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Final Fantasy Tactics (FF Tactics)

How to Level Down

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★ Tier Lists: Characters | Jobs | Weapons
☆ Farming Guides: Gil | JP | Rare Weapons
★ All Missables and Points of No Return
☆ Optimal Job Progression Guide
★ Recruit All Secret Characters!
☆ All Hidden Treasure Locations

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles How to Level Down

Learning how to level down in Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles can help units reach their full potential. Find out how to level down, the best way to do it, and the best characters to apply this to here!

List of Contents

How to Level Down

Trigger Degenerator Traps

Zeklaus Degenerator
A unit will level down by one when they step on a degenerator trap. This type of trap can be found on several maps, but Zeklaus Desert is the most accessible location among them.

Level Down Benefits

Ramza Stats
You can increase a unit's stats by purposefully levelling down while on a job with low stat growth rate, then leveling them back up on a job with a high stat growth rate like Ninja or Mime.

This is completely optional and it is definitely possible to clear the game without having to go through this.

Job Stat Growths and Adjustments

Best Way to Level Down

Equip Teleport on a Unit

Unlock Teleport
Teleport is a movement ability that allows you to warp instantly to the target area. Attempting to teleport to a further location has a lower chance of moving successfully.

This ability is learned from the Time Mage job and requires 3000 JP to unlock.

Teleport Ability Effects and JP Cost

Change Job to Bard or Dancer

Bard Job Change
Before you head into battle, change the job of the unit you are going to level down to either Bard or Dancer. The Bard class is only available to male units while Dancer is only available to female units.

These jobs have the lowest stat growth in the game, making the negative effects of leveling down less impactful.

Bard Stats, Abilities, and How to Unlock

Include Units Who Can Clear the Field

DPS Agrias
When setting up your party, include one or two units that can dispose of enemies quickly. Aside from being able to take targets down in one to two hits, you are also going to want someone that can apply a status effect like Toad.

All Status Effects Explained

Travel to Zeklaus Desert

Zeklaus Desert World Map
Head to Zeklaus Desert and enter battle. This is the easiest place to reach that has a Degenerator Trap.

Leave One Enemy Alive

Leave One Enemy Alive
Get rid of the enemies you encounter as quickly as you can but keep one alive. Apply a status like Toad to the remaining enemy to neutralize them as a threat while you keep the battle going.

Keep in mind that you may run into undead enemies that revive after three turns here.

Toad Ability Effects and JP Cost

Repeatedly Step On Degenerator Trap

Degenerator Trap Location
After all the threats in battle have been removed, have your unit with Teleport step on the Degenerator trap to trigger a level down. On their next turn, attempt to teleport far away to increase the odds of failing to move. Having the teleport fail will trigger the trap again.

If you accidentally succeed in teleporting or don't have the ability unlocked yet, simply moving back and forth to the trap is viable though it will take up more time. Once you are satisfied with your progress, kill the final enemy to end the fight.

Degenerator Trap Location

Degenerator Trap Location Aerial View
The Degenerator Trap in Zeklaus Desert is found along the edge of the battledfield. It is located in the lowered area in the middle of the map.

Best Characters to Level Down

Versatile Units and Characters with Unique Abilities

Character Description
Ramza Beoulve IconRamza
Ramza is a versatile character that can fit into several different builds. This makes him one of the top candidates to level down if you feel like his stats need adjusting.
Agrias Oaks IconAgrias
Holy Sword abilities scale off of physical attack power. While Agrias is no slouch in battle, she does have room for improvement in these stats. It is recommended to level her up again on Geomancer for its Attack growth.
Cloud Strife IconCloud
Similar to Agrias, Cloud's Limit skills scale off of Magic stats but his natural progression in this area could use a boost. After leveling him down, have Cloud level up again on Black Mage to increase his Magic Attack stat.

While leveling down can benefit any unit when done correctly, it is best used to optimize characters with unique abilities. You can also use this mechanic to have characters fit into certain builds.

Best Builds for Characters and Jobs

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles Related Guides

Tips and Tricks
Beginner's Guide

All Tips and Tricks

General Guides
Difficulty Settings Guide How to Level Up Fast
How to Change Jobs Differences Between Male and Female Units
How to Recruit and Dismiss Units All Dialogue Choices and Effects
Job Stat Growths and Adjustments How to Use Items
How to Level Down -
Combat Guides
How to Increase or Decrease Bravery How to Increase or Decrease Faith
How to Recruit Monsters How to Poach Monsters
All Status Effects Explained CT (Charge Time) Explained
How to Farm JP How to Revive Characters
How to Heal Characters How to Increase Speed
How to Find and Poach Pigs All Abilities Learned Through Combat
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When a Unit Dies? Is There a New Game Plus?

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