Thundaga is a magic ability for Lightning in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It is the final Thunder spell available to players, dealing heavy magic lightning-elemental damage multiple times to foes within a large radius.
The Blue Mage garb has a physical oriented version of Thundaga known as Lightning.
Obtained[]
A Thundaga Lv. 2 ability can be found in a treasure sphere within the Temple of the Goddess in the Wildlands. The Black Rose garb purchasable from Yusnaan's Armor Alley on Hard Mode has Thundaga Lv. 5 as its locked ability.
Thundaga can be obtained as a drop from several enemies. Hanumans have a 12.5% chance of dropping the ability, increasing to 20% after being staggered. Chimeras have a 22.5% chance of dropping the attack. The Schrodinger Ω will always drop the ability with a 100% chance.
The enemies drop different levels of the ability on the following days and difficulties:
| Enemy | Lv. 1 | Lv. 2 | Lv. 3 | Lv. 4 | Lv. 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schrodinger Ω | - | Day 1 - 6 (Easy/Normal) | Day 7 - 9 (Easy/Normal) | Day 10 -13 (Easy/Normal) | Day 1 - 13 (Hard) |
| Hanuman | Day 7 - 9 (Easy/Normal) | Day 10 -13 (Easy/Normal) | Day 1 - 6 (Hard) | Day 7 - 12 (Hard) | Day 13 (Hard) |
| Chimera | - | - | Day 13/14 (Easy/Normal) | - | Day 13/14 (Hard) |
Mechanics[]
When used, Lightning unleashes multiple thunderbolts at the target and surrouding foes, dealing eight heavy lightning-elemental magic attacks to the targets. If the opponent is susceptible to lightning-elemental attacks, or is inflicted with the Curse and Imperil statuses, they will be launched into the air.
By default, Thundaga Lv. 1 has an ATB cost of 40, an attack power of 0.24 per hit (1.92 together), a Stagger Power of A, and a Stagger Time of E. When fully upgraded, Thundaga Lv. 5 at max has an ATB cost of 25, an attack power of 1.34 per hit (10.72 together), a Stagger Power of A, and a Stagger Time of E. Thundaga has a 1 hit finale rate.
The Aeronite, Caius Ballad, Ereshkigal, and Gremlin Ω enemies use Thundaga against Lightning. It is also used by the final boss and its upgraded form during the second phase when under the effects of Thunder Spirit.
Stats[]
Ability version[]
- Growth chart
| Level | Base Power | Power Increment | Synthesis Needed to Max | Max Power | Level Up Malistone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv. 1 | 0.24 | 0.02 | 5 | 0.34 | Gold |
| Lv. 2 | 0.36 | 0.02 | 5 | 0.50 | Gold |
| Lv. 3 | 0.52 | 0.02 | 7 | 0.68 | Adamant |
| Lv. 4 | 0.70 | 0.04 | 10 | 0.98 | Scarletite |
| Lv. 5 | 1.02 | 0.04 | 12 | 1.34 | N/A |
- Passives
Thundaga abilities can have the following passives:
|
|
Locked versions[]
The locked versions available to garbs have unique stats and passives, these versions of Thundaga cannot be upgraded.
| Command | ATB Cost | Attack Power | Stagger Power | Stagger Time | Passive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thundaga Lv. 5 (Black Rose) |
40 | x1.1375 x 8 | A | E | None |
Use[]
Thundaga is useful when battling multiple foes weak to lightning-elemental attacks, allowing Lightning to inflict heavy damage and launch most foes into the air. It is a potent ability to have when dealing with large swarms of enemies within the Industrial Area of Yusnaan.
It is exceptionally useful when battling the stronger version of the boss of the Luxerion main quest and the boss of the Wildlands scenario, especially when under the effects of Curse and Imperil, causing them to be launched into the air and preventing them from acting. This tactic is especially useful when combined with Blizzaga and Firaga, giving them little opportunity to perform attacks against Lightning.
Two Thundagas used in combination with Elementa can also lower the difficulty of the upgraded form of the final boss on Hard Mode, allowing the player to easily stagger the boss and prevent them from acting for almost the entirety of the fight's first and second phases.
Thundaga's damage can also be increased by 20% - 25% if Lightning is equipped with the Thunderstorm Droplet accessories.
The only downsides to casting Thundaga are its heavy ATB cost and its cast animation making Lightning vulnerable to being attacked before the spell activates. However, some of those drawbacks can be alleviated with ability synthesis to lower the ATB cost, along with garbs and accessories that increase Lightning's ATB gauge and recovery. However, when dealing with single opponents with higher stagger requirements, players should use the Aerora and Thundara combination, this is due to the lesser spells having the ability to chain multiple casts.