Eight

Explore Eight's full potential in Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age — Definitive Edition. Learn about his spells, axe, greatsword, sword, shield, and heroism skills.

Eight is a versatile party member in Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age — Definitive Edition, offering a mix of support spells and weapon proficiencies. His skill trees include Axes, Greatswords, Swords, Shields, and Heroism, each providing unique abilities and stat boosts.

Spells: Eight's spells are primarily support-oriented. He learns single-target healing spells like Midheal and Moreheal, defensive buffs such as Buff and Kabuff, and the unique Kerplunk spell which sacrifices him to revive the party. Magic Barrier enhances spell resistance for all allies.

Axes: Axes are a strong choice for Eight, allowing him to use a shield while still dealing significant damage. Skills like Helm Splitter and Scrap Mettle can lower enemy defense, while Hatchet Man offers a chance for a critical hit, especially useful against Metal Slime enemies. Parallax is a powerful single-target attack with a chance to inflict paralysis, and Axes of Evil targets all enemies but is MP-intensive.

Greatswords: While not Eight's initial best option, the Greatsword tree offers more overall damage, especially with later-game weapons. Skills include single-target damage dealers like Cutting Edge and Unbridled Blade, and Helichopter for group attacks. The tree offers fewer passive benefits compared to other weapon types.

Swords: The Sword tree is generally considered underwhelming for Eight, with no exclusive abilities. Most moves are situational or elemental, and Dual-Wielding is not optimal given his preference for a one-handed weapon and shield.

Shields: The Shield tree offers valuable defensive skills. Immense Defence stacks with other shield boosts, enhancing Eight's tanking capabilities. Desperate Measures blocks critical attacks, though its utility is situational. Holy Impregnable provides near-perfect immunity to ailments, especially when combined with a Catholicon Ring +3.

Heroism: This non-equipment related tree provides useful abilities such as Blind Man's Buff, which can be beneficial despite its initial limitations.