Paradigm Shift

"One by one..."

"You're all going down!!"

-Mai and Dakota, upon switching to the Dualcasters Dual-Party Paradigm

Paradigms are another aspect that reflects the user's Battle Style. After each battle, the player is analyzed and granted a Paradigm that reflects their style during combat. Using the same Paradigm over the course of many successive battles will result in a Paradigm Upgrade, and eventually the player will be awarded an Optima Change.

Commando Branch (COM)
The Commando Branch denotes reliance on Physical Attack Combos in battle. Only PACs can be used in the Commando Paradigm.

Ravager Branch (RAV)
The Ravager Branch denotes reliance on Ranged and/or Magical assaults. Only Ranged Damage can be dealt while in the Ravager Paradigm.

Medic Branch (MED)
The Medic Branch denotes a penchant for healing. Only Healing Moves/Skills can be used while in the Medic Paradigm.

Sentinel Branch (SEN)
The Sentinel Branch denotes a heavy reliance on Defensive and Counter moves. Only Guarding, Defensive Moves, and Counter Moves can be used in the Sentinel Paradigm.

Saboteur Branch (SAB)
The Saboteur Branch denotes a heavy use of Crippling and Debuffing moves on your opponents. Only Debuffing and Crippling moves can be used in the Saboteur Paradigm.

Synergist Branch (SYN)
The Synergist Branch denotes heavy use of Buffing and Enhancing moves on yourself and allies. Only Buffs and Enhancers can be used in the Synergist Paradigm.

Dual-Party Paradigms
When there are 2 Party members, the Paradigm becomes differently named. These are primarily used only to denote CPU Characters' Paradigms.

Tri-Party Paradigms
Like Dual-Party Paradigms, these mainly only apply to CPU Characters. Tri-Party Paradigms are for parties of 3. That's why they're called TRI-Party Paradigms.

Quad-Party Paradigms
Quad-Party Paradigms are almost strictly for CPU Characters. Since 4-Person parties are rare, these Paradigms are also hard to come by.