Final Fantasy 12: Attack power and strength attributes

Question

I'm very confuse about how the calculation of the target's hit points works when you attack.

Are both attributes combine to determine your final attack or the attack power only affects the weapons you are using?

How does it work?

Answer

There are 8 categories of weapons, each with their own formula:

For unarmed damage:

DMG = [11 x RANDOM(1~1.125) - DEF] x STR x (Lv+STR)/256.

With Brawler License, it becomes:

DMG = [(Lv+STR)/2 x RANDOM(1~1.125) - DEF] x STR x (Lv+STR)/256

For One-handed swords, Two handed swords, Spears, Crossbows and Rods:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(1~1.125) - DEF] x [1 + STR x (Lv+STR)/256]

For Poles:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(1~1.125) - MDEF] x [1 + STR x (Lv+STR)/256]

For Maces:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(1~1.125) - DEF] x [1 + MAG x (Lv+MAG)/256]

For Katanas and Staves:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(1~1.125) - DEF] x [1 + STR x (Lv+MAG)/256]

For Axes, Hammers and Handbombs:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(0~1.111) - DEF] x [1 + STR x (Lv+VIT)/128]

For Daggers, Ninja Swords and Bows:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(1~1.125)]- DEF] x [1 + STR x (Lv+SPD)/218]

For Guns and Measures:

DMG = [ATK x RANDOM(1~1.125)]^2

And bonus, for Magic:

DMG = [POW x RANDOM(1~1.125) - MDEF] x [2 + MAG x (Lv+MAG)/256)]

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This means several things:

• You should use different weapons depending on the character: Basch will be better with weapons focused on Strength, like swords, while Ashe and Penelo will be better with weapons focused on Magic (I think) like Maces

• The second stat (for example speed for daggers) becomes more and more important as level goes up

• You should use different weapons based on the enemies. Some have really high DEF, but low MDEF (use poles, guns, or magic), while others have low DEF, but high MDEF (avoid Magic and poles). I usually try to have my characters focus either on a physical weapon and magic, or a physical and a magical weapon (like 2H swords and Poles)

(This is based on this guide)

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