Taking On Blue Dragon

 Published September 17, 2007

The scope of Blue Dragon™ is epic in both story and challenge. Battle powerful enemies on your journey to save your people and master your Shadow power. If you find yourself in a tough spot or would like a bit more success, the following tips should help you out.

Don't be fooled, it means business.

Natural Classes
From the moment Shu, Jiro and Kluke swallow the light-spheres and claim their Shadow magic, you'll find each character already aligned with a default skillset. Shu excels naturally with physical attacks, Jiro with defensive and support magic, and Kluke with offensive spells.

While you can and should experiment with other classes, do so while considering each character's strengths and weaknesses. For example, it makes sense for the combat-oriented Shu to take on the Guardian class and augment his physical attacks with defensive tactics. Likewise, with Jiro handling the bulk of the healing duties, it's a natural extension for him to embrace the Generalist class so he can use magic and items to heal and support the team.

Class Abilities
Having to start over at level one for a new class may seem initially daunting, but it's worthwhile to experiment with a new class for at least a few levels. Some of your favorite skills such as Magic Sword can be carried over, so it's not too much of a handicap. And exploring new classes will unlock skills you may not be able to get otherwise.

I'd stand tall with that Shadow too.

If you're worried about carrying around an underpowered team, begin a new class with just one character at a time. Then, when that character becomes proficient enough in the new class, start over with another character.

Early Grinding
When switching to a new class, track down and fight easier enemies to increase your level quickly. If you're having trouble finding low-level prey, travel to an earlier area by using a warp gate.

Formation Matters
In the early going, it may seem an unnecessary step to use an entire turn to position a team member out of harm's way. However, as the game progresses, weaker characters may not be able to take even a single strike from a potent enemy. Avoid the majority of these attacks by selecting Formation, and placing weaker team members in the back row.

Use Your Items
Don't hoard your items. Unlike other role-playing games, Blue Dragon allows you to find items frequently throughout your journey. Use these items to save on magic points.

Basic Attack
Maintaining your magic point pool is crucial. It might be less glamorous to choose the simple Attack option rather than devastate your enemies with a spell, but if you can keep those precious points, do so.

Drink water to refill health and magic.

Be Thorough
Nearly every cabinet, drawer, box, and closet can be rummaged through to collect items, gold and specialized gifts. Even tree stumps and piles of rubble can be examined for plentiful bounty, so take the time to thoroughly search every environment.

Forcefield Frustration
Don't worry if you come across unopenable chests and doorways. Much later in the game, after twenty hours or more of gameplay, you'll find items granting you access to these protected treasures. It's worth your time to backtrack and unlock these items as they represent some of the rarest treasures in the game.

Do Your Research
Any fight with a previously unseen enemy should immediately begin with the use of the Creature Compendium. Though it takes an initial turn away from you, you'll receive hints as to the enemy's primary weakness, always a handy thing to know.

Monster Rivalries
Monsters battling other monsters can play an enormous role in helping you navigate treacherous land. Begin battles with different monster types by checking the Creature Compendium. The entry will often suggest which monsters will immediately attack other enemies.

These basic tips should help you get along in the game. Remember, master your Shadow powers and don't let them master you.

Article by Ryan Treit