i junction 100 THread to STR!

[BG-57]

The low level challenge is time consuming, so bear that in mind.

I don't think it is time consuming. Practically all my games were low-level challenges, I hardly ever exceeded Level 20, only once I played a high-level challenge, cause I wanted to get the Ultimate Weapons on Disc 1.

I think it actually shortens your game time, as you can simply run from random encouters - better yet just equip 0% Enemy Encounter throughout the game. The only thing you can do is kill Tonberries (0 EXP) and Cactuars (very little EXP). And yes, the Lv Plus ability comes in handy here.

I think the "No Level Up"-Challenge is much more time consuming. I just started it, there's actually a way to avoid getting any EXP at all until you get to the Rocket Launching Station. The 3 soldiers (bossfight) there are immune to Stone and will give EXP.

What I call low level challenge is what you are calling no level challenge.

After that, I try and refine as many spells as possible to eliminate my need to draw. Because everybody knows how boring it is, even if they don't attempt max-draws.

I actually draw a lot of my magic in FFVIII I don't mind, I drew 100 demi from Diablos with my entire party (yes 300 did take a long time, especially with Zell's pitiful mag stat and the fact that only 2 can junction magic to their magic stat at the first point you receive the magical lamp) the easiest way to survive this and not get beaten is simply to every now and then when you are low on hp is fire a stocked demi spell at Diablos, he will counter your character by casting Curaga on them, free healing is awesome. I also drew 100 double and protect/shell spells from Biggs and Wedge atop the communication tower in Dollet. That too took a long time, the main boss will not attack until you then focus on either of the two and defeat their hp level. Though a standard practise of mine is to card enough Fasticalon-F to card mod them in to 300 water spells.

You are right that magic and spirit do affect draw but eventually with even low level magic you can guarantee a draw of around 6 - 9 spells a time. IMHO Refining is best left for the highest level hardest spells to obtain or for refining items in to other items needed to gain the best magic.

I ran into the same problem with Zell when I was drawing Pain from Granaldo. Took a long time.