How to Get Bahamut in Final Fantasy IX: A Comprehensive Guide

You obtain Bahamut in Final Fantasy IX during the events that unfold within the Invincible airship, while battling the formidable Gestahlian Empire Soldiers. Defeating them triggers a pivotal cutscene where Queen Brahne, now consumed by vengeance, summons Bahamut to destroy Alexandria. However, the summon backfires, and Bahamut attacks the Invincible instead, triggering a boss battle. Defeat Bahamut during this encounter to acquire the powerful Eidolon.

Understanding the Bahamut Encounter

The battle against Bahamut is a crucial turning point in Final Fantasy IX’s storyline. It’s not just about acquiring a new Eidolon; it signifies a profound shift in the power dynamics of Gaia and the motivations of key characters. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of this encounter, providing you with the knowledge needed to triumph and claim Bahamut for your own.

When Does the Fight Occur?

The Bahamut fight takes place during the CD 2 events. You will have to traverse through the Invincible after it has been summoned. Shortly afterwards, you will be forced into battle with Queen Brahne’s summoned Eidolon, Bahamut.

Preparing for the Battle

This battle can be challenging if you’re not adequately prepared. Level up your party members, equip the best available gear, and stock up on essential items such as Hi-Potions, Phoenix Downs, and healing spells. Consider using equipment that boosts magic defense as Bahamut’s attacks are primarily magic-based. The most important factor to keep in mind is that the Bahamut battle is only winnable with Freya, as Zidane can only defend and Garnet will always be the one to be targeted by Mega Flare.

The Battle Strategy

Here’s a recommended strategy to defeat Bahamut:

• Party Composition: Ideally, your party should consist of Freya and two other strong characters like Zidane, Steiner, or Amarant. Have at least 1 Healer for emergencies.
• Freya’s Role: Freya is essential for this fight. Her Dragon Crest ability, which deals damage based on how many dragons she’s defeated, is incredibly effective. Use this ability repeatedly to inflict significant damage to Bahamut. Ensure Freya has access to high HP and armor to withstand attacks.
• Zidane’s Role: Zidane is also crucial for defense. He should defend every turn to ensure that Bahamut will target Garnet instead. This is the strategy to ensure that Zidane and Garnet are out of harm’s way.
• Healer’s Role: Maintain a dedicated healer, such as Garnet or Eiko. Focus on healing the party and reviving fallen members.
• Offensive Tactics: Utilize other party members for additional damage and support. Steiner’s physical attacks can be effective, while Amarant’s abilities like No Mercy can inflict status ailments on Bahamut.
• Limit Breaks/Trances: Save your Trances for crucial moments. Use them to unleash powerful attacks or provide critical healing when the party is in dire straits.

Understanding Bahamut’s Attacks

Bahamut has some powerful attacks that you need to be wary of:

• Mega Flare: This is Bahamut’s most devastating attack, dealing massive damage to the entire party. High magic defense and constant healing are vital to survive this attack.
• Flare: A single-target magic attack that can deal substantial damage.
• Physical Attacks: While less frequent, Bahamut can also use physical attacks.

Post-Battle

After defeating Bahamut, Garnet will automatically acquire the Bahamut Eidolon, adding a powerful summon to her arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I miss getting Bahamut in FF9?

Yes, technically, you can miss out on the Bahamut summon in Final Fantasy IX. If you do not defeat Bahamut, you will miss the Eidolon. While the game progresses regardless, obtaining Bahamut is highly recommended due to its powerful abilities.

2. What level should my characters be for the Bahamut fight?

Aim for an average level of 30-35 for your party. This should give you sufficient stats and abilities to withstand Bahamut’s attacks and deal enough damage to defeat him.

3. What are Bahamut’s abilities?

Bahamut’s primary ability is Mega Flare, a powerful non-elemental magic attack that deals massive damage to all enemies. It’s one of the strongest summons in the game, making it well worth acquiring.

4. Does equipment matter for the Bahamut fight?

Absolutely. Equipping gear that boosts magic defense is crucial for mitigating Bahamut’s magical attacks, particularly Mega Flare. Look for items like Pearl Rouge or gear with high magical defense stats.

5. Can I use Reflect to deflect Mega Flare?

While Reflect can deflect magical attacks, Mega Flare bypasses this effect. Mega Flare will still hit all party members even with the status effect active.

6. How does Dragon Crest work?

Dragon Crest, Freya’s signature ability, deals damage based on the number of dragons Freya has defeated in battle. The more dragons you defeat, the higher the damage output of Dragon Crest, making Freya an ideal choice for fighting Bahamut.

7. What if Garnet keeps getting knocked out?

Ensuring Garnet has high magic defense gear and focusing on keeping her healed is crucial. If she still gets knocked out frequently, consider using Phoenix Downs promptly and having another character with healing abilities as a backup.

8. Are there any status ailments that work on Bahamut?

Some status ailments, such as Slow, can be inflicted on Bahamut, making the fight more manageable. However, the success rate may vary, so focus on reliable damage-dealing strategies.

9. Is it possible to steal anything from Bahamut?

No, you cannot steal from Bahamut during the boss fight. Your primary focus should be on dealing damage and surviving its attacks.

10. How important is it to have Auto-Potion equipped?

Auto-Potion can be beneficial, especially for keeping your party members alive during intense attacks. However, relying solely on Auto-Potion can deplete your potion supply quickly, so balance it with manual healing as needed.

11. Can I use other summons against Bahamut?

While you can use other summons, such as Shiva or Ifrit, their damage output is generally lower compared to Freya’s Dragon Crest or a well-timed Trance. Focus on strategies that provide consistent and substantial damage.

12. What happens if I lose the Bahamut fight?

If you lose the battle against Bahamut, the game will likely end in a Game Over, forcing you to reload from your last save point. Ensure you save your progress before engaging in this critical encounter.

13. Does difficulty level affect the Bahamut fight?

The difficulty of the Bahamut fight remains relatively consistent across different versions of the game. However, some differences might be noticeable on emulators or remastered editions, mainly concerning resolution and loading times.

14. How do I know if I’m ready to fight Bahamut?

A good indicator is if you can comfortably handle enemies in the areas leading up to the Invincible. If you find yourself struggling against regular encounters, it’s a sign that you need to level up and improve your gear.

15. Are there any missable items before the Bahamut fight that I should grab?

Yes, definitely. Make sure you have explored the towns and locations before the Invincible sequence thoroughly. Some notable items include the Coral Ring (which absorbs Lightning damage) and the Mythril Vest (for defensive purposes), both of which can be obtained from shops or treasure chests. Also, ensure you’ve learned any essential abilities from your equipment, such as Auto-Potion from the Leather Hat.