Ultimate Guide to Conquering Riovanes Castle Roof in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

The journey through Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles offers an updated experience of the beloved 1997 classic, yet some of its most challenging aspects remain unchanged. Among these is the notorious rooftop encounter at Riovanes Castle, which has become infamous for its difficulty and the potential to leave players in a frustrating bind.

Riovanes Castle, in particular, is a memorable yet formidable location in the game. The original PlayStation 1 version was infamous for a design flaw that might trap players after completing the initial stage of this multi-phase battle. This area of the game stages two of the toughest boss battles that can abruptly end many players’ adventures.

In the second phase, players must contend with Wiegraf and Belias. The fight begins as a one-on-one duel but quickly evolves into a much tougher battle involving a demon adept at utilizing devastating summoning spells. While the Wiegraf encounter is indeed challenging, players at least have the chance to strategize and grind levels for a bit of an edge.

However, the subsequent battle encounters a more formidable foe: the Marquis Elmdore, accompanied by two assassins, presenting a daunting challenge compounded by the presence of a much more insidious threat on the field.

Strategies for Overcoming the Riovanes Castle Roof Battle

Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles Rapha Riovanes Roof

The Riovanes Castle Roof battle features Rapha as a guest character. Unfortunately, her low resilience and the unreliable nature of her primary spell make her a liability. The stakes are raised—if Rapha falls during this struggle, the fight is over, regardless of whether another party member is nearby with a Phoenix Down.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Riovanes Castle Roof fight is often considered the most frustrating encounter in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. The outcome heavily relies on luck, primarily due to the unpredictability of an AI-controlled ally who possesses questionable survival instincts.

To improve your chances in this battle, start by making Ramza a swifter class, ideally a Ninja, although a Thief or Monk can suffice. Equip him with a Green Beret to boost his speed, increasing the likelihood of acting before enemies strike. This preparation should be mirrored across other party members to ensure that they can act before Rapha is inevitably overwhelmed. Additionally, having long-range healers is crucial for maintaining your party’s health throughout the fight.

The Chemist is a particularly advantageous class for this encounter, as they can hurl potions without any charging time and can utilize guns to inflict damage from a distance.

At the onset of battle, Ramza’s starting position is somewhat irrelevant, as he will teleport next to Rapha. Position your primary healer near the far-left of the blue squares to facilitate quicker access to her during the fight.

Eliminate Enemies Quickly

Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles Riovanes Castle Roof Fight

The key objective in this battle is to reduce the health of one enemy to a critical level, prompting them to flee. Focus on the closest opponent for an all-out attack, but be mindful of their First Strike ability, which poses significant risks to melee attackers.

If the encounter becomes overwhelming, remember that you have the option to lower the difficulty temporarily; this can be reverted after the battle concludes.

Utilizing classes like Monks and Chemists can prove beneficial during this fight. Monks can leverage skills like Aurablast/Shockwave and Chakra, while Chemists can employ both healing potions and ranged weaponry. Additionally, Mustadio’s Seal Arm ability can disable assassins, granting you precious extra turns, while Agrias’ holy sword can inflict substantial damage from a distance.

Prepare for multiple attempts, as this battle does hinge somewhat on luck. Hoping that Rapha positions herself favorably near your party can significantly ease the healing process and improve your overall chances of success.

Source & Images