Behemoth (Final Fantasy IV 2D)

The Behemoth is an enemy from Final Fantasy IV, considered something of a miniboss. Aside from having a massive 254 Magic Defense, it counters all physical attacks with its own powerful physical attack, and it counters all magic attacks with Maelstrom, which casts Tornado on all party members. Though a dangerous enemy, it gives a massive amount of Experience when killed, among the most of any enemy in the game.

There are three forced Behemoth fights in Lair of the Father on the path leading to Bahamut. There are also several monster-in-a-box fights against a Behemoth in the Lunar Subterrane. In the core of the Lunar Subterrane, Behemoths can be fought normally, and sometimes in pairs.

Battle
It is recommended Rydia just defend or do nothing, as the Behemoth is resistant to all elements and her physical attack is not worth the counter-attack damage. Edge should use his Blink Ninjutsu and attack physically alongside Cecil. Rosa and Fusoya should cast Blink on the whole party to avoid physical damage. Protect can be cast on the party so when Blink wears off, the party will take less damage.

Alternatively, Rydia can use the Mindflayer summon to Paralyze the Behemoth, stopping it from countering. Another way to Paralyze him is to use the Shadowbind Ninjutsu.

Nintendo DS
In the Nintendo DS release, the Behemoth has more HP and its attacks can kill high-level party members in a couple of hits, even with Protect. In addition, it is now immune to a whole host of status effects, though it is still vulnerable to Slow. It is recommended to cast Blink and Haste on everyone while Rydia uses Quake every turn, which will do 2,000+ damage per hit. Should Rydia run out of MP, Osmose will steal a lot of it from the Behemoth. If the player has it, Bardsong with Hastemarch will stack with the Haste spell, allowing near-instant turns.

Music
The Behemoth creature is one of few that gets the boss theme rather than the normal battle theme, the others being Deathmask and Red Dragon. However, these, including the other two, are not applied in the Lunar Ruins.

Trivia

 * The Behemoth was originally considered as a summon monster in the early stages of development for Final Fantasy IV, and sketches exist of its summon animation.

Related Enemies

 * King Behemoth

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

 * Behemoth
 * King Behemoth
 * Natsuko

Behemoth (FFIV) Бегемот (Final Fantasy IV)