The Emperor (Dissidia 012)/Builds

The Emperor

General	Starter Guide	Combos	Strategy	Frame Data
Matchups	Builds	Match Videos	Gallery	Resources

Overview

The Emperor works well with various builds. He can use EX as an inevitable factor or invest into bravery damage. Side by Side is also very effective for a couple reasons; The Emperor commonly lands HP attacks without assist, so he benefits from the assist gain effect every time it happens. It also lets The Emperor get assist gauge consistently with subsequent Starfalls once the first Starfall has been cast. This leads to the infamous with Jecht assist, and serves as a powerful win condition.

Because of this, Side by Side builds are very powerful for The Emperor. However, his synergy with other build styles leave room for player expression without compromising his other strengths.

Tips

Lock Off Thunder Crest

Thunder Crest may be set to down + Circle in most builds. However, aspiring Emperor players can assign Thunder Crest to just Circle instead. This lets The Emperor lock off and cast Thunder Crest in any direction he faces, instead of only towards opponent. This has the added benefit of dodging into the Thunder Crest afterwards, which makes The Emperor even harder to hit safely.

Auto Assist Lock On

The support ability Auto Assist Lock On makes it easier to Assist Lock the opponent's assist automatically. This ability is useful for many characters, and it remains true for The Emperor. For example: If the opponent tries to assist punish The Emperor's Flare (midair) early, Flare gets sent to the assist instead. It puts more responsibility on the opponent to play with proper timing, which can cause more mistakes for them.

Pre-Jump Booster

The Emperor can use Starfall (ground) to become airborne quickly. This lets him take advantage of Pre-Jump , a strong 1.4x accessory booster. The Emperor already uses dashes and dodges to move around, so leaning into this style of movement can enhance basic accessories even further. Damage and meter depletion both benefit from this.

Hybrid (EX)

Stats
HP	10299
CP	450
BRV	877
ATK	178
DEF	187
LUK	60
Max Booster	x2.7

Special Effect: Adamant Chains

Equipment
Assist	Jecht
Weapon	Mateus Malice
Hand	Adamant Shield (Knight's Gear)
Head	Adamant Helm (Infantry Gear)
Body	Adamant Vest (Cavalier's Gear)
Accessory 1	Hyper Ring
Accessory 2	Earring
Accessory 3	Dismay Shock
Accessory 4	Large Gap in HP
Accessory 5	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 7	White Gem
Accessory 8	Tenacious Attacker
Accessory 9	Glutton
Accessory 10	First to Victory
Summon

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Landmine	Mine
↑+ Bombard	↑+ Dynamite
↓+ Thunder Crest	↓+ Light Crest
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Flare	Flare
	↑+ Starfall
↓+ Dreary Cell	↓+ Dreary Cell

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of Equip Glitch. The total Capacity Point cost assumes the equip glitch is done.

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Omni Air Dash
Omni Ground Dash+
Free Air Dash Boost
Speed Boost++
Jump Boost++
Jump Times Boost++
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Auto Assist Lock On

Extra
Counterattack
Sneak Attack
Disable Counterattack
EXP to HP

CP
445 / 450

Build Overview

This is a balanced build keeps both Assist and EX mechanics available, increases BRV damage and makes air dodges safer. EX intake is made stronger with Mateus Malice exclusive and several special accessories. Increased EX intake range from the weapon means The Emperor grabs EX Force consistently with Tenacious Attacker and Glutton . White Gem simply enhances whatever EX The Emperor gets.

The Adamant Chains special effect increases air dodge distance, which makes air dodges safer to use. The Emperor can use this to create more distance with Starfall (tap) > air dodge, making it harder for opponents to hit him. If he dodges an attack, he also gets a little bit of bravery due to Bravery Boost on Dodge effect that's bundled with Adamant Chains. All this should make it a little easier to fight in neutral and get more reward from attacks with minimal drawbacks.

This build deviates from competitive norms in two ways. Assist gauge depletion is not on this build, as The Emperor often hits with attacks that ignore LV2 Assist Change or deal HP damage immediately in neutral. The Emperor also has Omni Air Dash, because it is expected for the opponents to approach him. It helps him maneuver around the stage more safely and set up traps when appropriate. If The Emperor needs Free Air Dash to approach, that can be easily adjusted in the build.

Adjustments

5 Capacity Points are available, which is just enough for Precision Jump or Gambler's Spirit. Omni Air Dash is used for general aerial movement. He does not need to approach the opponent as often as melee characters do, so being able to move around quickly in the air makes it easier to run away and set up traps anywhere.

If Omni Air Dash is changed to Free Air Dash, the Jump abilities may be removed at the player's discretion. That opens up several more abilities, including Starfall (ground).

What about the Jump boost abilities?

The Emperor often uses air dodges to move vertically, which is further supported by the Adamant Chains special effect. With that said, Jump Times Boost++ and Jump Boost++ allow The Emperor to ascend more safely. Air dodges remove any remaining air jumps, and must be refreshed with Quickmoves, Chase or landing on the ground. So if The Emperor insists on air dodging a lot, it may be better to remove Jump Boost++ and Jump Times Boost++.

Speed Boost++ (+30)

Movement speed is nice for The Emperor, but not mandatory. It does not affect dash speed, only movement speed on the ground and midair.

Jump Boost++ (+30)

If Omni Air Dash is removed, this can also be removed at the player's discretion.

Jump Times Boost++ (+30)

If Omni Air Dash is removed, this can also be removed at the player's discretion.

If all of these boosts are removed, it frees up 90 Capacity Points. These can be invested towards critical hit rate for damage (e.g. Counterattack, Sneak Attack, Back to the Wall), Starfall (ground) or anything else The Emperor wants.

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Omni Air Dash	Free Air Dash	If The Emperor wants to approach aerial opponents above him, Free Air Dash gets the job done.
First to Victory	Battle Hammer	Assist depletion is strong for momentum. Another notable benefit is securing a wall rush assist conversions from Flare (midair) without getting Assist Locked from LV2 Assist Change. The Emperor is expected to connect Thunder Crest and Dreary Cell, which bypass LV2 Assist Change, and hit other HPs in neutral. So not having assist gauge depletion is not as much of a detriment to The Emperor, even though it is still very good to have.

Side by Side + HP Heal

Stats
HP	10172
CP	450
BRV	1157
ATK	177
DEF	186
LUK	61
Max Booster	x2.1

Special Effect: Succubus' Soul

Equipment
Assist	Yuna
Weapon	Blood Sword (Peltast's Gear)
Hand	Sanguine Shield (Knight's Gear)
Head	Blood Helm (Infantry Gear)
Body	Blood Armor (Cavalier's Gear)
Accessory 1	Earring
Accessory 2	Bravery Orb
Accessory 3	Dismay Shock
Accessory 4	Battle Hammer
Accessory 5	A Comrade's Vow
Accessory 6	Empty EX Gauge
Accessory 7	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 8	Blue Gem
Accessory 9	Miracle Shoes
Accessory 10	Side by Side
Summon	None

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Landmine	Mine
↑+ Bombard	↑+ Dynamite
↓+ Thunder Crest	↓+ Light Crest
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Flare	Flare
↑+ Starfall	↑+ Starfall
↓+ Dreary Cell	↓+ Dreary Cell

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of Equip Glitch. The total Capacity Point cost assumes the equip glitch is done.

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Free Air Dash
Omni Ground Dash
Free Air Dash Boost
Assist Gauge Up Dash
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Auto Assist Lock On

Extra
Precision Evasion
Disable Counterattack
EXP to HP
Master Protector

CP
400 / 450

Build Overview

Side by Side builds often focus on damage. Instead, this build leans into assist gain with HP hits and provides more healing power with Succubus Soul special effect. It is recommended for players who want longevity in a match. The Succubus Soul effect restores health by 20 % of HP damage dealt, so it's kind of like a budget Blood Magic. EXP to HP works alongside Succubus Soul and A Comrade's Vow fills assist gauge a little bit whenever he takes bravery damage. It can save The Emperor in a pinch if he was close to a full gauge.

Adjustments

50 Capacity Points are available. These can be put towards critical hit rate (Counterattack, Sneak Attack, Back to the Wall), Achy+, Multi Air Slide (air mobility) or anything else The Emperor wants.

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Master Protector	Master Guardsman	Master Protector adds 100 base BRV for damage. Master Guardsman increases max HP by 1000, so this is worth considering for survivability. The point cost remains the same.
Free Air Dash	Omni Air Dash	If The Emperor does not need to approach airborne opponents, Omni Air Dash provides safer movement around the stage.

Side by Side + High Base BRV

Stats
HP	9683
CP	450
BRV	1683
ATK	177
DEF	184
LUK	60
Max Booster	x3.5

Special Effect:

Equipment
Assist	Jecht / Yuna
Weapon	Piggy's Stick (Peltast's Gear)
Hand	Chainsaw (Equip Machines)
Head	Thornlet
Body	Maximillian (Cavalier's Gear)
Accessory 1	Bravery Orb
Accessory 2	Dismay Shock
Accessory 3	Battle Hammer
Accessory 4	Empty EX Gauge
Accessory 5	Summon Unused
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 7	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 8	Blue Gem
Accessory 9	Hero's Seal
Accessory 10	Side by Side
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Landmine	Mine
↑+ Bombard	↑+ Dynamite
↓+ Thunder Crest	↓+ Light Crest
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Flare	Flare
	↑+ Starfall
↓+ Dreary Cell	↓+ Dreary Cell

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of Equip Glitch. The total Capacity Point cost assumes the equip glitch is done.

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Omni Air Dash+
Omni Ground Dash+
Speed Boost++
Jump Boost++
Jump Times Boost++
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Auto Assist Lock On

Extra
Perseverance
Disable Counterattack
EXP to HP
Machinery

CP
450 / 450

Build Overview

This high base bravery with Side by Side is very similar to the ones that Zidane, Firion and Golbez use. The idea is also similar: High burst damage with each HP attack and assist combo that follows. The Emperor can build lots of momentum against close-range characters who struggle to break through traps, such as Jecht and Zidane. If The Emperor can cast Starfall successfully, the subsequent Starfall loops can end the match very quickly and decisively.

Adjustments

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Omni Air Dash+	Free Air Dash	If The Emperor wants to approach aerial opponents above him, Free Air Dash gets the job done. This frees up 10 Capacity Points.
Blue Gem	Together As One	Blue Gem is a damage increase, but it doesn't cripple The Emperor's damage output too much. Together As One provides initial assist gauge as a safety net for the beginning of the match. It can be a good idea for tournament matches.

Damage

Stats
HP	9644
CP	420
BRV	995
ATK	180
DEF	183
LUK	60
Max Booster	x6.4

Special Effect: Seal of Lufenia

Equipment
Assist	Yuna,Gilgamesh,Cecil
Weapon	Earthbreaker (Hoplite's Gear)
Hand	Lufenian Dirk (Thief's Gear)
Head	Lufenian Hairpin
Body	Lufenian Jacket
Accessory 1	Power Ring
Accessory 2	Hyper Ring
Accessory 3	Earring
Accessory 4	Summon Unused
Accessory 5	Pre-Jump
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 7	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 8	Grounded
Accessory 9	Opponent Summon Unused
Accessory 10	Glutton
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Landmine	Mine
↑+ Bombard	↑+ Dynamite
↓+ Thunder Crest	↓+ Light Crest
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Flare	Flare
↑+ Starfall	↑+ Starfall
↓+ Dreary Cell	↓+ Dreary Cell

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of Equip Glitch. The total Capacity Point cost assumes the equip glitch is done.

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Free Air Dash
Omni Ground Dash
Free Air Dash Boost
Assist Gauge Up Dash
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Auto Assist Lock On

Extra
Precision Evasion
Counterattack
Sneak Attack
Gambler's Spirit
Assist Critical Boost
Disable Counterattack
EXP to HP

CP
450 / 450

Build Overview

Damage build focuses on maximizing damage from Thunder Crest, Dynamite and assist combos into ground Wall Rush. It also makes stray hits from Mine and Dynamite hurt way more. EX is still available for with Glutton winning the endgame.

Adjustments

5 capacity points are available, which isn't enough for a meaningful damage increase. The biggest adjustments can be made with extra abilities; Precision Evasion is very useful, but also expensive to equip. Counterattack is commonly disabled with Disable Counterattack, so that may be 25 points wasted. Changes can be made at the player's discretion.

This build also uses Pre-Jump booster, so it is recommended to keep Starfall (ground) equipped. Use it to become airborne and still keep the x1.4 booster multiplier active.

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Grounded	Aerial Large Gap in HP	If air play is favored in the matchup (e.g. Sephiroth), Aerial can keep the booster up consistently. Large Gap in HP can be triggered very easily through an early lead on either side, making it an alternative for pushing advantage or creating comebacks.
Power Ring	Battle Hammer Bravery Orb	If assist depletion is wanted, Power Ring is an easy target with minimal damage loss. Faster bravery recovery with Bravery Orb can reduce the risk of post-HP hit situations, where sitting at low bravery for too long can cause a Bravery Break.