Barrier Ring (Final Fantasy VI)

Barrier Ring is a relic in Final Fantasy VI. It automatically casts Shell on the user when their HP is low (and when they are in critical condition), as well as providing a passive +2 boost to Magic. As such, the relic generally protects against magic damage.
==Obtained==
Barrier Ring is found at Imperial Camp in the World of Balance. More commonly, it can be bought for 500 gil at Narshe (in the World of Balance before acquiring the Blackjack), Jidoor (in the World of Balance), Albrook, and Thamasa (both in the World of Ruin). It can also be obtained by defeating Harvester.
==Use==
Barrier Ring is a useful way to protect a character, as the shell status halves magic damage taken. Though most damage from enemies is physical, many stronger attacks are magic-based. As such, Barrier Ring is a valuable way to keep party members alive, especially those with low Magic Defense (due to limited armor available for them) and HP. This means it can give them a chance to survive and be healed. The additional +2 Magic boost can also passively boost a character's magic damage or healing capability.
Against enemies and bosses relying more on physical damage, Mythril Glove effectively serves as the physical damage equivalent. The Princess Ring does not provide a passive stat boost, but otherwise fulfills the roles of both Mythril Glove and Barrier Ring at once, although it can only be equipped by Terra, Celes, and Relm. Though Knight's Code protects critical characters from targeted physical attacks, it does not protect against magic ones.
Later on, the limited relic slots and improving armor diminish the usefulness of Barrier Ring. Defensive relics that resist against status effects (especially Ribbon, granting immunity to most) are more valuable later in the game. Additionally, simply casting Shell preemptively may be better than relying on Barrier Ring to kick in when critical.
Category:Relics in Final Fantasy VI