Espers and their struggles are a big part of Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster. They are inaugural to the main storyline, which means players will find some just by playing straight through. However, even more of them are hidden in dungeons or found through different quests.
At first, Terra and Celes are the only Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster party members that can naturally gain magic. However, with the use of Espers anyone else can acquire spells over many battles. This allows players to have more balanced or customized parties.
Characters can only equip one Esper Magicite at a time. It is best to pair up an Esper with a character aiming for a similar strategy or bonus. For example, strong melee fighters like Cyan and Sabin may want a strength raising Esper like Ifrit or Raiden. Still, the actual magic selection may also be more important.
Like in most Final Fantasy games, summons can be brought out in battle to deal high damage or possibly heal. However, equipping an Esper Magicite also gives benefits after a battle is complete. Some Magicites will grant stat bonuses on each level up, making it more beneficial to equip one at the lowest level possible.
The second great feature is Espers can teach characters magic. After each fight, characters will gain Magic AP, similar to EXP. When enough AP is gained with the correct Magicite is equipped they will permanently acquire the spell. Each Esper can teach a variety of magic, with some gifting the same spells while others are completely unique.
A number of Espers are gained by playing through the main storyline. These tend to be weaker in power than others found through optional quests. However, multiple options are typically given at once, allowing a full party of benefit.
During a mid-game quest, players will be tasked with searching for a runaway Terra. One will soon find her bedridden in Zozo Tower. Her caretaker will provide the party with their first four Esper Magicites.
At a later point in the game, players will have their first airship, the Blackjack. This will allow them to storm the imperial stronghold, the Magitek Research Facility. Players will need to directly fight a few Epsers, like Shiva and Ifrit, but many will be gained after the entire mission is completed.
There are many Espers hidden within Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster. While it is possible to acquire these on foot, it is even easier once getting an airship. Priority should to find summons that grant bonus stats or good spells rather than their in-battle attack.
The Auction House will have random items to bid on. If an Esper does not appear, players will need to come back at a later time. If one Esper is purchased the chance of finding the other will increase.
Many more Espers will be found in the second half of the game, via the World of Ruin. This may be via side quests or due to recruiting a character back into the team. It is best to gain these before doing any serious late-game leveling.
There are eight super dragon bosses scattered across the World of Ruin, each representing a different elemental power. Defeating all of them will unlock the ultimate summon, Crusader. Players can fight the dragons as they meet them, or come back later with better weapons and spells to make the fights easier.
Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster features additional Espers that were not in the original 16-bit Super Nintendo version. Several are based on characters and monsters that first appeared in other Final Fantasy games. Most require already having obtained Setzer and the Falcon in the World of Ruin.
Final Fantasy 6 Pixel Remaster is available on PC, iOS, and Android.
