Non-elemental damage + make enemy Vit 0.
Description
Meltdown is an indirect magic spell in Final Fantasy VIII. The spell reduces an enemy's Vitality and Spirit to 0, effectively removing their defense to both physical and magical attacks, and making them much more vulnerable. It can also be be junctioned to boost stats, and provides the third-greatest boost to Vitality. Despite its effect, Meltdown is not associated with any status effect for status junctions.
Obtained[]
Meltdown is a rare spell that can only be drawn from high-level enemies when the party is over level 30. It is more easily refined from Mystery Fluids using the Guardian Force Diablos' ability ST Mag-RF. These are easily obtained from Gaylas and their cards.
Stats[]
Use[]
In lieu of inflicting a status condition, Meltdown deals non-elemental damage to the target as per the following formula:
Meltdown inflicts the Vit 0 status effect, which reduces a target's Vitality and Spirit to 0 and deals non-elemental damage; though the damage is nearly comparable to third tier spells (Firaga, Blizzaga, and Thundaga), Meltdown is valuable and should only be used for the status-infliction. Vit 0 cannot be attached to physical attacks with ST-ATK-J junctions. Vit 0 effectively removes the target's physical and magical defense, making enemies much easier to defeat. This is particularly useful against defensive enemies, such as the Adamantoise.
Meltdown is cast using the Magic command, Selphie's Slot Limit Break, or Rinoa's Angel Wing. It is one of the few spells that doesn't affect GF compatibility when cast in battle.
Meltdown can also be junctioned to boost stats, notably Vitality, for which it provides the third-greatest boost to the stat. However, as the spell is not associated with any status effect, it is not possible to junction it to ST-Atk-J, meaning it is impossible to inflict its effect without casting the spell. Therefore, the player may wish to cast rather than to junction it, although the effect can also be gained by summoning Doomtrain. It is very effective against bosses as none are immune to the Vit 0 status effect.
Elite Soldier uses Meltdown.
Elite Soldier, Sorceress (B), and the final boss use the spell against the player party. The player can't fend against the status with junctions (other than with the Ribbon), but the spell itself can be reflected.
Etymology[]
Melting is a physical process that results in the phase transition of a substance from a solid to a liquid. Nuclear meltdown is an informal term for a severe nuclear reactor accident that results in core damage from overheating.