First Strike (ability)

First Strike, also known as Preemptive Strike or Hamedo, is a passive ability appearing in some Final Fantasy games. When active, it increases the chance of a preemptive battle, letting the party attack before the enemies. To date, all games since Final Fantasy IV have had preemptive battles, but only a few have abilities to increase the chance of them occuring.

Final Fantasy V
First Strike is an ability learned by the Ninja class, and known by them innately. It boosts the chance for a preemptive strike.

Final Fantasy VII
The Pre-Emptive Materia grants a bonus to First Strike.

Final Fantasy VIII
GFs Pandemona, Cactuar, and Tonberry learn the ability Initiative for 160AP. Junctioning the ability to any character will allow them to start battles with a full ATB gauge.

Final Fantasy IX
Freya can raise the chance to do a preemptive strike equipping the Initiative ability.

Final Fantasy X
First Strike can be customized to any weapon, if it doesn't start off with it. Auron's ultimate weapon, the Masamune, has this ability when fully upgraded. With the use of a turn-based battle system, having this ability guarantees the character will have the first turn; even when the enemy generally acts first, such as the Great Malboro, or if the battle is an ambush.

Final Fantasy X-2
The accessory Sprint Shoes, the Garment Grids Mounted Assault and Highwind Roads, and the Thief Dressphere grant the First Strike ability.

Final Fantasy Tactics
First Strike is a reaction ability. The Monk class learns it for 1200 JP. It functions like Counter; however, rather than attacking after being hit, the unit using First Strike attacks the enemy preemptively and cancels the enemy's hit. The success rate of this ability is affected by your Brave level and will work against all uses of the Attack command by units in your attack range. Unfortunately, this means that monster abilities will not trigger First Strike unless they are under Frog status, but ranged strikes will if you are equipped with a similar weapon.

Dissidia Final Fantasy
First Strike is an ability usable only by level 67 or higher characters that increases critical rate of first combo when landing the first Brave attack in battle.