Kefka Palazzo (Dissidia 012)

Info
Name	Kefka Palazzo (ケフカ・パラッツォ)
Original game	Final Fantasy VI
Base ATK (LV100)	111 (High)
Base DEF (LV100)	110 (Low)
Run Speed	11.5 (Very Slow)
Dash Speed	81 (Below Average)
Fall Speed	67 (Fast)
Fall Speed Ratio After Dodge	13 (Fastest)
Fastest BRV
Fastest HP
1-Hit HP
HP Links
Command Block
Weapon	Instruments, Poles, Rods, Staves
Armor	Bangles, Clothing, Hats, Hairpins, Headbands, Ribbons, Robes
Exclusive weapons	Lamia's Flute, Nephilim Flute, Dancing Mad
Unlock
Alignment
Voice Actor (JP)
Voice Actor (ENG)

Strengths

Weaknesses

Damage - High attack stat, synergy with Side by Side , good damage multipliers on his staple braveries and combos ensure Kefka's damage output shines regardless of build. Range - If left unattended, Kefka can create presence anywhere in a stage, whether it's the gradually homing Waggly-Wobbly Firaga or Trine with infinite range. Mobility - One of the strongest Precision Jump users with it's speed and height. Fast fall speed makes air dodges significantly harder to punish. While dash speed is below average, it's more than enough to keep aggressive opponents occupied. Defensive play - Having ways to quickly create distance that is in service of his braveries, Kefka can dictate the pace of a match with reverse ground / air dashes. Momentum - In addition to damage, Kefka is in a great position to take advantage of any hits he gets by casting another Waggly-Wobbly Firaga, making it more difficult to challenge his defense. With Side by Side and LV2 Assist Change, Kefka can also retaliate with Havoc Wing, further cementing his advantage in meter economy. EX Mode - Casting two spells at once greatly amplifies his space control and damage output. Ultima comes out instantly.

Vulnerable to whiff punishment - Many of Kefka's bravery attacks have a long startup that can be punished with assist on reaction, or contested with a Free Air Dash. Despite having a great close range threat with the Scatter-Spray Blizzaga bravery, Kefka is still susceptible to counter attacks if it's dodged. Assist meter generation on whiff - Because Kefka does not have quick low commitment pokes, generating assist meter safely can be very difficult. EX generation on hit - Two of his staple braveries do not produce EX Force, often limiting his EX intake to EX cores, Extra-Crispy Firaga enders and occasional whiff punishes with Lickety-Split Thundagas. Reversing momentum - If the opponent is consistently intercepting Kefka's braveries with assist or offensive approaches, Kefka has to take big risks to stay alive. Small stages - By the same token, smaller stages like M.S. Prima Vista leave less room for Kefka to create space and cast spells safely.

Overview

Kefka is a defensive spellcaster who primarily operates at mid and long range to create opportunities to deal damage and stay safe.

By utilising reverse dashes, air dodges with great fall speed and Precision Jumps, Kefka can quickly create space to begin casting his signature Waggly-Wobbly Firaga bravery that pursues the opponent with fluctuating priorities. This creates an incentive for the opponent to engage with Kefka which sets up his bigger plays. In close range he can threaten with a mid priority Scatter-Spray Blizzaga, or harass distant opponents with Extra-Crispy Firaga, Lickety-Split Thundaga, Hyperdrive or Trine. All of these attacks can lead to assist combos, representing a threat regardless of Kefka's position.

Kefka's strengths are characterised by his eccentric projectile behavior, good defensive mobility and great damage potential. He possesses a high base attack stat and his staple braveries can inflict a lot of damage in a single assist combo. Dodge punishment is serviceable with Havoc Wing, but he doesn't rely on this to the extent that characters like Cloud, Zidane and Tidus do. While his base defense stat and grounded movement speed are well below average, his Precision Jumps are top class, his fall speed creates one of the safest air dodges in the game and his dash speed is sufficient for general purpose defensive maneuvers. Many of Kefka's spells occupy a good amount of space, making them more difficult to avoid in smaller areas.

Kefka's strenghts are well pronounced, but so are his weaknesses. Low EX Force generation on many of his attacks means he is more reliant on EX Cores and equipment to reach his devastating EX mode. One of his greatest weaknesses however, is being susceptible to whiff punishment. Majority of Kefka's attacks have a lengthy startup or low priority which makes them vulnerable to being countered by assists or Free Air Dash. This can create issues against aggressive opponents who can quickly close gaps and contest with fast braveries or assist meter such as Lightning or Onion Knight. Sephiroth's Shadow Flare is also notorious for applying pressure against Kefka's spellcasting. While Kefka can adapt well to small stages with his spells, opponent's movement speed remains a problem for him when it comes to taking risks.

Not having a quick low commitment bravery also creates another problem for Kefka - Assist meter economy. Despite having stellar defensive traits, he cannot quickly generate one of the game's most important resources with relatively little risk. Side by Side helps, but forgoes EX entirely. Even then, it limits Kefka's options for creating momentum when he's at a disadvantage. Turning these situations around often involves notable risk for Kefka.

Kefka has been rated as a high tier and a mid tier character in the game's competitive history. He thrives with momentum, but can also struggle a lot when it's not in his favor. Despite that, his defensive playstyle stands out in the roster and can reward dedicated players greatly.

Bravery Attacks

All of Kefka's bravery attacks have a ground and a midair version. Attack data is shared between both versions.

Scatter-Spray Blizzaga and Lickity-Split Thundaga have different damage multipliers when used during EX mode. These values are listed after the regular values and are highlighted in bold.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	5 x N, 25 (30+)	21F	Magical	Ranged Low	each 15 > 0
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Wall Rush	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Drop ground-hugging ice. Ice quickly spins while homing.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	5, 6 x 6 (41) / 5, 6 x 6, 6 x 6 (77)	13F (1st) > 71F (spray)	Magical	Ranged Mid (1st), Ranged Low (spray)	0
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	-	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Fire large ice chunks that stop in midair and break into smaller pieces.

One of Kefka's strongest bravery attacks that is commonly used in close range to fend off nearby opponents and convert into an assist combo (from Waggle-Wobbly Firaga). A Ranged Mid projectile at lightning speed that persists for over a second until it sends out several shards of ice at the opponent. Scatter-Spray Blizzaga will remain active with the mid priority until the ice shards come out, but blocking it can cause this projectile to send ice shards towards Kefka instead. Despite this Scatter-Spray Blizzaga represents a threat, as being staggered from blocking it can lead to an assist follow-up.

Both parts of Scatter-Spray Blizzaga inflict a fixed amount of hit stun. This can influence how the following low priority ice shards connect on the opponent. Hitting with Scatter-Spray from it's mid / max range combos lets the shards connect more consistently, while hitting with this in point blank range can result in multiple shards whiffing more frequently.

Due to it's higher priority and unreactable startup time, this is Kefka's primary attack when defending against aggressive opponents. However, if the opponent makes a good read on Kefka's timing when using this, he is left wide open for attacks. Assist can be used to intercept these punish attempts, though the mileage will vary depending on match-up and the situation at hand.

When used during EX Mode, the broken ice shards will pursue the opponent a second time. The later the shards connect at first, the easier it becomes for them to combo into itself again.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	each 15, up to 45	49F	Magical	Ranged Low	each 30
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Chase	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Shoot speedy fireball. Splits into 3 parts after firing.

One of Kefka's primary bravery attacks. The long startup and low priority makes it poor for long range combat, but it has decent reward on hit and synergises well with Scatter-Spray Blizzaga and Waggle-Wobbly Firaga after either bravery attack hits. Extra-Crispy Firaga is often used during assist combos to add damage and create chase loop scenarios to enforce HP damage.

Having faster startup compared to Waggle-Wobbly Firaga, Extra-Crispy Firaga can protect Kefka against assist whiff punish attempts with Auto Assist Lock On. This is one of the attack's key applications in the neutral and should be used sparingly to keep the opponent's on their toes.

The timing for whiff punishing this attack with an assist differs from Waggle-Wobbly - While both Firagas can be punished early, Extra-Crispy Firaga has a later cancel window after the initial projectile comes out. Calling the assist as the projectile comes out avoids getting the assist locked, but the timing is not very lenient.

Extra-Crispy Firaga inflicts two different hit stuns depending on which part of the projectile hits. If the initial projectile connects, it only causes brief hit stun that sends the opponent back. Once the projectiles have split into the three homing projectiles, each projectile can send the opponent upwards and it has enough hit stun to dodge cancel and follow up with an assist. After calling the assist, Kefka has enough time to cast another Waggle-Wobbly Firaga for a chase loop.

When done at a corner in point blank range or right above the opponent, the damage output of Extra-Crispy Firaga can double due to all three projectiles hitting twice instead of once. This is a great asset for Kefka in small stages with low ceiling such as Pandaemonium and Kefka's Tower and scales very well with damage builds.

Starts as ranged low priority, then transforms into a ranged mid priority projectile. After that, Waggle-Wobbly Firaga will repeat the low priority into mid priority once more before vanishing.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	3 x 7 (21)	59F	Magical	Ranged Low (small) > Ranged Mid (big)	0
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	-	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Shoot slow fireball. Tenacious homing.

A cornerstone of Kefka's pressure. In most match-ups against close-range characters, this is what players should seek to cast or set up after attacks to make engaging with Kefka more difficult. Because of it's Ranged Mid priority and the ability to blindside opponents with it's zig-zag style travelling arc, this projectile can greatly interfere with their approach.

Two Waggle-Wobbly Firagas can pursue the opponent on the stage simultaneously. If a third one is cast, the first one usually vanishes due to reaching it's maximum duration. However, if one Waggle-Wobbly Firaga hits the opponent, a third Firaga can be casted, and the first one that hit the opponent will operate without interference.

When Waggle-Wobbly Firaga hits, it will hold the opponent in place for a good second before it stops inflicting damage. During this time following up with assist, braveries or HPs is very practical and is one of Kefka's primary ways to land HP attacks without assist. No knockback occurs at the end, providing only a brief window for follow-ups in the air and more notably, landing lag abuse on the ground.

As it takes over a second for the mid priority to become active, it is important to ensure Kefka can perform this attack without being interrupted. Use multiple air jumps in conjunction with Precision Jumps to ascend to a large stage's ceiling within a couple seconds. Reverse Free Air Dash is a great general purpose movement option against any character who has to approach Kefka such as Vaan, Cloud and Prishe. The safest moments to use Waggle-Wobbly Firaga are usually after an assist or an HP attack, when the opponent has whiffed an attack that must be dodge cancelled and when the opponent cannot reach Kefka with their own attack.

Because the defensive movement (jumps moreso) usually puts Kefka well above the opponent and out of their line of sight for in-game camera, it is possible to take advantage of it. Waggle-Wobbly Firaga doesn't have a strong audio cue to signal it's start-up, but it is possible to mask it a little by performing a dash first and then quickly inputting the attack while Kefka's yell from dash's startup still plays.

During EX Mode, one Waggle-Wobbly Firaga will cast two projectiles instead. The attack data remains the same, but naturally the existence of another projectile creates stronger screen presence and reward on hit.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	each (15) / (10, EX mode)	35F	Magical	Ranged Low	each 30 / 21 (EX mode)
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Chase	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Call down lightning bolts. Farther away, the larger the bolt.

A series of lightning bolts quickly advancing towards the opponent in a mostly straight line. A relatively fast long range punish move, useful for whiff punishment. The vertical tracking is very lackluster, but it is good on the ground and it has enough hit stun to combo into an assist after a dodge cancel or an instant empty chase. This requires a bit of practice and anticipation, but it is a serviceable bravery regardless.

During EX Mode, Kefka will fire another series of bolts after the first one that goes even further. Dodge cancel is possible after the first set of projectiles, making potential assist conversions a bit easier to visually confirm.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	each (10)	65F	Magical	Ranged Low	each 15
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Chase	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Surround foe w/lightning. Press button to call more bolts.

Gradually spawning lightning bolts that can combo into assist with an instant empty chase. While this is good, Zap-Trap Thundaga's minimal bravery damage output, low priority and slow startup make it difficult to justify over other braveries.

Kefka can dodge cancel after the first bolts have been summoned.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	each 15, up to 75	35F (first appearence)	Magical	Ranged Low	each 30
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Chase	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Rain fire from the skies that ricochets and flies at foe.

Five fireballs descend, surrounding the opponent before homing in at them. Due to it's long startup, low priority, lackluster area of effect midair and low reward on hit without assist, Meteor is often outclassed by his other braveries. While it occupies a decent amount of space, it does not represent a consistent threat against dashes or dodges, nor does it protect Kefka if he casts it from afar.

If performed in the air, the fireballs will descend for a long time until they reach the ground. This further limits Meteor's viability and is often better used in small stages or near the ground.

Each homing projectile sends the opponent upwards and they can combo into assist and other attacks on hit. This is easier said than done however, as the slow startup and low priority make it difficult to connect with Meteor against moving opponents. Visually confirming Meteor on hit can be difficult in neutral situations, but assist combos provide much needed leeway for additional follow-ups. Both Waggle-Wobbly Firaga and being positioned above the opponent are a big help

During EX Mode, Meteor can be used midair with no reliance on ground at all as the projectiles will halt their descent after a moment before pursuing the opponent. In a way, it functions as if it is performed in the ground.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	15, 25	33F > 89F / 1F > 33F (EX mode)	Magical	Ranged Mid	30 > 0
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Wall Rush	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Cast the ultimate(?) spell. Causes huge blast...eventually.

Covers space in front of Kefka with a small projectile and then a wide aoe blast that wall rushes. Ultima is not often used due to it's low reward on hit without walls compared to his other braveries that perform similiar roles with almost equally long casting times. It can perform better in small stages such as in M.S. Prima Vista and Phantom Train, where it can occupy more space with an increased likelyhood for wall rush.

When used during EX Mode, Ultima becomes active on frame 1, making this the fastest bravery attack in the game. It is therefore on par with block's startup, and because of it's Ranged Mid priority, it quickly stagger opponents trying to guard against it.

HP Attacks

All of Kefka's HP attacks have a ground and a midair version, except Hyperdrive. Attack data is shared between both versions. Hyperdrive is only available on the ground.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	-	51F	-	Melee High	0
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Wall Rush	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Attack with wings. Quick approach, useful vs. any height.

A staple HP attack in Kefka's repertoire. Strong vertical tracking and the hitbox stays active for a good while, making whiff punishing this attack from Kefka's front quite difficult. Commonly used after blocking, connecting with Waggle-Wobbly Firaga or at the end of an assist combo.

Because of it's tracking, Havoc Wing can be used after staggering an opponent with a level 2 assist change. This is great for Side by Side builds, but also in checkmate situations where Kefka can finish the opponent off with the next HP attack.

Even so, this leaves Kefka vulnerable from behind for a good moment, so exercise caution when using this.

Havoc Wing has no known effects during EX Mode.

Ground only.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	-	63F, 91F, 143F (hitbox 3F after button release)	-	Unblockable	60
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	-	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Launch a column of flame along ground. Range depends on length of button hold.

A homing wave projectile. Holding the button increases Hyperdrive's range to travel across large distances and it can combo into assist on hit when charged. Once Hyperdrive goes off it travels very quickly, making it good for dodge punishes. Approaching Kefka safely can become difficult if he has time to charge this HP attack, but it is not very effective against characters who can fight comfortably high above the ground.

While it has good tracking, a blindspot exists right above Kefka's head.

When used during EX Mode, Hyperdrive will stop during traversal to realign it's tracking against the opponent, which can cover Kefka's vertical blindspot. The realignment can happen earlier if Hyperdrive has only been charged a little bit. Activating EX Mode during the startup will automatically change Hyperdrive to it's EX mode version. Can be useful in match-ups like Jecht.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	-	73F	-	Ranged High	each 21
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	-	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Triangular spell appears in the air and attacks from 3 directions.

Kefka spawns three homing projectiles around the opponent. It can combo into assist on hit, but one of it's greatest strengths is it's infinite range. Because of this, Trine can not only convert off of stray Waggle-Wobbly Firagas, but also harass opponents going for an EX core, even when used behind walls or across the stage. Opponents must pay attention to when Kefka performs this HP attack, because dashing towards an EX core can result in making contact with it instead.

During EX Mode, Kefka will cast Trine twice in quick succession.

	Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
	-	89F	-	Ranged High	0
	Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	Wall Rush	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Mobile sigil fires on foe. Hold button for homing.

A sigil slowly homes in the opponent and rains singular spheres below the opponent. Because of it's egregious slow startup, homing and firing rate with no standout traits, Forsaken Null is often outclassed by Kefka's other HP attacks. It does not cover range as effectively as Trine, nor does it support his close range interactions like Havoc Wing does. If it hits however, it can wall rush. Hitting a grounded opponent can still wall rush on the ground even with Auto Recovery equipped.

During EX Mode, Forsaken Null will fire an additional projectile upwards, increasing it's potential range. Unfortunately it still remains fairly easy to dodge.

EX Mode: Power of Destruction!

Effects:

• Regen
• Critical Boost
• Glide
• Exhilarating Magic

Glide

[Activate by holding x in midair] Increases the magus power within to move freely through the air.

Exhilarating Magic

[Always active while in EX Mode] All spells become more chaotic - multiple projectiles, magic rebounds, and other unpredictable effects.

EX Burst: Light of Judgment

A light comes from the heavens, cleansiing all in its wake. Memorize the commands that display then enter them in order.

Damage multiplier (initial)	Damage multiplier (rest)	Type
8, 4, 4, 4 (20)	10 x 8 (80) (100 total)	Magical

Builds

Kefka usually runs with Waggly-Wobbly Firaga, Scatter-Spray Blizzaga and Extra-Crispy Firaga braveries in the air.

Stats
HP	10299
CP	450
BRV	917
ATK	180
DEF	183
LUK	60
Max Booster	x7.4

Special Effect: Seal of Lufenia

Equipment
Assist	Kuja
Weapon	Dancing Mad
Hand	Lufenian Dirk
Head	Lufenian Headband
Body	Lufenian Vest
Accessory 1	Hyper Ring
Accessory 2	Earring
Accessory 3	Battle Hammer
Accessory 4	Large Gap in HP
Accessory 5	BRV > Base Value
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 7	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 8	Aerial
Accessory 9	Opponent HP < 50 %
Accessory 10	Tenacious Attacker
Summon	Rubicante

Use CP glitch for Lufenian Dirk and Lufenian Vest.

A standard fare damage oriented build with EX intake enabled.

Stats
HP
CP
BRV
ATK
DEF
LUK
Max Booster

Special Effect:

Equipment
Assist
Weapon
Hand
Head
Body
Accessory 1
Accessory 2
Accessory 3
Accessory 4
Accessory 5
Accessory 6
Accessory 7
Accessory 8
Accessory 9
Accessory 10
Summon

Assist

Kefka's assist data.

Type	Attack	Startup	Position	Spawn	Damage multiplier	Effects
BRV	Meteor	35F	Ground	Player	15 each (up to 75)	Chase
BRV	Extra-Crispy Firaga	49F	Air	Opponent	15 each (up to 45)	Chase
HP	Hyperdrive	143F	Ground	Opponent	-	Chase
HP	Havoc Wing	51F	Air	Opponent	-	Wall Rush

Overview

Kefka does not have strong synergy with most tournament viable assists. Instead much of his performance can be attributed to the Kuja assist and to a lesser extent, Jecht assist.

Being able to convert off stray hits even from a distance is pretty important for Kefka. Other assists such as Sephiroth, Yuna and Exdeath make compromises in startup speed and follow-ups. Both Kuja and Jecht offer most in terms of conversion ability, damage output and setup potential.

Kefka's strongest assist with highest consistency. Air BRV assist Strike Energy has great synergy with Kefka's staple braveries anywhere in the stage. Easiest to setup Kefka's Waggly-Wobbly Firaga > Extra-Crispy Firaga chase loop off of any hit, but can also create more space and setup an additional Waggly-Wobbly Firaga with Trine. It even sets up double damage for Extra-Crispy Firaga in a corner. If Kefka is in close range, he can Trine after Kuja assist and go for Scatter-Spray Blizzaga for guaranteed critical hits to really shred through bravery.

Faster ground assist and good holding potential overall, but often requires ground to optimise air BRV assist combos. What Jecht assist loses in consistent damage regardless of position, he makes up for it with setups. Comboing a Meteor into Waggly-Wobbly Firaga is one such example.

He works well after Hyperdrive HP as well and of course, can setup other ground adjacent follow-ups afterwards.

The Waggly-Wobbly Firaga > Extra-Crispy Firaga chase loop is possible with Jecht assist as well, but is known to be more difficult as it requires positioning pretty close to the opponent.