First Strike is an auto-ability that you can add to your weapons. It is an important ability, especially for certain sections of the game (mentioned below), because it allows the character that has it to act first in battle. The character with this auto-ability will get the first move regardless of the Agility stat or any other effects in battle.

One of the places where it is most useful is in the Omega Ruins. More information about the Omega Ruins can be found here:

This ability is very important when you are traveling through the Omega Dungeon, specifically. The reason it is essential is because the Great Malboros in the area will ambush your party and will use Bad Breath to cause a myriad of negative status effects on your party (that will likely KO your entire party).

First Strike will give you the first attack. If you use Provoke as your first attack, it will prevent the Great Malboro from using “Bad Breath,” allowing you to avoid certain death during your travels.

Adding First Strike

You can add “First Strike ”to one of your weapons with a Return Sphere. You can obtain them in several different areas, including:

• Bribing them from Dark Elements or Mandragoras
• As a reward for defeating Biran, Yenke, the Sanctuary Keeper, and Sinspawn Genais
• As a reward for playing Blitzball
• Stolen from a Greater Sphere

Masamune

Note also that Auron’s Celestial Weapon, Masamune, once fully charged, automatically has the First Strike ability attached. Keeping Auron in your party is a good option while traveling through the Omega Ruins.