Blitzball

The Blitzball that you play in Final Fantasy X-2 is a significant departure from the version you play in Final Fantasy X. Gone are the strategies that you employ as your characters swim around the big open pool, and the choices you make as you try to break through players to get a pass or a shot off. Instead, you’ll play the role of a general manager, making decisions for the team, and then watching the games play out without needing any inputs from you.

… to be honest, it’s a really boring iteration of the game, at least for any players that enjoyed the old style of Blitzball or who don’t enjoy staring at a bunch of blips on a screen. If that’s you, then you don’t have to read through this entire guide. The only thing a completionist needs to do as it relates to Blitzball is win one single match for the Teamwork! achievement/trophy.

When and Where to Play

Blitzball doesn’t open up until Chapter 5. The first time you return to Luca in that chapter, a cutscene plays in which Shelinda announces that the Blitzball season is underway and Buddy offers you your first match. You don’t have to accept on the spot; from then on you can start a game whenever you like by speaking to the woman at the office in Luca Square, where the cutscene took place, and choosing the first option.

Now let’s get into the Blitzball General Manager simulator!

Rules Overview

• Each team has 12 players: seven fielders, 1 keeper, and four backups
• Passes and shots function the same, but players will make their own decisions as the game progresses without your involvement; there are no more negative statuses associated with shots
• Matches automatically end when a team gets to 5 goals, so you don’t have to keep watching the simulator if one team is getting destroyed
• You can train up your players to increase their stats; training a few times before you jump into a competitive match is recommended to give your team a better chance; this spends “Command Points,” which you can earn by playing matches
• Scouting can be used to find better players
• Players have the following stats:
  • Endurance (END): Ability to withstand a tackle
  • Attack (ATK): Strength of a player’s tackle
  • Pass (PAS): Likelihood of a player’s pass succeeding
  • Shoot (SHT): Likelihood of a player’s shot going in the net
  • Catch (CAT): Likelihood of catching a shot, or for keepers, ability to stop a shot
  • Range (RNG): Ability to pass and shoot over a longer distance
  • Receive (REC): Ability to catch a teammate’s pass
  • There are more stats, but these are the critical ones
• Choose the formation, attack style, and get going!

There’s a lot more to know about this game, but since it’s not necessary and not fun, you may need to refer to other guides if you plan to get more into this mini-game.