Allow all allies in range to walk on air.
Description
Float is a Time Magick spell both in the Zodiac versions of Final Fantasy XII as well as in the original PlayStation 2 version. It is a multi-target status enhancement spell that levitates the party, allowing them to avoid traps. It cannot be used on enemies.
The spell can also be used via the Float Mote consumable item.
Obtained[]
Float location in Zodiac.
Float's license costs 80 License Points in the Zodiac versions, where the spell is found in Tchita Uplands' Oliphzak Rise, which is the area north from the save crystal area. The treasure for Float is in the lower right end behind a large rock, past a dome-shaped ruin.
In the original version, Float's license costs 40 LP. It is bought for 2800 gil from Eruyt Village onward.
In the Zodiac versions, Float is used by the Time Battlemage.
Mechanics[]
Float temporarily bestows the status of the same name to all allies in range that prevents the affected from triggering any traps placed on the ground and causes earth-elemental attacks to miss. Some enemies also detect the player via sound, and when walking on the field with Float, the characters move silently. Float is removed with Dispel.
The formula for the duration is:
The duration depends on the receiver's Vitality stat, not the caster's. Haste and Slow do not affect the length other status effects will last, but Stop will halt them.
Float costs 16 MP to cast without Channeling licenses in the Zodiac versions, or 20 MP in the original version. The spell will bounce from Reflect unless the caster wears the Opal Ring.
Use[]
Float status.
Float is a status enhancement spell the player can easily set up via the gambit system (such as with Self→Float). Instead of using the spell, the player can also gain it permanently from the Winged Boots accessory. Another way to avoid triggering traps is with the Steel Poleyns accessory.
Float lets the affected avoid traps, making it generally useful, but usually not relevant in boss battles. The gambit for it should thus be placed below attack gambits. Float would be useful in Necrohol of Nabudis where avoiding traps is otherwise tricky. Float could also be useful in the battle against Hashmal, who uses earth attacks. Though Float allows the player to move silently even across wet ground, its impact on avoiding alerting enemies is minimal. To be the most covert, the player can use Vanish and Float together, and then not use any magicks or other attacks.
Etymology[]
The Japanese version names this spell "Levitaga" (レビテガ, Rebitega?) to indicate this magick has an area of effect, even though there is no lower tier counterpart.