Final Fantasy Tactics Advance/Gameplay

This page will introduce you to the basics of playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. More in-depth coverage of the topics on this page can be found on that topic's respective page.

Jobs
The most important aspect of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is the job system. Knowledge of how this system works helps you become a master on the battlefield. For example, you'll want to have strong physical jobs on the front line and weaker jobs, like White Mage, along the rear. A good blend of jobs in any given battle will help you strike at your enemy's weakness and prevent them from exploiting yours.

There are 34 different jobs in the game, and they are limited by the character's race and knowledge of abilities. You can change jobs at any time without a penalty, but some stats rise and fall depending on the job that is taken.

Abilities
If jobs are the most important aspect, abilities come in close second. You can learn abilities by equipping weapons and armor. An item will teach an ability to at most three different jobs, and some items will not teach any abilities at all. As soon as you equip an ability-giving item compatible with your job, your character will be able to use that ability as long as that character still holds that item. When enough ability points (AP) are gained, your character will master that ability and will be able to use it anywhere, any time, even if they don't hold the item anymore.

Missions
There are two types of missions in the game. One requires you to command troops on the battlefield, and the other one lets you send a single clan member on his or her own. You can sign up for missions at a pub, but certain missions may only be available in certain cities or in certain moons.

Laws
Each battle is governed by a set of laws, which dictate actions that are forbidden and recommended on the battlefield. The laws change daily and after you successfully complete a mission. If you break a law, there is a chance that your character will be thrown in prison. If your main character gets jailed, it is a game over, so don't break the law.