In the world of Bravely Default, there are seven elements: Fire, Water, Lightning, Wind, Earth, Light and Dark . You can align your attacks with one of these elements by using certain abilities (such as magic spells) or by equipping elemental-based weapons. Elements aren’t just for you either–enemies may also have elemental-based attacks.

Against The Enemy¶

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(1 of 2) The most common elemental attacks are magic spells used by Black Mages and the like.

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The most common elemental attacks are magic spells used by Black Mages and the like. (left), (right)

Normally, elemental damage is no different than non-elemental damage. However, many enemies are weak to one (or more) elements and if you use an attack aligned with their weak element, you’ll do 1.5 times more damage compared to normal; this extra damage can really help in the long run.

Beware that some enemies are immune to certain elements or, worse, absorb certain elements, restoring damage from that element as HP. Unfortunately it’s not always obvious when an enemy is immune to or absorbs an element. Although if you’re facing a Fire-based enemy, for example, it’s likely that your Fire attacks won’t leave a scratch.

Against You¶

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(1 of 2) Often, even the most powerful enemy attacks can be blocked with the appropriate elemental protection.

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Often, even the most powerful enemy attacks can be blocked with the appropriate elemental protection. (left), (right)

Anyway, we’ve talked plenty about how elements are good/bad in your hands, but what about when used against you? Unlike enemies, your characters don’t have innate weaknesses to any elements, so that’s a relief.

Better still; you can raise your elemental resistances through a variety of means, reducing the damage you take and making elemental-based enemies easier to handle. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from the elements: