Final Fantasy Tactics Job Classes

Chemist An expert in the use of items to recover HP or remove vexing status ailments.

Vital Statistics

Subjective Analysis

The Chemist is the base starting class for most magic-using units. Their apothecary skills unlock a wide variety of items with training, and their innate ability to throw those items over distances gives them reason to stay safe from the fray while still being supportive. They are also one of the two classes that can equip guns, though of course you won't find many guns until deeper in the game. When you get there, and with some sleuthing for the best ones, the significant damage guns can offer helps offset the Chemist's inherent low HP and AT. Can I perhaps interest you in a gun-toting Chemist with Equip Heavy Armor?

Chemists employ many abilities, some quite worthless, others absolutely vital at various points of the game. The key item-abilities to learn at the beginning are ERROR, ERROR, ERROR, and ERROR. Later in the game ERROR and ERROR are invaluable - the latter, while potentially expensive, is an early way to make almost any battle far easier, and with some planning, stays useful throughout the entire game. Safeguard can be important for late-game story battles, too, where virtually every encounter will include an opponent capable of breaking your equipment.