Optimizing equipment involves more than just raw stats; it's about the abilities they teach and the resistances they provide. For example, the Ribbon accessory is invaluable for status immunity. Combining Auto-Haste, Auto-Regen, and Auto-Protect on your main attackers makes them incredibly resilient. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for your playstyle and specific challenges.
While Final Fantasy IX focuses on unlocking permanent skills through gear, Final Fantasy XIII shifts this synergy toward active passive bonuses triggered by specific weapon and accessory pairings.