Limit Breaks

Character-specific cinematic attacks, introduced in Final Fantasy VII.

Limit Breaks are powerful, character-specific commands introduced in Final Fantasy VII, usable only after a special gauge is charged by taking enemy attacks. The special cinematic moves have become a staple of the series.

Lore & Background

They served a gameplay purpose while also evoking each character's personality in battle. Final Fantasy VI had an earlier version of the feature, and later games revisit it under different names: Trance mode in Final Fantasy IX, triggered after sustaining a set amount of damage; Overdrives in Final Fantasy X; and Weapon Skills in Final Fantasy XI.

In Final Fantasy XIV, Limit Breaks are special abilities available only when party members excel at their roles. Vincent's Limit Breaks return from the original game in Dirge of Cerberus, with two forms available.