Editing Final Fantasy IX (section)

===Combat and character progression===
[[File:Ff9 screenshot bossbattle.png|thumb|right|In this early [[boss (video games)|boss]] battle, Steiner attacks the enemy while Zidane awaits the player's menu input.]]

When the player encounters an enemy, the map changes to a battle screen. The player issues commands to characters from an on-screen menu on the battle screen, including physically attacking, using items from the inventory, and unique character-specific abilities that define their role in battle.<ref name="gameguide" /><ref name="RevGS" /> For example, the thief Zidane can steal items, Eiko and Garnet can summon "eidolons" to aid the party, and Vivi can use [[Final Fantasy gameplay#Magic|black magic]] to damage the opposition.<ref name="gameguide" /> The speed and order in which the characters and enemies [[turn-based|take their turn]] varies according to their [[agility]], an implementation of the [[Active Time Battle]] system first featured in ''[[Final Fantasy IV]]''.<ref name="RevIGN" /> Character-specific commands change when the character goes into "[[limit break|Trance]] mode", which is activated for a short duration when the character sustains a specified amount of damage similar to the Limit Breaks in ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''. Trance mode amplifies the character's strength and allows the player to select more powerful attack commands.<ref name="RevGS" /> For example, Vivi's "Black Magic" command changes into "Double Black", allowing him to cast two magic spells at once.<ref name="gameguide" /> Winning battles awards money, items, "[[experience point]]s", and "ability points".<ref name="gameguide" />

Experience points determine a character's combat attributes like agility, strength, and magical power. Accumulating sufficient experience points results in a "level up", which permanently increases combat attributes. Equipment worn by a character may also amplify their attributes. Certain weapons and armor also bestow special abilities, which the character may use when equipped. When the character earns enough ability points, it becomes usable without the item equipped.<ref name="gameguide" /> There are two types of abilities: action and support. Action abilities require [[magic point]]s to use and include magical spells and special moves used in battle. Support abilities provide functions that are automatically enabled in battle, such as increasing power against certain types of enemies. The maximum number of effects characters can equip at once is determined by each character's Magic Stones.<ref name="gameguide" /><ref name="RevGS" />