Free Energy (Final Fantasy IX)

Free Energy is a Dyne ability in Final Fantasy IX used by Zidane while in Trance. It deals physical damage to an enemy for a cost of 10 MP. It is the first and the weakest Dyne Zidane has.
==Obtained==
Free Energy is available when Zidane has access to Flee. Flee is learned for 40 AP from the Dagger, Mage Masher, Zorlin Shape, Ultima Weapon, and Germinas Boots. As Zidane starts with the Dagger, he has access to Free Energy since the beginning.
==Mechanics== 
Free Energy deals 150% the damage of Zidane's normal attack; his power is already enhanced by being in Trance.
Damage is calculated as follows:
:Base = [(Attack * 15) / 10] - Enemy Defense
:Bonus = Strength + Rnd MOD ([(Level + Strength) / 8] + 1)
:Damage = Base * [Bonus * 1.5]
Bonus is halved by target's Protect, and is reduced to 1 while Zidane has Mini.
==Use==
Free Energy is worth using for its fairly low MP cost when in the early game over Zidane's normal Attack while in Trance, as it is stronger. However, Zidane could match it with a Killer ability in use. When Zidane uses Free Energy, five explosive physical attacks are inflicted upon the target, each accompanied by a different letter of the Terran script . After Zidane learns Tidal Flame, it is superior to Free Energy against groups, but Free Energy remains the better one against single targets for its match in attack power but lower MP cost. Once Zidane learns Scoop Art, Free Energy is outclassed altogether.
The downside of all Trance abilities is that timing them for a battle where Trance would be most beneficial, like a boss battle, is difficult/impossible, as a Trance state cannot be saved up, and its building does not depend on the amount of damage sustained from enemy attacks, only the number of enemy attacks. The only ways to expedite Trance are to use High Tide and Protect Girls for Zidane to intercept attacks directed toward some of his allies. As Zidane may enter Trance in practically any battle, it is the luck of the draw whether his improved physical prowess is a bonus for that particular encounter or not.
Zidane automatically enters Trance in the battle against the Prison Cage in the Evil Forest. This is the premier opportunity to defeat the boss using Free Energy.
==Etymology==
Category:Dyne in Final Fantasy IX