Genji Helm is an accessory in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. One of the ultimate accessories in the game, it provides Zack with zero MP cost for magic materia spells, zero AP cost for command materia and other abilities, and a Libra effect. It is one of four Genji equipment pieces in Crisis Core, along with the Genji Armor, Genji Shield, and Genji Glove.
Obtained[]
Genji Helm can be purchased for 1,000,000 gil from Net Shop Shade. It can typically only be purchased once, as it disappears from the shop menu after being purchased; however, the player can obtain more than one if they purchase multiple before leaving the page (though there is no benefit to doing so).
Because of the strength of Genji Helm, the player should prioritize obtaining it for difficult missions. Among the best gil farming methods are obtaining accessories from enemies in more challenging missions and selling them.
Use[]
Genji Helm outclasses the Soul of Thamasa, Laurel Crown, and the Libra Materia. Zero MP and zero AP mean that all spells and abilities used in battle that would require MP or AP are used for free. It does not apply outside of battle.
Zero MP cost is useful even for players who only intend to use Curaga or other healing spells. This is because it allows them to use the spell with no drawbacks (other than the cast time), and makes the player immune to MP-damaging attacks. It is also very useful for powerful offensive spells, such as Graviga, Quake, and Energy, allowing players to use these spells with great frequency. This means the player can focus on boosting other stats outside of their MP.
Most command abilities benefit little from zero AP costs, due to the lower AP cost on command materia in general, and even zero AP cost on powerful abilities such as Costly Punch. Nonetheless, zero AP cost is still extremely useful against enemies that can deplete Zack's AP, because Zack is incapable of using dodge rolls on 0 AP, and would be left vulnerable when his AP is taken away. As such, Genji Helm is a good accessory to prioritize.
Etymology and origin[]
Genji equipment is a recurring type of powerful equipment in the Final Fantasy series, but none appeared in the original Final Fantasy VII. So far, Crisis Core is the only Final Fantasy VII universe game that includes them.
The surname of Genji refers to the onyomi reading of the Minamoto Clan. Minamoto was a surname commonly bestowed on the children of the Emperor who were not eligible for the throne. According to history and legend, they were most active in the days of the late Heian era, and were samurai who became known as the fighters of evil and keepers of peace. The time was said to have been fraught with disorder and anarchy. Many future samurai claim lineage from the clan, including Miyamoto Musashi and Tokugawa Ieyasu who were subject of literary discourse from The Tale of Genji, which follows royal figures, to The Tale of the Heike, focusing on the major figures and the events of the Genpei War.
Genji is also a short period in Japanese history, lasting only a single year from 1864–1865.