Focus energies for a hit with twice the attack power.
Description
Focus is a Monk command ability in Final Fantasy V. It causes the next attack to deal double damage. The ability can be learned by reaching level 1 as a Monk, but is not innate to the job and must be equipped.
Obtained[]
Focus is learned by a character after reaching level 1 as a Monk, which is reached after obtaining 15 AP as a Monk. At this point, they can equip the ability as any job. It is not innate, and Monks must also equip the ability to use it.
Use[]
Focus causes the next attack to deal double damage. It takes into account Spellblade effects, but otherwise ignores any added abilities from weapons (in which weapons randomly cast spells or use a special ability). Any weapon whose damage is determined by the user's Magic stat, such as rods and the Blood Sword, will not get a damage boost from Focus.
In the majority of cases, Focus is no more turn-efficient than simply attacking twice over two turns, and in a few instances, the inability to use added abilities can make it weaker than attacking twice. However, in a select few cases, such as a boss that briefly becomes invincible to damage, Focus can be a better way to spend turns in the meantime while waiting for the boss to become vulnerable again. In the majority of cases, the ability slot is better used for a more useful ability.
The ability is likely intended to work in conjunction with the Monk's Counter; the Monk can use his or her turn to boost their Strength with Focus, while dealing strengthened attacks for "free" as counterattacks. This strategy may be good for the boss Garula battle, who counters a lot, but cannot counter the party's own counterattacks.