How to Use the FFXI Skillchain Calculator

A FFXI Skillchain Calculator is a tool that helps players of Final Fantasy XI determine which weapon skills (WS) can be combined in sequence to create a skillchain—an elemental combo that enhances damage and allows for Magic Bursts from party casters.

---

What Is a Skillchain?

In FFXI, a skillchain is created when two (or more) compatible weapon skills are executed within a short time window. When done properly, these chains deal extra damage and create opportunities for Magic Bursts from elemental spells, which are essential in endgame fights and coordinated parties.

Skillchains are categorized by elements and tiers:

• Level 1: Scission, Liquefaction, Induration, Reverberation
• Level 2: Fusion, Fragmentation, Distortion, Gravitation
• Level 3: Light, Darkness (most powerful)

---

How to Use This Calculator

1. Choose two weapon skills from the dropdown menus.
   • These can be from any job or weapon, so long as they follow in-game properties.
2. Click “Calculate Skillchain” to find out what skillchain, if any, is produced by their combination.
3. View the result, which will show:
   • If a skillchain is possible.
   • What the elemental type is (e.g., Fragmentation, Darkness, etc.)

This is especially useful for:

• Planning SCs with trust NPCs.
• Coordinating real-time burst setups in party or alliance content.
• Teaching new players how WS chains work.

---

Examples

• Fragmentation + Distortion = Light
• Induration + Reverberation = Fragmentation
• Fusion + Gravitation = Darkness

If your chosen combination doesn’t create a valid chain, the calculator will notify you.

---

Future Features (ideas you could add later)

• Auto-matching best skillchains from a list of available WS
• Multi-step chains (3+ WS combos)
• Magic Burst suggestions based on the element
• Job-specific WS filter (e.g., show only PLD or SAM WS)

---

FFXI Skillchain Calculator FAQ

Q1: What are skillchains used for in FFXI?
A: Skillchains add extra damage and allow mages to Magic Burst, maximizing party efficiency. They’re vital in both solo and group content.

Q2: Does the order of weapon skills matter?
A: Yes, the order affects the result. That’s why the calculator checks both directions (e.g., A→B and B→A) when calculating.

Q3: Can more than two weapon skills make a chain?
A: Absolutely. Multi-step chains (3+, sometimes called closers) are possible and even more powerful. This calculator is for 2-step chains, but could be expanded.

Q4: What if the combo I try doesn’t show a result?
A: That means the selected WS don’t interact to form a skillchain in-game. Not all combinations are valid.

Q5: Are these skill chains accurate for all jobs?
A: The results reflect skillchain properties of the weapon skills, not job-specific restrictions. Some WS are job-locked, so always verify if your job can use it.