Use ATB, status protection and Trance
Keep recovery ready, choose targets deliberately and react to automatic Trance activation.
Original 2000 PlayStation game across four discs. The screenshots include the original PAL Spanish localization; character names and menu labels can differ by language. Remaster boosters, autosaves and later graphical changes are outside this guide.
Leave recovery ready when it matters
A character can act once their Active Time Battle gauge fills. If several people are ready, Triangle cycles to another ready character. You can leave a healer's command uncommitted until the party needs recovery, rather than spending every filled gauge on a weak attack. L2 opens the target window, helping you identify an enemy or injured ally by name. Read command help with Select when an unfamiliar ability appears.
Prepare against the enemy’s status attacks
A dangerous ailment can matter more than raw damage. Silence obstructs spellcasting, while petrification or other disabling effects can remove a character from the plan entirely. Check which protection you can activate through support abilities and bring appropriate recovery items. When a spell permits multiple targets, use the shoulder-button targeting option deliberately. Confirm which side is selected before casting; a hurried recovery or offensive command aimed at the wrong group wastes a valuable turn.
Use Trance when the gauge triggers
Enemy attacks build the Trance gauge, and filling it activates Trance automatically. Zidane's Skill changes to Dyne, while Vivi's Black Magic becomes double Black Magic. Trance actions deplete its power, and a battle ending while the character is transformed also clears the remaining gauge. Use the opportunity in the encounter where it appears instead of expecting to store it for the next boss. Check the changed command before selecting an ordinary attack by habit.
A ready healer can answer an emergency faster than one whose ATB gauge is still refilling.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.