Kraken (Final Fantasy IX)

Kraken is a boss in Final Fantasy IX. It is first seen as Water Guardian when Dagger and Eiko fight it to release the Water Seal. It appears again when it attacks the party deep in Memoria, while they are climbing the staircase that leads out the water. A crystal form of this boss appears further into Crystal World.

Strategy
The Kraken has two tentacles. The right one will use Water-gun and the left will use Ink. Kraken likes to use Water on the party so Reflect is inadvisable, since Kraken absorbs Water. Similarly, one should not have Return Magic equipped if Vivi or Amarant are in the party, unless Vivi also has Mag Elem Null equipped.

Later in the battle, Kraken will cast Waterga, which hits all four party members. Most attacks will be countered with Ink or Water-gun. If the tentacles are destroyed, Kraken gains use of a leg attack and may counter with it. Kraken may also inflict the Freeze status so Body Temp is advised. It can cast Waterga on itself to recover HP. Kraken is weak against Lightning, so Thundaga and Ramuh will make quick work of it.

Crystal World Incarnation
Unlike the boss, the crystal Kraken does not have separate tentacle components and acts as one entity. Thus, it cannot use its Leg attack but instead has a dangerous Trouble Counter counterattack which should be remedied with a Annoyntment. Otherwise, a blitz of physical attacks and Thunder-elemental abilities are advised to bring it down. Zidane's Sargatanas combined with Soul Blade will bring it down instantly.

Trivia

 * Kraken is the only enemy in the game where the player can acquire (steal) one of the two pairs of Genji Helmet.
 * The other pair can be found with Choco by using a Dead Pepper at mountain crack on northeastern part of Forgotten Continent.

Related Enemies

 * Lich
 * Maliris
 * Tiamat