Welcome to my Final Fantasy VIII Guardian Force FAQ! This FAQ is dedicated to the
virtual perfection that is Final Fantasy VIII, and to Square Soft, the most perfect game
developer out there, hands down. Square Soft can sure make the games, and Final Fantasy
VIII is the most spectacular game yet, easily surpassing Final Fantasy VII in every way
possible. This FAQ is laid out just like my other FAQs, so you'll have no problem
getting info. The Disclaimer canbe read above. Enjoy the FAQ!
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II. Introduction to GFs
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This section will introduce you to the Guardian Forces of Final Fantasy VIII, commonly
known as "GFs". Read on to learn the basics of raising a GF.
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- What is a GF? -
A GF is basically a summon "monster" (really a god or goddess or elemental). They are
known as "Summon Spells" from FFVII, "Espers" from FFVI, and "Summons" from FFV and
FFIV. You'll see a lot of the same GFs throughout the various FFs, such as Shiva and
Ifrit, but a lot of them are new faces in FFVIII.
- How does a GF work? -
In Final Fantasy IV, V, VI, and VII, GFs (Espers/Summons, etc.) were really only super-
powerful Spells with flashy effects and animation. FFVIII still has the flashy effects
for these spells, but this game takes the concept of GFs one step further in that you
can raise them to learn new abilities that can enhance the characters they are
Junctioned to. A GF, in essence, is a character in itself; it has its own Level, HP,
and set of moves, and must be taken care of just like any party member. When you call
upon a GF in battle, a countdown will start and will reach zero faster or slower,
depending on that character's Compatibility rating with the GF. The GFs HP, for the
time being, replace the character's HP, allowing it to absorb any damage done to the
character. Do remember, however, that GFs have a limited amount of HP, and if it's
knocked out, it has to be revived using a special (but common) item. Unlike party
members, GFs quickly regain HP while you walk around, pretty much eliminating the need
to keep a critical eye on their HP out of battle. It's really not as hard as it sounds.
If you want a good comparison, think of GFs like super-powerful PokŽmon - you have to
take care of them in the same way, but they're much cooler.
- How do I raise my Compatibility with my GFs? -
A GFs Compatibility rating with a character determines how long it will take to answer
their Junctioned member's call. 0 is the lowest, 1000 is the highest. Try to get close
to 1000 with most of your best GFs. There is not much worse than being in a tough Boss
battle and having to wait an eternity for your GF to appear. The fastest way to raise
the Compatibility with the GF is to simply summon it in battle; around 20 Points will be
gained with each Summon. Some Items can also be used to raise it by 1 to 3 Points.
Using healing and revivial Items on your GFs can also make them like you more.
Alternately, Compatibility can do down, too. If you have two or more GFs on one
character, and you summon one of them, the other ones are likely to go down 1 or 2
Points sometimes, so keep this in mind when summoning GFs.
- How does a GF learn Abilities? -
This is simple. First, at the GF Menu, you set an Ability for a GF to learn (whatever
you wish). Then, as you win battles, you will gain AP. Once the GF has acquired enough
AP to learn the Ability, you will get a message saying that it has been learned, and
then you can choose a new Ability.
Learning some Abilities will unlock previously unavailable Abilities to learn. For
example, learning the Elem-Def-J Ability with a GF might unlock the Elem-Defx2 Ability
to learn.
- How do you get GFs, anyway? -
Most of them are hidden and if you don't have a strategy guide and/or have a bad habit
of not Drawing from EVERY MONSTER AND BOSS YOU FIGHT, you will probably miss most of
them. Some are given to you; most of them you have to Draw from Bosses, and some of
them you have to find in secret side-quests. Some of them you will have to fight before
they join you. Getting the GF is always worth it, though.
- How does a GF gain EXP and Level up? -
Just like any party member does. For example, let's say you have Shiva junctioned to
Squall. Squall gets into a battle, wins, and gets 200 EXP. Shiva also gains 200 EXP,
and will Level Up when she reaches her "Next Level" EXP amount.
Note that when two or more GFs are Junctioned to one character, the EXP gained will be
divided among all GFs on the character. So if Shiva and Quetzacoatl are both Junctioned
to Squall, each of them will gain only 100 EXP. This does NOT APPLY TO AP, however.
- What does Boost do?!? -
Boost, at a measly 10 AP, should be the first Ability you learn with any new GF. Once
you learn it, hold the Select button down during the GF animation and rapidly press the
Square button. Press it until the "X" appears in front of the finger on the screen,
then stop. Once the "X" disappears again, resume tapping as quickly as possible. Keep
doing this to boost the damage the GF does. This is extremely useful, and should not be
underestimated.
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III. GF Information
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This section will go into detail on every GF in the game; their name, Elemental, attack
name, starting Level, where to get it, vital stats, Ability list, and most useful
Abilities.
How to get it: Examine Squall's study panel at the very beginning of the game -
you'll get it automatically.
Quetzacoatl, the first of two GFs you get at the beginning of the game, will be one of
your major companions throughout this epic. Being the Lightning Bird, he is the sole
Lightning-Elemental GF you will have. Its Thunder Bolt attack is especially effective
against machines and Water-Elemental creatures.
HP-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to HP
Vit-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Vitality
Mag-J Learned Junctions Magic to Magic
Elem-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Def-J 100 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Defense
Elem-Defx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Elemental Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Card 40 AP Use Card command in battle
Mag+20% 60 AP Raises Magic by 20%
Mag+40% 120 AP Raises Magic by 40%
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
T Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Lightning/Wind Magic from Items
Mid Mag-RF 60 AP Refines Mid-level Magic from Low-level Magic
Card Mod 80 AP Refines normal and rare Items from Cards
Quetzacoatl's most useful Abilities are HP-J, Vit-J, Mag-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Def-J,
Elem-Defx2, Card, Mag+20/40%, Boost, T Mag-RF, and Card Mod.
How to get it: Examine Squall's study panel at the very beginning of the game -
you'll get it automatically.
Shiva, the Goddess of Water, is the second of two GFs you get at the beginning of the
game. She is extremely powerful, and her Diamond Dust attack will prove effective
against pretty much anything - although it's especially effective against Fire-Elemental
creatures.
Str-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Strength
Vit-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Vitality
Spr-J Learned Junctions Magic to Spirit
Elem-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Def-J 100 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Defense
Elem-Defx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Elemental Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Doom 60 AP Use Doom command in battle
Vit+20% 60 AP Raises Vitality by 20%
Vit+40% 120 AP Raises Vitality by 40%
Spr+20% 60 AP Raises Spirit by 20%
Spr+40% 120 AP Raises Spirit by 40%
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
I Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Ice/Water Magic from Items
Shiva's most useful Abilities are Str-J, Vit-J, Spr-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Def-J, Elem-
Defx2, Vit+20/40%, Spr+20/40%, Boost, and I Mag-RF.
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Name: Ifrit
Element: Fire
Attack Name: Hell Fire
Starting Level: Level 1
How to get it: You will recieve Ifrit (as well as his Card) when you defeat him in
the Fire Cavern at the beginning of the game.
Ifrit, the God of Fire, starts off weak (when compared to the stronger Shiva and
Quetzacoatl at the beginning of the game), but becomes extremely powerful quickly after
you start leveling him up. His attack, Hell Fire, is especially effective against Ice-
Elemental enemies.
HP-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to HP
Str-J Learned Junctions Magic to Strength
Elem-Atk-J Learned Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Def-J 100 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Defense
Elem-Defx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Elemental Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Mad Rush 60 AP Use Mad Rush command in battle
Str+20% 60 AP Raises Strength by 20%
Str+40% 120 AP Raises Strength by 40%
Str Bonus 100 AP Raises Str by 1 every character Level Up
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
F Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Fire Magic from Items
Ammo-RF 30 AP Refines Ammunition from Items
Ifrit's most useful Abilities are HP-J, Str-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Def-J, Elem-Defx2,
Str+20/40%, Str Bonus, Boost, F Mag-RF, and Ammo-RF.
How to get it: Draw it from Elvoret, the Boss that throws away Biggs and Wedge at
the Dollet Communication Tower (the SeeD Field Exam).
This female GF is a unique one - it does not have an Elemental, and it's not
exceptionally strong in attack power, but it provides its user with immense special
powers through its St-Atk-J and St-Def-J Abilities, which are extremely useful early in
the game and all throughout, as well. Siren's attack, Silent Voice, sometimes Silences
enemies which could make mincemeat out of potentially powerful enemy who relies on
Magic.
Mag-J Learned Junctions Magic to Magic
St-Atk-J Learned Junctions Magic to Status Attack
St-Def-J Learned Junctions Magic to Status Defense
St-Def-Jx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Status Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Treatment 100 AP Use Treatment command in battle
Mag+20% 60 AP Raises Magic by 20%
Mag+40% 120 AP Raises Magic by 40%
Mag Bonus 100 AP Raises Mag by 1 every character Level Up
Move-Find 40 AP See hidden Save and Draw Points
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
L Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Life/Recovery Magic from Items
ST Med-RF 30 AP Refines Status Ailment medicine from Items
Tool-RF 30 AP Refines Tools from Items
Siren's most useful Abilities are Mag-J, St-Atk-J, St-Def-J, St-Def-Jx2, Mag+20/40%, Mag
Bonus, Move-Find, Boost, L Mag-RF, ST Med-RF, and Tool-RF.
How to get it: Solve the drawbridge puzzle in the Tomb of the Unknown King. For
an easy solution, take every right in the Tomb and you'll hit every
important room in the tomb in the order you need to. Once you
defeat the Brothers, they'll join you and you'll also get their
Cards.
These Earth beast brothers are a unique GF in that they are very weak initially, and
aren't very strong for the most part, but are VERY strong against creatures with an
Earth weakness. Their GF animation is also one of the funniest in the game, so make
sure you look at it at least once before you start Boosting it.
HP-J Learned Junctions Magic to HP
Str-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Strength
Spr-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Spirit
Elem-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Def-J 100 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Defend 100 AP Use Defend command in battle
HP+20% Learned Raises HP by 20%
HP+40% 120 AP Raises HP by 40%
HP+80% 240 AP Raises HP by 80%
Cover 100 AP Character absorbs damage for weak character
HP Bonus 100 AP Raises HP by 30 every character Level Up
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
Brothers' most useful Abilities are HP-J, Str-J, Spr-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Def-J,
HP+20/40/80%, HP Bonus, and Boost.
How to get it: Speak with Headmaster Cid a second time after he sends you off to
Timber and he will give an Item called the Magical Lamp. Save your
game and then use it, and you will be transported to an alternate
dimension where you'll automatically engage Diablos. Beat him and
he will join you, and you'll get his Card.
Final Fantasy VIII's version of Satan (the Devil) is one of the most lethal GFs in the
game. At first, his attack, Dark Messenger, will do VERY little damage, but VERY
quickly after it starts Leveling up, it will become MUCH stronger. Try to get him to at
least Level 50 as soon as you can, and become as compatible with him as possible.
Diablos' attack is much like an enemy-all Demi; except that whatever Level he's
currently at, he'll take that much HP away from his opponent. For example, at Level 40,
he'll drain 40% of all your opponents' max HP totals. And at Level 100, well, can you
say "guaranteed death"? Keep in mind that a lot of Bosses are immune to Diablos, but
not all of them.
Note: The maximum amount of damage that Diablos can do, period, is 9999.
- Vital Stats -
Level HP Attack Power
9 730 9% of opponent's Max HP
10 784 10% of opponent's Max HP
20 1326 20% of opponent's Max HP
30 1876 30% of opponent's Max HP
40 2434 40% of opponent's Max HP
50 3000 50% of opponent's Max HP
60 3574 60% of opponent's Max HP
70 4156 70% of opponent's Max HP
80 4746 80% of opponent's Max HP
90 5344 90% of opponent's Max HP
100 5950 100% of opponent's Max HP
- Ability List -
Name AP Needed Effect
HP-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to HP
Mag-J Learned Junctions Magic to Magic
Hit-J 120 AP Junctions Magic to Hit
Abilityx3 Learned Allows 3 support Abilities on character
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Darkside 100 AP Use Darkside command in battle
HP+20% 60 AP Raises HP by 20%
HP+40% 120 AP Raises HP by 40%
HP+80% 240 AP Raises HP by 80%
Mag+20% 60 AP Raises Magic by 20%
Mag+40% 120 AP Raises Magic by 40%
Mug 200 AP Attack and steal Items at the same time
Enc-Half 30 AP 50% less random encounters
Enc-None 100 AP No random encounters
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Time Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Time Magic from Items
ST Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Status Ailment Magic from Items
Diablos' most useful Abilities are HP-J, Mag-J, Hit-J, Abilityx3, HP+20/40/80%,
Mag+20/40%, Mug, Enc-Half, Enc-None, Time Mag-RF, and ST Mag-RF.
Note: Mug is one of THE best Abilities in the game. Get it ASAP!
How to get it: Draw it from either one of the Iguions you fight during Edea's
Parade in Disc 1.
Carbuncle, a cute little Sprite-type spirit, is not an offensive GF, but rather a
defensive one. In a cool-looking spell called Ruby Light, he casts Reflect on all of
your party members. This, effectively, bounces spells like Fire, Fira, and Firaga back
at the caster, but alternately bounces Cure spells off of you, too. So use it sparingly
and wisely, or you may end up not being able to heal yourself in a Boss fight.
HP-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to HP
Vit-J Learned Junctions Magic to Vitality
Mag-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Magic
St-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Status Attack
St-Def-J 100 AP Junctions Magic to Status Defense
St-Def-Jx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Status Defense
Abilityx3 Learned Allows 3 support Abilities on character
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
HP+20% 60 AP Raises HP by 20%
HP+40% 120 AP Raises HP by 40%
Vit+20% 60 AP Raises Vitality by 20%
Vit+40% 120 AP Raises Vitality by 40%
Vit Bonus 100 AP Raises Vit by 1 every character Level Up
Counter 200 AP Counterattacks enemy after taking damage
Auto-Reflect 250 AP Activates Reflect at the start of battle
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Recov Med-RF 30 AP Refines recovery medicine from Items
Carbuncle's most useful Abilities are HP-J, Vit-J, Mag-J, St-Atk-J, St-Def-J, St-Def-
Jx2, Abilityx3, HP+20/40%, Vit+20/40%, Vit Bonus, Counter, and Recov Med-RF.
How to get it: Draw it from the Boss NORG at Balamb Garden in Disc 2.
The Water Dragon, Leviathan, is kind of a mixed package. He is extremely powerful, but
there are VERY few enemies with a Water-Elemental weakness; on the other hand, he has
some VERY useful Abilities, such as Recover, which is one of the best in the game - it
lets you restore a member's HP fully without the use of Magic, allowing you to use it
even when you're Silenced. Use Leviathan mainly against Fire-Elemental creatures and
machines.
Spr-J Learned Junctions Magic to Spirit
Mag-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Magic
Elem-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Defx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Elemental Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Recover 200 AP Use Recover command in battle
Spr+20% 60 AP Raises Spirit by 20%
Spr+40% 120 AP Raises Spirit by 40%
Spr Bonus 100 AP Raises Spr by 1 every character Level Up
Auto-Potion 150 AP Use recovery Items upon taking damage
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
Supt Mag-RF 30 AP Refines Support Magic from Items
GF Recov Med-RF 30 AP Refines GF recovery medicine from Items
Leviathan's most useful Abilities are Spr-J, Mag-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Defx2, Recover,
Spr+20/40%, Spr Bonus, Boost, Supt Mag-RF, and GF Recov Med-RF.
How to get it: Draw it from the Boss, Fujin, in Balamb during Disc 2.
The Wind spirit Pandemonia, like Leviathan, is also a mixed package. Unlike Leviathan,
Pandemonia isn't very powerful offensive-wise. I think I used him twice after I got him
in the whole game; however, he has wonderful Abilities, especially his Strength and
Speed Junctions. Definitely use him, if only for Junctioning. Pandemonia's attack,
Tornado Zone, is most effective against Water-Elemental creatures.
Str-J Learned Junctions Magic to Strength
Spd-J 120 AP Junctions Magic to Speed
Elem-Atk-J Learned Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Def-J Learned Junctions Magic to Elemental Defense
Elem-Defx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Elemental Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Absorb 80 AP Use Absorb command in battle
Str+20% 60 AP Raises Strength by 20%
Str+40% 120 AP Raises Strength by 40%
Spd+20% 150 AP Raises Speed by 20%
Spd+40% 200 AP Raises Speed by 40%
Initiative 160 AP Enables turn as soon as battle begins
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
Pandemonia's most useful Abilities are Str-J, Spd-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Def-J, Elem-Defx2,
Str+20/40%, Spd+20/40%, Initiative, and Boost.
How to get it: You will find Cerberus waiting in the yellow light in the center of
Galbadia Garden's main hall, during the end of Disc 2. Talk to him
to fight him. Beat him and you will get him as a GF.
Cerberus, the three-headed demon dog from Hell, is arguably one of the most useful GFs
in the game. It doesn't do any damage to enemies, but its attack, Counter Rockets,
casts Double AND Triple on ALL of your characters, effectively giving you a major
advantage over your enemies. Cerberus will come to be a major help in Boss fights, and
sometimes, it may be the only way you can win.
Str-J Learned Junctions Magic to Strength
Mag-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Magic
Spr-J 50 AP Junctions Magic to Spirit
Spd-J 120 AP Junctions Magic to Speed
Hit-J Learned Junctions Magic to Hit
St-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Status Attack
St-Def-J 100 AP Junctions Magic to Status Defense
St-Def-Jx2 130 AP Junctions Magic to 2nd Status Defense
St-Def-Jx4 180 AP Junctions Magic to 4 Status Defense
Abilityx3 Learned Allows 3 support Abilities on character
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Spd+20% 150 AP Raises Speed by 20%
Spd+40% 200 AP Raises Speed by 40%
Auto-Haste 250 AP Activates Haste at the start of battle
Expendx2-1 250 AP Only 1 Spell spent in Double
Alert 200 AP Prevents Back Attacks and First Strikes
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Cerberus' most useful Abilities are Str-J, Mag-J, Spr-J, Spd-J, Hit-J, St-Atk-J, St-Def-
J, St-Def-Jx2, St-Def-Jx4, Abilityx3, Spd+20/40%, and Auto-Haste.
How to get it: Draw it from Edea during the final battle of Disc 2.
Alexander, a giant, menacing, cool-looking robot of Light can hit all enemies, and he
can hit them hard. His attack, Holy Judgement, not only looks cool, but will severely
damage all undead/dark enemies, and will hurt anything else badly (except for Holy-
Elemental creatures). Additionally, Alexander's Abilities rock, and are actually
necessary to get the GF Doomtrain. Make sure to get Revive, which acts like the Spell
Full-Life, as soon as you can!
Spr-J Learned Junctions Magic to Spirit
Elem-Atk-J 160 AP Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
Elem-Defx2 Learned Junctions Magic to 2nd Elemental Defense
Elem-Defx4 180 AP Junctions Magic to 4 Elemental Defense
Abilityx3 Learned Allows 3 support Abilities on character
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Revive 200 AP Use Revive command in battle
Spr+20% 60 AP Raises Spirit by 20%
Spr+40% 120 AP Raises Spirit by 40%
Med Data 200 AP (I never did know what this did...)
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
High Mag-RF 60 AP Refine High-level Magic from Mid-level Magic
Med LV Up 120 AP Levels up recovery medicine
Alexander's most useful Abilities are Spr-J, Elem-Atk-J, Elem-Defx2, Elem-Defx4,
Abilityx3, Revive, Spr+20/40%, Boost, High Mag-RF, and Med LV Up.
---
Name: Doomtrain
Element: Poison, adds various Status Ailments
Attack Name: Runaway Train
Starting Level: Level 28
How to get it: Go to Tears' Point near Esthar and pick up the Solomon Ring. Now,
collect 6 Steel Pipes, 6 Remedy+, and 6 Malboro Tentacles. You can
get the Steel Pipes from Wendigos, Remedy+ from Alexander's Med LV
Up Ability, and the Malboro Tentacles from Malboros. Once you've
collected these Items, use the Solomon Ring and you will recieve
Doomtrain as another GF.
If you're a Final Fantasy veteran, you may recognize Doomtrain as a Boss from Final
Fantasy VI (III U.S). Doomtrain is easily one of the best GFs in the game; it looks
cool, makes all enemies' Defense Power 0, and causes several Status Ailments like
Poison, Blind, Stop, and Slow. Doomtrain, also, is quite strong against most all
enemies and Bosses (even the Final Boss!), has high HP, and has some of the best
Abilities in the game. Getting him is difficult, but be sure to do it!
Elem-Atk-J Learned Junctions Magic to Elemental Attack
St-Atk-J Learned Junctions Magic to Status Attack
Elem-Defx4 180 AP Junctions Magic to 4 Elemental Defense
St-Def-Jx4 180 AP Junctions Magic to 4 Status Defense
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Darkside 100 AP Use Darkside command in battle
Absorb 80 AP Use Abosrb command in battle
Auto-Shell 250 AP Activates Shell at the start of battle
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
SumMag+40% 200 AP Raises GF damage by 40%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
GFHP+40% 200 AP Raises GF HP by 40%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
Junk Shop Learned Call Junk Shop from the Ability Menu
Forbid Med-RF 200 AP Refines forbidden medicine from Items
Doomtrain's most useful Abilities are Elem-Atk-J, St-Atk-J, Elem-Defx4, St-Def-Jx4,
Boost, Junk Shop, and Forbid Med-RF.
How to get it: You can find Bahamut in the Deep Sea Research Center (a side
quest). Make your way to the blue capsule in the first room and
Bahamut will ask you a series of questions. After each one, you'll
have to face a tough Ruby Dragon. After the third question, he
will fight you. Defeat him, and you will recieve him as a GF. The
answers to his questions are "It is not our will to fight",
"Never", and then the hidden option below the second option.
Answer incorrectly, and you will have to fight a Ruby Dragon and
THEN answer the question again. Fun. ^_^
Bahamut, the Dragon King, is unfortunately, much weaker than you might expect. His
Attack Power is that of Quetzacoatl's, and that means weak (compared to the likes of the
later GFs such as Leviathan and Doomtrain). Fortunately, Bahamut's attack animation is
very long and allows you to Boost Bahamut close to the 250 maximum, making him much
stronger. Bahamut's big advantage, though, is is arsenal of Abilities; some of the best
in the game belong to Bahamut. Additionally, Bahamut's attack, Mega Flare, ignores all
additional or special defense, making it so his power doesn't ever go down. Make sure
to get him!
Abilityx4 Learned Allows 4 support Abilities on character
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Str+60% Learned Raises Strength by 60%
Mag+60% Learned Raises Magic by 60%
Mug 200 AP Attack and steal Items at the same time
Move-HP Up 200 AP Recover HP as you walk
Auto-Protect 250 AP Activates Protect at the start of battle
Expendx2-1 250 AP Only 1 Spell spent in Double
Rare Item 250 AP Recieve rare Items from enemies
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
SumMag+40% 200 AP Raises GF damage by 40%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
GFHP+40% 200 AP Raises GF HP by 40%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
Forbid Mag-RF Learned Refines Forbidden Magic from Items
Bahamut's most useful Abilities are Abilityx4, Str+60%, Mag+60%, Mug, Move-HP Up, Rare
Item, Boost, and Forbid Mag-RF.
How to get it: You can find the GF Cactuar on Cactuar Island, a small island to
the south of Esthar. You will know the island by the appearance
of a randomly placed, small green dot in the sand. That dot is the
Jumbo Cactuar, a giant Cactuar. Walk up to him to engage him in
combat. To defeat him, use Water-Elemental attacks (especially
Leviathan) and strong Limit Breaks (especially Renzokuken). He
will randomly counterattack with a move called 10,000 Needles that
kills a character instantly no matter what; counter this with Life,
Full-Life and Alexander's Revive. Once you beat on him enough, you
will see a message that Jumbo Cactuar "is hesitating". At this
point, DO NOT ATTACK or he will run away and you'll have to start
over! Just summon Leviathan and have your Limit Breaks ready and
unload on him with EVERYTHING YOU HAVE. If you're lucky, he'll
fall and you will get the Cactuar GF.
Cactuar is a GREAT GF. His attack is extremely powerful; his Attack Power is directly
correlated to his Level. If he is Level 40, he'll do 4000 damage to any enemy, Boss, or
Final Boss, regardless of special defense. He also has VERY good Abilities. Getting
him is also a cinch (Jumbo Cactuar isn't so hard). And, needless to say, his attack
looks cool and needs no Boosting! Have fun with him!
Eva-J 200 AP Junctions Magic to Evade
Luck-J 200 AP Junctions Magic to Luck
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Defend 100 AP Use Defend command in battle
Kamikaze 100 AP Use Kamikaze command in battle
Eva+30% 150 AP Raises Evade by 30%
Luck+50% 200 AP Raises Luck by 50%
Initiative 160 AP Enables turn as soon as battle begins
Move-HP Up 200 AP Recover HP as you walk
HP Bonus Learned Raises HP by 30 every character Level Up
Str Bonus Learned Raises Str by 1 every character Level Up
Vit Bonus Learned Raises Vit by 1 every character Level Up
Mag Bonus Learned Raises Mag by 1 every character Level Up
Spr Bonus Learned Raises Spr by 1 every character Level Up
Auto-Potion 150 AP Use recovery Items upon taking damage
Expendx2-1 250 AP Only 1 Spell spent in Double
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Cactuar's most useful Abilities are Eva-J, Luck-J, Eva+30%, Luck+50%, Initiative, Move-
HP Up, HP Bonus, Str Bonus, Vit Bonus, Mag Bonus, and Spr Bonus.
How to get it: You can find the GF Tonberry at the Centra Ruins. Tonberry,
arguably, is the hardest GF to get in Final Fantasy VIII. At the
first area of the Centra Ruins, you will find only Tonberry
enemies. Your job is to defeat 18 to 22 Tonberries to make the
Tonberry King appear. Sounds easy, right? Trust me, it isn't.
Tonberries have around 20000 HP apiece, an attack called Chef's
Knife that does 3000-4000 damage quickly, and a random counter-
attack called Everyone's Grudge that does about 5000-6000 damage to
a single character. You'll need an edge. First off, summon
Diablos. Then, summon Cerberus. Then, cast Protect on everyone.
Finally, pound away with Diablos until it dies. If you get
dangerously low on HP, cast Curaga or use Recover. Once you defeat
the right number of Tonberries, the Tonberry King will replace the
last fallen Tonberry without giving you a chance to heal. He is
much faster and stronger than normal Tonberries, and if you die,
you have to start all over. Once you beat him, you get the
Tonberry GF. Oh, and did I mention you get 0 EXP and 1 AP for
defeating a single Tonberry? Heh heh heh. ^_^
Tonberry's attack, Chef's Knife, is generally pretty weak - about as powerful as
Quetzacoatl, but only on a single enemy. Also, the animation is very short and allows
for almost no Boosting. However, the attack does ignore defense. Tonberry's major
prize is his unique Abilities, all of which rock. Be sure to learn all of his shop
Abilities! Oh, and enjoy the animation - it's hilarious.
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
LV Down Learned Use LV Down command in battle
LV Up Learned Use LV Up command in battle
Eva+30% Learned Raises Evade by 30%
Luck+50% Learned Raises Luck by 50%
Initiative 160 AP Enables turn as soon as battle begins
Move-HP Up 200 AP Recover HP as you walk
Auto-Potion 150 AP Use recovery Items upon taking damage
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
Haggle 150 AP Get discounts at all shops
Sell-High 150 AP Sell normal Items for higher Gil
Familiar 150 AP Buy rare Items at all shops
Call Shop 200 AP Call any shop from the Ability Menu
Tonberry's most useful Abilities are LV Down, LV Up, Eva+30%, Luck+50%, Initiative,
Move-HP Up, Boost, Haggle, Sell-High, Familiar, and Call Shop.
How to get it: The final GF in Final Fantasy VIII, Eden, is easily the most
powerful in the game, so you know you want it. Eden can be found
in the Deep Sea Research Center, after defeating Bahamut. Work
your way to the bottom of the ruins, solving the puzzles as you go
along, until you finally reach the very tough Boss, Ultima Weapon.
You can draw Eden from Ultima Weapon, and if you survive, you get
to keep him.
Eden's attack, Eternal Breath, is simply the most powerful GF attack in the game. Keep
in mind, though, that it is not THE most powerful attack in the game - Squall's
Renzokuken coupled with the Lion Heart Limit Break is. Even so, Eden is a great asset
to have in a fight. He also has some cool Abilities, but nothing that stands out.
Eden's attack animation is exceptionally long, and easily allows for Boosting to the
full 250 maximum. This usually makes the attack do about 35000 damage to all enemies.
But, in all honesty, I used Eden once to see the ultra-cool animation, and that was it.
Squall's Limit Break is much more effective.
Spd-J Learned Junctions Magic to Speed
Eva-J Learned Junctions Magic to Evade
Hit-J Learned Junctions Magic to Hit
Magic Learned Use Magic command in battle
GF Learned Use GF command in battle
Draw Learned Use Draw command in battle
Item Learned Use Item command in battle
Mad Rush 60 AP Use Mad Rush command in battle
Darkside 100 AP Use Darkside command in battle
Devour Learned Use Devour command in battle
Luck+50% 200 AP Raises Luck by 50%
Expendx3-1 250 AP Only 1 Spell spent in Triple
SumMag+10% 40 AP Raises GF damage by 10%
SumMag+20% 70 AP Raises GF damage by 20%
SumMag+30% 140 AP Raises GF damage by 30%
SumMag+40% 200 AP Raises GF damage by 40%
GFHP+10% 40 AP Raises GF HP by 10%
GFHP+20% 70 AP Raises GF HP by 20%
GFHP+30% 140 AP Raises GF HP by 30%
GFHP+40% 200 AP Raises GF HP by 40%
Boost 10 AP Boost GF during animation
GFAbl Med-RF 30 AP Refines GF Ability-learning Items from Items
Eden's most useful Abilities are Spd-J, Eva-J, Hit-J, Devour, Luck+50%, Boost, and GFAbl
Med-RF.
This section will list the specific Items you need to make your GFs instantly learn new
Abilities. Keep in mind that a few Abilities can ONLY be learned from Items.
This section will list each special GF battle command, what GFs have it, and what it
specifically does.
---
Name GFs Effect
Magic All Use Magic spells in battle
GF All Summon GFs in battle
Draw All Draw Magic from enemies
Item All Use Items in battle
Card Quetzacoatl Turn weakened enemies into Cards
Doom Shiva Instantly kill an enemy
Mad Rush Ifrit, Eden Casts Berserk, Protect, and Haste on all allies
Treatment Siren Heals all Status Ailments on one character
Defend Brothers, Cactuar Reduces Physical damage to 0, halves Magic damage
Darkside Diablos,Doomtrain, Attack does 3x damage; character loses 1/10 HP
Eden
Recover Leviathan Recovers all HP to a single character
Revive Alexander Revives one character and restores all HP
Absorb Pandemonia, Drains HP from enemy; causes damage to Undead
Doomtrain
LV Down Tonberry Halves target's Level
LV Up Tonberry Doubles target's Level
Kamikaze Cactuar Inflicts lethal damage on target; kills character
Devour Eden Consume enemies for Attribute increases/bonuses
MiniMog N/A Resotres all HP to GF; costs character's average
Level times 100 Gil to use
I hope you enjoyed this Final Fantasy VIII FAQ - it's one of my best, I think. It's the
least I could contribute to this virtually perfect game. If you haven't done so yet,
play this experience now - you will never forget it! Thanks for reading this FAQ, and
be sure to check out my other ones!
I would like to thank the following people/books/companies:
- Square Soft, for making this spectacular experience, may there be many more!
- Sony, for bringing it out on PSX and not censoring Final Fantasy VIII
- The BradyGAMES Official Final Fantasy VIII Strategy Guide; this FAQ would not have
remotely possible without it
- My PSX, for not crashing during all those times I left it on for hours on end ^_^
