Ultimate Guide to Acquiring the Genji Gear Set in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

In Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, players encounter a variety of rare items, with the Genji gear set standing out as the most elusive. Acquired only through a daring act of theft from a formidable late-game opponent, mastering the theft process is essential for collectors. This guide provides a streamlined approach to obtaining this coveted equipment.

Note: The following strategy has been thoroughly tested in Enhanced Mode’s Tactician difficulty and subsequently verified in Knight and Squire difficulties. Screenshots are taken from the 1.0 Steam version.

Locating the Genji Gear Set

Character status screen showing Elmdore as an Ark Knight with abilities like Sword Spirit and equipment including Masamune. — Marquis Elmdore equipped with the Genji gear and the Masamune katana.

The Genji gear set is solely worn by Elmdore during the **Limberry Castle Keep** battle, making this encounter your exclusive opportunity to execute a successful theft. During the earlier battle at Riovanes Castle Roof in Chapter 3, Elmdore does not possess the gear. Thus, timing is critical.

Recommended Party Composition and Builds

Tactical RPG setup screen with characters positioned on the battlefield. — Optimal party strategy for obtaining the Genji gear set.

Assembling a strategically balanced party is crucial for successfully acquiring the Genji equipment set alongside the Masamune sword, minimizing reliance on luck. The ideal party consists of:

Ramza
A Generic unit specialized as a Ninja with additional skills from Thief and Monk
Orlandeau
Mustadio
Beowulf

Character Insights: Ramza

Character status screen with Ramza showing equipment set and abilities. — Optimal build for Ramza during the Limberry battle.

Job: Gallant Knight
Command: Mettle
Secondary Command: Iaido
Reaction Ability: Auto-Potion (Essentials: Keep only X-Potions)
Support Skill: Doublehand (or Dual Wield)
Movement Ability: Movement +1 (Movement +2 or +3 recommended)

As Ramza is a mandatory character in every story-driven encounter, tailoring his abilities for this specific showdown is vital. Utilizing the Gallant Knight job grants access to Mettle, which enhances units’ speed, complemented by a robust gear selection. Incorporating the Auto-Potion ability and effective movement techniques is essential to optimizing Ramza’s utility.

Ninja: Thief and Monk Combinations

Character statistics screen showing Leavold as a Ninja. — Strategic build for the Ninja unit.

Job : Ninja
Command: Throw
Secondary Command: Steal (must include Steal Weapon, Shield, Helmet, Armor, Accessory)
Reaction Ability: Auto-Potion (Essentials: Keep only X-Potions)
Support Skill: Brawler
Movement Ability: Movement +1 (Movement +2 or +3 preferred)

This Ninja unit is the linchpin of your strategy, crafted for maximum swiftness and effectiveness in theft. If you’ve acquired Cloud, equip his Thief’s Cap for a speed boost along with Germinas Boots. While not essential, considering Spellbinder swords can help by inflicting Disable on opponents, preventing them from acting during their turns.

Orlandeau’s Role

Character status screen showing Orlandeau's equipment. — Optimal build for Orlandeau for the Limberry encounter.

Job: Sword Saint
Command: Swordplay
Secondary Command: Items
Reaction Ability: Auto-Potion (Essentials: Keep only X-Potions)
Support Skill: Throw Item
Movement Ability: Movement +1 (Movement +2 or +3 recommended)

Orlandeau thrives in both offensive and defensive roles, thanks to the Excalibur Knight Sword bestowing permanent Haste and the dual-functionality of the Shadowfall skill for healing and damage. Equipping the Barrette helmet ensures protection against one-hit kills from Celia and Lede’s attacks.

Mustadio’s Tactical Use

Status screen showing Mustadio's Machinist class. — Mustadio’s build for engaging Elmdore’s team.

Job: Machinist
Command: Aimed Shot
Secondary Command: Arts of War
Reaction Ability: Auto-Potion (Essentials: Keep only X-Potions)
Support Skill: Brawler
Movement Ability: Movement +1 (Movement +2 or +3 recommended)

Mustadio is essential in countering the high-speed threats posed by Elmdore and his companions. His Aimed Shot skill can swiftly disable or mitigate the incoming damage. Simultaneously, the Arts of War ability can reduce Elmdore’s speed, thereby offering more turn opportunities for your Ninja.

Beowulf’s Contribution

Beowulf's character status screen. — Beowulf’s build for the Limberry Castle Keep battle.

Job: Templar
Command: Spellblade
Secondary Command: Items
Reaction Ability: Auto-Potion (Essentials: Keep only X-Potions)
Support Skill: Throw Items
Movement Ability: Movement +1 (Movement +2 or +3 recommended)

Beowulf’s Chicken ability is a pivotal tool against Elmdore, as it significantly lowers his Bravery, thus negating his evasive reaction. By continuously applying this tactic, your Ninja will have a higher success rate in stealing without danger of Elmdore retaliating effectively.

Turn-by-Turn Tactical Strategy

Phase 1: Establishing Control and Mitigating Threats

Character Orlandeau utilizing a tactical attack. — Focus on eliminating the Assassins early in the battle.

In the opening moves, prioritize eliminating the Assassins Celia and Lede.

Coordinate Orlandeau and your Ninja to target one Assassin while Beowulf or Mustadio disable the other. Once defeated, the Assassins will transform into Ultima Demons—exploit the downtime before they can act again.
Utilize Ramza’s healing abilities and Tailwind to enhance Orlandeau’s pace, ensuring swift healing and damage output.
If Assassins are manageable, have Beowulf inflict Chicken on Elmdore, reducing his Bravery. This debuff may need to be reapplied over time.

Phase 2: Full Debuffing and Preparing for the Steal

Mustadio preparing his attack against Elmdore. — Preparing Mustadio’s Rend Speed for enhancing your strategies.

Once the Assassins are neutralized, shift focus toward Elmdore.

Orlandeau and Beowulf should concentrate on removing status ailments and keeping allies healthy. The Vampire status from Elmdore must be addressed promptly.
Ramza’s Tailwind can now provide speed boosts for the Ninja, creating an optimal setup.
Mustadio can execute Rend Speed to further reduce Elmdore’s agility while increasing the chances of successful attack hits.
The Ninja must prioritize stealing the Genji Shield first, as this key item will substantially increase the success rate of subsequent heist attempts.

Phase 3: Executing the Steal

Game screen displaying a successful theft of the Genji gloves. — Successful acquisition of the Genji gear set.

After successfully obtaining the Genji Shield, the rest of the Genji gear set can be stolen with ease.

Continue mutual healing and support with Orlandeau and Beowulf while Ramza sustains the Ninja’s speed.
Mustadio can remain on standby but is able to utilize any learned skills to mitigate incoming damage.
Utilize the Ninja’s enhanced speed for stealing the Genji Gloves first, as this item will further reduce damage dealt by Elmdore.