Brave and Default

Learn how to effectively use the Brave and Default commands in Bravely Second to gain an advantage in battle. Understand BP, actions per turn, and strategic choices.

In Bravely Second, each standard action (attack, item, run, etc.) costs 1 Brave Point (BP). At the start of battle, characters have 0 BP and gain 1 BP each turn, unless knocked out. BP is displayed below a character’s portrait.

Brave: Selecting Brave allows a character to expend 1 BP to perform an additional action during the current turn. This can be done up to three times, allowing for a maximum of four actions per turn at the cost of an extra 3 BP. Braving can be performed by pressing the L button. When a character Braves, they expend BP they don't currently have, resulting in a negative BP total. This negative BP must be paid back in future turns, rendering the character immobile and vulnerable for the number of turns equal to the BP debt.

Default: The Default command makes a character forfeit their turn to save up 1 BP for future turns. It also reduces damage taken during that turn. Default cannot be used if you choose to Brave. Defaulting can be performed by pressing the R button. By Defaulting, characters accumulate BP, allowing them to Brave safely in subsequent turns without incurring a BP debt and becoming immobile.

When to Brave or Default:

• Safe Strategy: Save BP by Defaulting, then use the accumulated BP to Brave for multiple actions. This is recommended for long battles to minimize overall damage taken by reducing damage on turns you Default.
• Reckless Strategy: If you can defeat an enemy quickly (e.g., within four attacks), Braving multiple times can lead to a swift victory and potentially no damage taken. This is recommended when you are confident you can end the battle quickly. Misjudging the situation can leave your character immobile and vulnerable for multiple turns.

Braving can also be used for support, such as using a Phoenix Down and a Potion in the same turn to revive an ally and prevent them from being immediately KO'd again.

Some Command Abilities also have a BP cost in addition to the standard 1 BP cost.