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Elements (属性 Zokusei?, "Attribute") are a recurring battle feature in the Tales series. Most spells and an assortment of strike artes have at least one element attached to it, but multiple elements on a single arte are also a common occurrence. Enemies have various level of affinity regarding elements, including absorption, resistance, weakness, and immunity. Weapons can also have an assigned element, dealing particular elemental damage, while some armor, accessories, and skills can reduce received elemental damage. Types (タイプ / 性質 Taipu / Seishitsu?, "Type" / "Nature") are related concepts that instead classify artes and units into broad categories.

Function[]

Tales of Phantasia[]

Tales of Phantasia introduces elements to the series. Elemental damage comes in four forms: neutral, in which the target takes normal damage, weakness, in which the target takes increased damage, resistance, in which target has a chance to nullify damage, and absorption, in which the target heals instead of taking damage. There are degrees of resistance; the higher the resistance, the higher the chance to nullify the damage, with the ultimate possibility of nullifying damage of that element all the time. This system is also used in the PlayStation release of Tales of Destiny as well as all remakes and ports of Tales of Phantasia.

Tales of Eternia[]

Tales of Eternia revolutionizes the system by reworking the concept of resistance. Resistance now means that the target takes decreased damage from the element rather than having a chance to nullify it. This system is then used in most games of the franchise.

Tales of Graces[]

Tales of Graces does away with the concept of resistances altogether with a system of multiple weaknesses and combines them with both enemy types and status ailments under a unified banner called attributes (特性 tokusei?). Hitting attribute weaknesses will stagger the enemy, and hitting all of a target's weaknesses will increase the damage dealt for the combo for a limited period of time. Traditional elements are combined with status ailments and feature a circular icon, while combat damage types are square icons with dark backgrounds, in contrast to enemy types which are square icons with light backgrounds.

Tales of Xillia 2[]

While having a traditional damage system for elements, Tales of Xillia 2 takes the weakness combo system of Tales of Graces and expands it. Hitting an enemy's weakness will initiate a power hit combo that increases the damage dealt during the combo itself for a limited period of time. Introducing a new element, even one that the enemy is not weak to, extends the duration of this power increase as well as its magnitude.

Tales of Zestiria[]

Tales of Zestiria explicitly assigns elements to all artes, removing their association with weapons. It also introduces the concept of reflecting elemental damage, in which attacker takes some of the damage their target would normally.

Tales of Link[]

Tales of Link assigns elements to each unit almost randomly. If a Guardian with that element is equipped, the unit's element is considered activated, and that unit will do increased damage to and take decreased damage from the element they are strong against, while the reverse happens for the element they are weak against. Weapons and armor also have elements, but they only provide a damage increase. Each unit also as a type that is defined for that unit for all its iterations. This type determines what equipment that unit is allowed to use and, broadly speaking, tends to determine its stat line.

Elements work in a cyclical nature, with an element being strong against one and weak against another: the cycle goes Fire over Earth over Wind over Water, which cycles back to Fire. Light and Dark are mutually advantageous to each other. At the start of the game, units of Light and Dark also took increased damage from their opposite. The version 3.5.3 update instead changed it so that playable Light and Dark units dealt increased damage but only took neutral damage from the opposite element.

Tales of Asteria[]

Tales of Asteria assigns a select element to each unit. In "Cross Slide Battle" mode, the main thing to note is the element that appears in a slot: if the character's element matches it, they will perform a series of attacks as opposed to the single strike they otherwise would. A rainbow in that slot means that any character can obtain that boost.

Tales of Luminaria[]

Tales of Luminaria assigns elements to some artes, some of which are associated with the status ailment it inflicts, as in Tales of Graces.

List of Elements[]

Nature[]

Aerial[]

Aerial (烈風 Reppuu?, "Violent Wind") is a wind-based element exclusive to Tales of Luminaria. It has no associated status effect.

Curse[]

Curse ( Ju?) is a dark-based element exclusive to Tales of Legendia. The Spirit associated with the Curse element is Shadow.

Dark, Darkness, and Shade[]

The Dark ( Yami?) element, also known as Darkness in the PlayStation version of Tales of Destiny and Shade in Tales of Rebirth, is associated with the colors black and purple, and these colors are commonly incorporated into arte animations of this element. The Spirits associated with the Dark element are Shadow and Pluto, and the Sacred Beast associated with Shade is Eephon. The Centurion associated with the Dark element is Tenebrae, and it is the element of the First Fonon in Tales of the Abyss. In Tales of Xillia, Dark-elemental artes have a chance of inflicting the Terror magical status ailment, and in Tales of Xillia 2, they may inflict the Poison magical status ailment. In Tales of Rebirth, Shade is associated with A.DEF. Spells commonly associated with the Dark element include Negative Gate and Demon's Lance.

Since Dark element is not associated with one, single symbol in popular culture, there tends to a different icon representing it in each game; most Original Titles usually have a symmetrical eight-point violet splash.

Earth[]

The Earth ( Chi?) element is associated with the color brown and, rarely, bright yellow, and these colors are commonly incorporated into arte animations of this element. The Spirit associated with the Earth element is Gnome, and the Sacred Beast associated with Earth is Randgriz. The Centurion associated with the Earth element is Solum, and it is the element of the Second Fonon in Tales of the Abyss. In Tales of Xillia and Tales of Zestiria, Earth-elemental artes have a chance of inflicting the Slow magical status ailment; in Tales of Xillia 2, they may inflict the Petrify magical status ailment. In Tales of Zestiria and Tales of Berseria, Earth is associated with P.DEF. Spells commonly associated with the Earth element include Air Pressure and Ground Dasher.

The most recurring symbol to represent Earth element is a brown mountain range consisting of two or three peaks, although occasionally a rock-like image is used instead.

Elemental[]

The Elemental (元素 / 元 Genso / Moto?) element is related to the primordial elements, often associated with space and used in Tales of Eternia and the Narikiri Dungeon series of games. Maxwell is the Greater Craymel associated with the Elemental element. Meteor Storm is a common spell of this element, with Tractor Beam and Shooting Star occasionally taking on the element as well.

Fire and Flame[]

The Fire ( Hi?) element, also known as Flame in Tales of Rebirth, is associated with the color red, and this color is commonly incorporated into arte animations of this element. The Spirit associated with the Fire element is Efreet, and the Sacred Beast associated with Flame is Fenia. In Tales of Graces, due to the lack of elements in its traditional sense, Bloodflamme replaces Efreet. The Centurion associated with the Fire element is Ignis, and it is the element of the Fifth Fonon in Tales of the Abyss. Enemies hit by a Fire-elemental arte may by afflicted with the Burn status ailment, provided this effect exists within the game in question. In Tales of Rebirth and Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3, Fire is associated with P.ATK, while in Tales of Zestiria and Tales of Berseria with A.ATK. Spells commonly associated with the Fire element include Fireball and Burning Strike.

The Fire element is almost always represented by a flame.

Flash[]

Flash (閃光 Senkou?) is an element in Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with light in that game.

Ice[]

The Ice ( Koori?) element typically appears as an alternative to the Water element with white and bright blue being its main colors that appear in Ice-elemental spells. The Spirit associated with the Ice element is Celsius, and the Centurion associated with the Ice element is Glacies. Some games which lack the Ice element assign the Water element to it, sometimes adding the Wind or Earth elements as well. Spells commonly associated with the Ice element include Ice Needles and Freeze Lancer.

The Ice element is generally represented with a light blue snowflake.

Light[]

The Light ( Hikari?) element is associated with the colors white and gold, and these colors are commonly incorporated into arte animations of this element. Several Spirits are associated with the Light element, namely Luna, Rem, and Aska, and the Sacred Beast associated with Light is Gilione. The Centurion associated with the Light element is Lumen, and it is the element of the Sixth Fonon in Tales of the Abyss. In Tales of Xillia and Tales of Xillia 2, Light-elemental artes have a chance of inflicting the Confusion magical status ailment. In Tales of Rebirth, Light is associated with A.ATK. Spells commonly associated with the Light element include Ray and Holy Lance.

The Light element is represented by a spark or blast of light.

Lightning[]

Lightning ( Kaminari?) is an electricity-based element that appears in several games. Colors commonly associated with it include violets paired with blues as well as yellow. The Spirit associated with the Lightning element is Volt, and the Centurion associated with the Lightning element is Tonitrus. Some games that lack the Lightning element assign the Light or Wind elements to it, sometimes adding the Fire or Water element to Wind. Spells commonly associated with the Lightning element include Lightning and Thunder Blade.

The Lightning element is generally represented with a lightning bolt.

The PlayStation 2 remakes of Tales of Destiny are the only instance where an element is removed between releases of the same title.

Neutral and Non-elemental[]

The Non-elemental (無属性 Muzokusei?) attribute class, also known as Neutral, is usually a way to indicate artes and items without element, but some games give it a class of its own. It also appears as its own element in Tales of Phantasia, in which enemies may have resistance or immunities to it. In Tales of Zestiria, Non-elemental attacks have a chance of inflicting the Paralysis physical status ailment and are related to the Attack stat. In both it and Tales of Berseria, this element is associated with light, darkness, and lightning. In Tales of the Rays, non-elemental artes often use pink color in their animations. In Tales of Symphonia, unlike with other elements, it is not shown besides a tech's name in the tech menu, nor is it shown in the Monster List, but it is shown in battle when using a Magic Lens or Inspect Magic if the enemy being scanned has a resistance or weakness to it.

Sea[]

Sea ( Umi?) is a water- and light-based element exclusive to Tales of Legendia due to the holy implications given to water in the game. The Spirit associated with the Sea element is Rem.

Time[]

Time (時空 / 時 Toki?) is a time-based element exclusive to Tales of Eternia, related to the passage of time. The Greater Craymel associated with the Time element is Sekundes.

Water and Aqua[]

The Water ( Mizu?) element, also known as Aqua in Tales of Rebirth is associated with the color blue, and this color is commonly incorporated into arte animations of this element. The Spirit associated with the Water element is Undine, and the Sacred Beast associated with Water is Shaorune. In Tales of Graces, due to the lack of elements in its traditional sense, Cyandine replaces Undine. The Centurion associated with the Water element is Aqua, and it is the element of the Fourth Fonon in Tales of the Abyss. In Tales of Xillia, Water-elemental artes have a chance of inflicting the Weak magical status ailment; in Tales of Xillia 2, they may inflict the Skillseal magical status ailment; and in Tales of Zestiria, they may inflict the Poison physical status ailment. In Tales of Rebirth and Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3, Water is associated with P.DEF, while in Tales of Zestiria and Tales of Berseria with A.DEF. Spells commonly associated with the Water element include Spread and Tidal Wave.

The Water element is generally represented by a blue droplet.

Wind[]

The Wind ( Kaze?) element is associated with the color green, and this color is commonly incorporated into arte animations of this element. The Spirit associated with the Wind element is Sylph, and the Sacred Beast associated with Wind is Wontiga. In Tales of Graces, due to the lack of elements in its traditional sense, Grim Sylphie replaces Sylph. The Centurion associated with the Wind element is Ventus, and it is the element of the Third Fonon in Tales of the Abyss. In Tales of Xillia and Tales of Xillia 2, Wind-elemental artes have a chance of inflicting the Paralysis magical status ailment, and in Tales of Zestiria, they may inflict the Fatigue physical status ailment. Stat-wise, it is generally associated with speed-based parameters. Spells commonly associated with the Wind element include Air Thrust and Cyclone.

The Wind element is generally represented by three green wisps of wind, but it sometimes has a blast of swirling wind as its icon.

Combat[]

Aerial[]

Aerial (飛行 Hikou?) is not an element in the strictest sense, though it is grouped with them in the PlayStation 2 release of Tales of Destiny and Tales of Graces. In Tales of Destiny, the Aerial element indicates that the arte can be used in the air; a similar icon is used in Tales of the Rays in the same manner. In Tales of Graces, it acts more like an enemy classification, specifically referring to those capable of flight.

The Aerial attribute is depicted with a white-feathered wing.

Bash and Strike[]

Bash ( Da?) and Strike (打撃 Dageki?) are physical elements that both are associated with blunt attacks, such as fists and hammers. In Tales of Link, Bash-type units have high HP and average attack but extremely low recovery. In the Global release, most non-awakened units have an extremely high LC of 15.

The Bash and Strike attribute is depicted with a hammer or a fist.

Impact[]

Impact (衝撃 Shougeki?) is a physical-based element in Tales of Graces and Tales of Luminaria, governing forceful and explosive attacks. It has no associated status effect in Tales of Luminaria.

Physical[]

The Physical (物理 Butsuri?) element governs physical attacks, occasionally distinct from non-elemental attacks in terms of resistances.

Shot[]

Shot (射 / 射撃 Sha / Shageki?) is a physical element associated with shooting attacks, such as with arrows and bullets. In Tales of Link, Shot-type units have average stats all around. In the Global release, most non-awakened units have an extremely low LC of 3.

The Shot element is depicted with an arrow, sometimes accompanied by a bow.

Slash[]

Slash (斬 / 斬撃 Zan / Zangeki?) is a physical element associated with cutting attacks, such as with swords and axes. Some titles where thrusting and piercing artes are present and use damage types are often assigned to the Slash attribute. In Tales of Link, Slash-type units have high attack but low HP and recovery. In the Global release, most non-awakened units have a below average LC of 4.

The Slash element is depicted with an icon of a sword pointing toward lower left corner of the image.

Sonic and Sound[]

Sonic ( On?), also known as Sound, is an element associated with sound attacks, such as with instruments. In the PlayStation 2 version of Tales of Destiny, it is used by Karyl Sheeden, who is a musician. In Tales of the Abyss, it is the element of the Seventh Fonon, with Lorelei as its associated aggregate sentience. The element itself is not used in gameplay, but it does govern healing artes.

Spell[]

Spell ( Ma?, "Magic") is mostly a magic element that is associated with magic artes, although some energy-based physical artes are also Spell-aspected. It only appears in select Mobile Titles. In Tales of Link, Spell-type units have high recovery and average attack but low HP. In the Global release, most non-awakened units have an above average LC of 12.

The Spell attribute is depicted with a magic wand or staff.

Thrust[]

Thrust ( Totsu?) is a physical element in Tales of Link. Thrust-type units have high health and average recovery but low HP. In the Global release, most non-awakened units have an LC of 6.

Status Ailment[]

Burn[]

Burn (火傷 / 燃焼 Yakedo / Nenshou?) is an element in Tales of Graces and Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with fire in both games.

Freeze[]

Freeze (凍結 Touketsu?) is an element in Tales of Graces and Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with ice in both games.

Paralysis[]

Paralysis (マヒ / 麻痺 Mahi?) is an element in Tales of Graces and Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with electricity in both games as well as energy in Tales of Graces.

Poison[]

Poison (猛毒 / 毒 Moudoku / Doku?) is an element in Tales of Graces and Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with wind in Tales of Graces and poison itself in Tales of Luminaria.

Petrify[]

Petrify (石化 Sekka?) is an element in Tales of Graces. It is associated with earth in that game.

Ruin[]

Ruin (腐食 Fushoku?, "Corrosion") is an element in Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with darkness in that game.

Shock[]

Shock (感電 Kanden?, "Electric Shock") is an element in Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with electricity in that game.

Slow[]

Slow (鈍足 Donsoku?) is an element in Tales of Graces. It is associated with water in that game.

Weak[]

Weak (衰弱 Suijaku?) is an element in Tales of Luminaria. It is associated with water in that game.


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