Lightning (element)

Lightning is a recurring element in the Final Fantasy. It is one of the earliest elements introduced and forms a trifecta with Fire and Ice. Mechanical enemies are typically weak to this element. It is usually the opposing element of Water, but occasionally it can be the opposing element of Poison and Ice.

Equipment
Unlike Fire and Ice, Lightning does not commonly have a large set of equipment devoted to it. However, Crystal Equipment is usually resistant to Lightning, and the female-exclusive Rubber Suit nulls any exposure to voltage. A common weapon of the lightning element would be the Coral Sword.

Spells
As one of the three main elements, Lightning has four tiers of basic spells: Thunder, Thundara, Thundaga, and Thundaja. Final Fantasy XI offers the more powerful Burst.

Summons
Ramuh is the most recurring summon of Lightning, possessing the spell Judgment Bolt. In Final Fantasy VIII, he was replaced by Quezacotl, whose special attack was Thunder Storm. In Spira, the horse-like Ixion was the Lightning summon, whose Overdrive is Thor's Hammer. Adrammelech, the Wroth is the reigning Lightning Esper of Ivalice, whose special attack is also Judgment Bolt. In Final Fantasy XIII, Odin serves as the lightning-elemental Eidolon.

Enemies
Most aquatic enemies tend to be weak against Lightning, with the Bolt Fish being one of the few exceptions to this rule. Mechanical enemies are also usually weak against Lightning, but in some games, they absorb it.

Final Fantasy XI
In Final Fantasy XI, the Lightning element is strong against Water and weak to Earth. It is aligned with the attribute of Dexterity. The status ailment corresponding to Lightning is Shock, and it drains HP and Mind off the target.

Trivia

 * The series is known for using the base "thunder" for its lightning elemental spells. In actuality, thunder is just the sound phenomena that follows the actual energy which is lightning.