Formations are a gameplay feature in SaGa Scarlet Grace , returning from other games in the series. Different formations grant different benefits while in battle. Some formations will grant more BP if you vanquish enemies, while some will help you defend more fragile characters, and so on.
You gain new formations by recruiting new characters. There are 23 total normal formations in the base game, with more added in SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions.
Normal Formations [ ] Free For All [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up large
Starting Formation
Allows characters to move quickly
When not acting, speed increases for the next turn
2
Speed up large
3
Speed up large
4
Speed up large
5
Speed up large
BP Usage: Start 3, Max 7, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Default starting formation.
Benisons: 1
Royal Hearts [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Weapon power up small, speed up small, targeted rate up large
Default formation in Urpina's scenario
The vanguards are targeted more, so it's good if you have two high defense characters
2
Weapon power up small, speed up small, targeted rate up large
3
Speed down small
4
Speed down small
5
Speed down small
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Urpina , Antonius , Black-Robed Figure , Armored Maiden
Benisons: 1
Crooked Cross [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Weapon power up small, targeted rate up, speed up
Default formation in Balmaint's scenario
The vanguard's attack power is high, and the rearguard's survivability is high
2
Targeted rate up, speed up small
3
Targeted rate up, speed up small
4
Targeted rate up, speed up small
5
Magic/Physical Defense up, speed down large
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Balmaint
Benisons: 1
Double Trouble [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up extra large, targeted rate up
Default formation in Leonard's scenario
The two vanguards have high speed
2
Speed up extra large, targeted rate up
3
Speed down large
4
Speed down large
5
Speed down large
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Elisabeth
Benisons: 1
Feather Guard [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up small, targeted rate up
Default formation in Taria's scenario
The rearguard is good for weak or caster characters
2
Speed up small, targeted rate up
3
Speed up small, targeted rate up
4
Speed up small, targeted rate up
5
Physical/Magical defense up extra large, speed down
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Taria
Benisons: 1
Swiftshot [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up small, targeted rate up small
A great formation for strong archers
2
Speed up small, targeted rate up small
3
4
5
Bow BP reduction, weapon power up small, speed down large
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Colleen , Hagar
Benisons: 2
Desert Lance [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
BP reduction, speed up large, targeting rate up
The vanguard's speed has increased and they can use stronger skills at a lower cost, but the rest of the team is slowed down and the vanguard will be targeted more.
2
Speed down small
3
Speed down small
4
Speed down small
5
Speed down small
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Socrates , Lamar
Benisons: 2
Overpowering Might [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up, targeted rate up large
Good for Great sword users, but beware the speed penalty
Put a tough character in position 1
2
Target rate increase
3
Great sword BP reduction, speed down
4
Target rate increase
5
Speed down
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Kumi , Nasir , Luna
Benisons: 2
Sweeping Strikes [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
BP reduction for long swords, speed increase large, targeting rate up
BP reduction will also work for dual-wielding
2
Speed up small, targeting rate up
3
Speed up small, targeting rate up
4
Speed down small
5
Speed down small
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Erreich , Chichi , Hilda
Benisons: 2
Lumberjack [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up small, targeting rate up large
Put tough characters in the front row
2
Speed up small, targeting rate up large
3
Axe BP cost reduction, Speed up small, targeting rate up
4
Speed down
5
Speed down
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Lady , Marion
Benisons: 2
Browbeat [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Reduce BP cost for club, speed up, targeted rate up
2
Speed up small
3
Speed up small
4
5
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Ignatius , Paul , Muiredach , Yohman
Benisons: 2
Katarina Wedge [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Targeted rate increases
Good for shortsword attackers, speed reduction can be compensated by using interrupts
2
Targeted rate increases
3
Speed down
4
Speed down
5
Shortsword BP reduction, weapon power up small, speed down
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Angle , Keegan , Giselle , Raphael
Benisons: 2
Black Belt [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
BP cost reduction for martial arts skills, attack up small, physical/magical defense down, speed up
The strength of martial arts attacks are increased, so try to hit your opponents before they can hit your decreased defense
2
Benison trigger rate up
3
Benison trigger rate up
4
Benison trigger rate up
5
Benison trigger rate up, speed down
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Orville , Rico
Graces: 2
Puissance [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up small, targeting rate up extra large
Great for teams with two casters
Put defensive characters up front
2
Speed up small, targeting rate up extra large
3
4
BP cost down for magic, speed down small
5
BP cost down for magic, speed down small
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 9, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Nemain
Benisons: 2
Contingency Plan [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Large BP reduction for conditional skills, attack up small, speed up, targeted rate up large
Conditional skills are protects, counters, and interrupts
BP reduction is 2
2
Target rate up
3
Target rate up
4
Large BP reduction for conditional skills, speed down
5
Large BP reduction for conditional skills, speed down
BP Usage: Start 3, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Lewis
Benisons: 2
All For One [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Attack up small, speed up small, targeted rate up
BP increases by 2 if a United Attack is triggered
2
Attack up small, targeted rate up
3
Benison trigger rate up, speed down small
4
Benison trigger rate up, speed down
5
Benison trigger rate up, speed down
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 11, Gain 2 each turn if criteria is met
Characters: Adill , Roh Sung , Julia , Kenji
Benisons: 3
Black Sheep [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Physical/magical defense down, speed up, targeted rate up
BP resets to 5 if a United Attack is triggered
2
Physical/magical defense down, speed up, targeted rate up
3
Physical/magical defense down, speed up, targeted rate up
4
Physical/magical defense down, speed down
5
Physical/magical defense down, speed down
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 11, Gain 1 each turn
Characters: Aslana , Francis , Hongswan , Nolan
Benisons: 3
Momentum [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Gains BP if they defeat an enemy, attack up, speed up small, targeted rate up
2 BP will be gained each time a vanguard character defeats an enemy
2
Gains BP if they defeat an enemy, attack up, speed up small, targeted rate up
3
Speed down small
4
Speed down
5
Speed down
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 11, Gain 2 if the criteria is met
Characters: Ogniana , Griffin , Chiago , Lord Stabiae
Benisons: 3
Erakleos Guard [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Increases BP with guarding, Physical/Magical defense up, speed and targeted rate up
If the two front characters guard, BP will increase.
2
Increases BP with guarding, Physical/Magical defense up, speed and targeted rate up
3
Physical/magical defense up large, speed down small
4
Increased chance of activating Benisons, Physical/Magical defense up large, speed down
5
Increased chance of activating Benisons, Physical/Magical defense up large, speed down
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 11, Gain 2 if the criteria is met
Characters: Irene
Benisons: 3
Poison Pill [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Speed up small, targeted rate up
All characters start off poisoned Due to this, you will start with 8 BP
2
Speed up small, targeted rate up
3
BP reduction for magic techs, speed down
4
BP reduction for magic techs, speed down
5
BP reduction for magic techs, speed down
BP Usage: Start 3, Max 8, Gain 1 for every character poisoned
Characters: Alexandra , Sasha , Arch Witch
Benisons: 3
Dragon's Rage [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Physical/Magical defense down extra large, speed up small
All characters start off frenzied Due to this, you will start with 7 BP
2
Physical/Magical defense down extra large, speed up small
3
Physical/Magical defense down extra large
4
Physical/Magical defense down extra large
5
Physical/Magical defense down extra large
BP Usage: Start 2, Max 7, Gain 1 for every character frenzied
Characters: Strumiknen
Benisons: 3
Trickster [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Increases benison activation chance, speed up small, targeted rate up
BP increases if any of the three rearguard member uses a conditional techniques
2
Increases benison activation chance, speed up small, targeted rate up
3
Increase BP by using a conditional technique, speed down small
4
Increase BP by using a conditional technique, speed down
5
Increase BP by using a conditional technique, speed down small
BP Usage: Start 4, Max 12, Gain 1 if the criteria is met
Characters: Maximius
Benisons: 3
Mystical Might [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Benison activation chance increased, attack power slightly reduced, defensive attributes increased, mobility increased, large targeted rate-up
BP will only increase when an ally in the designated space is equipped with a staff
2
BP +1 at the start of turn if ally is equipped with a staff, small speed down
3
BP +1 at the start of turn if ally is equipped with a staff, small speed down
4
BP +1 at the start of turn if ally is equipped with a staff, small speed down
5
BP +1 at the start of turn if ally is equipped with a staff, small speed down
BP Usage: Start 3, Max 7, Gain 1 if the criteria is met
Characters: Kreisa , Victoria
Benisons: 3
Additional Formations [ ] These formations were added in SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions .
Phoenix Dance [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Attack power down
Defensive formation focused on countering techniques
2
Attack power down
3
Target rate up, defenses up, attack power down
4
Attack power down
5
Attack power down
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 7, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Mondo
Benisons: 2
Triple Threat [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
BP reduction -1 for greatsword techniques
2
BP reduction -1 for longsword techniques
3
BP reduction -1 for shortsword techniques
4
5
BP Usage: Start 2, Max 6, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Tsubaki
Graces: 3
Final Frontier [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Reduces BP by 1 for axe techs
2
3
4
Reduces BP by 1 for spear techs
5
Reduces BP by 1 for bow techs
BP Usage: Start 2, Max 7, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Tissisaaq
Benisons: 3
Together We Stand [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
BP -1 reduction for martial arts skills, speed up, targeted rate up
2
BP -1 reduction for club skills
3
4
Speed down small
5
Speed down small
BP Usage: Start 2, Max 6, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Sabit
Benisons: 3
Speculation [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Defense down
Take advantage of the high early BP to strike before the opponent takes advantage of your lowered defense
2
Defense down
3
Defense down
4
Defense down
5
Defense down
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 7, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Kahn
Benisons: 2
Rising Power [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Attack power and defenses slightly reduced
2
Attack power and defenses slightly reduced
3
Attack power and defenses slightly reduced
4
Attack power and defenses slightly reduced
5
BP -2 cost to magic techs, Attack power and defenses slightly reduced, less likely to be targeted, mobility mildly decreased
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 7, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Arthur
Benisons: 2
Whirlwind [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Attack power slightly decreased, greatly increased mobility after defending
2
Attack power slightly decreased, greatly increased mobility after defending
3
Attack power slightly decreased, greatly increased mobility after defending
4
Attack power slightly decreased, greatly increased mobility after defending
5
Attack power slightly decreased, greatly increased mobility after defending
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 7, Gain 1 each turn.
Characters: Leonard
Benisons: 2
Petalstorm [ ]
Layout
Position
Number
Notes
More Notes
1
Adds BP when vanquishing a foe
BP will increase by 1 when an ally vanquishes a foe
2
Adds BP when vanquishing a foe
3
Adds BP when vanquishing a foe
4
Adds BP when vanquishing a foe
5
Adds BP when vanquishing a foe
BP Usage: Start 5, Max 7, Gain 1 when criteria is met.
Characters: Elysed
Benisons: 2
Special Formations [ ] The following formations are only accessible during special events, and as such are only temporary. These DO NOT count towards the achievement for using all Battle Formations, and can be ignored.
デュエルファイト (Duel Fight): Start 4, Max 9, Gain 1 each turn. Related to possible events in Marchiam Ria in Urpina's scenario
ベイビーガード (Baby Guard): Start 3, Max 10, Gain 1 each turn. Related to events in Provincia Gradion.
Elemental Salvo : Start 8, Max 10, Gain 1 each turn. Related to events in Marchiam Yaxart.ストーンバーデン (Stonebaden): Start 2, Max 8, Gain 1 each turn. Related to events in Marchiam Ria. Navigation [ ]
Locations
Northeast Boundary
Sea Bridge - Outpost - Finemundi - Village of No Presence - Everbloom Tree - Porta Inferni - Abyssal Swamp - Fang Terrae - Spirit Lake - Adamas Shrine - Snowy Hut - Glacier Walls - Frozen Ship - Winter's Door - Frozen Fiend - Forest Dweller
Marchiam Normi
Child Walk - Maiden Cliff - Moorhead - Ostdorf - Westdorf - Castle Kubera - Gusty George - Yomitana Sluice Gate - Neyott Thermocavern - Hide Hive - Yokilis Shaft - Tidemarch - North Sea Ruins - Snow Queen
Provincia Thracini
Mt. Plinio - Elhuacan - Josgad Stable - Stabiae - Sea Bridge - Mulkna Sluice Gate - Nakisina Sluice Gate - Yomitana Sluice Gatee - Pantheon - Kusama Geyser - Old Geyser - TeHoru Geyser - Madayanti Stone - Daji Stone - Tamamo Stone - Rahol Knoll - Mira Cave - Nugia Hollow - Yuaba Shaft - The Creature of Lake Mulkna - Earth Serpent - Enigmatic Egg - Collector Nest - The Creature Returns
Provincia Termina
Schut - Castle Knym - Moorhead - Josgad Stable - North Gate - South Gate - Taria's Workshop - Raven Manor - Liuhuang Vent - Beast Den - Wam i Mine - Phoenix - Earth Serpent - Bloody Howl
Provincia Cindrea
Imhokiel Dam - Kilik - Taiffa - Yumen - Sanhigh - Ur-Saqqara - Saqqara - Castle Knym - Perrault Cave - Basile Hole - Syowyo Mound - Grimms Mine - Earth Serpent - Karkinos
Marchiam Ria
Ferrol - Betanzos - Coruna - Muros - Arousa - Pontevedra - Vigo - Abandoned Village - Cocoon - Water Mirror - Festival Stage - Faerie Stone - Fiends' Nest - Omni Relief
Mare Ilfee
Edinport - Battlwick - New Wise - Longstone Lighthouse - Limerock Lighthouse - Middle Range Lighthouse - Sugar Castle Lighthouse - Gard Island Lightvessel - Hazard Reef - Mermaid Rock - Phantom Warship - Charybdis - Eilean Ceo - Spirit Coal Mine - Diemazu Temple - Diemazu Shrine - Driftage Coast - Provincia Thracini Border - Provincia Cerenaif Border - Cave of Zihg - Wanderer of the Seas
Provincia Cerenaif
Castle Parm - Zegna - Nipelo - Cingular - Water Mill - Imhokiel Temple - Westend Graveyard - Central Cemetery - Eastend Cemetery - Spring Cave - Castello Guscio - Haunted State - Labyrinth - Pyro Mine - Roadblocker
Provincia Rhonicum
Silmium - Lug - Nekwa - Castle Parm - Marigan Temple - Fort Kathrin - Boathouse - Tveak Tower - Lyajg Bog - Drear Rock - Earth Serpent - Dark Forest - Trampling Despair
Provincia Gradion
Testika - Sanhigh - Yumen - Hibernian Border - Bicornia - Pixkimarigan - Adamas Tower - Fort Kathrin - Forest Hut - Bollinger Mine - Jardina Mine - Tula Mine - Shrine - Budding Desire
Urbs Azhuacan
Central Palace - North Market - South Market - Black Market - Imperial Library - Marigan Temple - Kada Temple - Macha Temple - Imhokiel Temple - Astel Temple - Diemazu Temple - Shaams Temple - North Pier - South Pier - Teleportation Device - Arena - Trampling Despair
Provincia Hibernia
Grove of Silence - Ceobhran - Makulilkali Fortress - Castle Fomoire - Teach na Macha - Rainbow Bridge - Fire Aes Mine - Earth Aes Mine - Water Aes Mine - Sealed Cave - Earth Serpent - Grasslands Cabin - Gora Heights - Lofty Malice
Provincia Jusitania
Grumon - Castle Fomoire - Misery - Nanim - Deserted Village - Astel Convent - Spira Tower - Tveak Tower - Seaside Shop - Carl Falls - Donseilla Mine - Lupagal Cave - East Jungle - West Jungle - Enigmatic Skeleton - Stash of Suspect Goods - Man Swinging Pickaxe - Collector Nest - Beckoning of the Abyss
Marchiam Bicyniro
Nekwa - Pescara - Anchiano - Caprese - Maelstrom - Noono Forest - Aslana's Studio - Diving Well - Cave Stuffed with Treasure - Cave Crammed with Fiends - Place with the Final Boss - Trampling Despair
Southeast Boundary
Nameless Peninsula - Birdman Village - Moa - Torii - Enigma Jungle - Fork Falls - Phoenix's Nest - Blue Hole - Hole of Chaos - Corner Isle - The Confounder
Provincia Kei
Castle Kohan - Nangoon - Owtie Arbor - Taiffa - Rowsui Tower - Bullio Gate - Azhuacan Ferry - Mountain Hut - Nomadic Settlement - Unremarkable Tree - Old Well - Sigfrei's Well - Pot Falls - Rugged Mountain - Somondoco - Great Arch - Earth Serpent - Phoenix - One Who Sates the Earth
Provincia Maurehua
Prayer Tower - Kilik - Shaams Temple - Owtie Arbor - Gusty Gorge - Halsa - West Mine - North Mine - South Mine - Hot Spring - Phoenix - Collector Nest - Hot Springs Rana
Marchiam Megdasse
Highsha Quarters - Highsha Observation Tower - Walomir Quarters - Walomir Observation Tower - Kaikow Quarters - Kaikow Observation Tower - Nyu Quarters - Nyu Observation Tower - Megdasse Floodgate - Bullio Gate - Secret Passage - Lake Megdasse - Spiritdrop Cave - Stardrop Cave - Infernodrop Cave - Fragata Mine - Mono Dungeon - Reiche Caves - Giant Plant - Megdasse Glyphs - Apple Tree - Tornado - Walomir Sheep - Earth Serpent - Chupacabra
Marchiam Yaxart
Stahl - Astel Shrine - Rowsui - Bartlett Shrine - Diemazu Shrine - True Diemazu Shrine - Imhokiel Gate - Kada Shrine - Macha Shrine - True Macha Shrine - Rowsui Tower - True Marigan Shrine - Shaams Shrine - Tejedura Shrine - Tukuz Shrine - Twai - True Uzume Shrine - New Cave - Mysterious Cave - North Hole - West Knoll - East Dungeon - South Shaft - Forbidden Point - Burned Dancer - Phoenix - Earth Serpent
Marchiam Numadica
Imhokiel Gate - Chyokun - Belike - Ashina - Excavation Sites - Destroyed Temple - Coastal Keep - Salt Cave - Shaams Cave - Weapon-Like Object - Hive - The Weakest of All
Ancient Cities
Ei-Hanum - Dizahab - Ur-Saqqara
