Flare is a magic ability for Lightning in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It is the evolved version of the game's Fire spells, dealing heavy magic fire-elemental damage to all foes on the field.
Obtained[]
A Flare Lv. 1 ability can be found in a treasure sphere after completing the Altar of Salvation within the Luxerion Cathedral on the Final Day. The Astral Lord garb purchasable from rare Forge shop on Hard Mode has Flare Lv. 3 as its locked ability.
Flare can only be obtained as an enemy drop from Caius Ballad on Hard Mode. He has a 100% chance of dropping Flare, with the levels of the ability dropping on the following days:
Enemy | Lv. 1 | Lv. 2 | Lv. 3 | Lv. 4 | Lv. 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caius Ballad | Day 1 - 6 (Hard) | Day 7 - 12 (Hard) | - | - | - |
Mechanics[]

The enemy version of Flare being used on Lightning.
Lightning summons a mass of burning energy that unleashes a massive explosion of flames onto the battlefield, dealing heavy fire-elemental damage to all foes. Its damage potency is increased with the less HP Lightning has (the values in brackets in below table). If the opponent is susceptible to fire-elemental attacks, or is afflicted with the Curse and Imperil statuses, they will be launched into the air.
By default, Flare Lv. 1 has an ATB cost of 100, an attack power 10.00, a Stagger Power of A, and a Stagger Time of E. When fully upgraded, Flare Lv. 5 at max has an ATB cost of 80, an attack power of 60.00, a Stagger Power of A, and a Stagger Time of E. Flare has a 1 hit finale rate.
Flare is also an enemy ability used by the Aeronite and Caius Ballad bosses, the latter only using the spell during the final portions of his Ravager phases. It is also used by the final boss and its upgraded form during the second phase when under the effects of Fire Spirit, often serving as the final spell they will perform during the elemental form. The enemy version deals heavy fire magic damage to Lightning, often proving lethal if she does not guard before the spell's explosion detonates.
Stats[]
Ability version[]
- Growth chart
Level | Base Power | Power Increment | Synthesis Needed to Max | Max Power | Level Up Malistone |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lv. 1 | 10.00 - 11.00 | 1.00 | 2 | 12.00 (15.00) | Platinum |
Lv. 2 | 13.00 - 14.00 (16.00) | 1.00 | 2 | 15.00 (22.00) | Mythril |
Lv. 3 | 16.00 - 17.00 (23.00) | 1.00 | 3 | 19.00 (31.00) | Orichalc |
Lv. 4 | 20.00 - 21.00 (32.00) | 1.00 | 3 | 23.00 (44.00) | Crystal |
Lv. 5 | 24.00 - 26.00 (45.00) | 1.00 | 4 | 28.00 (60.00) | N/A |
- Passives
Flare abilities can have the following passives:
|
|
Locked versions[]
The locked versions available to garbs have unique stats and passives, these versions of Flare cannot be upgraded.
Command | ATB Cost | Attack Power | Stagger Power | Stagger Time | Passive |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flare Lv. 3 (Astral Lord) |
84 | 18.00 | A | E | None |
Use[]

Etymology[]
flare is a pyrotechnical phenomenon that produces intense amounts of heat and energy that does not result in an explosion (an immediate release of energy).
A