The Chakra Band is a mid to high-ranked light armor headgear in Final Fantasy XII that boosts the wearer's magickal defense by 37 (Zodiac) or 34 (original), HP by 390, and—unusually for a light armor headgear—Strength by 2. It can thus be a good headgear for those who use melee attacks, especially for some License Boards in the Zodiac versions that can't unlock heavy armor.
Obtain[]
Original[]
In the original PlayStation 2 versions, the Chakra Band is sold for 8,100 gil in Archades and Balfonheim Port. It is also made in the bazaar in the "Emboldening Arms" set by selling six Quality Pelts (from various enemies, e.g. Coeurls), four Tanned Giantskins (from giant-type enemies, e.g. Slaven Wilder), and three Fire Crystals (from various enemies, e.g. Scythe Mantis).
Zodiac[]
In the updated Zodiac versions, the Chakra Band is sold for 8,100 gil in Balfonheim Port. It is found in a treasure in Feywood's Ice Field of Clearsight (75% chance to appear, 50% chance for gil, 50% chance the item treasure is the Chakra Band without the Diamond Armlet equipped), and the Necrohol of Nabudis's Hall of Effulgent Light (30% chance to appear, 30% chance for gil, 50% chance the item treasure is the Chakra Band without the Diamond Armlet equipped).
It is still made in the bazaar set "Emboldening Arms" with the same items as before.
Use[]
The Chakra Band is a mid to high-ranked light armor hat, giving 34 or 37 magick resist depending on version, 390 HP, and 2 to Strength. In the original version where everyone can wear any equipment piece, the more expensive heavy armor helm, Platinum Helm, or the mystic hat Hypnocrown, may be preferable purchases if the player can stretch their funds to them, as the HP boost from light armor is not usually worth prioritizing over heavy armor that boosts Strength for physical attackers, or mystic armor that boosts Magick Power for spellcasters. Though the Chakra Band boosts Strength a little bit, heavy armor pieces give more.
In the Zodiac versions, Machinist, Monk, Archer, and Shikari can equip the Chakra Band, and so it is only useful to buy if the player has chosen these License Boards for their party. In The Zodiac Age, after fighting Belias, the player can choose two License Boards per party member, and so more party members can choose from the potentially more useful heavy and mystic armor sets. For a job combination that doesn't unlock any heavy armor, the Chakra Band may be a good headgear to equip for the small Strength boost it provides.
Chakra Band is a good light armor headgear that is potentially available through the bazaar much earlier than it is available through the shops. The items needed to make it are not especially rare, either, and it comes with a good complement piece, the Power Vest, as well. The player can skip many light armor sets if they get the Chakra Band and Power Vest from the bazaar early.
Etymology[]
Chakra, in Hindu metaphysical tradition and other belief systems, are centers of Prāṇa, life force, or vital energy. Chakra correspond to vital points in the physical body i.e. major plexuses of arteries, veins and nerves. Texts and teachings present different numbers of chakra.