Editing Counter (ability)

[[File:Counter support ability from FFIX Remastered.png|thumb|250px|Amarant counterattacks in ''Final Fantasy IX Remastered''.]]
{{Quote|Sometimes counterattacks when hit by a physical attack.|''[[Final Fantasy Dimensions]]'' description}}
'''Counter''' {{J|カウンター|Kauntā}}, also known as '''Counterattack''' {{J|はんげき|Hangeki}}, '''Riposte''' and '''Debug Counter''', is a recurring [[support ability]] in the [[Final Fantasy series|''Final Fantasy'' series]], typically belonging to the [[Monk (job)|Monk]] [[job system|job]] or monk-type characters. A character with [[Counter (status)|Counter]] will automatically attack the opponent who initiated the attack. In some incarnations, this negates the damage from the attacking opponent, while in other versions, the attacked player will take damage and then immediately perform a counter-attack.

In games with an [[Battle system#Active Time Battle|ATB gauge]], a counter-attack does not affect the speed of the gauge nor does it change how close it is to being full. [[Magic Counter]] is a similar ability that allows one to counter magical attacks.

{{See|Counterspell|Magic Counter|Retaliate|Return Magic|Strike Back}}

==Appearances==
===''[[Final Fantasy IV]]''===
Counter is an [[Augment (Final Fantasy IV)|Augment Ability]] given by [[Sheila]] after the battle in [[Fabul]] in the 3D version. It can be given to one character. When physically attacked, a character with the Counter ability will hit back with another attack. Counter always works, making it highly effective, especially when combined with [[Cecil Harvey/Gameplay|Cecil's]] [[Cover (ability)|Cover]] or the Draw Attacks Augment.

The Counter reacts with whatever ability is in the top slot of the command list with no [[Charge Time|charge time]]. This allows [[Rydia/Gameplay|Rydia]] to counter with an instant [[Meteor (Final Fantasy IV)|Meteor]] or [[Bahamut#Final Fantasy IV|Bahamut]], for instance, though it still consumes [[MP (stat)|MP]].

===''[[Final Fantasy V]]''===
{{main|Counter (Final Fantasy V)}}
Counter is a Level 4 ability for the [[Monk (Final Fantasy V)|Monk]] job, learned for 60 ABP. It allows a player to counter-attack physical attacks at a 50% chance, but the player will take damage from those attacks. It ignores most of the [[Added Ability#Final Fantasy V|added abilities]] of weapons, such as those of the [[Final Fantasy V weapons#Thief Knife|Thief Knife]], [[Chicken Knife (Final Fantasy V)|Chicken Knife]], and [[Final Fantasy V weapons#Hayate Bow|Hayate Bow]], and the [[Final Fantasy V weapons#Twin Lance|Twin Lance]] will only attack once instead of twice as usual. Only the added abilities of [[Harp (weapon type)|harps]] trigger with counters.

===''[[Final Fantasy VI]]''===
[[Black Belt (Final Fantasy VI)|Black Belt]] is a [[Relic (Final Fantasy VI)|relic]] that grants a 25% chance to automatically counterattack a targeted physical attack against the wearer, unless they are incapacitated by a [[Final Fantasy VI statuses|status effect]]. [[Mog (Final Fantasy VI party member)|Mog]] also does not counter mid-[[Dance (Final Fantasy VI)|Dance]]. The relic is a great way to improve a character's physical damage.

===''[[Final Fantasy VI]]''===
{{sideicon|FFVI}}
The [[Relic (Final Fantasy VI)|Relic]] [[Black Belt (equipment)|Black Belt]] allows the wearer to counter-attack against physical attacks, but the player still takes damage. [[Cyan Garamonde|Cyan's]] level two [[Bushido (command)|Bushido]] allows him to counter a single enemy attack with a powerful strike of his own, provided he survives.

===''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''===
{{main|Counter Attack (Final Fantasy VII)|Counter (Final Fantasy VII)}}
The Counter Attack Materia allows a player to counterattack physical attacks while taking damage from those attacks. It is obtained after defeating [[Materia Keeper (Final Fantasy VII)|Materia Keeper]], and additional ones can be won as prizes from [[Chocobo Square (Final Fantasy VII)|chocobo racing]] (although the name of the [[Materia (Final Fantasy VII)|Materia]] is deceptively written as just "Counter").

The Counter Materia found in the [[Northern Cave (Final Fantasy VII field)|final dungeon]] can be linked to a [[Command Materia (Final Fantasy VII)|Command Materia]], and counters once with all the abilities of the linked Materia. While this seems straightforward, it is especially important with the [[Throw (Final Fantasy VII)|Throw]] and [[Steal (Final Fantasy VII)|Steal]] Materia: The ability used in the Throw or Steal Materia is the one highlighted on the Materia menu, and the player is unable to counter with the other darkened ability unless they equip another source for that particular ability.

The player can stack multiple Counter Attack and Counter Materia, up to eight counters per being hit. The Counters activate in the order they were equipped.

====''[[Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-]]''====
The [[Fury Ring (Crisis Core)|Fury Ring]] accessory allows [[Zack (Crisis Core player character)|Zack]] to automatically counterattack after taking damage.

===''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''===
{{Main|Counter (Final Fantasy VIII)|Return Damage}}
Counter is a [[Final Fantasy VIII support abilities|support ability]] taught by [[Carbuncle (Final Fantasy VIII)|Carbuncle]] for 200 AP that allows a player to counter-attack when struck by physical attacks. This will take effect even against attacks that miss or strike the entire party. Counter works in conjunction with [[Defend (Final Fantasy VIII)|Defend]] and [[Cover (Final Fantasy VIII)|Cover]], making it an effective setup on a character in the middle of the party formation. The [[Monk's Code (Final Fantasy VIII)|Monk's Code]] item teaches the Counter ability to any GF.

Return Damage is a support ability that damages the enemy for 1/4 of the damage the enemy inflicted on the player character. No [[Guardian Force]] learns it natively; it is learned from [[Hundred Needles]] item that is [[refine]]d from 100 [[Cactus Thorn (Final Fantasy VIII)|Cactus Thorns]].

[[Angelo Rush (Final Fantasy VIII)|Angelo Rush]] is a counterattack available to [[Rinoa (Final Fantasy VIII gameplay)|Rinoa]].

===''[[Final Fantasy IX]]''===
{{Main|Counter (Final Fantasy IX)}}
Counter is a [[Final Fantasy IX support abilities|support ability]] that allows a user to counter-attack physical attacks while taking damage from those attacks if they hit. Its occurrence rate is enhanced with the support ability [[Eye 4 Eye (Final Fantasy IX)|Eye 4 Eye]]. Counter takes eight [[Magic Stone (Final Fantasy IX)|Magic Stones]] to equip and can be learned by everyone save [[Dagger (Final Fantasy IX gameplay)|Dagger]], [[Eiko (Final Fantasy IX party member)|Eiko]], and [[Vivi (Final Fantasy IX party member)|Vivi]].

Counter is taught by [[Ritual Hat (Final Fantasy IX)|Ritual Hat]], [[Power Vest (Final Fantasy IX)|Power Vest]], [[Power Belt (Final Fantasy IX)|Power Belt]], [[Venetia Shield (Final Fantasy IX)|Venetia Shield]], [[Anklet (Final Fantasy IX)|Anklet]], and most of [[Amarant (Final Fantasy IX gameplay)|Amarant's]] claw weapons. Mastering Counter requires 70 AP for [[Zidane (Final Fantasy IX party member)|Zidane]], 100 AP for [[Steiner (Final Fantasy IX gameplay)|Steiner]], 85 AP for [[Freya (Final Fantasy IX party member)|Freya]], 55 AP for [[Quina (Final Fantasy IX party member)|Quina]], and 240 AP for Amarant.

[[File:Sand Golem uses Counter from FFIX Remastered.png|thumb|Golem's counter.]]
The [[Final Fantasy IX enemy abilities#Counter|Counter]] ability is also a command ability available to a number of enemies. Each may do it in different instances. [[Grimlock]] counter-attacks when in its [[Final Fantasy IX enemy abilities#Physical Attack Red|Physical Attack Red]] status. The [[Nova Dragon (Final Fantasy IX)|Nova Dragon]] and [[Scarlet Hair (boss)|Scarlet Hair]] bosses counter all physical attacks, as does the [[Troll (Final Fantasy IX)|Troll]] enemy. The [[Sand Golem]] counters every attack towards its [[Core (Final Fantasy IX)|Core]] as long as it active.

===''[[Final Fantasy X]]''===
The [[Final Fantasy X auto-abilities#Counterattack|Counterattack]] auto-ability is found or can be customized on weapons. It allows a player to retaliate against physical attacks with their own physical attack while taking damage from those attacks. Counter can be customized onto a weapon with one [[Final Fantasy X items#Friend Sphere|Friend Sphere]].

====''[[Final Fantasy X-2]]''====
[[Berserker (Final Fantasy X-2)|Berserkers]] learn Counterattack for 180 AP. It allows the user to strike back after being physically attacked.

===''[[Final Fantasy XI]]''===
[[Monk (Final Fantasy XI)|Monks]] can counter an enemy's attack and take no damage from the attacks they counter. Counter is a passive ability gained once player has 10 levels in Monk, or for anyone whose [[Support Job]] is monk and has a job level of 20 or greater. Counter activates occasionally, but the chance of countering can be increased if a player uses the ability Counterstance.

With much lower activation rate, a [[Samurai (Final Fantasy XI)|Samurai]] using [[Seigan]] may counter-attack when [[Third Eye (ability)|Third Eye]] is active. [[Blue Mage (Final Fantasy XI)|Blue Mages]] can set Counter as a trait. At Lv. 79, Monks gain "Perfect Counter", which is similar to the Seigan/Third Eye combination in that the next attack directed towards them has a high chance of being countered. The effect sometimes doesn't activate, but can activate multiple times from one use.

Some (mostly high-level) equipment provide counter effect (even without MNK as subjob), notably the Cobra Harness Attire from Windurst's Cobra Unit in Campaign.

===''[[Final Fantasy XII]]''===
Characters can counter attacks by equipping the [[Battle Harness]] accessory. [[Genji Armor (Final Fantasy XII)|Genji Armor]] boosts the chance to counter, but does not grant counterattacks on its own. Battle Harness can be purchased for 1000 gil at [[Dalmasca Estersand (Final Fantasy XII)|Dalmasca Estersand]], or made at the [[Bazaar (Final Fantasy XII)|bazaar]] for one [[Throat Wolf Blood]] whereupon it costs only 800. The Genji Armor can be [[Steal (Final Fantasy XII)|stolen]] from [[Gilgamesh (Final Fantasy XII boss)|Gilgamesh]]. In the ''Zodiac'' versions, the [[Genji Helm (Final Fantasy XII)|Genji Helm]] also provides the ability to counter.

The chance to counter an attack is determined by the character's [[Speed (stat)|Speed]].<ref>{{ref |id=maltzan |author=maltzan |date=January 30, 2007 |title=Game Mechanics FAQ by maltzan |url=http://www.neoseeker.com/resourcelink.html?rlid=142830&rid=132641 |platform=Neoseeker|access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref>
:<math>Counter Chance (\%) = SPD / 2</math>

Counter chance with Genji Armor:
:<math>Counter Chance (\%) = SPD \times 2</math>

Counter only triggers when a character:
# is in the [[Charge Time|Charge Stage]].
# is not running or walking.
# is not being [[Knockback (term)|knocked back]].
# receives a regular melee attack (not a [[Long Range|ranged]] attack or technick).

* Counter is 1-hit only. It does not [[Hit (term)#Final Fantasy XII|combo]].
* Any weapon can be used to counter, as well as when [[Unarmed (Final Fantasy XII)|unarmed]].
* Counter may happen each time while being hit. A hit combo may be countered multiple times.
* Counter may happen even if the attack missed or is blocked or parried.
* Counter acts like a regular melee attack. An added effect on a weapon may trigger.

Counter can be a detriment when trying to build a [[Chain (term)#Final Fantasy XII|chain]], as a character can still target and defeat other enemies if attacked by them.

===''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]''===
{{Quote|Occasionally counterattack enemies after evading their attacks.|Description}}
Counter is a [[Sentinel (Final Fantasy XIII)|Sentinel]] auto-ability that gives the user a chance to counterattack after evading an enemy attack with Evade. Not all attacks can be countered even if they can be evaded, and it does not activate if the character evades an attack using Elude. Counter can be learned by [[Lightning (Final Fantasy XIII party member)|Lightning]] (stage 7), [[Snow (Final Fantasy XIII party member)|Snow]] (stage 5), [[Hope (Final Fantasy XIII party member)|Hope]] (stage 7), [[Fang (Final Fantasy XIII party member)|Fang]] (stage 7).

====''[[Final Fantasy XIII-2]]''====
Improved Counter and Improved Counter II are available as passive abilities.
{{Section|Final Fantasy XIII-2}}

===''[[Final Fantasy XIV]]''===
The Pugilist ability [[Haymaker]] was called Counter in Japanese and functioned stylistically similar to Counter, as it could only be used immediately after evading an enemy attack. Haymaker was 170 potency and could inflict Slow on its target. The ability was removed in ''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood|Stormblood]]''.

===''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]''===
{{Quote|Counterattack with a physical strike.|Description}}
The [[Monk (Tactics)|Monk]] job class has the Counter [[Final Fantasy Tactics support abilities|support ability]], but it also has [[First Strike (ability)|First Strike]], which lets them counter an enemy before they even attack, dealing damage and interrupting the enemy's attack.

Nature's Wrath (also called Counter Flood) is a [[Final Fantasy Tactics reaction abilities|reaction ability]] the [[Geomancer (Tactics)|Geomancer]] class learns for 300 JP. It functions like Counter, but the character will not counter with an equipped weapon, but uses a Geomancy attack according to the enemy's terrain.

===''[[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance]]''===
{{Quote|Follows up enemy attack with a counterattack.|Description}}
Counter is available to [[bangaa]] [[White Monk (Tactics Advance)|White Monks]], and [[Human|hume]] and [[Moogle (race)|moogle]] [[Thief (Tactics Advance)|Thieves]]. Counter is activated whenever a character is attacked, and most likely will follow up with a counter-attack (If the unit is attacked from farther away than they can attack, it does not activate).

====''[[Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift]]''====
Counter allows the units to counter-attack with a short ranged unarmed attack.

Additionally, the Clan Privilege Always Counter gives all units without a reaction ability the Counter ability.

===''[[Final Fantasy Tactics S]]''===
{{Ability section|Final Fantasy Tactics S}}

===''[[Final Fantasy Legend II]]''===
There are three countering abilities, all of which must be selected and being attack to activate its effect.

*Burning: 30 [[Use (stat)|uses]], counter with [[Magic Power|Mana]]; deals [[Fire (element)|Fire]]-elemental damage.
*Counter: 30 [[Use (stat)|uses]], counter with 2x damage + [[Strength|Str]] or Str x5. Half Str value if [[Poison (status)|Pois]].
*StonSkin: 30 [[Use (stat)|uses]], counter by inflicting [[Petrify (status)|Ston]] on the attacker.

=== ''[[Final Fantasy Legend III]]'' ===
Counter inflicts double the damage taken.

===''[[Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light]]''===
Counter is the [[Ninja (The 4 Heroes of Light)|Ninja's]] third job ability that lets the Ninja counter any attack they evade. The effect lasts four turns.

===''[[Final Fantasy Dimensions]]''===
Riposte can be learned from the [[Monk (Dimensions)|Monk]] job at Job Level 11 after accumulating 210 [[Ability Points]]; when used, the the character will counter if hit. Counter is an ability from the [[Warrior (Dimensions)|Warrior]] job learned at Job Level 5 after accumulating 70 Ability Points; the character may counter if hit dealing less damage than a normal attack. [[Sol (Dimensions)|Sol]] begins with this ability already learned.

Debug Counter is a [[Dummied content|dummied out]] ability that allows the user to always counterattack when hit.

===''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy (2008)|Dissidia Final Fantasy]]''===
Counterattack is a special ability learned at Level 85 that raises the [[critical hit]] rate of the character by 50% if they land an attack when the opponent is attacking. Its base CP cost is 50 and it requires 360 AP to master. Several of the Level 100 exclusive weapons carry the Counterattack ability innately.

====''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]''====
Counterattack is learned at Level 82 but otherwise is identical to how it functioned in ''Dissidia''. Exclusive weapons again carry the ability, but many returning weapons have had their effects changed.

====''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia]]''====
{{Ability section|Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia}}

===''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy]]''===
[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy abilities#Counter|Counter]] is a reactive ability that comes in three levels of power and activates in [[Battle Music Sequence]] when the player receives a "Miss" on three triggers to deal physical damage dependent on the level of the ability, up to five times a stage. [[Firion (Theatrhythm)|Firion]], [[Locke Cole (Theatrhythm)|Locke]], [[Sephiroth (Theatrhythm)|Sephiroth]], [[Squall Leonhart (Theatrhythm)|Squall]], [[Seifer Almasy (Theatrhythm)|Seifer]], [[Prishe (Theatrhythm)|Prishe]], [[Lightning (Theatrhythm)|Lightning]], and [[Snow Villiers (Theatrhythm)|Snow]] all learn all three levels of Counter.

====''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call]]''====
Counter (Lv1) is a reactive ability that costs 5 CP to equip. It is activated in [[Battle Music Sequence]]s (BMS) when the player receives MISS on 3 triggers. It deals physical damage up to 5 times per stage and has low strength. It is learned by Firion (level 10), Kain (level 30), Edge (level 25), Tifa (default), Sephiroth (level 10), Squall (default), Seifer (default), Rinoa (default), Laguna (level 25), Auron (level 10), Prishe (level 10), Lightning (default), Snow (level 15), Paine (level 10), Ciaran (level 15), Cloud #2 (default), and Serah (level 20).

Counter (Lv2) is a reactive ability that costs 10 CP to equip. It is activated in BMS when the player receives MISS on 3 triggers. It deals physical damage up to 5 times per stage and has medium strength. It is learned by Firion (level 50), Edge (level 70), Tifa (level 45), Sephiroth (level 40), Squall (level 45), Seifer (level 30), Rinoa (level 30), Laguna (level 65), Auron (level 50), Auron #2 (level 25), Prishe (level 55), Lilisette (level 75), Fran (level 40), Lightning (level 50), Snow (level 55), Paine (level 50), Ciaran (level 50), Cloud #2 (level 35), Machina (level 75), and Serah (level 60).

Counter (Lv3) is a reactive ability that costs 16 CP to equip. It is activated in BMS when the player receives MISS on 3 triggers. It deals physical damage up to 5 times per stage and has full strength. It is learned by Firion (level 80), Tifa (level 80), Sephiroth (level 90), Squall (level 75), Seifer (level 65), Rinoa (level 70), Auron (level 80), Auron #2 (level 55), Lightning (level 90), Orlandeau (level 25), Paine (level 90), Ciaran (level 90), Cloud #2 (level 70), and Chaos (level 35).

====''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival]]''====
{{Ability section|Theatrhythm Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival}}
{{clear}}

===''[[Pictlogica Final Fantasy]]''===
{{Ability section|Pictlogica Final Fantasy}}<!-- Enemy ability -->

===''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]''===
{{Ability section|Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade}}

===''[[Final Fantasy Explorers]]''===
{{Quote|Enter a stance that lets you nullify a blow and counter. Can inflict stop, and ensure your next hit is critical.|Description}}
Counter is a Knuckle skill. A successful counter may inflict Stop and makes the user's next hit an automatic critical hit.

===''[[Final Fantasy Brave Exvius]]''===
Counter abilities usually have a glowing fist icon to denote them.

Counter is learned by several characters, granted by the Black Belt accessory, Gladiator's Shield, and as Sabin's trust mastery reward. It has a 30% chance of triggering vs. physical attacks.

===''[[World of Final Fantasy]]''===
Counter is a passive, physical ability that allows non-ranged attacks to sometimes be countered. It can only counter physical attacks. It can be used by Babyhemoth, Gleefrit, Ifrit, Ifrit★, Kobold Mimic, Mimic, Mimic Jackpot, Mimic Queen, and Moomba.

It is also an enemy ability used by Behemonster, Entom Soldier, Ifrit, Mimic, and The Immortal Dark Dragon.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
FFIIIDS Counter.png|''[[Final Fantasy III]]'' (DS).
FFIVDS Counter.png|''[[Final Fantasy IV]]'' (DS).
FFD Counter.png|''[[Final Fantasy Dimensions]]''.
FFLII Counter.png|''[[Final Fantasy Legend II]]''.
FFLIII Avenge.png|Avenge in ''[[Final Fantasy Legend III]]''.
FFLIII Counter.png|Counter in ''[[Final Fantasy Legend III]]''.
Luneth I Brigade.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (Summon).
FFAB Counter - Hope SR.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (SR).
FFAB Counter - Hope SR+.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (SR+).
FFAB Counter - Lightning SSR.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (SSR) [FFXIII].
FFAB Counter - Lightning SSR+.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (SSR+) [FFXIII].
FFAB Counter - Lenna UR.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (UR) [FFV].
FFAB Counter - Lightning Legend SSR.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (SSR Legend) [FFXIII].
FFAB Counter - Lightning Legend SSR+.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (SSR+ Legend) [FFXIII].
FFAB Counter - Lenna Legend UR.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (UR Legend) [FFV].
FFAB Counter - Lenna Legend UR+.png|''[[Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade]]'' (UR+ Legend) [FFV].
</gallery>

==External links==
*[http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/459841/45900 ''Final Fantasy XII'' Game Mechanics FAQ] - Info on ''Final Fantasy XII'''s Counter.

==Citations==
{{citations}}

{{navbox command abilities}}
{{navbox support abilities}}


[[de:Konter]]
[[Category:Recurring command abilities]]
[[Category:Reaction abilities]]
[[Category:Recurring support abilities]]