Tips and Tricks
This section has two categories. The first category is Basic tips, which cover some of the standard game elements that, in some cases, are covered directly within the game’s tutorials and training pages. The second category is for Advanced tips, which cover the more complex elements of Final Fantasy VIII and can help you master your characters and battle strategy for your playthrough.
These Tips and Tricks sections are referenced throughout the walkthrough section in each area where they are relevant so you don’t need to read through them before starting the game.
Basic
Character Stats
An explanation of each of the character stats that you can junction magic to and how they impact your characters in battle.
Magic Draw System
New to Final Fantasy VIII is the Magic Draw System, the primary means for your party members to stock up and procure magic as you progress through the game.
Ability Points (AP)
In addition to EXP points, you will need to amass Ability Points to grow your Guardian Forces and have them learn abilities.
Upgrading Weapons
The unique process for upgrading your character’s weapons in Final Fantasy VIII at junk shops.
SeeD Rank Guide
Your characters will be assigned a SeeD rank once you have completed the Dollet SeeD exam. This section outlines the impact of your SeeD rank and how you can increase it.
Triple Triad
For tips regarding the Final Fantasy VIII mini-game of Triple Triad, check out the Triple Triad section:
Triple Triad Card Game
Overview of the rules, cards, and strategies for playing Triple Triad as you progress through Final Fantasy VIII.
Advanced
Best Party
You can beat the game using any of the selectable characters in your party, but some characters are more optimal to include and are more powerful than their teammates. Check out this section for more information.
Best Weapons
A list of each character’s best weapons, as they are shown in each of the Weapons Monthly magazines, and instructions on how to construct each of them.
Best Magic
Where to Draw and stockpile the best magic spells in the game. This magic helps improve the junctions your characters are set up with.
Battle Meter
Where to Draw and stockpile the best magic spells in the game. This magic helps improve the junctions you can set your characters up with.
Character/Enemy Leveling
An explanation of your character’s levels and the relationship to the enemy’s levels.
Magic Junction System
An overview of the magic junctioning process in Final Fantasy VIII, the primary method for powering up your characters.
Triple Triad Power-Up Strategy
A strategy for utilizing Triple Triad cards to power up your characters by using the Card Mod ability to convert items into magic that you can junction.
Preventing Random Battles (Enc-None)
How to use Diablos’ Enc-None ability to prevent battles and make your play through of the game more efficient.
Earning Fast Ability Points (AP) - Cactuar Island
Using the “Cactuar Island leveling trick” as early as possible to help your Guardian Forces learn new abilities.
Fixed Encounters against Elnoyles (Energy Crystals)
There is a spot in Esthar where you can trigger reoccurring battles against Elnoyle enemies to stock up on Energy Crystals.
Fixed Encounters against Tri-Faces (Curse Spikes)
There is also a spot at the bottom of the Deep Sea Research Center where you can summon as many Tri-Faces as you need to stock up on Curse Spikes.
Guardian Force Leveling and Junctions
How to level your Guardian Forces and how you can use their Character Junction abilities to improve your character’s stats.