Initiative

In Final Fantasy VIII, 'Initiative' is a support ability that allows a character to start all battles with a full Active Time Battle (ATB) gauge, enabling them to act first. This ability is especially useful in situations where you need to quickly cast a specific spell or launch an attack. The Initiative ability is learned by the Guardian Forces Pandemona, Cactuar, and Tonberry, for the cost of 160 Ability Points (AP). Pandemona can be drawn from a wind-elemental boss in Balamb Hotel or the Red Giant in the final dungeon. Cactuar is recruited by defeating Jumbo Cactuar on Cactuar Island, while Tonberry requires defeating Tonberry King in Centra Ruins. While 'Initiative' is effective for speeding up random encounters, it's less useful in prolonged boss battles. Furthermore, this ability occupies a valuable support slot, and players may prefer the more flexible Auto-Haste ability. There is another ability called 'Alert' to avoid back attacks, but back attacks in forced circumstances still occurs. In conclusion, 'Initiative' allows for early actions in battles, but players need to decide whether it is the most efficient support ability in all situations.