egg) each time. It is advisable you start by attacking the Behemoth. If you don't stagger and launch him immediately, there's a chance he'll stand up and heal himself, making the fight take longer than it needs to. If you can't do this very reliably, you may not be strong enough yet. To respawn them, simply run back up the hill a few feet past the save point then turn around.
Once you feel sufficiently ready, you can attempt at killing the large turtles roaming the field, Adamantoises. A few tips below:
Be aware that after mission 62 is completed, most turtles will be replaced with the Long Gui. While these have a higher drop rate for Trapezohedron, they are exponentially stronger, cast Ultima, and are immune to death, so even attempting to kill one, let alone farm one, is inadvisable until your characters are nearly maxed out in crystarium and weapons.
-Stop. Chill. You cannot screw this up. You cannot put points in wrong and end up with totally useless characters. By the end of most chapters, you will have enough points to max out most Crystarium levels for all of your characters as long as you don't run around 90% of the enemies. Just put points in. That felt good, didn't it? Yes it did. Now get your hands out of Lightning's shorts, you perv.
-If you're having trouble selecting crystals at a branch, try using the d-pad instead of the joystick while holding X/A.
-Later in the game, all roles for all characters will be unlocked, but it is still advisable to continue with their main roles due to the CP cost of the side roles. The final stage of the crystarium (Level 10) is not unlocked until the game is complete. Literally. The final boss must be dead and you have saved after the credits.
-The final boss provides no CP, keep this in mind.
-To drastically increase your CP gain, complete mission 55 in Chapter 11. This can be achieved by:
Use Vanille as your party leader. She must have acquired the Death spell. Add two others to be a Sentinel and a Medic. Snow and Hope are your best bet since they are the strongest in those respective roles.
Begin Mission 55. It can be located by checking this list here: http://twobrothersandasister.com/?p=6455
This only becomes available after you have completed mission 14 to gain Chocobo access as well as having the Chapter 11 boss defeated.
As you reach the Neochu, use a Fortisol and Aegisol. Once in battle, Snow and Hope should begin their work. Begin to cast Death on the Neochu over and over until it dies. If it is allowed to cast Screech, you will most likely lose and have to retry. You could end up retrying for hours but in the end, you'll have saved yourself a lot of grinding.
Some tips:
-All status ailments on the enemy increase the chance of Death working by a small amount. Sadly Neochu is immune to most, if not all, from what I can remember. This is a good thing to keep in mind for Adamantoises later.
-After the Neochu is dead, you'll still have to deal with his small friends, so plan to fight on and don't let your guard down as for underdeveloped characters, they can still pack a punch.
-Contrary to popular belief, upgrading Vanille's Belladonna Wand to a Malboro Wand will NOT increase Death's chances of landing.
Begin Mission 55. It can be located by checking this list here: http://twobrothersandasister.com/?p=6455
This only becomes available after you have completed mission 14 to gain Chocobo access as well as having the Chapter 11 boss defeated.
As you reach the Neochu, use a Fortisol and Aegisol. Once in battle, Snow and Hope should begin their work. Begin to cast Death on the Neochu over and over until it dies. If it is allowed to cast Screech, you will most likely lose and have to retry. You could end up retrying for hours but in the end, you'll have saved yourself a lot of grinding.
Some tips:
-All status ailments on the enemy increase the chance of Death working by a small amount. Sadly Neochu is immune to most, if not all, from what I can remember. This is a good thing to keep in mind for Adamantoises later.
-After the Neochu is dead, you'll still have to deal with his small friends, so plan to fight on and don't let your guard down as for underdeveloped characters, they can still pack a punch.
-Contrary to popular belief, upgrading Vanille's Belladonna Wand to a Malboro Wand will NOT increase Death's chances of landing.
What's A Role Level Do?
Role Levels grant a substantial bonus to all party members when that character is using that role.
Respectively, those bonuses are:
Commando: Damage Bonus
Ravager: Chain Bonus
Sentinel: Damage Reduction
Medic: Healing Bonus
Synergist: Longer Effects
Saboteur: Increased Effect Chance
Individually, these bonuses may appear very small (one to five percent per crystal) but they add up in the end.
Money Money Money, Always Money
Unlike other FF games, you will not be raking in the gil. Most enemies don't even drop any! However, you don't need it as much - up until at least Chapter 9, you'll be fine spending no money in the stores and just living off of drops and treasure spheres.
Any materials you have that offer only 1 EXP (see below) can be sold for pure profit.
Here's a list of sellable items, their values, and what they drop from:
Credit Chip - 500g - Various Human Guards (Rarity Varies)
Incentive Chip - 2,500g - Various Human Guards (Rarity Varies)
Moonblossom Seed - 6,000g - Bandersnatch/Jabberwocky (Common Drop)
Cactuar Doll - 12,000g - Cactuar (Common Drop)
Perfume - 12,500g - Sanctum Inquisitrix/Sacrifice (Rare/Common Drop)
Starblossom Seed - 13,000g - Bandersnatch/Jabberwocky (Rare Drop)
Gold Dust - 15,000g - Smallest Turtle (Common Drop)
Moogle Puppet - 18,000g - Chocobo Dig
Tonberry Figurine - 28,500g - Mission 41
Plush Chocobo - 35,000g - Chocobo Dig
Gold Nugget - 60,000g - Chocobo Dig
Platinum Ingot - 150,000g - Bigger Turtles (Common Drop)
Incentive Chip - 2,500g - Various Human Guards (Rarity Varies)
Moonblossom Seed - 6,000g - Bandersnatch/Jabberwocky (Common Drop)
Cactuar Doll - 12,000g - Cactuar (Common Drop)
Perfume - 12,500g - Sanctum Inquisitrix/Sacrifice (Rare/Common Drop)
Starblossom Seed - 13,000g - Bandersnatch/Jabberwocky (Rare Drop)
Gold Dust - 15,000g - Smallest Turtle (Common Drop)
Moogle Puppet - 18,000g - Chocobo Dig
Tonberry Figurine - 28,500g - Mission 41
Plush Chocobo - 35,000g - Chocobo Dig
Gold Nugget - 60,000g - Chocobo Dig
Platinum Ingot - 150,000g - Bigger Turtles (Common Drop)
If you're absolutely stretched for money, the best place to grind mid-game is in Chapter 9, in the Crew Corridors of the Palamecia. Hard enemies, but you'll rake in the Chips. Return to the External Berths (which you can also clear for CP) to reset all enemies in the Crew Corridors.
Once you are able to reliably Death kill the Adamantoise, they will likely be the best bet for farming money as they also have a chance to drop Trapezohedron, the material needed to turn level 2 weapons into Ultimate weapons. The drop chance is small, but it will save you 2 million gil if you get one, and you'll be needing all the gil you can get to upgrade other things, especially if you ever plan on getting the Treasure Hunter achievement.
The only other valid way to gain gil post-game would be to farm the white cie'th Sacrifices at the end of Ch. 12 for Perfumes. This isn't quite as good as killing the turtles however, as at least the turtles have a chance at dropping Trapezohedrons and saving you 2 million gil each time it happens.
Yes, neither of these methods are very reliable or quick. This is why that achievement is a bunch of crap and not worth the time. If you're OCD for achievements, have fun wasting 20 hours after the game is over just killing turtles over and over.
A Not-So-Short Introduction To Upgrading
Upgrading consists of applying materials to items. Each material grants a specific amount of EXP; once an item has enough EXP it will gain a level and become stronger.
Ultimately, once an item reaches a level that shows up as a star you can apply an expensive catalyst to make it even more powerful, but that's post-game/gamefaqs stuff.
In general, you want to apply an organic material or materials to drive the EXP modifier up to the cap of x3, then apply a single batch of a lot of one single mechanical component to actually get a large amount of EXP.
Here's a list of weapons and their final stats so you can choose your upgrades accordingly:
The two numbers at the end represent max str/max mag for that weapon max level. All 2nd tier take Trapezohedron to upgrade to Tier 3. Tier 3 all max out at lvl 100.
Note regarding Tier 3 weapons: They do not synergize with ANY accessory. For example, if you are using Lightning's Axis Blade/Enkindler + a haste item to give you a synergy of +10% ATB haste and you upgrade to the Omega Weapon version, you will no longer have the ATB haste bonus. Only the bonus the weapon gives innately.
All Tier 3 weapons upgrade your ATB gauge by 1. This makes a maximum of 6.
Lightning
Blazefire Saber (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Flamberge (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 620/620
Axis Blade (max lvl 21) +Adamantite -> Enkindler (max lvl 41) -> Omega Weapon 315/315 + ATB Charge (all attacks against the enemy charge the ATB slightly)
Edged Carbine (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Razor Carbine (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 210/723
Lifesaber (max lvl 21) + Scarleitte -> Peacemaker (max lvl 41) -> Omega Weapon 520/520 + Improved Raise (Improves the amount of health restored when Raise is used to revive a fallen party member.)
Gladius (max lvl 26) + Uraninite -> Helter Skelter (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 723/210
Organyx (max lvl 26) + Cobaltite -> Apocalypse (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 750/750 + Leadenstrike (slow attack speed)
Hauteclaire (max lvl 26) + Uraninite -> Durandal (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 711/711 + Stagger Lock (that character can't cause a stagger, others still can. Note: The character with this weapon can still fill the stagger bar. All they cannot do is cause the final attack that initiates the stagger state. Weapons with Stagger Lock are ideal for commandos.)
Lionheart (max lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Ultima Weapon (max lvl 41) -> Omega Weapon 508/508 + Quick Stagger (has a chance to instantly cause Stagger while the Stagger Gauge is nearly full)
Sazh
Vega 42's (max lvl 21) + Pervoskite -> Altairs (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 812/822
Spica Defender's (max lvl 21) + Scarleitite -> Sirius Sidearms (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 713/911 + Augment Maintenance (Buffs last longer)
Deneb Duellers (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Canopus AMPs (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 608/1125
Rigels (max lvl 26) + Uranitite - > Polaris Specials (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 1006/1014 + Stagger Lock (this character can't cause stagger, see above note.)
Aldebarans (max lvl 26) + Cobaltite -> Sedalmeliks (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 0/1150 + leadenstrike (slow attack speed)
Pleiades Hi-Powers (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Hyades Magnums (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 1150/0 Paper Tiger (Drastically reduced HP.)
Antares Deluxes (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Fomalhaut Elites (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 610/616 + Chain Boost (quicker chains)
Procyons (max lvl 21) + Dark Matter -> Betelgeuse Customs (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 620/414 + stagger maintenance (longer staggers)
Snow
Wild Boar (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Fatal Pride (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen 717/717
Paladin (max lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Winged Saint (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 510/510 + Improved Guard (Improves the effectiveness of Steelguard and Mediguard for Sentinels)
Rebel Heart (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Warrior's Emblem (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 602/611 + Critical Power Surge (At critical health, member gets stronger)
Power Circle (max lvl 26) + Scarletite -> Battle Standard (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen - 925/202
Feymark (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Soul Blazer (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 0/1050 + Enfeeblement (Effectiveness of physical attacks are greatly reduced)
Sacrificial Circle (max lvl 26) + Scarletite -> Indomitus (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen 1020/1020 + Paper Tiger (Drastically reduced HP)
Unsetting Sun (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Midnight Sun (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen 815/205 + Stagger Lock (this character can't cause staggers)
Umbra (max lvl 21) + Adamantite -> Solaris (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 410/620 + Improved Ward (Assists his Sentinel skills, not sure how)
Hope
Airwing (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Skycutter (max lvl 41) -> Nue 526/441 + Critical Shield (Defense greatly increased at critical HP levels)
Hawkeye (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Eagletalon (lvl 61) -> Nue 202/917
Otshirvani (lvl 21) + Scaretite -> Urubtusin (lvl 41) -> Nue 513/713 + Siphon Boost (helps as a Ravager)
Ninurta (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Jatayu (lvl 61) -> Nue 612/612
Vidofnir (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Hresvelgr (lvl 41) -> Nue 305/712 + Defense Maintenance (increases defensive buff lengths)
Simurgh (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Tezcatlipoca (lvl 41) -> Nue 926/0 + Stifled Magic (Effectiveness of magical attacks are greatly reduced)
Malphas (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Naberius (lvl 61) -> Nue 832/832 + Paper Tiger (same as other notes)
Aircanto (lvl 26) + Urantite -> Caladrius (lvl 61) -> Nue 608/608 + Stagger Lock (same as other notes)
Vanille
Binding Rod (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Hunter's Rod (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 715/216
Tigerclaw (lvl 26) + Cobaltite -> Wyrmfang (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 828/828 + Leadenstrike (slow attack speed)
Healer's Staff (lvl 21) + Adamantite -> Physician's Staff (lvl 41) -> Nirvana 424/424 + Improved Cure (Increases effectiveness of healing spells)
Pearlwing Staff (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Brightwing Staff (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 201/912
Rod of Thorns (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Orochi Rod (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 709/709
Mistilteinn (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Einye's Cane (lvl 41) -> Nirvana 403/802 + Ally KO: Power Surge (gets stronger if any ally dies)
Belladona's Wand (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Malboro Wand (lvl 41) -> Nirvana 403/807 + Improved Debuffing (makes Sab debuff last longer and easier to apply)
Heavenly Axis (lvl 26) + Urantite -> Abraxas (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 403/807 + Stagger Lock (see other notes)
Fang
Bladed Lance (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Glaive (lvl 61) -> Kain's Lance 753/314
Dragoon's Lance (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Dragonhorn (lvl 41) -> Kain's Lance 962/0 + Stifled Magic
Partisan (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Rhomphaia (lvl 61) -> Kain's Lance 307/839
Shamanic Spear (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Heretic's Halberd (lvl 41) -> Kain's Lance 0/941 + Enfeeblement (Effectiveness of physical attacks greatly reduced)
Punisher (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Banescissor Spear (lvl41) -> Kain's Lance 517/731 + Stagger Charge TP (TP gain when you stagger an opponent)
Pandora's Spear (lvl21) + Scarletite -> Calamity Spear (lvl41) -> Kain's Lance 616/830 +Improved Debilitation (increases success rate of SAB spells)
Taming Pole (lvl 26) + Urantite -> Venus Gospel (lvl 61) -> Kain's Lance 921/921 + Stagger Lock (see other notes)
Gae Bolg (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Gungnir (lvl 41) -> Kain's Lance 642/642 + Improved Counter (Counterattacks deal more damage)
Note regarding Tier 3 weapons: They do not synergize with ANY accessory. For example, if you are using Lightning's Axis Blade/Enkindler + a haste item to give you a synergy of +10% ATB haste and you upgrade to the Omega Weapon version, you will no longer have the ATB haste bonus. Only the bonus the weapon gives innately.
All Tier 3 weapons upgrade your ATB gauge by 1. This makes a maximum of 6.
Lightning
Blazefire Saber (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Flamberge (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 620/620
Axis Blade (max lvl 21) +Adamantite -> Enkindler (max lvl 41) -> Omega Weapon 315/315 + ATB Charge (all attacks against the enemy charge the ATB slightly)
Edged Carbine (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Razor Carbine (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 210/723
Lifesaber (max lvl 21) + Scarleitte -> Peacemaker (max lvl 41) -> Omega Weapon 520/520 + Improved Raise (Improves the amount of health restored when Raise is used to revive a fallen party member.)
Gladius (max lvl 26) + Uraninite -> Helter Skelter (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 723/210
Organyx (max lvl 26) + Cobaltite -> Apocalypse (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 750/750 + Leadenstrike (slow attack speed)
Hauteclaire (max lvl 26) + Uraninite -> Durandal (max lvl 61) -> Omega Weapon 711/711 + Stagger Lock (that character can't cause a stagger, others still can. Note: The character with this weapon can still fill the stagger bar. All they cannot do is cause the final attack that initiates the stagger state. Weapons with Stagger Lock are ideal for commandos.)
Lionheart (max lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Ultima Weapon (max lvl 41) -> Omega Weapon 508/508 + Quick Stagger (has a chance to instantly cause Stagger while the Stagger Gauge is nearly full)
Sazh
Vega 42's (max lvl 21) + Pervoskite -> Altairs (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 812/822
Spica Defender's (max lvl 21) + Scarleitite -> Sirius Sidearms (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 713/911 + Augment Maintenance (Buffs last longer)
Deneb Duellers (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Canopus AMPs (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 608/1125
Rigels (max lvl 26) + Uranitite - > Polaris Specials (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 1006/1014 + Stagger Lock (this character can't cause stagger, see above note.)
Aldebarans (max lvl 26) + Cobaltite -> Sedalmeliks (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 0/1150 + leadenstrike (slow attack speed)
Pleiades Hi-Powers (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Hyades Magnums (max lvl 61) -> Total Eclipses 1150/0 Paper Tiger (Drastically reduced HP.)
Antares Deluxes (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Fomalhaut Elites (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 610/616 + Chain Boost (quicker chains)
Procyons (max lvl 21) + Dark Matter -> Betelgeuse Customs (max lvl 41) -> Total Eclipses 620/414 + stagger maintenance (longer staggers)
Snow
Wild Boar (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Fatal Pride (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen 717/717
Paladin (max lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Winged Saint (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 510/510 + Improved Guard (Improves the effectiveness of Steelguard and Mediguard for Sentinels)
Rebel Heart (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Warrior's Emblem (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 602/611 + Critical Power Surge (At critical health, member gets stronger)
Power Circle (max lvl 26) + Scarletite -> Battle Standard (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen - 925/202
Feymark (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Soul Blazer (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 0/1050 + Enfeeblement (Effectiveness of physical attacks are greatly reduced)
Sacrificial Circle (max lvl 26) + Scarletite -> Indomitus (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen 1020/1020 + Paper Tiger (Drastically reduced HP)
Unsetting Sun (max lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Midnight Sun (max lvl 61) -> Save the Queen 815/205 + Stagger Lock (this character can't cause staggers)
Umbra (max lvl 21) + Adamantite -> Solaris (max lvl 41) -> Save the Queen 410/620 + Improved Ward (Assists his Sentinel skills, not sure how)
Hope
Airwing (max lvl 21) + Urantite -> Skycutter (max lvl 41) -> Nue 526/441 + Critical Shield (Defense greatly increased at critical HP levels)
Hawkeye (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Eagletalon (lvl 61) -> Nue 202/917
Otshirvani (lvl 21) + Scaretite -> Urubtusin (lvl 41) -> Nue 513/713 + Siphon Boost (helps as a Ravager)
Ninurta (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Jatayu (lvl 61) -> Nue 612/612
Vidofnir (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Hresvelgr (lvl 41) -> Nue 305/712 + Defense Maintenance (increases defensive buff lengths)
Simurgh (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Tezcatlipoca (lvl 41) -> Nue 926/0 + Stifled Magic (Effectiveness of magical attacks are greatly reduced)
Malphas (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Naberius (lvl 61) -> Nue 832/832 + Paper Tiger (same as other notes)
Aircanto (lvl 26) + Urantite -> Caladrius (lvl 61) -> Nue 608/608 + Stagger Lock (same as other notes)
Vanille
Binding Rod (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Hunter's Rod (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 715/216
Tigerclaw (lvl 26) + Cobaltite -> Wyrmfang (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 828/828 + Leadenstrike (slow attack speed)
Healer's Staff (lvl 21) + Adamantite -> Physician's Staff (lvl 41) -> Nirvana 424/424 + Improved Cure (Increases effectiveness of healing spells)
Pearlwing Staff (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Brightwing Staff (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 201/912
Rod of Thorns (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Orochi Rod (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 709/709
Mistilteinn (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Einye's Cane (lvl 41) -> Nirvana 403/802 + Ally KO: Power Surge (gets stronger if any ally dies)
Belladona's Wand (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Malboro Wand (lvl 41) -> Nirvana 403/807 + Improved Debuffing (makes Sab debuff last longer and easier to apply)
Heavenly Axis (lvl 26) + Urantite -> Abraxas (lvl 61) -> Nirvana 403/807 + Stagger Lock (see other notes)
Fang
Bladed Lance (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Glaive (lvl 61) -> Kain's Lance 753/314
Dragoon's Lance (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Dragonhorn (lvl 41) -> Kain's Lance 962/0 + Stifled Magic
Partisan (lvl 26) + Pervoskite -> Rhomphaia (lvl 61) -> Kain's Lance 307/839
Shamanic Spear (lvl 21) + Urantite -> Heretic's Halberd (lvl 41) -> Kain's Lance 0/941 + Enfeeblement (Effectiveness of physical attacks greatly reduced)
Punisher (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Banescissor Spear (lvl41) -> Kain's Lance 517/731 + Stagger Charge TP (TP gain when you stagger an opponent)
Pandora's Spear (lvl21) + Scarletite -> Calamity Spear (lvl41) -> Kain's Lance 616/830 +Improved Debilitation (increases success rate of SAB spells)
Taming Pole (lvl 26) + Urantite -> Venus Gospel (lvl 61) -> Kain's Lance 921/921 + Stagger Lock (see other notes)
Gae Bolg (lvl 21) + Scarletite -> Gungnir (lvl 41) -> Kain's Lance 642/642 + Improved Counter (Counterattacks deal more damage)
The most effective way to upgrade an item is to use 36 Sturdy Bones, Barbed Tails or Vibrant Ooze on it to boost the item up to a 3x EXP Multiplier and then use a high EXP yield item (or items) on it. The items that will get you the most bang for your buck are:
1. Ultracompact Reactor – 40,000exp – buy for 50,000gil from R&D Depot
2. Particle Accelerator – 4,800exp – buy for 10,000gil from R&D Depot
3. Superconductor – 400exp – buy for 840 from Lenora's Garage
4. Perfect Conductor – 751exp – buy for 1,600gil from Lenora's Garage
But when should I begin upgrading?
It's not really necessary until late in the game. Chapter 10 or later. There's no real harm in doing it sooner if you feel stuck, but you may not have access to some of the better weapons/accessories at the time and you may want to preserve valuable resources for them.
Accessories can also be upgraded, and sometimes transformed into other accessories. This is sometimes useful and, in order to get certain accessories, necessary. However It is highly recommended that you do NOT transform any of the following accessories:
- Gold Watch
- Champion's Badge
- Survivalist Catalog
You'll never be able to get another.
WTF Odin Is Kicking My Ass
Before the battle, use a Fortisol and Aegisol if you can. If not, start the battle off with Lightning as MED and Hope as SYN to get some buffs up. When Odin's attacking, go COM/MED just to keep your chain bonus building. When he casts Ullr's Shield, he won't be attacking - go all out COM/RAV on the silly goose. Rinse and repeat and you'll see it through. Withstanding the initial assault is the hardest part.
The End Boss Of Chapter 9 is Also Kicking My Ass
Yeah, this guy is a bitch. Check out the spoiler for some tips.
Check your party setup first. Whoever you've chosen should be able to have at least the following Paradigms:
-Relentless Assault (RAV/RAV/COM)
-Diversity (RAV/MED/COM)
-Solidarity (COM/SEN/MED)
and one of the following
-Hero's Charge (COM/MED/SYN)
-Safe Subversion (MED/SAB/SAB)
-Evened Odds (MED/SYN/SAB)
Combat Clinic (SEN/MED/MED) might be helpful in a real emergency, and Aggression (COM/COM/RAV) is nice if you can find the space for it.
Start off in something like Hero's Charge to get buffs up, then go to town on the Pauldrons and Ailettes. They each have an elemental weakness:
Left Pauldron - Lightning
Left Ailette - Fire
Right Pauldron - Ice
Right Ailette - Water
Don't forget to use -ara spells after the stagger for splash/bonus damage!
At the beginning, you can get away by going after them with Relentless Assault; towards the end you want Diversity or Solidarity to hold up to the -aga spells he starts throwing around.
Once the ailettes/pauldrons are down, you can beat on the main body. Barthandelus can be staggered but not launched. You should generally be fine with Relentless Assault, although you'll definitely want to slip into Diversity after he spams Thanatosian Smile. When you Stagger Barthandelus, go all out, even into Aggression if you can.
After his first stagger, Barthandelus enters his main phase for most of the fight. Most of his attacks are the same as before, but he will rear back and start channeling Destrudo. You have roughly 15 seconds before he blows your face off with it.
By the time Destrudo hits you must have everyone pretty close to full health and be in Solidarity. Ideally, the Sentinel should have Provoked and be guarding. Destrudo hits for a ton, but you'll be okay if you're in Solidarity.
Immediately after you get pounded by Destrudo, switch into Hero's Charge/Safe Subversion/Evened Odds to heal/apply buffs/apply debuffs. Once everyone's back at full health and your cocktail of statuses is up, go back to Relentless Assault.
Note that the channelling of Destrudo resets his Chain meter, so you have to pound the shit out of him between your shit gets wrecked. IF he is in Stagger when he starts channeling Destrudo, Commandos can very rarely restart the channel (he'll rear back and pause for a second.) It will restart, not stop, and you still need to get your ass in Solidarity fast.
If you're not getting him into Stagger between Destrudo channels, you need to retry the fight and either upgrade your strategy/Crystarium/weapons. You can grind quite easily on the mobs in the Bridge Access by just running from one end to the other.
At the very end, he may cast Doom on your party leader. Do not freak out, you have plenty of time, just stick to the plan.
-Relentless Assault (RAV/RAV/COM)
-Diversity (RAV/MED/COM)
-Solidarity (COM/SEN/MED)
and one of the following
-Hero's Charge (COM/MED/SYN)
-Safe Subversion (MED/SAB/SAB)
-Evened Odds (MED/SYN/SAB)
Combat Clinic (SEN/MED/MED) might be helpful in a real emergency, and Aggression (COM/COM/RAV) is nice if you can find the space for it.
Start off in something like Hero's Charge to get buffs up, then go to town on the Pauldrons and Ailettes. They each have an elemental weakness:
Left Pauldron - Lightning
Left Ailette - Fire
Right Pauldron - Ice
Right Ailette - Water
Don't forget to use -ara spells after the stagger for splash/bonus damage!
At the beginning, you can get away by going after them with Relentless Assault; towards the end you want Diversity or Solidarity to hold up to the -aga spells he starts throwing around.
Once the ailettes/pauldrons are down, you can beat on the main body. Barthandelus can be staggered but not launched. You should generally be fine with Relentless Assault, although you'll definitely want to slip into Diversity after he spams Thanatosian Smile. When you Stagger Barthandelus, go all out, even into Aggression if you can.
After his first stagger, Barthandelus enters his main phase for most of the fight. Most of his attacks are the same as before, but he will rear back and start channeling Destrudo. You have roughly 15 seconds before he blows your face off with it.
By the time Destrudo hits you must have everyone pretty close to full health and be in Solidarity. Ideally, the Sentinel should have Provoked and be guarding. Destrudo hits for a ton, but you'll be okay if you're in Solidarity.
Immediately after you get pounded by Destrudo, switch into Hero's Charge/Safe Subversion/Evened Odds to heal/apply buffs/apply debuffs. Once everyone's back at full health and your cocktail of statuses is up, go back to Relentless Assault.
Note that the channelling of Destrudo resets his Chain meter, so you have to pound the shit out of him between your shit gets wrecked. IF he is in Stagger when he starts channeling Destrudo, Commandos can very rarely restart the channel (he'll rear back and pause for a second.) It will restart, not stop, and you still need to get your ass in Solidarity fast.
If you're not getting him into Stagger between Destrudo channels, you need to retry the fight and either upgrade your strategy/Crystarium/weapons. You can grind quite easily on the mobs in the Bridge Access by just running from one end to the other.
At the very end, he may cast Doom on your party leader. Do not freak out, you have plenty of time, just stick to the plan.
Where is (Insert Mission Here) located and how do I beat it?
This site has pretty effective maps as well as a list of rewards and links to videos to 5 star said missions (yeah they're in Japanese but for the most part you can usually tell what's going on). Creating a list of strategies here for each one would be a bit much. Google or ask the thread for advice.
The Collector Catalogue
At the beginning of Chapter 11, you'll be given the option to buy a Collector Catalogue for 100,000 gil, which increases the drop rate when equipped. Don't. You can get one quite easily later in the chapter by completing a small sidequest for no gil. Once you acquire a second, it can be upgraded to the Connoisseur's Catalog, which increases the drop rate of rare items. This is useful for upping your chances at a Trapezohedron when farming turtles.
What Can I Do In Chapter 11?
After you arrive on Gran Pulse, the game opens up. As in really wide up. As in "oh hi real FF gameplay" wide up.
Here you can run into lots of big turtles that will smash your face in one shot!
As you follow the main plotline, Cie'th stones will give you hunts (sidequests) of varying difficulty. Feel free to take those on to get some extra CP, items, and gill.
However, the majority of post-game (yes, post-game: the bonus content in FFXIII happens on a file AFTER you've completed Chapter 13) content also occurs on Gran Pulse. You can't do everything now, and you shouldn't try.
If you need money during Chapter 11, going Chocobo Treasure Finding is your best bet. You can unlock rideable Chocobos by completing Mission 14.
A map detailing the locations of treasure spots can be found here: http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps3/file/928790/58966
Where's the best place to grind for CP in Chapter 11?
One particularly good spot to start off at is on the very left of the Archlyte Steppe map there will be a gathering with many little bird monsters which are quite easy to kill and give off a fair amount of CP. There's a particular spot with 5 blue ones that will net you 3700 CP each time (without a growth egg) in about 20 seconds. Though be wary of their desire to spam Aeroga as if you're new to the area, you may get taken out and fast. It's still one of the easier spots and the respawn is near instantaneous if you just walk a few feet away and turn around.
Once you're strong enough, there will be a spot near the northwest save point and exit of the map where a Megistetherian and King Behemoth will be battling. You are guaranteed a pre-emptive strike each time you fight them. This'll net you 6600 CP (before egg) each time. It is advisable you start by attacking the Behemoth. If you don't stagger and launch him immediately, there's a chance he'll stand up and heal himself, making the fight take longer than it needs to. If you can't do this very reliably, you may not be strong enough yet. To respawn them, simply run back up the hill a few feet past the save point then turn around.
Once you feel sufficiently ready, you can attempt at killing the large turtles roaming the field, Adamantoises. A few tips below:
This can be accomplished by using Vanille's Death spell.
Your party setup matters less this time around, but it would be best to either equip Vanille with the Auto-Haste item or have a Haste caster. (Sprint Shoes, which can be acquired by dismantling Tetradic Tiara after it is upgraded enough to have a * as its level. This is about 2000 exp worth. You'll receive Sprint Shoes as well as a couple other items. You can also upgrade Hermes Sandals, which are a reward for one of the missions, though it requires a Perovskite which you may or may not have and costs about 30k gil.)
Auto-haste is less preferable than haste casted by a Synergist as it will not last as long. So having Sazh in your party, or Hope if he has Haste, will help.
The more Saboteurs in your party and the higher level their Sab role is will help.
Once in the battle, wait for Haste to be applied to Vanille. If you're still weak enough to where one stomp can kill you, then your best bet is to have your haste caster wear the auto-haste accessory and the First Strike accessory (the Aurora Scarf, upgraded form of Whistlewind Scarf). Then summon Hecaton. As he's summoned, switch to the paradigm with the most Saboteurs. The turtle's legs will immediately give out, and it will become vulnerable to multiple status ailments such as Deprotect, Deshell, Imperil, Slow, Curse and Daze. Get at least Deprotect, Deshell and Imperil up, and then begin to spam Death.
If the turtle does not die before it stands back up, pause and use the retry feature. Continue until it poofs. With luck you'll get either a Platinum Ingot drop (Worth 150k gil) or a Trapezohedron (needed for ultimate weapons and costs 2 million to purchase otherwise). You'll also receive 40,000 CP or 80,000 with a Growth Egg. You'll have to regain TP back after each turtle kill. A spot I was fond of was south of the area between the two static turtles which guard the entrances to their little ravine. On the south side of the gap, there should be a few goblins fighting some dogs. This is an easy pack as they'll all start off damaged. Kill them quick enough and it'll refill a good chunk of your TP, and they can be respawned just by running a little ways away and turning around again. I was fond of this spot due to its proximity to all the turtles.
Your party setup matters less this time around, but it would be best to either equip Vanille with the Auto-Haste item or have a Haste caster. (Sprint Shoes, which can be acquired by dismantling Tetradic Tiara after it is upgraded enough to have a * as its level. This is about 2000 exp worth. You'll receive Sprint Shoes as well as a couple other items. You can also upgrade Hermes Sandals, which are a reward for one of the missions, though it requires a Perovskite which you may or may not have and costs about 30k gil.)
Auto-haste is less preferable than haste casted by a Synergist as it will not last as long. So having Sazh in your party, or Hope if he has Haste, will help.
The more Saboteurs in your party and the higher level their Sab role is will help.
Once in the battle, wait for Haste to be applied to Vanille. If you're still weak enough to where one stomp can kill you, then your best bet is to have your haste caster wear the auto-haste accessory and the First Strike accessory (the Aurora Scarf, upgraded form of Whistlewind Scarf). Then summon Hecaton. As he's summoned, switch to the paradigm with the most Saboteurs. The turtle's legs will immediately give out, and it will become vulnerable to multiple status ailments such as Deprotect, Deshell, Imperil, Slow, Curse and Daze. Get at least Deprotect, Deshell and Imperil up, and then begin to spam Death.
If the turtle does not die before it stands back up, pause and use the retry feature. Continue until it poofs. With luck you'll get either a Platinum Ingot drop (Worth 150k gil) or a Trapezohedron (needed for ultimate weapons and costs 2 million to purchase otherwise). You'll also receive 40,000 CP or 80,000 with a Growth Egg. You'll have to regain TP back after each turtle kill. A spot I was fond of was south of the area between the two static turtles which guard the entrances to their little ravine. On the south side of the gap, there should be a few goblins fighting some dogs. This is an easy pack as they'll all start off damaged. Kill them quick enough and it'll refill a good chunk of your TP, and they can be respawned just by running a little ways away and turning around again. I was fond of this spot due to its proximity to all the turtles.
Be aware that after mission 62 is completed, most turtles will be replaced with the Long Gui. While these have a higher drop rate for Trapezohedron, they are exponentially stronger, cast Ultima, and are immune to death, so even attempting to kill one, let alone farm one, is inadvisable until your characters are nearly maxed out in crystarium and weapons.
Steam: mere_immortal - PSN: mere_immortal - XBL: lego pencil - Wii U: mimmortal - 3DS: 1521-7234-1642 - Bordgamegeek: mere_immortal
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FFIV: The other overrated one.
Henroid
We are good friends and all
but
If you ever insult FFVI again
I will find you
And I will destroy you
I've started playing ff7 again mainly because I wanted to try it again as an older person with patience and an eye towards actually leveling up some before the final fight.
XBL:Phenyhelm - 3DS:Phenyhelm
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
I want to do the same, but I have such good memories of playing it when I was younger that they will probably be crushed under bad translation and actually being able to see the flaws this time.
FFXIII is a pretty good game, well-written too
I hope these odds are very high! I also hope it uses graphics similar to Dissidia instead of FFIV DS.
FFIII: The remade one that was too little, too late.
FFVIII: The other bad one that people only pretend to like.
FFV: The okay one that nobody admits to liking.
FFXII: The one that made people realize they're probably sick of Final Fantasy.
Welp.
sigging this out of context so goddamn hard
Masterstroke.
Having a little trouble with him or taking a long time at least.
I knew he'd do it, see above
Replayed this recently with my girlfriend as she had never played it, and we ended up leveling a party to 99 and maxing a bunch of materia (in the crater) for fighting the 2 weapons. That kind of level griding ends up making the last fight a joke. She ended up winning using just regular attacks (with the extra hit materia on of course).
you just realized you screwed up and then threw together a hasty and poorly-made conclusion full of plot holes which fool nobody
which is something FFXIII never did, especially not in chapters 12 and 13
All right. Touche, motherfucker.
FFTA: The one that bastardized the only great game in the series.
FFTA2: The one made for bad people.
FFX-2: The first sequel in the series that made you gay if you liked it.
I'd stab her access if you know what I mean.
In other news,
The one with Butts and an Evil Tree.
No.
I don't know what you mean.
???
i loved the job system
casting 4 spells a turn and mimicking it 3 times errday
Or is this like the Hitman thread, in which we're forbidden from mentioning certain titles with the threat of being penalized?
you are my new best friend
FFVI is the golden calf of the series
i don't really care one way or the other about it
Steam: TheArcadeBear
No, I'm just lazy.
But yes FFVI is equally terrible.
FINAL FANTASY VI: The one you're not allowed to criticize.
Er... I meant accent!
And I, too... have no idea what you mean.
I've already been warned of your lies!
XBL:Phenyhelm - 3DS:Phenyhelm
you're obviously smart enough to figure it out
and the gimmick stops with my next post
or maybe it doesn't stop
let's play it by ear
to get back on topic, listen to this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO1V9OSW3ys&feature=related