Overview
This guide will detail every esper, how to obtain them, what abilities they teach and at what rates.
Intro – Espers and you!
The Esper system is yet another unique facet to Final Fantasy VI, and it’s one that is either loved or reviled by FF gamers. At the time of the original release, the Esper system caused great buzz because of it’s novelty – however, many gamers today find that it makes the game too easy, by providing stat bonuses and permanent learning of magic (as opposed to Final Fantasy VII, where the magic came and went depending on the Materia equipped).
All espers are found in the form of Magicite, small stones that are the postmortem remains of an esper. To use magicite it must be equipped via the menu, and there a list of magic spells the magicite teaches displays when it is equipped. The equipped magicite’s esper can be summoned once per battle by selecting the magicite tab in the Magic menu mid-battle.
After a battle, when magicite is equipped, the party will gain anywhere between 1 and 10 Magic Points, which are multiplied by the learning rate of each spell in the esper. For example, Ramuh teaches Thunder at a rate of x10, Poison at a rate of x5 and Thundara at a rate of x2. If 2 Magic Points are gained after a battle, Thunder gains 20, Poison gains 10 and Thundara gains 4. Once a spell has 100 Magic Points it is learned and can be cast at will. Some magicite gives stat boosts when equipped to a character as they level up. For example, Ramuh gives +1 Stamina and Ifrit +1 Strength.
Esper List – Part 1
Below you will find a list of every Esper in the game, and all of their pertinent information.
They are listed in the order they can be obtained.
==========
Originates from Hindu legend, where it is spelled Rama. Rama is an exceptionally strong human who is revealed to be a god in the “Ramayana.”
After finding Terra in Zozo, WoB.
Judgment Bolt
Bathes all enemies in lightning.
25
Stamina +1
- Thunder – x10
- Thundara – x2
- Poison – x5
==========
From Chinese mythology, a creature part horse and part dragon. Kirin are good luck symbols.
After finding Terra in Zozo, WoB.
Holy Aura
Gradually restores the party’s HP.
18
None
- Cure – x5
- Cura – x1
- Poisona – x4
- Regen – x3
- Libra – x5
==========
Originates from Greek mythology; sirens were maidens who lived on the sea and seduced sailors with song.
After finding Terra in Zozo, WoB.
Lunatic Voice
Silences all enemies.
16
HP +10%
- Sleep – x10
- Silence – x8
- Slow -x7
- Fire – x6
==========
A cat without a home.
After finding Terra in Zozo, WoB.
Cat Rain
Confuses all enemies.
28
Magic +1
- Confuse – x7
- Imp – 5
- Float – x2
==========
Originates from the Middle East, spelled “Efreet.” Efreet was a spirit of fire who lived in the City of Brass.
Magitek Research Facility, WoB.
Hellfire
Scorches all enemies in a fiery blaze.
26
Strength +1
- Fire – x10
- Fira – x5
- Drain – x1
==========
Originates from Hindu legend, where this goddess is both destructor and creator.
Magitek Research Facility, WoB.
Diamond Dust
Envelops all enemies in an arctic chill
27
None
- Blizzard – x10
- Blizzara – x5
- Osmose – x4
- Rasp – x4
- Cure – x3
==========
A mythological symbol of purity, the Unicorn is a magical horse with a purifying horn atop its head.
Magitek Research Facility Lab, WoB.
Healing Horn
Cures party of most status ailments
30
None
- Cura – x4
- Esuna – x3
- Dispel – x2
- Protect – x1
- Shell – x1
==========
From Irish mythology, spelled “Mael Duin.”
Magitek Research Facilty Lab, WoB.
Chaos Wave
Unleashes a tide of anger on enemies.
44
Magic +1
- Thundara – x3
- Fira – x3
- Blizzara – x3
==========
A newly-weaned piglet.
Magitek Research Facility Lab, WoB.
Demon Eye
Petrifies all enemies.
45
HP +10%
- Bio – x8
- Break – x5
- Death – x2
==========
A ghost or spirit, usually one with evil intentions.
Magitek Research Facility Lab, WoB.
Ghostly Veil
Turns all allies invisible.
38
MP +10%
- Gravity – x5
- Berserk – x3
- Vanish – x3
==========
A garnet with the color of deep red.
Magitek Research Facility Lab, WoB.
Ruby Light
Casts Reflect on all allies.
36
None
- Reflect – x5
- Haste – x3
- Protect – x2
- Shell – x2
- Teleport – x2
==========
Named for the German Otto van Bismarck; the water elemental comes into play because the German battleship named the same was sunk on May 27, 1941.
Magitek Research Facility Lab, WoB.
Breach Blast
Slams all enemies with giant bubbles.
50
Strength +2
- Thunder – x20
- Fire – x20
- Blizzard – x20
- Raise – x2
Esper List – Part 2
In Jewish legend, a creature of stone brought to life by a holy man.
Purchase at auction in Jidoor.
Earthen Wall
Protects party from physical attacks.
33
Stamina +2
- Cura – x5
- Protect – x5
- Stop – x5
==========
Assumed to be a reference to an alternate dimension.
Purchase at auction in Jidoor.
Magic Shield
Increases the party’s magic defense.
30
Magic +2
- Rasp – x20
- Osmose – x15
- Shell – x5
==========
A seraph is one of the orders of angels in Christian mythology; they have three sets of wings.
Purchase in Tzen (WoB 3000 GP, WoR 10 GP)
Angel Feathers
Restores HP to all allies.
40
None
- Cure – x20
- Regen – x10
- Cura – x8
- Raise – x5
- Esuna – x4
==========
Assumed to be related to “Paladin,” the most pure of knights.
Cid’s Island after finding the airship, WoR.
Sonic Dive
Lifts the party up for an aerial attack.
61
None
- Haste – x20
- Slow – x20
- Float – x5
- Hastega – x2
- Slowga – x2
==========
In Norse mythology, this giant wolf was the enemy of all gods.
After defeating Phunbaba, Mobliz, WoR.
Holwing Moon
Creates illusionary images of the party.
70
MP +30%
- Teleport – x10
- Banish – x5
- Stop – x3
==========
Assumed to be an amalgamation of three mythological beings: Vali, Garm, and Salmande.
Mountains beyond Narshe, WoR.
Tri-Disaster
Hits enemies with fire, ice and lightning.
68
Magic +2
- Thundaga – x1
- Firaga – x1
- Blizzaga – x1
==========
Derived from “terra,” which is Latin for “earth.” In the Japanese game, called “Midgard’s Serpent,” a child of Loki in Norse mythology who was destined to consume the earth at Ragnarok
Umaro’s Cave, WoR.
Abyssal Maw
Crushes enemies with seismic waves.
40
HP +30%
- Quake – x3
- Graviga – x1
- Tornado – x1
==========
A small, young stellar object or a young actress.
After defeating Chadarnook, WoR.
Alluring Embrace
Restores HP to all allies.
74
Stamina +2
- Cure – x25
- Regen – x20
- Esuna – x20
- Curaga – x1
- Cura – x16
==========
Named for one of the first great empiricists of the Western world, Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia.
Doma Throne after Cyan’s dream, WoR.
Divine Judgment
Sears enemies with a beam of holy light.
90
None
- Esuna – x15
- Dispel – x10
- Protect – x10
- Shell – x10
- Holy – x2
==========
In Arabian mythology, the Phoenix was a bird who would live for 500 years, burn itself, and then be reborn from its own ashes.
Phoenix Cave (In the Star-Shaped Mountains), WoR.
Flames of Rebirth
Revives all KO’d allies, restoring 25% of their max HP.
110
None
- Raise – x10
- Firaga – x3
- Curaga – x2
- Arise – x2
- Reraise – x1
==========
The Norse god of war, storms, wisdom, and honor.
Ancient Castle, WoR.
Zantetsuken
Cleaves all enemies in two.
70
Agility +1
- Meteor – x1
==========
The mythological king of the dragons.
After defeating Doom Gaze (without using X-Zone), WoR.
Mega Flare
Hits all enemies with a nuclear blast.
86
HP +50%
- Flare – x2
==========
In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is Judgment Day.
Narshe weapon shop, WoR.
Metamorphose
Turns one enemy into an item.
6
None
- Ultima – x1
Esper List – Part 3
Refers to the holy knights who attempted to take the holy land for the Catholic church in the late dark ages.
At the location of the defeat of the last dragon, WoR.
Cleansing
Greatly damages all enemies and allies.
96
MP +50%
- Meteor – x10
- Meltdown – x1
==========
Spelled “Raijin,” this is the Chinese god of Thunder. “Raiden” is also Japanese for “thunder.”
Basement of the Ancient Castle, WoR. Stand five steps down from the Queen’s Throne and press the action button to open the way.
Shin-Zantetsuken
Cleaves all enemies in two.
80
Strength +2
- Quick – x1
==========
The name Leviathan is of Hebrew origin. The terrible sea monster had a penchant for sinking ships.
Ferry between Nikeah and South Figaro
Tidal Wave
Deluges enemies with a giant wave.
70
Stamina +2
- Flood – x2
==========
The name is a portmanteau of “cactus” and “jaguar”, the former as the monster is a cactus, and the latter possibly for the monster’s demeanor – calm until riled.
Maranda Desert
1,000 Needles
Damages all enemies.
50
Speed +2
- Teleport – x20
- Vanish – x10
- Hastega – x5
==========
“Diablo” is a word for a devil.
Dragon’s Den
Dark Messenger
Critically wounds all enemies.
90
HP +100%
- Graviga – x5
- Gravija – x3
==========
In Mesopotamian mythology, Gilgamesh was a king with tremendous strength who built a wall to protect his people.
Colosseum
Masamune/Excalibur/Excalipoor/Enkidu
Summons a legendary swordsman.
99
Strength +2
- Valor – x5
- Quick – x1
Magic Points Farming
Now that you (hopefully) have all these nice, shiny new Espers, I bet you are itching to go out there and learn all of those spells! Not to worry, below are some places where you can quickly and easily farm Magic Points!
- Phantom Forest – Ghosts – 3 MP
- Floating Continent – 5MP with most battles
The absolute BEST place to farm magic points in the entire game is the Maranda Desert.
- Desert southwest of Maranda – Cactrots – 10 MP
Cactrots only have 3 HP, but perfect evasion and magic defense. You only have to hit them once. Some ways to kill them quickly are Edgar’s Drill, almost any of Sabin’s Blitzes, using Sniper Eye relics, or Cyan’s Bushido attacks.
If you know of any other spots, please let me know in the comments!
Spells by Esper
A list showing which spells are taught by more than one Esper.
Arise: Phoenix (2x)
Banish: Fenrir (5x)
Berserk: Phantom (3x)
Bio: Catoblepas (8x)
Blizaga: Valigarmanda (1x)
Blizzara: Shiva (4x), Maduin (3x)
Blizzard: Shiva (10x), Bismarck (20x)
Break: Catoblepas (5x)
Confuse: Cait Sith (7x)
Cura: Kirin (1x), Unicorn (4x), Seraph (5x), Golem (5x), Lakshmi (16x)
Curaga: Lakshmi (1x), Phoenix (1x)
Cure: Kirin (5x), Shiva (3x), Seraph (2x), Lakshmi (25x)
Death: Catoblepas (2x)
Dispel: Unicorn (2x), Alexander (10x)
Drain: Ifrit (1x)
Esuna: Unicorn (3x), Seraph (4x), Lakshmi (20x), Alexander (15x)
Fira: Ifrit (5x), Maduin (3x)
Firaga: Valigarmanda (1x), Phoenix (3x)
Fire: Siren (6x), Ifrit (10x), Bismarck (20x)
Flare: Bahamut (2x)
Float: Cait Sith (2x), Quetzalli (5x)
Flood: Leviathan (2x)
Graviga: Midgardsormr (1x), Diabolos (5x)
Gravija: Diabolos (3x)
Gravity: Phantom (5x)
Haste: Carbuncle (3x), Quetzalli (20x)
Hastega: Quetzalli (2x), Cactuar (5x)
Holy: Alexander (2x)
Imp: Cait Sith (5x)
Libra: Kirin (5x)
Meltdown: Crusader (1x)
Meteor: Crusader (10x), Odin (1x)
Osmose: Shiva (4x), Zona Seeker (15x)
Poison: Ramuh (5x)
Poisona: Kirin (4x)
Protect: Carbuncle (2x), Unicorn (1x), Golem (5x), Alexander (10x)
Quake: Midgardsormr (3x)
Quick: Gilgamesh (1x), Raiden (1x)
Raise: Bismarck (2x), Seraph (5x), Phoenix (10x)
Rasp: Shiva (4x), Zona Seeker (20x)
Reflect: Carbuncle (5x)
Regen: Kirin (3x), Seraph (10x), Lakshmi (20x)
Reraise: Phoenix (1x)
Shell: Carbuncle (2x), Unicorn (1x), Zona Seeker (5x), Alexander (10x)
Silence: Siren (8x)
Sleep: Siren (10x)
Slow: Siren (7x), Quetzalli (20x)
Slowga: Quetzalli (2x)
Stop: Golem (5x), Fenrir (3x)
Teleport: Carbuncle (2x), Fenrir (10x), Cactuar (20x)
Thundaga: Valigarmanda (1x)
Thundara: Ramuh (2x), Maduin (3x)
Thunder: Ramuh (10x), Bismarck (20x)
Tornado: Midgardsormr (1x)
Ultima: Ragnarok (1x)
Valor: Gilgamesh (5x)
Vanish: Phantom (3x), Cactuar (10x)
Outro
And that’s it! Hopefully this guide has helped you to find any Esper that has eluded you so far!
For those who want to see all the neat Esper summon animations, here’s a video of the GBA version. I’ve yet to find one (without annoying/bad commentary) for the iOS/Mobile version, which the Steam version is a port of.
Game on!