=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Final Fantasy Optimum Equipment FAQ Written by Jake Sexsmith aka grand lethal 364 Copyright 2005, all rights reserved. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Table of Contents =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1.0) Introduction 2.0) Version History 3.0) Legal Junk The FAQ 4.0) Picking the Right Party 5.0) The Initial Classes 6.0) The Upgraded Classes 6.1) Evert de Heer's Ultimate Setup The Stuff That Always Comes Last 7.0) Credits 8.0) Contact Information =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1.0) Introduction =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hello fellow RPGers, and welcome to this, my fourth ever FAQ, created for a timeless classic and one of my personal favorite games: Final Fantasy. The game itself doesn't really need anymore of an introduction; or if it does you need to get out from whatever rock you've been living under for the last 18 years. Anyway, on to the FAQ. I'll admit this will probably only benifit the small amount of people who actually ended up making it to the end of the game, but for those tough enough to brave the entire ordeal that is Final Fantasy, you should find this helpful for preparing yourself for the long and grueling final dungeon, which includes four rematches with the Chaos Fiends as well as the main brain himself, Chaos (also worth mentioning is Warmech, an optional superboss, which you may or may not choose to fight) and random encounters too numerous to count. All that in one go I might add, because all the bosses are on encounter points so you can't beat one and then heal, go back, beat another ect. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2.0) Version History =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Version 1.0 - The first version. As I mentioned above I may add a section on magic as well. There will probably also be minor updates to fix spelling errors and such. Version 1.5 - Updated some spelling errors and such and added the ultimate magic setup. Version 1.8 - Added Evert de Heer's ultimate setup. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 3.0) Legal Junk =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This guide, and all pieces of original work within it, may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise publicly distributed without my advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other website than www.gamefaqs.com is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright. All unoriginal works within this guide, such as statistics, may be freely copied and distributed, as they do not belong to me, and are simply facts that I am displaying. If you would like to have my guide on your website, you must first contact me and ask my permission. For contact information, see the section labeled...wait for it.... "Contact Information"...wow, who woulda saw that coming. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4.0) Picking the Right Party =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Easily one of the biggest choices (what am I saying? THE biggest choice) you will make in Final Fantasy is what party to pick. If it's your first time playing the game it can be a little hard to choose a really good party, so take it from one who's played and beaten the game many times, experimenting with different parties. In this section I will give my party reccomendation and explain why. My ultimate party: Warrior/Knight (mandatory) Red Mage/Red Wizard (reccomended) Monk/Master (highly reccomended) White Mage/White Wizard (mandatory) Explanation: First off, you'll want a Warrior in the front of your party as he will absorb much of the damage directed at your party and he can dish out massive amounts of physical damage even early on. Plus, once you get the class upgrade he has access to the Excalibur, the second best weapon in the game. In short, you need a Warrior. The Red Mage is also a very good choice because he can be your source of magic damage as well as be a backup healer and physical attacker when the need arises. Basically he's a more versatile substitute for a Black Mage so thats why I chose him instead. Some people would dislike him cause he can't learn Flare (the ultimate black magic spell), and granted, Flare is friggin awesome, but overall he's way better than the Black Mage because once he runs out of spells, he's still useful. Still, if you REALLY want you can use a Black Mage instead. The Monk is a very good idea because he is another heavy physical damager but unlike the Warrior he is super cheap to maintain (the only equipment you'll ever need to buy him is a Protect Ring, a Leather cap, and maybe a nunchaku early on). Definitely a good choice. Just watch out though, cause he has lower HP and Defense than the Warrior. A White Mage is extremely important because without healing (a Red Mage alone won't cut it) you will not make it through the game. No, it wouldn't be mission difficult, it would be mission impossible, literally. Plus, with her high magic statistic she can wreak havoc with items with magical combat effects, so thats definitely good. So, in short, you need a White Mage, period. ...So there you go, the ultimate party, as according to me at least. The reason Black Mages aren't a good idea is that they have a very limited amount of spells, and once those are all expended he is essentially useless because his physical attacks are so crappy. The Thief is also a bad idea because although he is fast, thats about it. His Defense is crappy, as is his attack, and equipment options. The class change helps a lot, but still not enough. He just doesn't make the cut. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5.0) The Initial Classes =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Okay, so if for some reason you didn't get the class upgrade yet (you can get it any time) or are just too lazy to drag your ass through the Citadel of Trials and the Dragon Caves, ect. here's the ultimate equipment for all the "lower classes". I REALLY suggest getting the upgrade though, it will make things so much easier (and they'll still be hella hard). Besides, it's really easy. Still, I feel obliged to put this section in anyways, so here you go. For each character I will give you the primary equipment setup, and a secondary set of equipment that you can mix and match with your primary setup in case you want to save a certain weapon (the Masamune comes to mind) for someone else or you can't get a hold of a certain piece of equipment. If it says N/A for a secondary option it means that whatever primary piece of equipment I listed is buyable and thus easy enough to get that you don't need to worry about a second option. Don't worry, by the end of the game you'll have more money than you can keep track of. I'll also include any additional things I think you should know. Below, there will also be a section on the best magic setup for each character. If it says N/A it means that that character can't learn any spells at that level or the ones at that level are all completely useless. If there are only two spells for that level it either means that there are only two spells in that level that the character can learn, or that both the other spells available for that level are completely useless and a waste of money. Spells are listed in order of importance. *Note* If you notice a pattern in the the ultimate weapon and gloves sections it's not a mistake. The ultimate weapon and gloves will always be the Masamune (except for the Monk and Master) and the Protect Ring because they are both very good pieces of equipment and are also both equipable on any class. =-=-=-=-=-=- 5.1) Warrior =-=-=-=-=-=- Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Fire Shield/Ice Shield Helmet: Mythril Helm Armor : Flame Mail/Ice Armor Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: First thing to note about this setup is that if you have the Fire Shield you should equip it with the Ice Armor and vice versa with the Ice Shield and Flame Mail. That way you have protection from two elements at once. Other than that there's not much to say. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Sunblade Shield: Mythril Shield Helmet: N/A Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: If you don't feel the need for elemental protection, it's actually a better idea to swap the Flame Mail/Ice Armor for the Diamond armlet as it only has -1 evade as opposed to the other two's -10. Still, it's probably a better idea to save your Diamond Armlet for a mage or a thief. It's up to you. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: N/A Lvl 2: N/A Lvl 3: N/A Lvl 4: N/A Lvl 5: N/A Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=- 5.2) Thief =-=-=-=-=- Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Buckler Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: The Thief is definitely a good place to put your one Diamond Armlet as he has pretty bad defense and the armlet won't penalise your excellent Evade stat. As for the rest of the equipment, the Buckler is next to worthless but seeing as it's the only shield option for him in the game and it's dirt cheap you should get it. The possibility of a blocked attack alone makes it worth it. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Wyrmkiller/Coral Sword Shield: N/A Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: Nothing really remarkable here except glaring evidence on why you should get the class change. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: N/A Lvl 2: N/A Lvl 3: N/A Lvl 4: N/A Lvl 5: N/A Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-= 5.3) Monk =-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Shield: Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: As many people will no doubt tell you, you are far better off leaving your Monk unequiped as he fights much better that way for some reason. He will get far more hits and way better damage without a weapon and much better Defense and Evade without armor. Not much else to say except that the Ribbon is probably better saved for a mage. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Shield: Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: Nothing... Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: N/A Lvl 2: N/A Lvl 3: N/A Lvl 4: N/A Lvl 5: N/A Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-=-= 5.4) Red Mage =-=-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Buckler Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Much like the Thief in many respects, the Red Mage doesn't really have a whole lot of equipment options until the class change. Anyway, save the Diamond Armlet for someone weaker, like a Black or White Mage. The Ribbon however is a decent choice for the Red Mage, and make sure to pick up a Buckler too. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the Red Mage and Red Wizard are perhaps the best place to put your one and only Masamune as it will bring them up to Warrior/Knight standards in terms of physical attack. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Sunblade Shield: N/A Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: Eh, can't really think of anything that needs saying. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Cure1, Fire1, Bolt1. Lvl 2: Nulbolt, Ice1, Steel. Lvl 3: Cure2, Fire2, Bolt2. Lvl 4: Esuna, Haste, Ice2. Lvl 5: Cure3, Fire3. Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5.5) White Mage =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: There's not much to say here because the White Mage has such limited equipment options, but if you don't have a Thief (reccomended 'cause Thieves suck) and have swapped a Black Mage for a Red Mage (also a pretty good idea because A: The Black Mage has limited effect due to his limited amount of spells and B: It's a good idea to have some backup Cure spells) then you should give your Diamond Armlet to your White Mage because it's very important to keep your healer alive as you can't use any of her spells while she's dead. Also, don't equip her with the Masamune; it'll just be a waste because she will still be a crappy attacker and you'll probably need to spend most of your time casting her magic anyways. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Mythril Hammer Shield: Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Not a whole lot to say, but I say again, get the class upgrade and you will be able to equip a much better weapon at least; Thor's Hammer. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Cure1, Dia1, Shld1. Lvl 2: Nulbolt, Invis1. Lvl 3: Cure2, Dia2, Nulfire. Lvl 4: Esuna, Nulice. Lvl 5: Life1, Cure3, Dia3. Lvl 6: Shield2, Stona. Lvl 7: Heal3. Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5.6) Black Mage =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: As I mentioned just above, your White Mage is a good place to put your Diamond Armlet, but if you do insist on having a Black Mage in your party then give him the armlet. His HP and Defense are lower than White Mages so he'll need all the help he can get. Also, as with the White Mage, don't give him the Masamune, it'll just be a waste. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Mage's Staff Shield: Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Only thing to say is that the Mage's Staff is definitely your best choice weapon-wise, however the combat effect (Fire 2) might be missed. It's your choice. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Fire1, Bolt1, Sleep1. Lvl 2: Ice1, Steel. Lvl 3: Fire2, Bolt2. Lvl 4: Haste, Ice2, Sleep2. Lvl 5: Fire3, Poison. Lvl 6: Bolt3, Quake. Lvl 7: Ice3. Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6.0) The Upgraded Classes =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The "upper classes" are a huge improvement over the lower ones because they afford a huge statistics boost, allow for far better equipment and spell casters will have access to the most powerful spells available. In addition, Knights and Ninjas get access to a few low level spells, and all classes get new sprites. Yay. Best of all it's relatively easy to get the upgrade. I highly reccomend doing so as soon as it becomes available; it will help out the in the coming dungeons a LOT. Anyway, here's all the best equipment for the upgraded classes, organized the same way I did with the basic classes equipment. Magic is also organised the same way. N/A means there are no new spells at that level or that none of them are worth buying. =-=-=-=-=-= 6.1) Knight =-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Aegis Shield Helmet: Diamond Helm Armor : Dragon Mail Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Now here's some REAL equipment. Like I said, the upgraded classes get way better equipment, and the Knight is a prime example. The Aegis Shield is tied for highest Defense with the Diamond Shield, and features a nifty bonus as well: protection from petrification. The Diamond Helm has the highest Defense of any helm in the game and the loss in the Evade statistic is only 3. The Dragon Mail is nothing special, but does have the highest Defense of any armor in the game (tied with Diamond Armor). Altogether, they make for an extremely well-defended Knight. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Excalibur Shield: Diamond Shield Helmet: Mythril Helm* Armor : Diamond Armor Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: First things first, and most importantly I should add, you'll definitely want to equip the Excalibur instead of the Masamune because it is Knight-exclusive and you can save the Masamune for your Red Wizard or, if you don't have a Red Wizard, your Ninja. The Diamond Shield has the same Defense as the Aegis Shield, but doesn't have the Petrification protection, but it's still a very good shield. The Mythril Helm is also pretty decent as it's only 2 Defense less than the Diamond Helm and the Diamond Armor is essentially the same as the Dragon Mail, just a different name. Seriously, same Defense, same Evade penalty, and no special effects. *Note* The Healing Helm has the same stats as the Mythril Helm, but I didn't list it because you may want the combat effect that it offers, so it's better not to equip it. This also goes for the Ninjas primary equipment setup. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Cure1. Lvl 2: Nulbolt. Lvl 3: Cure2, Nulfire. Lvl 4: N/A Lvl 5: N/A Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=- 6.2) Ninja =-=-=-=-=- Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Ice Shield/Flame Shield Helmet: Mythril Helm Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Shield-wise, equip whichever shield suits the environment. For example, if you're on the Ice-elemental floor of the final dungeon (Floor B3F) equip the Ice Shield and vice-versa. The Mythril Helm is pretty basic, nothing special there. I would suggest saving the Diamond Armlet for a Mage, and equiping your Ninja with whichever the Flame Mail/Ice Armor (whichever is the opposite of your shield; this eliminates having to switch your shield around). Other than that there ain't much else to say. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Sasuke Shield: Mythril Shield Helmet: N/A Armor : Ice Armor/Flame Armor Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: Not much, except like I said before, save your Diamond Armlet for a Mage and equip one of those elemental armors. Also note that if you have a Red Wizard then equip the Sasuke instead of the Masamune; it's Ninja-exclusive and the third best sword overall. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: N/A Lvl 2: N/A Lvl 3: Fire2, Bolt2. Lvl 4: Haste, Ice2. Lvl 5: N/A Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-= 6.3) Master =-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Shield: Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Because the Monk gains absolutely NOTHING from the class change, his optimum equipment stays exactly the same, not that there was much there in the first place. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Shield: Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: Nothing... Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: N/A Lvl 2: N/A Lvl 3: N/A Lvl 4: N/A Lvl 5: N/A Lvl 6: N/A Lvl 7: N/A Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6.4) Red Wizard =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Buckler Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: As I've said time and time before, the Red Wizard is probably the best place to put your one and only Masamune because the other two "Fighter" type classes (Knight and Ninja) both already have really good weapons that are exclusive to them (Excalibur and Sasuke) so it would be kind of a waste to give them the Masamune. Besides, it really helps compliment the Red Wizards already decent physical attack so that he's pretty much up to the Knights standards. Add to that his spells and he becomes one of (if not the) the best class in the game. As for the rest of his equipment, there's nothing very special to note. The Buckler isn't great, but you'll definitely want to get it anyway. The Ribbon is another one-of-a-kind piece of equipment that goes good with the Red Wizard, but you'll want to save your Diamond Armlet for your White Wizard (if you have a Black Wizard in your party you're an idiot; the Red Mage is better and can do the same job so having both of them in your party is a pretty stupid idea). Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Sunblade Shield: N/A Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: As I mentioned, the Ruby Armlet is definitely the better choice, but other than that you should equip everything else I mentioned in the Primary Equipment section. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Cure1, Fire1, Bolt1. Lvl 2: Nulbolt, Ice1, Steel. Lvl 3: Cure2, Fire2, Bolt2. Lvl 4: Esuna, Haste, Ice2. Lvl 5: Life1, Cure3, Fire3. Lvl 6: Bolt3, Warp2. Lvl 7: Ice3. Lvl 8: N/A =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6.5) White Wizard =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Yes, even with the class change the White Wizard still isn't able to equip any shields which sucks, but what are you gonna do? The Diamond Armlet is best equiped on your White Wizard though, which certainly makes up for it. The Ribbon is better off with your Red Wizrd though. Other than that, there's really nothing else worth saying. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Thor's Hammer Shield: Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: N/A Additional Notes: Thor's Hammer is definitely the best weapon choice for your White Wizard, but it's not that great. Also, as I said above, if you have a Red Wizard, equip your White Wizard with a Leather Cap instead of the Ribbon. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Cure1, Dia1, Shld1. Lvl 2: Nulbolt, Invis1. Lvl 3: Cure2, Dia2, Nulfire. Lvl 4: Esuna, Nulice. Lvl 5: Life1, Cure3, Dia3. Lvl 6: Warp2, Shield2, Stona. Lvl 7: Cure4, Dia4, Heal3. Lvl 8: Life2, Holy, Nulall. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6.6) Black Wizard =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Primary Equipment Setup Weapon: Masamune Shield: Helmet: Ribbon Armor : Diamond Armlet Gloves: Protect Ring Additional Notes: Well, since the Protect Ring is the only thing here that I suggest you equip on your Black Wizard, there's not a whole lot to say. Secondary Equipment Options Weapon: Cat Claws Shield: Helmet: Leather Cap Armor : Ruby Armlet Gloves: N/A Additonal Notes: Well, first off, the Cat Claws are a rip off at 65000 gil but they're the best weapon for your Black Wizard and you'll have money flowing out your ass by the end of the game anyway, so you might as well pick 'em up. Other than that there isn't much else to say. Black Wizards are pretty mundane equipment wise. Primary Magic Setup Lvl 1: Fire1, Bolt1, Sleep1. Lvl 2: Ice1, Steel. Lvl 3: Fire2, Bolt2. Lvl 4: Haste, Ice2, Sleep2. Lvl 5: Fire3, Poison, Warp1. Lvl 6: Bolt3, Quake. Lvl 7: Ice3, Saber. Lvl 8: Flare, Stop, Banish. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6.1) Evert de Heer's Ultimate Setup =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I was recently contacted by a fellow Gfaqer who took the time to distribute the various equips into what he believes to be the ultimate equipment setup for the upper classes. I would debate a couple of points in his setup, but overall it is quite good. It is as follows: *Note* This information was edited for grammatical and formatting reasons only. All credit for the following information goes to Evert de Heer. Knight: Weapon: Excalibur* Shield: Aegis Shield* Helmet: Diamond Helm Armor : Dragon Mail* Gloves: Protect Ring Ninja: Weapon: Sasuke* Shield: Flame/Ice Shield Helmet: Mithril/Healing Helm Armor : Ice/Flame Armour Gloves: Protect Ring Red Wizard: Weapon: Masamune Shield: Protect Cloak* Helmet: Ribbon* Armor : Diamond Armlet* Gloves: Protect ring Master: All Un-equiped W. Wizard: Weapon: Thor's Hammer Shield: Protect Cloak* Helmet: Ribbon* Armor : White Robe^ Gloves: Protect Ring B. Wizard: Weapon: Mage's staff Shield: Protect cloak* Helmet: Ribbon* Armor : Black robe^ Gloves: Protect ring *=These equipments can be found more than once ^=one of a kind armour =-=-=-=-=-=- 7.0) Credits =-=-=-=-=-=- Squaresoft - No explanation needed I should think. CJayC - Again, it's kind of self-explanatory. Evert de Heer - For his information on his ultimate equipment setup. Bradygames - Their guide helped me beat this game the first time round, so props to them. My Computer - I hate it, cause it sucks, but without it I wouldn't have written this. Metapad - An excellent FAQ writing program. I reccomend all FAQers download it because it makes things a lot easier. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 8.0) Contact Information =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ok, you can either E-mail me via Hotmail, IM me on MSN, or IM me on AIM. Please note that death threats are NOT welcome and happy meal orders should be kept to a minumum, thank you. I do appreciate compliments though, and I'll be glad to help you with anything this guide should have covered but somehow got left out. E-mail - grand_lethal_364@hotmail.com AIM - grandlethal364