FFRK - Fate Calls, Power Awakens (IV) Event & Strategies
If you have not caught on this event focuses on the rivalry between the original FF edgelord and prince of Eblan - Edge, and the Fiend of Fire - Rubicante.
We were also supposed to have this event nearly a month ago, so bye bye 30th Anniversary mythril.
"You think our rage...a weakness? Then let me show you how wrong you are!" - Edge "I will heal your wounds. Face me at full strength!" - Rubicante
Venturing into the Cave of Eblan, Cecil’s party comes across Eblan’s prince Edge locked in battle with Rubicante, mightiest of Golbez’s four Archfiends. Edge fights valiantly, but is completely outmatched by his opponent.
The Archfiend acknowledges Edge’s potential, telling him to take up the challenge again after honing his skills. He then leaves the prince to lick his wounds.
Edge joins Cecil’s party, and together they head to the Tower of Babil. Inside, Edge is reunited with his parents, but they turn into hideous monsters that set upon the party.
The King and Queen regain their senses during the battle, but then take their lives after realizing their plight. Edge is distraught, but when Rubicante shows up he channels this grief into anger, unlocking the potential within him.
Together with his new companions, Edge prepares to take on his arch-enemy once more.
Event Start Date: September 7
Event Bonus Battle: September 10
Event End Date: September 17
All information is taken from a mixture of Reddit/Spreadsheets/Kongpakbao Site and my own obviously expert analysis.
Though the information provided is used as a guideline and not always taken directly from the thread. When necessary, additional thoughts on Cid Missions and battle strategies are added.
Notable Rewards:
Reflecting Pool - 5* Ninja. Deal physical water damage to one target and grant the user 1x physical blink (max of 2).
Raging Waters - 5* Ninja. Deal between 2-4 physical water attacks to one target based on the number of physical blinks the user has.
Protect Ring - Accessory. Boost HP by 300 and grant moderate ice resistance.
New Characters Acquired:
Rubicante - Black Magic 5, White Magic 5, Darkness 5
Dress Spheres Acquired:
You spoony bard!
Old Characters Acquired:
Edge
Pecil
Cid
Rosa
Kain
New Memory Crystals:
Rubicante MC1/MC2/MC3
Old Memory Crystals
Edge MC1/MC2
Pecil MC1/MC2
Cid MC1/MC2
Rosa MC1/MC2
Kain MC1/MC2
New Record Materia:
Rubicante RM1: Small increase in fire elemental damage.
Rubicante RM2: Attack sometimes becomes fire magic damage to all targets.
Rubicante RM3: Moderate magic and small mind boost when equipping light armor.
New Legend Materia
Kain LM1: Wyrm's Roar - Small lightning damage up.
Kain LM2: Soaring Dragoon - Large scalable atk boost based on Jump attacks used.
Edge LM1: Passioned Prince - Small water damage up.
Edge LM2: Essence of Eblan - Moderate chance to doublecast Ninja abilities.
New Record Sphere
Rubicante - Black Magic Damage +9%, Minor silence resist.
Characters Needed for Battles
Complete the 'Tower of Babil - Sorrow (Elite)' stage with a party that included Edge.
Cid Missions
Complete Ultimate++ fight with a party of FFIV heroes.
Relics
Yes, that is a wrathable medica in my pants and I am not just happy to see you.
Fair warning: Banner 1 is top heavy and banner 2 is lacking, but god damn is the top side of banner 1 something else.
Also be advised that a lot of the elemental boosts provided by items here are locked behind realm synergy.
Banner 1:
FFV was Bartz spellblade shenanigans. This is Edge ninja ability shenanigans. The downside is be prepared to invest in R3ing both of the new abilities if not R4ing them because they will go quick.
You're pulling in this event for 2 reasons and really 2 reasons only: Edge and Rosa USB.
Edge gets a little bit of a shaft with regards to his EX mode, as it does not boost any stats. But the entry of 10x water/thunder physical hits adds additional thunder/water/non physical damage for every water ninja ability used; based on the number of physical blinks on the user (max 2). Additionally, Edge gains water ability quickcast - so fast abilities come out even faster.
Along with his potent USB, his water element BSB returns. The commands are Ninja school, and water element, so they work very well together. His valuable PBlink/Hastega/Last Stand SSB is also on the banner.
And then theres the straight healing panic button USB to Yuna's full recovery button USB in Rosa: Instant curaga medica with party magic blink and HP stock 2k. Yes, that skillset lets Rosa use wrath. With a proper set-up, you should be able to have the recast ready by the time the HP stock falls, healing hones are a thing of the past!
Sadly for Rubicante, they made his Burst authentic instead of practical. Entry is 6 hits of AoE fire/non damage with en-fire. Cmd1 is 1x Magic Blink and activates his toggle mode. When the toggle is on, he gains a constant 50% chance to counter physical hits with a potent AoE fire/non hit. Using Cmd1 again hits 4x fire/non hits, removes Flame Cloak, and turns the toggle off. Cmd2 is a 2 or 3 hit fire/non AoE attack if the toggle is on or off. His SSB is 8 hits of random fire/non damage with imperil fire.
Pecil's BSB2 returns, along with Golbez's en-dark SSB and Edward's mag/mnd + quickcast SSB.
Banner 2:
Not the banner to have been saving for, honestly. Some realm utility, but outside of that its average at best.
Pecil's USB has 10 holy/non hits, en-holy, and gains a pretty terrible EX mode that doubles his def. Thats it. You almost wish his BSB2 was here instead as a decent trap prize.
Kain's OSB and BSB return. Even though his BSB does not have a non elemental component, pairing it with lightning dive is still a pretty potent source of DPS. Kain's instant jump SSB also shows up, but it's not anything worth writing home about.
Cid's support BSB has random hits of thunder/non damage with full breakdown w/Magic and Armor breakdown on Cmd1 and 2 respectively.
The remaining items are Rosa's SSB medica w/Magic Blink, Porom's Atk/Mnd/Crit buff, and Ceodore's BSB and SSB.
Honestly, the next IV banner is much better overall quality but the top 2 items here (Rosa and Edge USB) have unknown re-occurrences.
Legend Materias:
Banner 1 - Rosa: Increase mind based on number of White Magic abilities used *on the enemy*, 1% -> 25%.
Banner 1 - Edge: 25% chance to add 1x physical blink when using a ninja ability.
Banner 2 - Pecil:Increase def based on number of hits received, 3% -> 35%.
Banner 2 - Kain: Dragoon abilities deal 25% more damage when using a spear.
Notes: Plague's only damaging attacks are physical.
He can slow you and haste himself, so for new players that increase turn count can get a little out of hand - dispel as necessary.
Deadly Guardians of the Treasure +++ Lunasaurs x2 HP: 142,000 Target Score:
Exploit a Lunasaur's weakness to fire attacks.
Reduce a Lunasaur's attack.
Reduce a Lunasaur's magic.
Weak: Fire Absorbs: None Resist: Dark Null: None Vulnerabilities: Stun
Notes: Not quite as aggravating as the DU versions a while back, but the status effects (Poison/Confuse/Blind/Sleep) can still cause headaches. Ultra Cure or Esuna is your buddy, along with some magic mitigation and fire attacks will make short work of this duo.
Do be a little careful if bringing a mixed party. Physical attacks on Lunasaur A can trigger an AoE reflect.
Ultimate + Apocalypse Battles
The Real Price of Old Age (U) 凶Dr. Lugae + 凶Barnabus HP: Barnabus: 90,263 - Barnabus-Z: 103,158 - Lugaeborg: 130,603 Target Score:
Moveset (Lugaeborg):
Attack (PHY: ST 110% physical)
Flamethrower (NAT: AOE 294% magical fire)
Beam (PHY: ST 266% ranged physical)
Lasers (NAT: AOE 240% ranged physical)
Poison Gas (NAT: AOE 294% magical bio)
Flare (BLK: ST 650% magical non-element)
Counter Sleeping Gas (20% response to any attack; NAT: ST Sleep, 33% chance)
Notes and Strategies: Dr. Lugae himself is not targetable, and only supports Barnabus.
Fight has magical and ranged physical attacks, so at the minimum pro/shell are suggested. Barnabus-Z and Lugaeborg have fire attacks you can mitigate with accessories, but there remains a potent poison elemental magic attack and Flare, so you may be better off simply stacking magic mitigation.
Thunder weakness makes things a little easier, as there are many options to deal thunder damage with.
Moveset (Calcas):
Fira (BLK: ST 330% magical fire)
Blizzara (BLK: ST 330% magical ice)
Thundara (BLK: ST 60% magical thunder, instant cast)
Firaga (BLK: ST 570% magical fire)
Blizzaga (BLK: ST 570% magical ice)
Thundaga (BLK: ST 450% magical thunder)
Firaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical fire)
Blizzaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical ice)
Thundaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical thunder)
Lightning (NAT: AOE 25% maximum HP damage, 42% chance)
Attack (PHY: ST 110% physical)
Moveset (Brinas):
Fira (BLK: ST 330% magical fire)
Blizzara (BLK: ST 60% magical ice, instant cast)
Thundara (BLK: ST 330% magical thunder)
Attack (PHY: AOE 206% physical)
Firaga (BLK: ST 570% magical fire)
Blizzaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical ice)
Thundaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical thunder)
Lightning (NAT: AOE 25% maximum HP damage, 42% chance)
Attack (PHY: ST 110% physical)
Attack (PHY: ST 188% physical)
Moveset (Calcabrina):
Attack (PHY: ST 110% physical)
Attack (PHY: AOE 110% physical)
Firaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical fire)
Blizzaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical ice)
Thundaga (BLK: AOE 390% magical thunder)
Lightning (NAT: AOE 60% maximum HP damage, 42% chance)
Inferno (BLK: ST 570% magical fire)
Tsunami (NAT: AOE 210% magical water)
凶 Lightning (NAT: AOE 80% maximum HP damage, 42% chance)
Counter Attack (40% response to physical attacks; PHY: ST 110% physical)
Counter Inferno (100% response to fire damage; BLK: ST 570% magical fire)
Counter Tsunami (100% response to ice damage; NAT: AOE 210% magical water)
Counter Lightning (100% response to thunder damage; NAT: AOE 20% maximum HP damage, 42% chance)
Notes and Strategies: As far as U++'s go, this is fairly tame.
You have 30 seconds to destroy all the dolls. After 30 seconds, the strength of Calcabina is determinded by the remaining dolls. If you have 3 or less dolls remaining, then you fight the weakest version of Calcabrina.
The individual dolls don't do a whole lot of things special. Fire/Ice/Thunder elemental damage with a slightly stronger than token physical hit. They don't have a lot of HP to chew through though - and a thunder weakness to boot.
The combined doll, if you didn't beat all 6 before 30 seconds, can counter Fire/Ice/Thunder elemental damage with opposite element retailations, so be weary when using Gigas Armlets for element resistance.
Cid Mission: No realm dancer for AoE mitigation, so depending on your in-realm abilities Wall or Hyper Mighty G may be the RW of choice. Don't discount Ashe's or Malak's BSB's either.
You want to focus on AoE abilities, obviously, as even restricted to IV characters theres enough AoE in the realm to make short work here. Edge can throw ninja magic, Rydia can summon, etc.
If you lack a realm medica, 2 healers may be a smart option as the individual dolls can deal damage based on max HP.
Again, also tame for a CM but don't slouch on the prep. And should the full doll spawn, try to at least aim for the weakest version to make it easier on your hones.
Moveset (Cloaked):
(Default only) Attack (PHY: ST 110% physical)
(Default only) Attack (PHY: AOE 159% physical)
(Weak only) Curaja (WHT: ST heal)
Counter 凶 Firaja (25% response to any attack; NAT: AOE 390% magical fire, Weak Imperil Fire)
Counter Raise (80% response to fire damage; WHT: AOE 20% HP Resurrect)
Notes and Strategies: Magic mitigation, fire resist gear, and patience.
Thankfully, no random "stay in cloaked form forever" issues as he will leave cloaked status 3 turns after using it. Additionally, on his 7th turn above 70% HP and his 6th turn below 70% he will enter cloaked status for the said 3 turn duration.
凶 Inferno is a scripted regular dispel though as well, so refresh your pro/shell and hastega as needed. Trigger his counter while cloaked will also mark you with imperil fire, which does not help your cause. Just be patient.
Additionally, Rubicante will not cause unprovoked damage while cloaked aside from a token physical hit. Use this time to recover, prep the next magic blink, recast shellga, etc.
Jump Start Notes: His AI for 凶 Inferno and cloaking changes a little bit here. He will now use the initial one on his 5th turn while above 80% HP and stay cloaked for 2 turns. His 2nd use will occur on the 6th turn when under 80% HP and will then stay cloaked for 4 turns.
Otherwise the fight is the same. Be mindful of the AoE dispel and be patient when Rubicante is cloaked.
3 pulls for Edge and Rosa's USB. Two things I'm desperately lacking. Need water, and Rosa's USB would solve my lack of elemental resist accessories for magicites.
Go ahead, test me, RNG. I'm not afraid to throw my welfare checks at them gems to get these two USBs. TEST ME.
I want to pull IV...but there's too many good banners coming up!?
30th is 2 weeks away and offers (assuming nothing changes): P Cecil USB + BSB2, Rosa USB, Yang BSB, and Palom BSB. This banner is more catered to making Edge a beast. So your choice in the end.
If Edge is your favorite and don't mind chance at SSBs, go for it.
30th is 2 weeks away and offers (assuming nothing changes): P Cecil USB + BSB2, Rosa USB, Yang BSB, and Palom BSB. This banner is more catered to making Edge a beast. So your choice in the end.
If Edge is your favorite and don't mind chance at SSBs, go for it.
Ugh, I don't like edge but I really like his stuff. I guess I'll skip. The odds aren't in my favor for getting the top prizes. Although red jacket is fantastic.
I would say if you have minimal or low IV synergy and are okay with losing 1 pull on a 30th banner, it's certainly worth pulling for because some of the SSB's are great for in realms and Edge's SSB is amazing overall.
But unless you planned to chase here instead of V, had a boatload of mythril ready for both banners, or just want Edge USB, it isn't worth chasing - too much "just okay" stuff.
As usual Kain, Skygrinder X4, then 1x BSB destroyed all Calcas and Brinas before they could merge - easy mode.
Rubicante though, was pretty rough - felt he was more difficult than Magicite Liquid Flame. Mastered once RNG decided to cooperate, but still, three medals lost (1 actions, 2 damage). Defensive buffs seemed to drop at random times (nvm, realized dispel).
Multiplayer dungeons were cake.
Saving JumpStart for tomorrow - not sure how CMs will go for this.
CM: Killed dolls with aoe, went back later for mastery.
Apoc: Tricky battle that I ended up magic blinking to avoid dispels. Damage output can be surprisingly high if you start eating counters (at one point I ate 3 counters in a row).
Jumpstart: Magic blink initial inferno, activate cloud RWs with party powerchain, watch rubicante explode.
After last week's MP nightmare Scarmiglione is surely a welcomed easy boss.
Edit: And Noctis is indeed a powerhouse. The more I use him and his SSB the more surprised I get, he deals a lot of damage and helps the whole team spam their attacks. Rubicante had no chance.... in JS he couldn't even get to cloak himself lol. Wish I had his relic materia as well D:
Unlikely to be on the anni banners, maybe some other banner in the future but we can't be sure yet. Unless some major changes happen the anniversary banner for "IV" should feature Cecil, Bartz, Terra and Rosa's USBs and I don't see them changing this.
Lightning and Bartz dumpstered the jump start before he could dispel or do any of his gimmick. Mainly Lightning, I screwed up what I was trying to do on Bartz.
Had a tough time on alt accounts, mainly the intro and finding a way to skip initial phase. I got rekt like 3x on each account because an attack I had qued hit him in his cape form, from before he did the dispels. Still have to do the whole FFIV event which I'll start doing once Ruby Dragon torment goes away. It's been too good to me.