Surge is a magic ability for Lightning in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It is the evolved version of the game's Thunder spells, dealing heavy magic lightning-elemental damage to all foes on the field.
Obtained[]
A Surge Lv. 1 ability can be found in a treasure sphere after completing the Altar of Atonement within the Luxerion Cathedral on the Final Day. The Astral Lord garb purchasable from rare Forge shop on Hard Mode has Surge Lv. 3 as its locked ability.
Surge can only be obtained as an enemy drop on Hard Mode, being dropped by the Grendel and Parandus bosses fought during Dead Dunes' main scenario. Both bosses have a 100% chance of dropping the ability.
The enemies drop different levels of the ability on the following days and difficulties:
Enemy | Lv. 1 | Lv. 2 | Lv. 3 | Lv. 4 | Lv. 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grendel | Day 1 - 6 (Hard) | - | - | - | - |
Parandus | - | Day 7 - 12 (Hard) | - | - | - |
Mechanics[]

The enemy version of Surge being used on Lightning.
When used, Lightning unleashes a storm of lightning on the battlefield, dealing heavy lightning-elemental damage to all foes. Its damage potency can be increased with the less HP Lightning has. If the opponent is susceptible to lightning-elemental attacks, or is afflicted with the Curse and Imperil statuses, they will be launched into the air.
By default, Surge Lv. 1 has an ATB cost of 100, an attack power 10.00, a Stagger Power of A, and a Stagger Time of E. When fully upgraded, Surge Lv. 5 at max has an ATB cost of 80, an attack power of 60.00, a Stagger Power of A, and a Stagger Time of E. Surge has a 1 hit finale rate.
Surge is also an enemy ability used by the Aeronite and Caius Ballad bosses. It is also used by the final boss and its upgraded form during the second phase when under the effects of Thunder Spirit, often serving as the final spell they will perform during the elemental form. The enemy version of Surge functions differently from the player ability, dealing eight lightning-elemental magic attacks to Lightning. If Lightning does not guard during the spell's finale, it will launch her into the air.
Stats[]
Ability version[]
- Growth chart
Level | Base Power | Power Increment | Synthesis Needed to Max | Max Power | Level Up Malistone |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lv. 1 | 10.00 | 1.00 | 5 | 15.00 | Platinum |
Lv. 2 | 16.00 | 1.00 | 6 | 22.00 | Mythril |
Lv. 3 | 23.00 | 1.00 | 8 | 31.00 | Orichalc |
Lv. 4 | 32.00 | 1.00 | 12 | 44.00 | Crystal |
Lv. 5 | 45.00 | 1.00 | 15 | 60.00 | N/A |
- Passives
Surge abilities can have the following passives:
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Locked versions[]
The locked versions available to garbs have unique stats and passives, these versions of Surge cannot be upgraded.
Command | ATB Cost | Attack Power | Stagger Power | Stagger Time | Passive |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surge Lv. 3 (Astral Lord) |
84 | 18.00 | A | E | None |
Use[]
