The Windbreaker is a mid-ranked light armor in Final Fantasy XII that boosts the wearer's defense by 12, HP by 100, and also halves Wind damage to the wearer. In the original PlayStation 2 version, it is the main wind-resistance gear available. Wearing multiple pieces of armor that all give the same elemental resistance does not stack, but certain different types do:
- Weakness + Halve = Normal damage
- Halve + Absorb = Absorbs half
However, there are no equipment that make the wearer weak to wind, and the only equipment piece that absorbs wind is the secret Gendarme in the Zodiac versions.
Obtain[]
Original[]
The Windbreaker is sold for 1000 gil in Rabanastre after the Leviathan, and by Dyce outside the Tomb of Raithwall.
It is also found in a treasure in Nam-Yensa Sandsea's Simoon Bluff (westernmost section; 60% chance to appear, 50% chance for gil, 50% chance the item treasure is the Windbreaker without the Diamond Armlet equipped ).
Zodiac[]
The Windbreaker is sold for 1000 gil in Rabanastre, Bhujerba and Dalmasca Westersand after visiting Ondore's Estate, as well as by Dyce in Nam-Yensa Sandsea, Tomb of Raithwall, and Balfonheim Port.
The Windbreaker is found in a treasure in Ogir-Yensa Sandsea's Platform 1 - Refinery (75% chance to appear, 35% chance for gil, 50% chance the item treasure is the Windbreaker without the Diamond Armlet equipped), as well as in the Trial Mode Stage 32 with the Diamond Armlet equipped.
It is also the common steal from the Werewolf in Trial Mode Stage 5.
Use[]
The Windbreaker is a mid-ranked light armor, giving 12 defense, 100 HP, as well halving Wind damage to the wearer. It is useful to equip over any inferior equipment the party may have, and against enemies that use Wind. In the original version where everyone can wear any equipment piece, the more expensive heavy armor, Linen Cuirass, and the mystic armor Wizard's Robes, may be preferable if the player can stretch their funds to them, as the HP boost from light armor is not usually worth prioritizing over heavy armor that boosts strength for melee attackers, and mystic gear that provides magick power for spellcasters. However, the Wind-halving property makes the Windbreaker unique, as the only alternative to protect against the element in the original version, is the temporarily available Manufacted Nethicite.
In the Zodiac versions, Machinist, Monk, Archer, and Shikari can equip the Windbreaker, and so it is only useful if the player has chosen these License Boards for their party. New ways to protect against Wind have also been added: Agate Ring and Cat-ear Hood now also halve Wind, and Gendarme absorbs all elements. In The Zodiac Age, Trial Mode spoils can be brought back to the main game, and so the player can get the Windbreaker early by stealing from the Werewolf in Stage 5. This may be tough as just Vaan, but it is the common steal and Vaan starts with this technick. Doing this lets the player skip the beginner light armor altogether, and the Windbreaker can stay useful due to its elemental property.
Windbreaker is good to equip against enemies that use Wind, even after its other stats fall off in usefulness, such as against the optional boss Chaos.
Appearances[]
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius[]
Etymology[]
In the Japanese version, the Windbreaker is called "poncho". poncho is an outer garment designed to keep the body warm. Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes since pre-Hispanic times and are now considered typical South American garments.
A