FFXIII-2: Crystarium Optimization

[Katlan]

Ya, makes sense. Thanks! W/e designer thought they were doing a simplified leveling system was fuckin retarded though. This is one of the most convoluted leveling systems ive seen

[miokomioko]

The odd/even bonuses are the only complicated part about it, and only for absolute stat-maxing. The system is pretty mindless for any kind of normal play.

[Jeryhn]

The odd/even bonuses are the only complicated part about it, and only for absolute stat-maxing. The system is pretty mindless for any kind of normal play.

I pretty much agree here. Overall, the hardest part about optimization isn't the actual development of the Crystarium, but choosing which builds are right for which character.

Serah, in general, is a much speedier character than Noel, which perfectly compliments a Magic build. Noel is a lot slower on just about any action he can make, but on average has a better ability pool in every role besides Ravager and Saboteur, and can attack multiple times with each ATB segment when using physical attacks, which is great for building and maintaining chains (more hits = more chain boost/maintenance). Then there's also Meteor Javelin, wich derives attack power from Strength.

This might make it seem natural to elect him for a Strength build, but a Magic-optimized Noel would actually be faster in burning through ATB segments than a Strength-optimized Noel because his AI would devote less time running towards a target to attack. Not to mention the power of his Curagas would skyrocket.

[Nevex]

MAG would also help Noel's -ga buffs last longer.
However Meteor Javelin is so good you'd probably better off with a STR build. He can reach a respectably good MAG stat if you boost that with the leftover large nodes and give him his +33% MAG weapon.

[miokomioko]

That's something I recently inquired about and it seemed agreed upon that the Magic stat doesn't actually affect Synergist buffs... So what is it?

[Maguspk]

MAG would also help Noel's -ga buffs last longer.
However Meteor Javelin is so good you'd probably better off with a STR build. He can reach a respectably good MAG stat if you boost that with the leftover large nodes and give him his +33% MAG weapon.

If you wanted to boost Noel's MAG you would use the weapon that brings it to match his STR at that point...+33% MAG is not going to be nearly as much.

[Jeryhn]

Yeah, the Link weapons are better overall for that purpose... but then you lose out on using an ATB Rate weapon, which is never worth it.

I don't even look at my Odinblade and Odinbolt anymore.

[Maguspk]

Yeah, the Link weapons are better overall for that purpose... but then you lose out on using an ATB Rate weapon, which is never worth it.

I don't even look at my Odinblade and Odinbolt anymore.

Yup +50% ATB is essentially a 50% increase in damage potential so it seems like the best weapon. Not to mention the game encourages speed over damage to some extent so staggering, getting in more hits during stagger, etc. are all possible with the +ATB weapons.