How to Complete Riovanes Castle in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

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Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles challenges your skills and understanding of its complex game mechanics. It often requires you to discover clever tricks or to use specific skills and abilities to gain an advantage over enemies. With new players experiencing the game, they might find its steep learning curve daunting.

The battles at Riovanes Castle are the toughest in the game, and the castle gates are no exception. Whether you’re trying to enter the castle, navigate past Wiegraf’s initial phase, or defeat his Lucavi form for good, these fights are intense and unforgiving. But with the right strategies, you can overcome them.

Riovanes Castle: Castle Gate – Overview
This is the first of three connected battles, and it’s widely regarded as one of the hardest missions. While the Castle Gate isn’t quite as tough as the Castle Keep, it can still be frustrating if you’re unprepared. Your goal is to eliminate all enemy units to move forward. You’ll face Marach and his team of Knights and Archers, meaning you’ll need to work hard to reach and damage them. It’s recommended to be at least level 25, though level 29 or higher is advisable before attempting this.

Enemy List

Marach (Netherseer)
3 Archers
3 Knights

Marach will retreat if hit too hard, which is somewhat helpful. However, the archers at the top of the castle are well protected, and the knights guard the path fiercely. Your team must be carefully composed to succeed.

Recommended Formation
To succeed, your units should have excellent range, through physical or magic attacks, or both. Speed and mobility are also crucial for closing the gap with archers before they become too dangerous. Ramza is best used as a Samurai or Monk, supported by a Ninja/Dragoon hybrid, Summoner, Mystic, and Agrias. This combination lets you strike hard, then escape with minimal damage.

Formation Example:

Ramza (Samurai/Monk) with Squire as secondary
Rapha (Skyseer)
Agrias (Holy Knight) with Chemist support
Ninja with Dragoon support
Summoner with Black Mage support
Mystic with White Mage support

How to Complete Riovanes Castle: Castle Gate
Since archers attack fiercely if you don’t reach them quickly, split your team thoughtfully. Place faster units on the bridge and hybrid units crossing the moat to handle knights. Position Ramza on a small elevated platform with a ninja nearby to handle the bridge threats. Keep Ramza and the ninja close but slightly apart to avoid area attacks. Use strategic movement to block enemy archers and protect your team.

Your second group should include a Mystic in the center, with a Summoner nearby, and Agrias positioned to support. This setup provides healing and support while remaining flexible to enemy attacks.

Enemy Opening Moves
The ninja and Rapha act first due to their speed. They should try to jump onto the nearest enemy knight to get close fast. Meanwhile, enemies will move to protect their archers and warriors, with archers aiming to shoot at your units, particularly Rapha and the ninja, aiming for heavy damage.

Your Opening Moves
Move Ramza to confront the first knight, then attack. Have Agrias cross the moat and cast Divine Ruination on the floating knight to deal significant damage. Your Mystic should attempt to cast Hesitation on enemy knights, making them less threatening. The Summoner can cast Ramuh to damage enemy knights on the bridge. Use your Ninja’s Throw Shuriken to finish off wounded enemies, and focus on eliminating the archers quickly to reduce incoming damage.

Enemy Second Rotation
Enemies will try to retaliate with throw stones and aim shots, focusing on your summoner and Rapha, causing substantial damage. One of the archers may prepare a powerful Aim shot, and knights may use shockwave attacks, so stay alert.

Your Second Rotation
Advance Ramza forward but keep him on standby to react. Move Agrias higher up the castle to support with Divine Ruination. Use your Ninja to charge Attack and aim to KO key enemies swiftly. Cast Odin on the archers to eliminate them instantly. Position Ramza for final strikes.

Enemy Third Rotation
Archers will aim for high damage with Aim +7 shots, while knights continue their attacks. The enemies aim to wear down your team, but careful positioning and strategic attacks can turn the tide.

Your Third Rotation
Start with Agrias finishing off archers with Hallowed Bolt. Heal your team with Cura, and have your Ninja jump onto dangerous enemies for big damage. Ramza should jump on Belias or deal decisive strikes. Use Odin again to damage the remaining enemies. Finish with your Ninja attacking from behind for maximum damage, and Ramza landing the finishing blow to Belias.

Rewards
Completing this tough segment yields:

22,000 Gil
Elven Cloak
High Potion
X-Potion

While it’s a lengthy and brutal fight, the rewards—including valuable items and large gold earnings—make it worthwhile. Prepare well and stay focused, as this is only the first, somewhat manageable phase. The real challenge lies ahead in the subsequent battles.