Launch (ability)

Launch is a recurring ability in Final Fantasy series originating in Final Fantasy XIII. It launches the target into the air rendering them immobile and unable to perform any action while in midair.

Final Fantasy XIII
Launch is a Commando ability which launches the target into the air, and while in midair the enemy cannot perform any actions. Target must be staggered for them to become launchable. The Commando AI will automatically try to launch a staggered foe by placing the Launch command at the beginning of an action queue. Not all enemies can be launched.

Launch can be learned by:
 * Lightning at Crystarium Stage 3.
 * Snow Villiers at Crystarium Stage 5.
 * Oerba Yun Fang at Crystarium Stage 5.

Certain enemies can launch players into the air, but their abilities have unique names and are not called Launch.

Final Fantasy XIII-2
Launch reappears as a Commando ability and retains its effects from the first installment.

Launch can be learned by Serah Farron at Role Level 20, Noel Kreiss at Role Level 18, Cactuar from the start, Cactuaroni from the start, Dreadnought from the start, Behemoth from the start, Gilgamesh from the start, Goblin at level 3, Gorgonopsid at level 23, Amodar from the start, the warrior Lightning from the start, Lucidon at level 5, Metallicactuar from the start, Moblin at level 3, Munchkin at level 2, Mánagarmr at level 5, Narasimha at level 24, Proto-behemoth at level 4, Reaver at level 8, Thermadon at level 11, and Twilight Odin at level 15.

Additionally, Lieutenant Amodar, Gilgamesh, and Snow can all perform Launch during their respective downloadable content battles against them.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Launch functions similarly to its previous appearances but only certain enemies can be launched (such as Reaver, Cyclops, and Noel Kreiss). To launch enemies the player must stagger them twice; first as an initial condition, and then as a Launch command executed from an Attack or Light Slash command when the Stagger Wave is flashing red. Launched enemies can be hit with Smite via a Heavy Slash command. Launched enemies do not stay airborne for long and the enemy will end its stagger as soon as it hits the ground. Therefore, the window to deal damage is narrow.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
Launch is Lightning's Bravery attack in Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy. It is a ground attack with physical nature, melee low priority, and Wall Rush effect where Lightning slashes the target quickly three times and throws him into the air. It costs 20 CP to equip and mastering the ability for 140 AP reduces the equip cost to 10 CP. It is learned at level 3.

Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade
Launch is an ability from Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade.