Thunder is a magic ability for Lightning in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It is the base form of the Thunder spells, dealing lightning-elemental damage to a single foe.
Thunder is also used when the player casts the Icespark, Flamespark, and Element spells.
Obtained[]
Lightning automatically comes equipped with the Thunder Lv. 1 ability as part of her Equilibrium schema at the start of the game.
The Mist Wizard garb obtained on the Ark after the tutorial dungeon has access to Thunder Lv. 1 as its locked ability. However, players lose access to this version when the garb is upgraded to the Mist Wizard+ garb on the thirteenth day.
In addition, L'ange Noir garb purchasable in Luxerion has natural access to Thunder Lv. 2 as its locked ability. The Shining Prince DLC garb also has access to Thunder Lv. 2 as its locked ability. If purchased, the garb can be obtained through the Rewards Barter Shop and have access to the attack after the opening tutorial dungeon.
Thunder can be obtained as a drop from Gremlins and Valis with a 7.5% chance. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gremlin | Day 1 - 6 (Easy/Normal) | Day 7 - 9 (Easy/Normal) | Day 10 - 13 (Easy/Normal) | Day 1 - 6 (Hard) | Day 7 - 13 (Hard) |
| Vali | Day 1 - 6 (Easy/Normal) | Day 7 - 9 (Easy/Normal) | Day 10 - 13 (Easy/Normal) | Day 1 - 6 (Hard) | Day 7 - 13 (Hard) |
Mechanics[]
When used, Lightning conjures a thunderbolt to attack the target, dealing magic lightning-elemental damage on impact. By default, Thunder Lv. 1 has an ATB cost of 15, an attack power of 0.40, a Stagger Power of C, and a Stagger Time of E. When fully upgraded, Thunder Lv. 5 at max has an ATB cost of 10, an attack power of 2.55, a Stagger Power of C, and a Stagger Time of E.
Thunder is also used by Angel of Valhalla on bond level 2. He will learn the Thundara spell when fully healed of his wounds, replacing Thunder.
The Gremlin, Grendel, and Parandus enemies also use Thunder against Lightning.
Stats[]
Ability version[]
- Growth chart
| Level | Base Power | Power Increment | Synthesis Needed to Max | Max Power | Level Up Malistone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv. 1 | 0.40 | 0.05 | 4 | 0.60 | Bronze |
| Lv. 2 | 0.65 | 0.05 | 5 | 0.90 | Silver |
| Lv. 3 | 0.95 | 0.05 | 7 | 1.30 | Mythril |
| Lv. 4 | 1.35 | 0.05 | 10 | 1.85 | Adamant |
| Lv. 5 | 1.90 | 0.05 | 13 | 2.55 | N/A |
- Passives
Thunder abilities can have the following passives:
|
|
Locked versions[]
The locked versions available to garbs have unique stats and passives, these versions of Thunder cannot be upgraded.
| Command | ATB Cost | Attack Power | Stagger Power | Stagger Time | Passive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder Lv. 1 (Mist Wizard) |
15 | x0.50 | C | E | None |
| Thunder Lv. 2 (L'ange Noir) |
15 | x0.95 | C | E | Magic +40 |
| Thunder Lv. 2 (Shining Prince) |
15 | x0.95 | C | E | None |
Use[]
Thunder is useful when battling a single foe weak to lightning-elemental magic damage. Due to its higher combo rate, Thunder can be casted in succession with little cooldown in between casts.
It is a potent ability to have in the Luxerion Warrens if tackling its main scenario on the first and second days of the game, due to the Gertrude enemies being vulnerable to the lightning element. It is also good against the boss of the Luxerion main quest, especially when used in conjunction with Thundara and Sparkstrike.
Players can take advantage of higher level versions of the spell, due to the low ATB cost and increased potency, allowing for faster staggering on a target than some of the game's higher tiers of lightning magic.