Power Vest (Final Fantasy IX)

The Power Vest is a mid to endgame light armor piece in Final Fantasy IX that everyone but Steiner and Freya can wear. It teaches Counter, which allows the character to retaliate when being hit by an enemy; Gamble Defense, which randomizes the character's Defense for damage calculations but their Defense can be higher than their base; and Stone Killer, which improves damage against stone type enemies. The vest gives a bonus to the wearer's Strength when they level up with it equipped.
==Obtain==
The Power Vest is found in Oeilvert "battleship display" room and also stolen from the boss of Oeilvert, Ark. It is bought for 7,200 gil in Esto Gaza (after Desert Palace) and from the moogle in Ipsen's Castle.
==Mechanics==
The Power Vest provides 27 Defense, mitigating damage from physical attacks. The vest gives a +2 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 factors into damage calculations and HP growth, and Power Vest is the best Strength-boosting light body armor.
==Use==
The Power Vest is the best light body armor for Ark, Desert Palace, Esto Gaza, and Mount Gulug until the player can steal the Demon's Vest from the boss there.
Counter from the Power Vest is a good ability to learn, and Amarant can equip it to master Counter faster as he has it on his weapon as well. Gamble Defense is a detriment and should not be equipped, whereas stone enemies are easier defeated with Softs than with Attack.
The Power Vest has a great level up bonus for a physical attacker like Amarant, though it is not advised to level-grind early on unless the player is stuck in a boss or a dungeon; level grinding and min-maxing are unnecessary in a normal playthrough even when preparing for superbosses. The best stat boost gear will be available in the end of the game, so for best results one would need to limit their EXP intake. For a Strength-boosting build, the player could wear Power Wrist and Power Vest alongside a Dark Matter or another Strength-boosting add-on.
The guest characters from Tantalus can also wear the Power Vest though the player cannot equip them with it in a normal playthrough.
Category:Armor in Final Fantasy IX