Launch (スマッシュアッパー, Sumasshu Appā?, lit. Smash Upper) is a recurring ability in Final Fantasy series originating in Final Fantasy XIII. It launches the target into the air rendering them immobile and unable to perform any action while in midair. It is associated with the Commando role from the Lightning Saga.
Appearances[]
Final Fantasy XIII[]
Attack and launch staggered target into the air.
Description
Launch is a Commando ability that launches the target into the air. While in midair, the enemy cannot perform any actions, though their ATB will continue to fill. Targets must be staggered for them to become vulnerable to launch. The Commando AI will automatically try to launch a staggered foe with the Attack ability. Some enemies cannot be launched, including flying enemies, while others can resist getting launched, especially when attacking.
Launch can be learned by Lightning (Crystarium Stage 3), Snow (Stage 5), and Fang (Stage 5).
Any attacks that launch targets into the air have a "Rise" value. The higher the Rise value, the higher the target is launched. For instance, Launch increases the Rise value of the Attack command from 0 to 8. Aerora has a Rise value of 3, Blizzaga has a Rise value of 4.5, and Ruinga, Firaga, Thundaga, Waterga, and Aeroga all have Rise values of 5.
Both party members and enemies can be launched into the air. Targets can only be launched if the attacker's Cut value is higher than their Keep. When launched by an opponent, any stocked commands will be canceled. Attacking a launched target will stall their descent. Launched targets will take 10 damage upon falling to the ground; the Commando and Sentinel role bonuses affect this damage, as well as damage reduction accessories.
Final Fantasy XIII-2[]
Launch is a Commando ability that allows the user to attack and launch staggered targets into the air.
It can be learned by Serah (role level 20), Noel (role level 18), Amodar (level 1), Behemoth (level 1), Cactuar (level 1), Cactuaroni (level 1), Dreadnought (level 1), Gilgamesh (level 1), Goblin (level 3), Gorgonopsid (level 23), Lightning (level 1), Lucidon (level 5), Mánagarmr (level 5), Metallicactuar (level 1), Moblin (level 3), Munchkin (level 2, Narasimha (level 24), Proto-behemoth (level 4), Reaver (level 8), Thermadon (level 11), and Twilight Odin (level 15).
Launch is also an enemy ability used by Gilgamesh, Lieutenant Amodar, and Lightning.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII[]
Launch only works on certain enemies. To launch enemies, the player must stagger them twice (first as an initial condition), then use the Launch command executed from certain physical attack-type abilities. Launched enemies can be hit with Smite, which extends from Heavy Slash. Launched enemies do not stay airborne for long and the enemy will end its stagger as soon as it hits the ground.
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy[]
Launch is Lightning's Bravery attack. It is a ground attack with physical nature, melee low priority, and Wall Rush effect where Lightning slashes the target thrice and throws it into the air. It costs 20 CP to equip and mastering the ability for 140 AP reduces the equip cost to 10 CP. It is learned at level 3.
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT[]
Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade[]
Launch is an ability.
Final Fantasy Record Keeper[]
Launch is a rank 3 combat ability, dealing twice the normal physical damage with a 1.85 second charge time. It can be created by using Power Orb x10, Non-Elemental Orb x3, and Wind Orb x3.