Square Enix has officially launched “Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy,” the newest mobile installment in its renowned series. This title offers a unique MOBA experience, reimagining real-world Tokyo, which might be a fresh take for some fans. Despite potential genre surprises, it presents an engaging blend of MOBA mechanics and classic Final Fantasy lore.
Following a week of intense battles against creatures in Shibuya’s streets, certain characters have emerged as top performers, offering both strategic advantages and excellent learning opportunities for new players. Below, we highlight our top five picks from “Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy’s” initial character lineup:
5. Warrior of Light (Support)
The nameless hero from the very first Final Fantasy game, much like in previous Dissidia titles, proves to be an exceptionally durable tank in Dissidia Duellum.
His inherent skillset includes dependable area-of-effect attacks. His Ultra Rare (UR) ability, Supreme Soul, evokes a powerful defensive stance, creating damaging zones around allies that deter approaching enemies. He also enhances the attack power of nearby teammates and can activate his Unique Ability, Shield of Light, to significantly boost their defenses.
Interestingly, the Warrior of Light might be one of the characters least reliant on his exclusive skills. Generic abilities like Selphie’s Wall synergize perfectly with his defensive strengths, almost feeling like an extension of his personal toolkit. The Heal ability further allows him to support his team from a distance with essential cures. These factors make him an accessible and strong choice, especially after being acquired through the Tutorial Season Pass or initial character rewards.
4. Prompto (Ranged)
Making his debut in this Dissidia subseries, Prompto, the energetic photographer and bodyguard from Final Fantasy XV, might be underestimated due to his newness and his game’s intricate history. However, overlooking this chatty marksman would be a mistake.
Prompto’s passive ability boosts damage output when successfully executing a burst chain, reflecting the strong camaraderie he shares with Noctis and his companions. His Unique Ability, Rapidus SMG, provides effective suppressive fire, and its impressive range should not be underestimated.
The true game-changer for Prompto in Dissidia Duellum is his Super Rare (SR) ability, Lumen Flare. This skill briefly stuns foes, creating openings for him to follow up with either of his UR abilities: Crackshot, which deals substantial damage while reducing enemy defense, or Trigger-Happy, an equally high-damage attack. Given that being launched or stunned can significantly disrupt gameplay, Prompto’s flashbang-like attack poses a considerable threat.
3. Krile (Support)
For many casual Final Fantasy enthusiasts, Krile from the often-overlooked Final Fantasy V (originally not localized for English audiences) might be an unfamiliar face. Some might recognize her inspiration in Final Fantasy XIV. Nevertheless, when utilized effectively in Dissidia Duellum, Krile is a surprisingly potent support character.
Tip: Utilize Dissidia Duellum’s Training, Casual Play, and Challenge modes to experiment with different builds and understand the full potential of your acquired abilities. The outcomes might pleasantly surprise you.
Her passive skill alone provides a significant boost to the team by increasing the Bravery gained from purifying crystals. Krile’s core strengths lie in two areas: healing her allies and distributing her accumulated Bravery points. She performs healing with her Rare (R) skill, Nightingale, and her UR skill, Legend of the Deep Forest, the latter offering a regeneration-like effect. Her Unique Ability, Encourage, allows her to share her own Bravery with teammates.
A proficient Krile player often maintains a safe distance from the main combat and boss monsters, providing crucial buffs from afar. Should an enemy approach, her UR skill, Sealed Sacred Light, offers a quick and reliable escape.
2. Lightning (Agile)
True to her moniker, the protagonist of the Final Fantasy XIII saga excels in Dissidia Duellum by traversing the arena with incredible swiftness. This agility enables her to rapidly reach critical locations, secure objectives, execute Brave Bursts, or otherwise sow chaos among enemy ranks. Her Super Rare (SR) skill, Grav-con Unit, significantly enhances her action speed, making her even more effective.
One of Lightning’s most compelling features in Dissidia Duellum is her Unique Ability, Spinning Blitz. By holding the attack button while moving, she performs a forward dash; releasing it unleashes a rapid area attack capable of clearing entire command points filled with monsters. Consistent movement and unpredictable attacks are key to maximizing Lightning’s potential and leading your team to victory.
1. Rinoa (Ranged)
As a devoted Final Fantasy VIII admirer, the absence of Squall at launch is regrettable, but Rinoa admirably represents their game in Dissidia Duellum.
The sorceress’s initial UR ability, Angel Wing, becomes progressively stronger with each use, stacking up to three times to boost her attack power and providing a vital heal on the third stack. This synergizes exceptionally well with her other UR skill, Meteor, amplifying its already impressive damage. With Angel Wing fully buffed, every attack Rinoa unleashes becomes exceptionally deadly.
Similar to Lightning, Rinoa possesses a mobility skill: her Unique Ability, Sorceress’ Leap, allows her to teleport across the battlefield with ease. When used at maximum range, she can cover vast distances, providing a crucial escape from danger or enabling surprise attacks with her SR skill, Aqua Burst. Furthermore, should Rinoa be defeated, her passive ability ensures she respawns with an immediate Bravery advantage.
Rinoa made an immediate impression during the beta last autumn, and her enjoyment factor remains just as high in Dissidia Duellum’s official release.
A Note on Customization
The effectiveness of any character in Dissidia Duellum is heavily influenced by the abilities you assign to them. If luck favors you with multiple unique abilities for one of the characters mentioned here, or for another character you’re keen to try, equip them all and unleash their full potential!
However, a character isn’t rendered ineffective simply because you haven’t acquired their specific gacha skills. Many common abilities can still significantly enhance a character’s toolkit. For instance, both Warrior of Light and Krile can greatly benefit from Ramza’s Cheer Up ability, reinforcing their support roles. Ace’s Fire RF, a formidable spell, retains its power regardless of who wields it. Even standard magic can be surprisingly impactful; imagine the satisfaction of hitting an unsuspecting opponent with a well-placed Firaga that launches them into the air!
We strongly recommend utilizing Dissidia Duellum’s Training, Casual Play, and Challenge modes. These are ideal environments to experiment with various builds and discover how your available abilities can truly perform. You might uncover some truly astonishing combinations.
Moreover, fans can anticipate a rapid expansion of Dissidia Duellum’s character roster. Onion Knight from Final Fantasy III and Iroha from Final Fantasy XI are scheduled for imminent release, with Firion, Balthier, Rikku, and Clive set to join in May. These new additions are sure to introduce exciting new dynamics and strategies to the battlefield.