That's because you're stupid.

[Jiro]

Attachment 37136

What do you think the party members do when the main team are away? Later in this scene Vincent tries to take Cid back to bed so clearly there's weird chemistry going on there. I like to think Yuffie plants herself between the soft furry dog thing and the cuddly mog toy.

[Jinx]

Do they travel around fighting monsters as well?

[ReloadPsi]

Travelling the same route, but out of their sight and remaining split up. At least it's what's implied by Barret telling you to split them up just after leaving Midgar and the way they always arrive ahead of or behind you when you get to new places. Apparently they're fighting monsters too, because they share some of the EXP you get.

[Jinx]

You know, I will say, that FFX's battle system made sense in those regards. Like, only 3 people are fighting at a time, but the WHOLE PARTY is always at your disposal, cos they're all traveling together.

[milliegoesbeep]

Maybe they all sit in a hotel room, watch cartoons and play poker until the storyline gets them involved.

[Jiro]

Except why are they just standing around? At least if Barret is smashing the bar he's not going to be of any use out in the field.

[Raistlin]

The non-party members are lazy bastards. Yuffie starts off by stealing your materia, but after that does she ever steal any for you? Noooo. Ungrateful bitch!

[Laddy]

Good point. What the smurf are those smurfers doing and why do they always seem to miss the important stuff?

[Mercen-X]

Apparently they're fighting monsters too, because they share some of the EXP you get.

Hell-to-the-NO! Party members not in the main team may as well as be dead. Their EXP certainly doesn't increase. What have you been smoking?

[ReloadPsi]

The standard cocktail of nitrogen, water vapour, oxygen and others that comprises our atmosphere.

Why else would their levels mysteriously increase when you don't use them? Cait Sith and Yuffie definitely aren't still level 18 when I inevitably use them for the first time during the Weapon raid at Junon.

[Mercen-X]

EXP boost for Plot? I've never noticed their levels increasing ever if I don't use them.

[Christmas]

They talk about how lame and dumb each of them look and promises to revamp their image if they are going to become movie stars.

Hey wait, there is a movie about them now!

[VeloZer0]

They get 1/2 of the exp that the main party gets.

[ReloadPsi]

EXP boost for Plot? I've never noticed their levels increasing ever if I don't use them.

Did you even play this game?

[Mercen-X]

The last I played was a year ago. ES&D.