Elite Trooper

Concept artwork for Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-.

The Elite Trooper (親衛隊(しんえいたい), Shineitai?, lit. Elite Guard or 親衛隊員, Shineitaīn?, lit. Elite Guard Member), also known as the Royal Guard, Palace Guard, Imperial Elite, Sp Forces, Attack Squad, DG Elite, Guard, or SS, is a recurring enemy in the Final Fantasy series, first appearing in Final Fantasy II. While its appearance may vary drastically based on its setting, it is typically presented as elite human guardsman.

Appearances

Final Fantasy II

Main article: Royal Guard (Final Fantasy II)

The Royal Guard appears as an enemy encountered in the Cyclone. It can be found in random encounters throughout the dungeon, and immediately prior to the battle against the Emperor, he dispatches two waves of Royal Guards against Firion and his party. Two more Royal Guards accompany the Emperor during the battle against him, both of which must be destroyed before the Emperor can be reached with weapon attacks.

Final Fantasy IV

Main article: Elite Trooper (Final Fantasy IV)

The Elite Trooper, also known as the Palace Guard, appears as an enemy exclusive to the Advance and Complete Collection releases. It can be encountered during Edge's Lunar Ruins trial, wherein it drops keys needed to traverse the dungeon.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

Main article: Elite Trooper (The After Years)

The Elite Trooper returns as an enemy encountered within the Depths during the final chapter.

Final Fantasy VI

Main article: Imperial Elite (Final Fantasy VI)

The Imperial Elite, also known as the Sp Forces, appears as an enemy encountered among the guards in the Imperial Palace. When Emperor Gestahl asks if the party wishes to take a break during the banquet, answering yes allows them to speak to the guards and battle some of them. Defeating the guards increases Gestahl's approval, allowing for greater rewards at the end of the banquet.

Final Fantasy VII

Main article: Attack Squad

The Attack Squad appears as an enemy encountered in Wutai and the surrounding area, Junon, and Mt. Corel, the Coal Train, and the Shinra No. 26.

Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-

Main article: DG Elite

The DG Elite appears as an enemy encountered in Chapters 10 and 11. They fights in a manner similar to the DG Commander, but are far more accurate with their ranged attacks and their melee attack is almost impossible to dodge.

Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-

Main article: Guard (Crisis Core)

The Guard appears as an enemy encountered during 1000 Shinra Troops.

Final Fantasy Legend II

Main article: SS (Legend II)

The SS appears as enemy encountered in the Central Shrine.

Final Fantasy Brave Exvius

The Royal Guard from Final Fantasy II appears during the event "The Cyclone".