Final Fantasy 2 abandons traditional EXP and levels entirely. Instead, stats grow through use - take damage to boost HP, cast spells to increase MP, attack with swords to improve sword proficiency. It's a "learn by doing" system that rewards consistent play styles.
HP & MP Growth
HP increases when you lose health during battle. In the Pixel Remaster, the game tracks total HP lost throughout the fight - even if you heal back to full, the damage still counts toward potential HP growth. The amount gained on level-up equals your current Stamina stat.
MP grows by spending MP on spells. Like HP, the Pixel Remaster tracks total MP spent during the battle, not just the difference between start and end. Your Magic stat affects how much MP you gain per level-up.
Core Stats
| Stat | How to Increase |
|---|---|
| Strength | Use physical attacks |
| Stamina | Take damage in battle |
| Magic | Cast any spell |
| Spirit | Cast White Magic |
| Intelligence | Cast Black Magic |
| Agility | Evade attacks, light equipment |
Agility Note. Agility is the trickiest stat. It grows based on your current Evasion and equipment weight. Heavy armor reduces Agility growth chance. Keep physical attackers in lighter gear if you want them to act faster.
Derived Stats
These stats can't be leveled directly - they're calculated from your core stats and equipment.
- Evasion — Grows when targeted by physical attacks. Affected by Agility and shield proficiency.
- Magic Evasion — Grows when targeted by spells. Helps resist status effects.
- Attack — Calculated from Strength + weapon attack power + weapon proficiency.
- Accuracy — Based on weapon proficiency and Agility.
Weapon Proficiency
There are 8 weapon types, each with its own proficiency level (1-16). The more you attack with a weapon type, the higher your proficiency and damage. Proficiency also affects accuracy and hit count.
| Weapon Type | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Swords | Firion — balanced damage, best endgame options (Blood Sword, Excalibur) |
| Bows | Maria — back row attacks, pairs with magic focus |
| Axes | Guy — high damage, slower speed |
| Spears | Ricard — Dragoon specialty, Holy Lance is excellent |
| Knives | Fast attacks, lower damage |
| Staves | Mages — some have spell effects |
| Unarmed | Alternative to weapons, requires dedication |
| Shields | Increases Evasion, levels up when you evade |
Spell Proficiency
Each spell has its own level (1-16). Higher spell levels mean more damage/healing, better success rates for status effects, and higher MP cost. Cast spells repeatedly to level them up.
- Cure — Level aggressively. You'll use it constantly.
- Fire/Blizzard/Thunder — Pick one elemental spell per character and focus it.
- Blink/Protect — Essential for bosses. Level to 6+ for reliable duration.
- Esuna — Must be level 6+ to cure Petrify in Pixel Remaster.
Ultima
The ultimate spell's damage scales with your total spell and weapon proficiency levels combined. The formula:
- Level Sum = all weapon skill levels + all spell levels
- Ultima Tier = Level Sum ÷ 24 (rounded down)
- Base Damage = Ultima Level × (1.5 × Ultima Tier)² + 100
To maximize Ultima, level up as many spells and weapons as possible across all characters. It's not just about Ultima's own level.
Efficient Leveling Tips
- Stick to one weapon type per character — Switching weapons splits your proficiency progress.
- Fight on-level enemies — Weak enemies stop giving proficiency gains. Push forward in the story.
- Assign roles early — Firion as physical attacker (Swords), Maria as mage (Bows + magic), Guy as tank (Axes).
- Cast spells every battle — Even if not needed. MP growth and spell levels require consistent casting.
- Take some damage — Don't heal to full instantly. Let Stamina and HP grow naturally.
- Equip shields on frontliners — Shield proficiency boosts Evasion significantly.