Info

Name	Cecil Harvey (セシル・ハーヴィ)
Original game	Final Fantasy IV
Base ATK (LV100)	109 (Low / +2 as Dark Knight, High)
Base DEF (LV100)	111 (Average / +2 as Paladin, Very High)
Run Speed	9 (Dark Knight, Slow) / 5 (Paladin, Above Average)
Dash Speed	81 (Dark Knight, Below Average) / 77 (Paladin, Average / Good)
Fall Speed	81 (Dark Knight, Average) / 89 (Paladin, Below Average)
Fall Speed Ratio After Dodge	39 (Dark Knight, Average) / 40 (Paladin, Average)
Fastest BRV
Fastest HP
1-Hit HP
HP Links
Command Block
Weapon	Axes, Greatswords, Swords
Armor	Gauntlets, Heavy Armor, Helms, Light Armor, Shields
Exclusive weapons	Dark Sword, Mythgraven Blade, Lustrous Sword, Lightbringer, Cimmerian Edge
Unlock
Alignment
Voice Actor (JP)
Voice Actor (ENG)

Strengths	Weaknesses

Overview

Cecil Harvey is a close / mid-range character who functions with two different movesets - Dark Knight and Paladin. Due to the risky nature of changing jobs and their distinct strengths, it is often recommended to focus on one job over the other. Cecil can whiff punish effectively from a variety of angles, has decent assist synergy and bravery damage output.

However he struggles to generate assist meter on whiff due to long start-ups, animation length and late cancel opportunities. EX generation is good for Paladin, but weaker in Dark Knight. With less than ideal speed and tracking, limited effective angles, difficulties staying safe and keeping up in meter economy, Cecil often takes relatively high risks for a lower return.

His arguably safer repertoire is restricted to ground (Dark Knight), which also does not often force his opponents to play into his strengths.

Cecil has been primarily a bottom tier character, with some hope for low tier status. Temper your expectations and you may discover a fun character for yourself.

Build styles:

Side by Side (Dark Knight)
EX (Paladin)

Bravery Attacks

Ground (Dark Knight)


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
10, 10, 20 (40)	15F	Physical	Melee Low	30
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Jab foe with blade. Can send foe flying.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
1 x 4, 2 x 4, 3 (15)	41F	Magical	Ranged Low (forward), Ranged Mid (backward)	each 3
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Block (Ranged Low)	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Draw foe with projectile. Good start for other combos.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
8, 7 x 6 (50)	35F	Physical	Melee High (close), Ranged Low (far)	~20
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Throw weapon. Major damage if lands near opponent.

Ground (Paladin)


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
10, 10 (20)	23F	Physical	Melee Low	90
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Chase	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Hit foe upwards. Slow, but very accurate strike.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
3, 3, 5, 4, 4, 11 (30)	43F	Physical	Melee Mid (first half), Melee Low (second half)	90
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Chase, Block (Ranged Low)	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Charge, then leap. Good start for midair attacks.

Contrary to what the description says in the game, it is not a good start for midair attacks. The slow startup time makes it impractical against vigilant players and chase limits viable assist combo conversions.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
5, 10, 1 x 2, 10 (27)	23F	Physical	Melee Low	90
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Chase, job change	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Change job to Dark Knight during combo.

Aerial (Dark Knight)


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
7, 2 x 4 (15)	37F	Magical	Ranged Low	0
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall Rush	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Fire off gravity ball. Good start for ground attacks.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
1 each, 24 (25+)	37F	Physical	Melee Low (falling), Ranged Mid (landing)	60+
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Chase	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] High-speed dive. Useful for quick descents.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
7, 2 x 4, 3 x 5 (30)	37F	Magical	Ranged Low	0
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Job change	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Change job to Paladin during combo.

Aerial (Paladin)


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
3, 3, 7, 6, 6, 6, 9 (40)	19F	Physical	Melee Low	30
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
3 x 5, 5, 10 (30)	21F	Physical	Melee Low	90
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Chase	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
3 x 5 (15)	95F	Magical	Ranged Low	0
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
-	20 (10)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

HP Attacks

Ground


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
4, 2 x 5, 6 (20)	39F	Physical	Melee High	30
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	30 (15)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Stab fore and devour his soul. Limited height, quick strike.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
-	53F	-	Ranged High	0
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	30 (15)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Summon dark fire. Slow speed, strong homing.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
10, 10 (20)	13F	Physical	Melee High	30
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush, Dark Knight BRV damage +3%, Paladin BRV damage -3%	30 (15)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Ultra-close] Dark sword slash. Dark Knight BRV damage +3%, Paladin BRV damage -3%.

Equipping Shadow Bringer will lock you out equipping the aerial Luminous Shard HP for the Paladin job.

Aerial


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
1 x 3, 2, 1 x 2, 3 (10)	53F	Physical	Melee High	30
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	30 (15)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Focus light and charge. From afar, good vs. any height.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
2 x 5, 5 (15)	43F	Both	Ranged High (first hit), Melee High (other hits)	30
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Wall rush	30 (15)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Holy sword magic. Effective against any height.


Damage multiplier	Startup frame	Type	Priority	EX Force
-	63F	-	Ranged High	60
Effects	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
Paladin BRV damage +3%, Dark Knight BRV damage -3%	30 (15)
Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Shoot light projectiles. Paladin BRV damage +3%. Dark Knight BRV damage -3%.

Equipping Luminous Shard will lock you out equipping the grounded Shadow Bringer HP for the Dark Knight job.

EX Mode: Job Augment!

Effects:

Regen
Critical Boost
Proteus
Inner Strength

Proteus

[Activate with R + Square] Bridles light and darkness to instantly change jobs without attacking.

Inner Strength

[Always active while in EX Mode] Each attack is 1.5 times as powerful.

EX Burst: Face Shift

A chain of attacks combining the power of light and darkness. Enter the commands that appear on both sides of the screen at the same time.

Damage multiplier (initial)	Damage multiplier (rest)	Type
6, 9 (15, DK)	15 (PA), 25 (DK), 7 x 2 (DK), 30 (PA) (99 total)	Both

About the Job System

Cecil has two jobs, but only has access to one of them at a time. To change jobs, either use Paladin Arts or Dark Step braveries, or grounded HP attack to access Dark Knight or aerial HP to access Paladin.

Jobs can be changed freely outside of attack animations during EX mode by pressing R+Square. This means Cecil often makes himself vulnerable in order to change movesets, making this adjustment rather risky for Cecil. Not only that, equipping Shadow Bringer or Luminous Shard HP attack locks Cecil out of equipping the other HP, further incentivising into dedicated Dark Knight or Paladin play.

Cecil ALWAYS starts a fight in Dark Knight form, meaning Paladin-focused players will have to perform an HP attack as soon as the match starts, or bide their time in Dark Knight form until they have an opportunity to change forms without being punished.

Combos

Solo

Dark Knight

Dark Cannon is Cecil's only grounded solo combo starter. It cannot combo into Dark Flame or another Dark Cannon.

The projectiles travel in a forward-back motion, but the damage output fluctuates a lot with range. Once the projectiles have reached their max range, their damage multiplier (1x4) will become stronger (2x4, 3) and return to Cecil. This latter portion of the attack is often more practical, but because the projectiles don't have excessive hitboxes or much vertical tracaking, Dark Cannon will realistically land at least four hits (2x3, 3) on it's way back. Please keep this in mind when referencing damage tables for combos involving Dark Cannon.

Combo	Damage	EX Force	Notes	Video
Dark Cannon > Valiant Blow	49+ WR (2x3, 3, 10, 10, 20)	42+ 3, 3, 3, 3, 30	Basic bravery combo with high damaging wall rush ender.	video
Dark Cannon > Shadow Lance	59+ WR (2x3, 3, 8, 7x6 + WR)	32 (3, 3, 3, 3, ~20)	Basic bravery combo with an even more damaging wall rush ender.	video
Dark Cannon > Soul Eater	32 + HP WR (2x3, 3, 4, 2x5, 6 + HP WR)	42 (3, 3, 3, 3, 30)	Basic HP combo with wall rush potential. Not prioritized unless Cecil doesn't have Shadow Bringer, which outclasses Soul Eater in a couple areas.
Dark Cannon > Shadow Bringer	32 + HP WR (2x3, 3, 10, 10 + HP WR)	42 (3, 3, 3, 3, 30)	Basic HP combo with better wall rush potential. Shadow Bringer has better frame data and superior knockback for wall rush, outperforming Soul Eater.	video

Paladin

Cecil's combo game expands considerably with Slash and Searchlight, moreso the latter. While Slash provides a few self-sufficient solo combos for just the Paladin job, Searchlight also supports Dark Knight followups in and out of EX mode.

Similiar to Dark Cannon, Searchlight allows Cecil to combo into Paladin HP attacks. Because these combos don't rely on ground, players may find more opportunities to do them.

Combo	Damage	EX Force	Notes	Video
Slash > Free Air Dash > Radiant Wings	60 + WR (10, 10, 3, 3, 7, 6, 6, 6, 9 + WR)	120 90, 30	Ground combo into a wall rush. Cancel Slash's recovery into Free Air Dash and close the gap to follow up with Radiant Wings.	video
Slash > Free Air Dash > Sacred Cross	50 (10, 10, 3x5, 5, 10)	180 (90, 90)	Ground combo with higher EX generation.	video

- Paladin Arts into air bravery or Paladin Force - Searchlight into Paladin Force, Saint's Fall and most braveries, except Searchlight itself - Searchlight, dodge cancel, change Jobs (during EX mode) then use Paladin Arts - Slash (Paladin) -> cancel into Free Air Dash -> Radiant Wings or Sacred Cross - Slash (Paladin) -> Paladin Force (requires wall / corner to reduce knockback distance)

Assist

Dark Knight

Cecil can convert off of wall rush, first part of a bravery attack or by initiating chase. Dark Knight primarily converts off of the first two, while Paladin can also convert off of chase.

Note that Dark Flame can wall rush in stages with low ceiling such Pandaemonium - Top Floor and M.S. Prima Vista!

1) Valiant Blow (1st part) - Jecht - Dark Cannon - Valiant Blow / Shadow Lance / Shadow Bringer / Soul Eater

2) Shadow Lance / HP (wall rush) - Jecht - Dark Cannon - Valiant Blow / Shadow Lance / Shadow Bringer / Soul Eater 3) Shadow Lance / HP (wall rush) - Jecht - Paladin Arts - Radiant Wings / Sacred Cross / Paladin Force 4) Gravity Ball (wall rush) - Jecht - dodge cancel forward - Paladin Arts - dodge cancel - Paladin Force 5) Gravity Ball (wall rush) - Jecht - ground dash - Dark Flame

6) Paladin Arts (dark sphere) - Jecht - Dark Cannon - Valiant Blow / Shadow Lance / Shadow Bringer / Soul Eater

The same principles apply as with Jecht assist, except ground wall rush off of Gravity Ball requires a wall for follow-ups. Yuna holds for a shorter amount of time as well.

1) Valiant Blow (1st part) - Yuna - Dark Cannon - BRV / HP 2) Shadow Lance / HP (wall rush) - ground dash if at a distance - Dark Cannon - BRV / HP

3) Valiant Blow / HP (wall rush) - ground dash if at a distance - jump - Paladin Arts - dodge cancel - BRV / HP

Due to the assist's knockback, ending combos in Paladin Force is often most reliable. Shadow Bringer can help in safely transitioning back to Dark Knight, however.

1) Valiant Blow 2nd part + Assist call upon inputting 2nd part - assist teleport - Paladin Force 2) Valiant Blow 2nd part + Assist call upon inputting 2nd part - lock off - assist teleport - turn around to face opponent - Paladin Arts - BRV / HP 3) Shadow Bringer - Assist call after second hit of Shadow Bringer - assist teleport - Paladin Force

4) Valiant Blow / Shadow Lance / HP (wall rush) - Sephiroth - Paladin Force

Paladin

Empty chase = chase that has been initiated, but no further action is performed during chase

Chase sequences allow Cecil to trap the opponent inside Aerith's Seal Evil or brute force an HP attack. What Cecil loses in EX depletion on assist hit, he makes up for it with opportunities to rack up bravery or land an HP attack.

1) Sacred Cross - Assist call - initiate chase - chase HP - if opponent dodged chase HP, Luminous Shard (HP) or Searchlight into Radiant Wings, Sacred Cross or Paladin Force. 2) Radiant Wings (wall rush) - Aerith - dodge cancel - Searchlight - land on ground and approach - Slash - Free Air Dash cancel and dash for a split second - Radiant Wings or Sacred Cross 3) Paladin Force / Saint's Fall (wall rush) - Searchlight - land on ground and approach - Slash - Free Air Dash cancel and dash for a split second - Radiant Wings or Sacred Cross 4) Lightning Rise - Assist call - initiate chase - chase HP - if opponent dodged chase HP, Luminous Shard (HP) or Searchlight into Radiant Wings, Sacred Cross or Paladin Force. 5) Lightning Rise - Assist call - empty chase when Aerith's Seal Evil is about to activate - BRV / HP

6) Dark Step (near wall) - Assist call - empty chase when Aerith's Seal Evil is about to activate - BRV / HP

1) Searchlight - Tidus (air) - BRV / HP

2) Radiant Wings (1st part) - Tidus (air) - BRV / HP 3) Radiant Wings (wall rush) - Tidus (ground) - dodge cancel - Searchlight - land on ground and approach - Slash - Free Air Dash cancel and dash for a split second - Radiant Wings or Sacred Cross 4) Sacred Cross (near wall) - Assist call - empty chase - BRV / Paladin Force 5) Sacred Cross (above opponent on the ground) - empty chase - Tidus (ground) - Free Air Dash - Searchlight - land on ground and approach 6) Slash - Free Air Dash cancel and dash for a split second - Radiant Wings or Sacred Cross

7) Dark Step (1st part) - Tidus - BRV / HP

1) Searchlight - Yuna (air) - Free Air Dash if at a distance - BRV / HP

2) Radiant Wings (1st part) - Yuna (air) - BRV / HP 3) Radiant Wings (right before wall rush) - Yuna (air) - BRV / HP. Being closer to ground makes Yuna more likely to connect. 4) Sacred Cross (near wall) - Assist call - empty chase - BRV / Paladin Force 5) Dark Step (1st part, near wall) - Yuna (air) - BRV / HP 6) Paladin Force (after BRV damage, but before HP hit) - Yuna (air) - Sacred Cross (if far from ground) / Paladin Force (if close to ground)

Builds

Stats
HP	9883
CP	450
BRV	1623
ATK	176
DEF	182
LUK	61
Max Booster	x3.8

**Special Effect**: None
Equipment
Assist	Jecht / Sephiroth / Yuna
Weapon	Piggy's Stick
Hand	Chainsaw
Head	Thornlet
Body	Maximillian
Accessory 1	Sniper Eye
Accessory 2	Dismay Shock
Accessory 3	Battle Hammer
Accessory 4	BRV = 0
Accessory 5	Empty EX Gauge
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 7	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 8	Blue Gem
Accessory 9	Miracle Shoes
Accessory 10	Side by Side
Summon	Rubicante

Use the CP glitch with Equip Machines and Bard's Gear.

Blue Gem and Miracle Shoes can be substituted with Together as One, Hero's Seal or Back-Breaking Straw (to offset Thornlet penalties).

Boosters "Grounded" and "BRV = 0" can enhance HP wall rush damage with a higher multiplier at the cost of lower base bravery.

Stats
HP	10299
CP	450
BRV	956 (1147 with First to Victory)
ATK	178
DEF	183
LUK	60
Max Booster	x3.0

**Special Effect**: Judgment of Lufenia
Equipment
Assist	Kuja / Aerith
Weapon	Cleaver
Hand	Lufenian Shield
Head	Lufenian Helm
Body	Lufenian Armor
Accessory 1	Hyper Ring
Accessory 2	Muscle Belt
Accessory 3	Dismay Shock
Accessory 4	Summon Unused
Accessory 5	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 7	Opponent Summon Unused
Accessory 8	White Gem
Accessory 9	Tenacious Attacker
Accessory 10	First to Victory
Summon	Rubicante

Use the CP glitch with Ranger's Gear.

"Muscle Belt" basic accessory and "Opponent Summon Unused" booster can be substituted with what the player wants more.

Tenacious Attacker is not essential if Aerith assist is used. Hero's Essence can be used for additional Extra Abilities (critical hit rate). Winged Boots is good for banish trap stages.

Assists

Cecil's assist data

Type	Attack	Startup	Position	Spawn	Damage multiplier	Effects
BRV	Shadow Lance	35F	Ground	Opponent	8, 7 x 6 (up to 50)	Wall Rush
BRV	Radiant Wings	19F	Air	Opponent	3, 3, 7, 6, 6, 9	Wall Rush
HP	Soul Eater	39F	Ground	Opponent	4, 2 x 5, 6 (20)	Wall Rush
HP	Saint's Fall	53F	Air	Opponent	1 x 3, 2, 1 x 2, 3 (10)	Wall Rush

Dark Knight Assists

Fast whiff punishes, converts off of Cecil's key moves and wall rush, sets up solo combos and lets him transition into Dark Knight from Paladin on hit as part of a combo.

Whiff punishes and more notably, easy knockback cancels. With assist meter, Cecil won't have to rely on wall rushes for assist conversions.

Ranged Low priority that isn't staggered by LV2 Assist Change, converts off of key moves, wall rush and often works within Cecil's effective range in smaller stages.

Paladin Assists

Lets Cecil combo Sacred Cross into an HP by initiating a chase at the cost of no EX depletion on hit. As such, can set up solo combos anywhere. Combos safely into Luminous Shard without being staggered by LV2 Assist Change.

Fastest whiff punisher in the air with less air combo potential, but ground assist can wall rush on the ground for extended solo combos.

Air conversions have restrictions, but doesn't stagger from LV2 Assist Change. Works well when playing near the ground.