Cross Helm (Final Fantasy IX)

The Cross Helm is a mid game helmet in Final Fantasy IX for Steiner and Freya. It teaches Devil Killer, which allows increased damage against devil type enemies, and MP Attack, which expends MP to increase the power of Attack, stacking with killer abilities. The Cross Helm gives a minor bonus to the wearer's Strength when they level up with it equipped. It is used for synthesis to make the ultimate helmet in the endgame.
The Cross Helm in Final Fantasy IX is based on the "Close Helmet" from Final Fantasy Tactics.
==Obtain==
The Cross Helm is equipped to Beatrix during the Battle of Alexandria; the player can take it off her and give to Steiner instead. It can also be bought for 2,200 gil from Oeilvert, Desert Palace, Esto Gaza (after Desert Palace), and Ipsen's Castle.
==Mechanics==
The Cross Helm provides 16 Magic Defense, mitigating damage from magic attacks. The helm gives a +1 bonus to the wearer's Strength when they level up with it equipped. When enough "bonuses" upon level up from gear have been accrued, the character gains a permanent stat increase. Strength is used for damage calculations and determines the character's HP growth.
==Use==
The Cross Helm is the best helmet for the events in the Battle of Alexandria and world map exploration on the Blue Narciss until the party is sent to the Forgotten Continent and they can get the superior Genji Helmet from a Choco treasure if they have progressed in the Chocobo Hot and Cold quest far enough to have Dead Peppers.
Devil Killer from the helm is useful for Desert Palace, Ipsen's Castle, Terra, and the final dungeon. MP Attack is generally useful to strengthen the character's Attack command; the party formation can include Amarant to easily top up MP with his Chakra.
The Cross Helm's +1 bonus to Strength is good, but level grinding or min-maxing are unnecessary for a normal playthrough even when preparing for superboss encounters. The only other helm with a Strength boost is the Kaiser Helm available to buy in the endgame.
It is worth keeping the helm even after better ones become available as it is used for synthesis in the endgame to make a Grand Helm.
Category:Armor in Final Fantasy IX