Final Fantasy 3 - Magic

Final Fantasy 3's magic system spans eight levels of white, black, and summon spells. Each spell is purchased at a fixed price from one or more shops across the game; once bought, any party member with the right job can cast it. And the level 8 spells sold in Eureka cost 60,000 gil apiece, so save accordingly.

White magic

White magic covers healing, revival, buffs, and a handful of offensive options. White Mages cap at level 7, which means only Devouts and Sages get the level 8 spells (Arise, Holy, and Tornado). Cure is the first spell most players pick up, but don't overlook Poisona from Ur. Poison stacks up fast in early dungeons, and 100 gil to remove it without an Antidote is a bargain.

Haste and Protect are both sold at Doga's Manor for 10,000 gil. They're expensive, but Haste alone can double your physical output against late-game bosses. Esuna at level 7 cleanses every status ailment except KO, making it the single most important defensive spell for the Crystal Tower and World of Darkness.

Black magic

Black magic is the offensive school. Fire, Blizzard, and Sleep are available from Kazus for 100 gil each, and they'll carry your Black Mage through most of the Floating Continent. The -ara tier opens up at the Village of the Ancients, and by Saronia you can grab Thundaga and Blizzaga for 3,000 to 5,000 gil.

Black Mages stop at level 7. Magus and Sage are the only jobs that reach level 8, where Flare, Death, and Meteor wait behind Eureka's boss gauntlet. Meteor hits all enemies and ignores Reflect, which makes it the best offensive spell in the game. But it costs 60,000 gil, so don't expect to buy all three level 8 spells without serious farming (or selling off old gear).

Summon magic

Summon spells are covered in more detail on the summons page, including Evoker vs Summoner differences and the Summon Master trophy. But here's the quick reference for shop prices and locations.

Levels 1 through 5 are sold at Replito and Doga's Village for standard prices. The top three summons are only available from Eureka, and their prices jump sharply: Catastro runs 45,000 gil, Leviath 55,000, and Bahamur 65,000. Evokers get a random white or black effect when casting; Summoners always trigger the stronger black effect. Sages can also equip summon magic, which gives them access to all three schools at once.