Final Fantasy: 10 Most Powerful Summons

Of the roster of classic summons that have recurred in the series, Carbuncle is far from the most formidable. This tiny and undeniably adorable creature isn’t a damage-dealer, and its familiar effect is also quite niche in a lot of cases. Carbuncle is best known for adding the Reflect status effect to the whole party, allowing them to bounce magic spells launched at them back at the caster.

The limitations of this, of course, are that friendly spells (such as the ubiquitous healing spells) are also reflected, unless specific measures are taken in certain games. Certain magical attacks can’t be reflected, either, the status doesn’t always last as long as the player would like even when it is ideal for the battle in question.

What makes Final Fantasy IX’s iteration of Carbuncle so formidable? It has several curious effects that can be very strong, and an awful lot of fun to experiment with. Learned exclusively by Eiko, Carbuncle has access to four different attacks: the familiar Ruby Light, as well as Emerald Light, Pearl Light, and Diamond Light. After being learned, Carbuncle will used the attack that corresponds to the named Add-On, if Eiko is equipped with it (Emerald, Pearl, or Diamond).

If she isn’t equipped with one of these, Carbuncle will use the former attack and cast reflect on the party as normal. Emerald Light, meanwhile, casts Haste on everybody, while Pearl Light bestows Shell on the team and Diamond Light bestows Vanish (rendering the team immune to physical attacks while it lasts).

By using these unconventional abilities, the player can save a lot of their precious Magic Stones that would otherwise be devoted to such things. Situational, yes, but this take on Carbuncle has a lot of surprising power to offer.