Best way to utilize espers?

Hello, I've just started playing FFVI recently and I'm enjoying it. I just got to the point where I got my first four espers and I'm learning how to use them. I've noticed you learn magic for characters by equipping them with that specific character. Also, I've learned some espers have stat increasing abilities that level those stats up as the characters level. Would it be best to just let the magic users have all the espers, or split them up within the entire group? I'd appreciate if anyone could give me some starter tips and etc. as well as anything else (but please try not to give away any spoilers as it is my first time playing).

Thanks =)

Since everyone can only equip one Esper at a time, it's best just to split them up. Make sure some of your current non-magic users (meaning everyone but Celes and Terra) learn curative magics so you arent always relyin on those two for said magic.

I wouldnt worry too much about the stat bonuses currently; Espers with better boosts will come along. I usually only worry about stat boosts after everyone has learned everything neccesary and I'm tanking them for levels.

One tip I do have is that before Odin becomes Raiden(if I remember correctly) use Odin to boost speed of lower characters because it is the only Esper that does boost speed.

Otherwise, I got everyone to learn every spell eventually, well at least my first time through. Oh, and I personally choose the sword over the Esper, if you don't know what I mean, you will. That's because the Paladin shield teaches ultima anyways.

THE JACKEL

I really wasnt arsed to get the paladin shield. I had my whole party using Ultima from the magicite before I'd have been half way to getting that shield.

Getting the Paladin sheild can be quite boring... but it is definately a very powerful item. but whether it is worth it or not depends on you.

Also I always have odin unless I really want quick. I love speed and odin is speedy.

Basically if you keep track of when hte next fight will lvl you up you can equip the stat boost epsers for those lvling up battles nad then go back to the espers that have the spells you want for the battles that wont' lvl you.... I don't bother with it but I guess technically that would be teh BEST way to utilize them... also stay as low lvl as possible till you get the big boosting espers.

You'll also note that some espers teach spells at a faster rate, so with some strategic esper-swapping you can get certain spells faster. This is, of course, if you are not concerned with stat boosts in the beginning. I tend to be far more concerned with getting the spells than the stat bonuses the espers might grant until, as TheAbominatrix said, I'm leveling up, so using the espers that teach spells the fastest is the way to go.

Quick is the best spell in the game, with it I was able to beat the final boss without getting hit!!

THE JACKEL

Ah, I didn't realize you can only equip one esper on a character at a time. Thanks for the tips everyone, keep them coming if there's any left =P

Instead of worrying over which esper gives which bonus, I tend to look for whcih spells I want to use first. For example learning curative spells ealry in the game is essential. Plus learning Vanish and Doom makes future boss fights so much more.... easier to accomplish.

It should be noted that the same strategy that works for us might not work for you. Get a good feel for them, develope your winning strategy. But in all, just have fun.

i actually have a much different approach than what i've heard.

Since Edgar(who i think is the best character in the game) can attack X monsters with his autocrossbow, I really choose espers by their stats.

Basically i stay on the lowest level as possible until i get the paladin shield and odin(for speed) then i raise his stats with the +2 stat gainers. Once he is leveled up with the speed, stamina, and strength(vigor) increases....well, you can basically win with just him, and it's simple to get everyone else's level up with him in your party.

The spells will come, but if you take 40 lvs to get them all, i'd rather have the 70 some odd stat increase. ;)

Hmm, that's pretty interesting. I'm just gonna try to mess around and test things out this time through, and then I'll utilize them the best way I think that you could the next time I play through.

Um... by the way, this might sound like a newbie question, but can you unequip espers? I tried everything to get an esper off of a character, but it doesn't seem to be working no matter what I try.

Select an empty slot and that will remove the Esper. Esentially, 'equip' an empty slot.

Oh, thanks. I feel like a moron now :P

Unequipping and reequipping espers gets really annoying when you are trying to change them around quickly cos you have to go to the character's screen who has it to unequip it but on the plus side, the game actually tells you who has it when you try to select it.

Yeah, it took me about an hour to figure out how to unequip an esper. XD