Revision as of 05:27, 26 August 2025

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

Info

Name	Zidane Tribal (ジタン・トライバル)
Original game	Final Fantasy IX
Base ATK (LV100)	108 (Very Low)
Base DEF (LV100)	110 (Low)
Run Speed	4 (Fast)
Dash Speed	73 (Fast)
Fall Speed	81 (Average)
Fall Speed Ratio After Dodge	18 (Very Fast)
Fastest BRV	13F (Swift Attack)
Fastest HP	25F (Free Energy)
1-Hit HP	Yes (Free Energy, Tidal Flame projectile)
HP Links	Yes
Command Block	No
Weapon	Daggers, Thrown Weapons, Parrying Weapons, Swords, Poles
Armor	Bangles, Gauntlets, Hats, Hairpins, Clothing, Light Armor, Headbands, and Chestplates
Exclusive weapons	Sargatanas, The Tower, Ozma's Splinter
Unlock
Alignment	Cosmos
Voice Actor (JP)	Romi Park
Voice Actor (ENG)	Bryce Papenbrook

Overview

Zidane is an agile close-range fighter who mainly fights in the air. His main strategy revolves around getting close to the opponent and hitting them with one of his HP links for assist combos. Zidane has high mobility with his dash and air jumps, which he can use comfortably to poke with Swift Attack and Scoop Art. What really makes Zidane stand out is his synergy with high base bravery Side by Side builds and Aerith assist; Thanks to his Meo Twister HP link and Shift Break setups, Zidane can quickly build assist gauge with one good read and spend it all on high damaging combos. With two assist gauges and a proper build, Zidane can inflict over 6000 HP damage with a single combo. This is notable, because Zidane can perform this consistently in the air whenever he is near walls or ceilings. This is supported by his above average wall carry with HP links. While Zidane makes his biggest plays in close-range, he can afford to take his time while on the defensive. Once he finds an opening, he has the necessary mobility to achieve his goals.

Zidane has some drawbacks to offset his safe and explosive gameplan. Low base DEF means damage builds destroy his bravery. While his run speed is high, he misses a fast safe poke on the ground. As a result, his ground combat is higher commitment with limited potential; Tidal Flame provides space control and Booster 8 can call out opponents with its Melee Mid priority. Both have relatively long startup, though. His base damage and base ATK are low, which reduce Zidane's bravery damage output. He does not have many reliable attacks for Wall Rush, which further cuts into his damage. The EX generation is also low for his most important moves, and on hit, he is often out of reach for EX as well. By the time Zidane can get a full EX gauge, his assist combos could have finished a match in a fraction of that time. Both Swift Attack and Tempest go through a lengthy follow-up attack to set up Meo Twister HP links, which is vulnerable to Assist Change counters. This is not a huge problem at lower skill levels, but it becomes more prominent at high level play. Since Zidane relies on these attacks, he can sometimes struggle against opponents who often have assist gauge to spare.

Historically Zidane has been consistently ranked at high tier. His gameplan is known to be consistent and effective in tournaments, and his moveset is fairly straightforward for intermediate players to pick up. His effective range is somewhat telegraphed at point blank (Swift Attack) or long-range (Scoop Art, Shift Break), but he can be difficult to whiff punish when he defends well. Characters with strong area denial such as The Emperor can make it challenging to create offense, however. Overall, Zidane is less of an all-rounder and more like a glass cannon - He thrives when he succeeds, but suffers greatly if he doesn't.

Strengths	Weaknesses

Bravery Attacks

Ground


	Base Damage	30 (2, 3, 4, 6, 2 x 3, 9)
	Startup Frame	19F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	90
	Effects	Chase
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Slice, then kick foe. Approach foe during attack.	Unlocked at level 1	Mastered at 170 AP


	Base Damage	each 5
	Startup Frame	37F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Low
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Fire energy projectile. Perform repeatedly to fire multiple shots at once.	Unlocked at level 27	Mastered at 90 AP


	Base Damage	17 (3 x 4, 5)
	Startup Frame	31F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Mid
	EX Force	30
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge, Attack (On Hit)
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Charge at opponent. If it hits, can quickly combo with another attack.	Unlocked at level 16	Mastered at 120 AP

Aerial


	Base Damage	40 (4 x 3, 8, 1 x 5, 15)
	Startup Frame	19F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	90
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Spinning approach. Limited height; fast approach.	Unlocked at level 32	Mastered at 100 AP


	Base Damage	35 (2 x 3, 9, 1 x 5, 15)
	Startup Frame	23F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	30
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
Vertical spinning approach. Great for attacking from below.	Unlocked at level 8	Mastered at 100 AP


	Base Damage	35 (2 x 6, 8, 2 x 3, 9)
	Startup Frame	19F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	30
	Effects	Chase
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
Gracefully toss knife downwards. Useful for attacking from above.	Unlocked at level 4	Mastered at 160 AP


	Base Damage	each 5
	Startup Frame	37F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Low
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Fire energy projectile. Perform repeatedly to fire multiple shots at once.	Unlocked at level 1	Mastered at 90 AP


	Base Damage	each 7
	Startup Frame	53F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Low
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Launch multiple energy projectiles. Low accuracy, many projectiles.	Unlocked at level 23	Mastered at 100 AP

'


	Base Damage	20 (2, 3, 2 x 3, 9)
	Startup Frame	13F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	90
	Effects	Chase
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Close] Quick slices. Low power, fast launch.	Unlocked at level 1	Mastered at 100 AP

HP Attacks

Ground


	Base Damage	15 (close)
	Startup Frame	49F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee High (close) Ranged High (projectile)
	EX Force	30 + 60
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Fire low-flying flame projectile that homes in on foe at high speed.	Unlocked at level 1	Mastered at 130 AP


	Base Damage	9 (1 x 9)
	Startup Frame	43F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Melee High
	EX Force	87
	Effects	Absorb
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Close] Create cyclone. Short range, but offers cover.	Unlocked at level 12	Mastered at 130 AP


	Base Damage	+10 (1 x 10)
	Startup Frame	?
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Unblockable (?)
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
Branching from Rumble Rush. [Combo] Fire laser from blade.	Unlocked at level -	Mastered at 130 AP

Aerial


	Base Damage	each 5
	Startup Frame	27F (first thunder) 87F (water)
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged High (thunder) Unblockable (water)
	EX Force	60 + 9 x N
	Effects	Absorb
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Keep foe off balance with water columns and lightning.	Unlocked at level 1	Mastered at 130 AP


	Base Damage	21 (7 x 3)
	Startup Frame	53F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee High
	EX Force	27
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Charge filled with energy. Vertically limited, long duration.	Unlocked at level 37	Mastered at 150 AP


	Base Damage	-
	Startup Frame	25F
	Damage Type	-
	Priority	Ranged High
	EX Force	60
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Close] Fire energy wave. Short range, quick execution.	Unlocked at level 1	Mastered at 130 AP


	Base Damage	+10 (1 x 10)
	Startup Frame	?
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Unblockable (?)
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
Branching from Tempest. [Combo] Fire laser from blade.	Unlocked at level -	Mastered at 130 AP

Identical with Meo Twister A.


	Base Damage	+10 (1 x 10)
	Startup Frame	?
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Unblockable (?)
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
Branching from Swift Attack. [Combo] Fire laser from blade.	Unlocked at level -	Mastered at 130 AP

Identical with Meo Twister A.

EX Mode: Trance!

Effects:

Regen
Critical Boost
Aerial Jump
Dodge Jump

Zidane's EX mode enhances his aerial jumps. Aside from the universal benefits, it is not especially effective for Zidane in competitive play for a few reasons: The first is that Zidane's EX generation is only average and heavily outclassed by his Side by Side builds. Zidane is often positioned far from EX when using his key moves. His air jumps already work well for him in footsies, and he doesn't explicitly benefit from the partial air jump invincibility. Furthermore, EX modes are often activated to secure an assist combo or a win outright. Air jumps are not frequently relevant in these situations.

As a result, Zidane sees diminishing returns from his EX mode despite its strong universal benefits. It can still cause checkmate scenarios, but Zidane needs to fight long enough to get a full EX gauge, which is antithesis to his usual Side by Side damage builds.

Aerial Jump

[Always active while in EX Mode] Dormant potential is unlocked, enabling nimble leaps to be performed while in midair.

Air Jump Times +10. Reset jump counts after a dodge.

Double Jump

[Always active while in EX Mode] Grants invincibility for the period between touching the ground and leaping into the air.

Gives invincibility during the "rising curve" of a jump. This does not work with Bravery Boost on Dodge effect as it is not counted as a dodge.

EX Burst: Reverse Gaia

A chain of attacks that grows faster with each blow. Repeatedly press circle to increase the number of hits.

Damage multiplier (initial)	Damage multiplier (rest)	Type
18 (3 x 4, 6)	79 (3, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3 x 3, 8 x 6) (97 total)	Physical

Reverse Gaia requires pressing Circle repeatedly to fill four sections of a gauge. Zidane will perform a number of attacks during each section. If the gauge is filled when he finishes attacking, the next section will open up. If the gauge is not filled at the end of each "section", Zidane will transition into the finishing move immediately.

Zidane performs a certain number of attacks during each section: 2, 3, 3 and finally 4. These attacks happen quickly, so there isn't much time to fill the gauge. A moderate pace for pressing Circle is required.

Reverse Gaia ends up being one of the lower damage EX Bursts in the game because of its relatively low base damage and Zidane's low base ATK stat.

Combos

Solo

Assist

Builds

Main article: Zidane (012) Builds

Zidane is an HP linker who relies on assist combos for high damage. While his primary damage builds require high base bravery, Zidane is capable of outputting over 6000 HP damage with two assist bars, no wall rush needed. Because of his comparatively weaker EX game, low base damage and lack of consistent wall rush moves, Zidane builds often revolve around Side by Side and raising base bravery.

Side by Side (High Base BRV)

Stats
HP	8454
CP	450
BRV	1533
ATK	175
DEF	182
LUK	60
Max Booster	x3.5

**Special Effect**: -
Equipment
Assist	Aerith
Weapon	Piggy's Stick
Hand	Chainsaw
Head	Royal Crown
Body	Auto Crossbow
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	Hero's Seal
Accessory 9	Together As One
Accessory 10	Side by Side
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Booster 8	Swift Attack

	Branch: Meo Twister C
	↑+ Scoop Art


	↓+ Tempest

	Branch: Meo Twister B
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Tidal Flame	Free Energy
	↑+ Grand Lethal
	↓+ Shift Break

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of CP / Equipment glitch. The total CP cost will assume the glitch is done.

Build Overview

A staple damage build for Zidane. Everything revolves around high base bravery and Side by Side . The goal is simple; Land a hit with Swift Attack > Meo Twister or Shift Break and extend the assist combos as much as possible. Together As One provides a good amount of assist gauge right from the beginning and Hero's Seal increases Zidane's starting bravery to over 2000. Meter depletion is accounted for with accessories and Bravery Orb helps Zidane reach base bravery faster during assist combos. Since Zidane relies on base bravery, his damage output is not affected by lack of critical hits or low ATK stat.

Zidane has low max health with this build, so this could be considered a type of "glass cannon" build. However, a single Aerith assist combo can do over 3000 HP damage at base bravery... and even more if Zidane gets the combo extensions with double Aerith and Shift Break.

Basic Abilities

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

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Assist Lock On

Extra
Precision Jump
Precision Evasion
Disable Sneak Attack
EXP to Assist
Best Dresser

CP
425 / 450

CP Allocation

25 points are available. They can be used for Speed Boost+, Ground Dash and Auto Assist Lock On.

Substitutes

Substitutes
Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Summon Unused	Aerial	A stronger x1.5 booster if ground is not available or deemed necessary.
Tidal Flame	Speed Boost++	Speed Boost++ helps Zidane move faster on the ground and in the air. If Tidal Flame is not deemed necessary, this can help in footsies.

Attacks (Staple)

These attacks are recommended regardless of matchup, stage or player preference.

Booster 8

Mid priority gap closer that combos into air moves on hit. Zidane's ground braveries are notably weaker compared to his air braveries, so there aren't many must-have braveries on the ground.

Swift Attack + Meo Twister

A staple air poke, Zidane's primary HP link and high damage assist combo starter.

Tempest + Meo Twister

Zidane's downward HP link. High damage assist combo starter, and higher base damage than Swift Attack. Good as an aerial punish move.

Attacks (Flexible)

These attacks are great to have, but can be swapped or removed depending on matchup, stage or player preference.

Scoop Art (midair)

Long range projectile, can convert into an assist combo on reaction if two or more shots connect. Commonly used to build assist gauge, but frequent use makes Zidane vulnerable to dash > poke.

Assist

Zidane's assist data

Type	Attack	Startup	Position	Spawn	Damage multiplier	Effects
BRV	Rumble Rush	19F	Ground	Opponent	2, 3, 4, 6, 2 x 3, 9 (30)	Chase
BRV	Vortex	23F	Air	Opponent	2 x 3, 9, 1 x 5, 15 (35)	Wall Rush
HP	Stellar Circle	43F	Ground	Opponent	1 x 9 (9)	Chase
HP	Free Energy	25F	Air	Opponent	-	Chase

Assists

Zidane does well with Aerith, Kuja and Sephiroth.

References

Navigation

Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy
Playable characters	Bartz Klauser • Cecil Harvey • Cloud Strife • Cloud of Darkness • Feral Chaos • Exdeath • Firion • Gabranth • Garland • Gilgamesh • Golbez • Jecht • Kain Highwind • Kefka Palazzo • Kuja • Laguna Loire • Lightning • Onion Knight • Prishe • Sephiroth • Shantotto • Squall Leonhart • Terra Branford • Tidus • The Emperor • Tifa Lockhart • Ultimecia • Vaan • Warrior of Light • Yuna • Zidane Tribal
Other characters	Aerith Gainsborough • Chaos
First-timers	Change Log • FAQ • Glossary • Starter Guide
Resources	Combo Videos • Customization Guide (Online) • List of Useful Info • Online Setup (PPSSPP) • Tier List • Tier List (Assist) • Trade Component Farming Guide • Translations
Battle mechanics	Aerial Recovery • Assist • Assist Gauge Charge • Battlegen • Block • Bravery • Chase • Dash • Dodge • EX • HP • Landing Lag • Quickmove • Wall Rush
Customization	Abilities • Accessories • Equipment • Special Effects • Statistic • Summons
Techniques	Blodge • Dash Feint • Dodge Punishment • Lock Off
Community rulesets	DC Ranked • Dissidence • Japan Ranked • Tournament Rules
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Data	Attack Priority • CP Glitch • EX Burst Damage • Damage Formula • Frame Data • Glitches (Assist Storage Glitch) • Movement Speed • Music • Staff credits • Unlockables
Misc.	Dissidia 012 Prologus (Script)
Modding	DLC EDAT Reference

Wiki Roadmap (012 Zidane Tribal)

Please edit this page's roadmap template when relevant additions and changes are made.

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Page	Completed	In progress	To-do	Score
General				18 / 86
Pros / Cons			Pros and cons.	0 / ?
Overview / Character Data			Overview	0 / 2
Bravery Attacks	Ability info, images.		overviews	2 / 5
HP Attacks	Ability info, images.		overviews	2 / 5
EX Mode	Basic info, overview, images.		Add info about double jump and 10+ jumps if possible.	3 / 3
Combos			Add solo and assist combos with video examples.	0 / 7
Builds	3 builds.	Attack loadouts (flexible, avoid). Edit based on feedback.	Add more niche builds?	10 / 10
Assist	Assist data		Common viable assists with overviews.	1 / 3
Matchups			Create page. Matchup analysis and tips.	0 / 32
Frame Data				/ 1
Starter Guide			Create page. Concise pvp guide with core concepts and essentials.	0 / 8
Strategy			Create page. Strategies and counterplays.	0 / 10

@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 Zidane has some drawbacks to offset his safe and explosive gameplan. Low base DEF means '''[[Multiplayer_Build_Guide_(Dissidia_012)#Damage|damage builds]]''' destroy his bravery. While his run speed is high, he misses a fast safe poke on the ground. As a result, his ground combat is higher commitment with limited potential; Tidal Flame provides space control and Booster 8 can call out opponents with its Melee Mid priority. Both have relatively long {{keyword|startup|startup=1}}, though. His {{keyword|base damage|basedamage=1}} and base ATK are low, which reduce Zidane's bravery damage output. He does not have many reliable attacks for '''[[Wall_Rush_(Dissidia_012_Final_Fantasy)|Wall Rush]]''', which further cuts into his damage. The EX generation is also low for his most important moves, and on hit, he is often out of reach for EX as well. By the time Zidane can get a full EX gauge, his assist combos could have finished a match in a fraction of that time. Both Swift Attack and Tempest go through a lengthy follow-up attack to set up Meo Twister HP links, which is vulnerable to '''[[Assist_(Dissidia_012)#LV1_Assist_Change|Assist Change]]''' counters. This is not a huge problem at lower skill levels, but it becomes more prominent at high level play. Since Zidane relies on these attacks, he can sometimes struggle against opponents who often have assist gauge to spare.
-Historically Zidane has been consistently ranked at high tier. His gameplan is known to be consistent and effective in tournaments, and his moveset is fairly straightforward for intermediate players to pick up. His effective range is somewhat telegraphed at {{keyword|point blank|pointblank=1}} (Swift Attack) or long-range (Scoop Art, Shift Break), but he can be difficult to {{keyword|whiff punish|whiffpunish=1}} when he defends well. Overall, Zidane is less of an {{keyword|all-rounder|allrounder=1}} and more like a glass cannon - He thrives when he succeeds, but suffers greatly if he doesn't.
+Historically Zidane has been consistently ranked at high tier. His gameplan is known to be consistent and effective in tournaments, and his moveset is fairly straightforward for intermediate players to pick up. His effective range is somewhat telegraphed at {{keyword|point blank|pointblank=1}} (Swift Attack) or long-range (Scoop Art, Shift Break), but he can be difficult to {{keyword|whiff punish|whiffpunish=1}} when he defends well. Characters with strong area denial such as {{012emp}} can make it challenging to create offense, however. Overall, Zidane is less of an {{keyword|all-rounder|allrounder=1}} and more like a glass cannon - He thrives when he succeeds, but suffers greatly if he doesn't.
 {{ProConTable