Synthesis Synthesis is a feature in the series that revolves around customizing items and equipment , combining different types to create a new item altogether . It first appeared in " Final Fantasy IX " , where it is heavily used to acquire certain rare items and equipment . Appearances . " Final Fantasy IX " . Synthesis in " Final Fantasy IX " refers to the Synthesis Shop ( or Synth - Shop ) , where the player can combine certain items ( for gil ) to make new items that cannot be purchased at the present stage in the game ( and with the last shop , at all ) . Many items can be crafted in a Synth - Shop , but it is most notable for being the best , and early on only , place where Zidane can create his polearm - weapons . The most important Synthesis Shop is the one served by Hades ; many rare items can be synthesized there , and it is the only place where the player can get a Pumice without having to defeat Ozma . There is also a master synthesist in the Black Mage Village that the player can return to on disc 4 to get some of the most powerful weapons and Add - on s . " Final Fantasy X " . Once Rikku explains adding new auto - abilities into equipment in Guadosalam , the " Customize " option will be unlocked in the menu and the player will be able to craft weapons and armor to their liking . Brotherhood , Celestial Weapon s , and non - empty - slotted equipment cannot be customized . " Final Fantasy XI " . Synthesis is the system used in " Final Fantasy XI " where a player uses a crystal plus other materials to create another object . Crystals can be , but are not always , obtained in the game when a creature is defeated by a player . Only creatures that will grant the player experience can drop crystals . These crystals , one for each of the eight elements , can be used opening an item synthesis menu . There are recipes for hundreds of items that can be made . " Final Fantasy XII " . The player can create new items in the Bazaar by selling loot dropped by enemies . Most of the best weapons are only obtained from the Bazaar , and some are meticulously difficult to obtain the items for . The notes in the bestiary give hints to the kind of items that are needed and the enemies they are obtained from . Most Bazaar items can only be made once . Crafting is available at the beginning of Chapter 4 . The friendly Yarhi Cu Sith sets up a synthesis shop in the airship " Galbana " after Tomaj rescues her . Cu Sith is only able to craft weapons , and she requires the use of three Scavenging materials for each weapon , in addition to the instructions from a Recipe Book . Once a weapon is selected to be crafted and the materials have been supplied , Cu Sith will ask the player three questions . The answers to these questions and the Grade of the supplied materials will determine the weapon ' s statistics . Naturally , the higher grade of the Scavenging materials , the higher bonus to various stats . This gives the player quite a bit of versatility in weaponry . Once a weapon is crafted , the player can name the weapon . " Final Fantasy XIII " . Each weapon or accessory has a Synthesis attribute , which can produce special attribute for the character if using the right combination of equipment pieces . Synthesis Groups and Abilities : " Final Fantasy XIII - 2 " . Similar to its predecessor , " Final Fantasy XIII - 2 " also possesses several synthesized abilities , developed when equipping accessories and / or a weapon of the same synthesis group . A slightly more advanced of equipment synthesis from " Final Fantasy IX " is also present as some weapons and accessories require materials in order to be bought from shop aside of gil . The player can Synthesize at Sorcery Shops , which offer two main services : Synthesizing an ability the first time earns the achievement . Synthesizing an ability thirty times earns the achievement . " Final Fantasy XIV " . Synthesis is a very major gameplay element in both " Final Fantasy XIV " and " A Realm Reborn " , though it is heavily altered in " A Realm Reborn " . Synthesis allows crafting classes to create weapons , armor and tools for various disciplines among other items . It requires materials and crystals before it is begun , and requires leveling a Disciple of the Hand class before it can be performed in the Crafting Log . The Disciples of the Hand classes are Alchemist ( ALC ) , Armorer ( ARM ) , Blacksmith ( BSM ) , Carpenter ( CRP ) , Culinarian ( CUL ) , Goldsmith ( GSM ) , Leatherworker ( LTW ) and Weaver ( WVR ) . The items produced from crafting can be used for the Adventurer ' s own classes , used in quests , or sold to gain gil . As Synthesis is not required for the Main Scenario Quests , it can be skipped and is completely optional . Etymology . refers to a combination of two or more entities that together form something new ; alternately , it refers to the creating of something by artificial means .