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May randomly dispatch an enemy in one hit.

Description

The Zantetsuken, also known as the Scimitar,[1][2] is one of the strongest sword in Final Fantasy VI. The sword is notable for its unique effect in having the added ability Zantetsuken, identical to Odin's ability, which attempts to inflict death on an enemy. Other than that, the spell has strong stats. The weapon can be wielded by Terra, Edgar, Cyan (the only non-katana weapon that Cyan can equip), and Celes.

Obtained[]

Zantetsuken is obtained after defeating the Blue Dragon in the Ancient Castle, or by betting the Lightbringer in the Coliseum.

Mechanics[]

The Zantetsuken uses the standard physical damage formula to determine its damage, providing a +208 Attack, and adding to the wielder's Strength. As with other weapons, it can be improved by the Gauntlet relic that boosts its damage by +50%. The Master's Scroll halves the damage dealt by each attack, but causes the weapon to attack four times. Genji Glove causes the damage dealt by the weapon to be reduced by 25%, but allows two weapons to be equipped at the same time, and thus, two hits dealt at once. Master's Scroll and Genji Glove can be combined to allow the player to use two weapons (including two Zantetsukens, if obtained) to hit eight times, ultimately doubling its damage and spreading it to all enemies.

The Zantetsuken has a 25% chance of inflicting death on the target when attacking, and uses a death animation that depicts the enemy sprite being sliced apart identical to the one used by Odin and Raiden.

Zantetsuken is affected by the capture glitch.

Use[]

Zantetsuken is unique in its ability to attempt to instantly kill a target. Unlike other weapons that inflict instant death (such as Assassin's Dagger, Soul Sabre, Ichigeki, etc.), Zantetsuken can instantly kill undead enemies, meaning the weapon has no drawbacks in this regard. This, on top of the weapon having one of the highest Attack boosts, makes it a very powerful weapon.

Though the weapon is a viable choice for all party members, the weapon is best given to Cyan. Terra and Celes each have weapon choices that boost their spellcasting (Enhancer, Ragnarok, and Lightbringer), while Edgar can equip spears to use with Jump. All three can also equip Ultima Weapon, which ignores Defense and is universally useful. Cyan lacks an equivalent clear weapon to use, and as such, is the best choice for Zantetsuken.

Gallery[]

Etymology[]

Zantetsuken (斬鉄剣?) is Japanese for "iron-cutting/slashing iron sword". It normally refers to a blade formed out of exotic materials rumored to be able to cut through steel and/or iron. The term was often associated with blades created by the feudal swordsmith known as Kobayashi Yasuhiro. Zantetsuken is the trademark weapon of Odin, wielded by him in all his appearances, and shares its name with his trademark attack, Zantetsuken. Final Fantasy VI is the first Final Fantasy game where the party can equip it.

It has also been localized as "scimitar". A scimitar is a backsword or sabre with a curved blade, originating in Southwest Asia (Middle East).

Citations[]

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