Advanced Grids/Varuna

Colossus	Leviathan	Yggdrasil	Tiamat	Luminiera	Celeste
Agni	Varuna	Titan	Zephyrus	Zeus	Hades

Transitioning to Varuna

Main article: Advanced Grids#Transitioning to an Optimus "Primal" Grid

Optimus grids are expensive and partial investment will often result in lower output than their fully-built Omega counterparts. Listed below are some important grid pieces and examples of grids to give you an idea of what may be required.

	Heads up! This chart assumes all important characters have been obtained before investing into weapons. Take a look at the setups below or check out the Tier List for a general idea of which characters are used!

	Invest with caution. This element is currently awaiting a weapon with the Exalto weapon skill30% boost to Element's Optimus weapon skills. Other Exalto Weapons: Efes Overrider Causality Driver Kaguya's Folding Fan which can drastically change the grid and its priority weapons. Players looking to invest into this element should be careful spending important resources before this weapon releases.

1x Gospel can replace Wamdus's Cnidocyte in single sided Crit setups.
		Full Auto focused weapons

This is the core of Varuna grids. These are strongly recommended before investing.	2nd Gospel & Wambrella opens the path to both grid options.	Manual burst oriented weapons

Changelog

2024 Changelog
2024-09-19 + Added Blue Lightning

Grid Weapons

Core Grid Weapons

Necessary weapons to run certain setups. You may be able to run with fewer copies, but these are strongly recommended.

Weapon	Copies	Notes
Taisai Spirit Bow	1 - 2	This weapon is heavily used for nearly every double sided setup grid due to Water in general being very crit-focused. 1 copy can be run with Galilei's Insight along with 2x Wamdus's Cnidocyte. 2 copies can be used in single sided setups or double sided setups that do not utilize Wamdus's Cnidocyte. Only Awakening lvl 2 may be required on the 2nd copy if other sources of Skill Cap are present in the grid.
Galilei's Insight	1 - 2	The second piece to Varuna's crit setup which provides Stamina and fills the remaining crit rate. A second copy can provide more Stamina boost in burst grids that utilize different Chains.
Calamitous Aquashade	1 - 3	Commonly referred to as "Wambrella". A unique weapon that boosts EX ATK, DEF, and Special DMG Cap based on allies' max HP at battle start. See #Cobalt Vitality for detailed numbers on this skill. This skill can be relatively difficult to run optimally, so stacking multiple is strongly suggested.
Gospel of Water and Sky	2	2 copies are core for Water for both Omega and Optimus grids due to its unconditional 50,000 damage supplemental per copy on top of its 7% damage cap. Not used in Hraesvelgr grids due to the gun already providing both 100,000 damage supplemental and 10% damage cap up in a single weapon slot.
Transcendence Lvl 5 Staff of Repudiation	-	The standard Optimus Dark Opus Weapon. Typically the best option when utilizing aura boost, especially once Apotheosis is unlocked at lvl 230. See #Choosing Pendulums and Chains for information on which weapon skill keys are typically used.
Staff of Renunciation	-	Used to introduce a large Omega ATK modifier in the grid in burst setups that do not utilize Optimus aura boost. Typically uses Falsehood / Echo key.
Wamdus's Cnidocyte	2	Provides 50,000 supplemental damage for critical hits up to a max of 100,000, so only 2 are required. Replaced by Gospel of Water and Sky for non-crit setups. Recommended AX Stats: Stamina +3 or ATK +3.5%

Additional Weapons

Weapons that provide a lot to a grid if you have them, but aren't as widely used or as high of a priority than others.

Weapon	Copies	Notes
Murgleis	1 - 2	A fully Attack awakened copy is a strong slot in burst grids, namely grids that use Hraesvelgr
Knight of Ice	1 - 2	The Tempering weapon skill requires summon aura boost to properly utilize. 2 copies cap out the grid max Skill DMG Supplemental value at 200,000 with double aura boost.
Blue Lightning	1	A stamina weapon that also brings multiattack and HP for grids that utilize Calamitous Aquashade.

Notable Farmable Weapons

Weapon	Copies	Notes
Reflection of The Moon	-	Varuna's best extra party grid slot at 4★ and above due to its combination of EX ATK and boostable Majesty skill. At 5★, it gains an additional 5% DMG Cap Up. Used in burst setups and any setup that uses 5★ Haaselia due to the strong buffs she provides.
Judgment of Torrential Tides	-	The fully upgraded version of Draconic Buster which can be used alongside Dark Opus Weapons in grids or in Extra Grid Additional Slots. An incredibly efficient HP and sustain weapon for any content that needs it. Salvation Teluma can be used to help reach the HP thresholds for Calamitous Aquashade.
Schrodinger Mk II	2+ 2 0-1	Water's best source of C.A. DMG Supplemental. It is able to cap the value with just 2 copies. A fully Attack awakened weapon serves as a very strong raw damage weapon. 3+ copies can be used particularly in unboostedGrid setups that do not utilize summon aura boost like Leviathan Omega and Varuna setups. A Defense awakened weapon is one of the best defensive options due to how much HP and DEF its provides. Mk II forging is not fully necessary. A Special awakened weapon can be useful in providing various different types of Damage caps.
Exo Antaeus	1 3 - 4	A unique weapon used in unboostedGrid setups that do not utilize summon aura boost like Leviathan Omega and Varuna burst setups due to how weapon modifier efficient it is. Strong with Soldier and Relic Buster when used with an Attack awakening mainhand.
Fimbul	1 - 2	Provides Stamina and HP. Mostly used for non-crit setups where Galilei's Insight is not used. Synergizes well with Calamitous Aquashade.
Rise of Justice	-	A very strong grid slot at 4★ and above due to its combination of EX ATK and boostable Majesty skill. At 5★, it gains an additional 5% DMG Cap Up.
Dark Thrasher	1 - 2	Can be used for HP filler and Garrison for high level content, but is generally pushed out for Calamitous Aquashade for defensive options.

Illustrious Weapons

	Warning! These weapons are very high investment weapons that cost Gold Moon ×150. They are not recommended to be obtained until the player understands the value of their resources and what benefits they will gain from purchasing one.

Weapon	Rating	About
Hraesvelgr	High	Hraesvelgr is one of the stronger Illustrious Weapons in how it transforms MC into your main damage dealer. Currently, the best Water burst setups all revolve around Hraesvelgr. It is most commonly used with Soldier and Relic Buster.
Shishio	Low	Shishio serves as an upgrade to Unsigned Kaneshige for the Kengo role now with more utility for harder content. Great for solo content, but doesn't provide anything particularly noteworthy as it's more or less a 150 Gold Moon Premium Kaneshige.

Water Specific Summons

These are some noteworthy summons that are used specifically in Water setups outside of the standard Beelzebub, Belial, and Arcarum Summons.

Summon	Notes
Varuna	Optimus skill boosting summon. Lvl 230 and lvl 250 are aura boosting breakpoints.
Gabriel (Summon)	Increases DMG Cap for Water allies.
Wamdus (Summon)	Optimus skill boosting sub-summon. Useful for single and double sided aura-boosted setups for boosting important weapon skills.

Summon	Notes
Charybdis	Used in burst setups by providing 30% Bonus Water DMGDeals bonus water DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 30%Duration: 1 turn , 60% DA UpDouble attack rate is boosted Strength: 60%Duration: 1 turn , and 40% TA UpTriple attack rate is boosted Strength: 40%Duration: 1 turn for 1 turn.
Yatima	Used as a sub-summon in burst setups by providing multiple strong buff summons in 1 turn, especially in Hraesvelgr setups. Can be used to call Death (SSR) which is useful in activating Haaselia.

Grid Templates

It's important to remember to adjust your grid depending on the content you wish to tackle. The grids in this section are only to serve as a general baseline for how grids are built.


Main Summon	Support Summon
Transcendence Lvl 5 Varuna 6★	Transcendence Lvl 5 Elemental ATK %


Main Summon	Support Summon
Transcendence Lvl 5 Varuna 6★	Transcendence Lvl 5 Varuna 6★


Main Summon	Support Summon
Elemental ATK %	Transcendence Lvl 5 Varuna 6★

Burst Setups

These setups aim to deal large amount of damage in as few turns as possible or in a short amount of time. These setups are typically used for farming raids with a minimum Blue Chest honors requirement or competing in Unite and Fight events.

Normal Attack Burst

Normal Attack burst setups frequently employ the use of Chain of Falsehood which provides 20% Bonus Damage and Double StrikeAttacks twice each turn
on C.A., both of which are highly desired in normal attack focused teams. Characters that provide Bonus Damage or deal high normal attack damage through modifiers such as Assassin (Buff) or Flurry is preferred.

Arcane Field

Splitting Spirit

Secret Triad


	Lvl 250




			This is set as a Quick Summon

Source:

User:DY_DK

Rotation
Turn 1 ◇◇	Call BeelzebubChaos Legion 1500% Elemental damage to all foes. Inflict 40% DEF DownDEF is lowered Strength: 40%Base Accuracy: Guaranteed to land if the foe does not have 100% debuff resistance (10,000% base accuracy)Duration: 180 seconds and Debuff Res. DownDebuff resistance is lowered Base Accuracy: Guaranteed to land if the foe does not have 100% debuff resistance (10,000% base accuracy)Duration: 180 seconds. Gabriel All Water allies gain 70% Fire CutFire DMG is cut 70% Duration: 2 turnsFire Damage Cut. and Glacies WardBonus Water DMG effect / Cap fire DMG taken at 10,000 per hit / DEF and triple attack rate are boosted (Can't be removed / Ends upon taking DMG 3 times) Duration: Indefinite. (Glacies Ward ends upon taking damage 3 times.) S2 Anre Gain SubstituteReceives foe attack in place of an ally (Excludes all-foe all-ally attacks) Duration: 1 turn and Dodge-and-Counter (3 times)Dodge and counter one-ally attacks Duration: 3 turnsCounter attacks grant 5% charge bar per hit.. At level 95: Also gain Fleeting SparkATK is boosted by Fleeting Spark Strength: 280%Multiplier: AssassinDuration: 1 turn . S2 (Optional) Payila All Water allies gain CloudwalkNormal attack DMG is amplified / Normal attack and C.A. DMG dealt is partially absorbed to HP / DMG taken is lowered by a fixed amount / Buffs can't be removed or shortened (Can't be removed) Duration: 4 turns. S2 MC Fill 3 charge diamonds on all foes. All allies gain 20% Bonus DMGDeals bonus DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 20%Duration: 3 turns, Charge Bar +30%Instantly boosts Charge Bar by 30% Strength: 30%, and 1 Elemental CrestHellfire CrestFire magic is amplified (Max: 5 / Can't be removed) Duration: Indefinite Deluge CrestWater magic is amplified (Max: 5 / Can't be removed) Duration: Indefinite Wasteland CrestEarth magic is amplified (Max: 5 / Can't be removed) Duration: Indefinite Typhoon CrestWind magic is amplified (Max: 5 / Can't be removed) Duration: Indefinite Aurora CrestLight magic is amplified (Max: 5 / Can't be removed) Duration: Indefinite Oblivion CrestDark magic is amplified (Max: 5 / Can't be removed) Duration: Indefinite. (Crest gained based on caster's element.)Convert caster's HP to charge bar3% charge bar for every 250 HP consumed, up to 100% charge bar. (Consumes up to 50% of current HP.)Gain Arcane FieldAll allies' ATK, DEF, multiattack rate, critical hit rate, and debuff resistance are boosted / Deals multi-hit elemental DMG to all foes based on lvl at end of turn / When lvl is 7 or charge bar is insufficient: Effect ends and deals elemental DMG to all foes based on lvl (Can't be removed) Multiplier: PerpetuityDuration: Indefinite. (Effect ends when Arcane FieldAll allies' ATK, DEF, multiattack rate, critical hit rate, and debuff resistance are boosted / Deals multi-hit elemental DMG to all foes based on lvl at end of turn / When lvl is 7 or charge bar is insufficient: Effect ends and deals elemental DMG to all foes based on lvl (Can't be removed) Multiplier: Perpetuity lvl is 7 or charge bar is insufficient at end of turn.)

Spring's Gate

Le Manteau du Roi

Not Selected







			This is set as a Quick Summon

Rotation Sample

https://youtu.be/vbwVVOGzmKE?si=CKTqRJdep069rcub - 『Lolicore』

Strong Alternative Characters: (Non-Exhaustive)

Criteria	Examples
Any characters that provide a source of Bonus DMGDeals bonus DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks :
Any characters that allow the team to perform additional attacks:
Any characters that deal high normal attack damage:
Any characters that deal additional damage after normal attacks:

Hraesvelgr Burst

Hraesvelgr is an Illustrious Weapon that synergizes incredibly well with burst playstyles. When equipped, it transforms MC into a potent damage dealer. To make the most of MC's increased damage, classes like Soldier and Relic Buster are frequently used for their Instant Attack abilities. Soldier rotations are preferred for faster raids while Relic Buster is used for slower rooms when more damage is needed.

Open Fire

Ammunition Belt

Not Selected






		Lvl 250
			This is set as a Quick Summon

Rotation
Turn 1	Call Beelzebub MC Gain Ammunition BeltReloads when out of Bullets (Can't be extended / Can't be removed) Duration: 3 turns. Catura Caster and Water MC gain 40% Bonus Water DMGDeals bonus water DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 40%Duration: 4 turns. (From 2nd cast: Caster and Water MC also gain 100% / 30% ArmoredChance of lowering DMG taken Strength: 100% chance of taking 30% less damage.Duration: 4 turns. From 3rd cast: Caster and Water MC also gain 100% Debuff Res. UpDebuff resistance is boosted Strength: 100%Duration: 4 turns.) S1 Caster and Water MC gain Double StrikeAttacks twice each turn Duration: 4 turns. S2 Gabriel All Water allies gain 70% Fire CutFire DMG is cut 70% Duration: 2 turnsFire Damage Cut. and Glacies WardBonus Water DMG effect / Cap fire DMG taken at 10,000 per hit / DEF and triple attack rate are boosted (Can't be removed / Ends upon taking DMG 3 times) Duration: Indefinite. (Glacies Ward ends upon taking damage 3 times.) S2 MC Deal one-foe attacks until all bullets are consumed. Gain Guaranteed TAGuaranteed triple attack regardless of Triple Attack Lowered debuffs Duration: 1 turn and instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes bullets.) At level 30: Also gain 20% DMG AmplifiedDMG for one-foe attacks and counterattacks is amplified Strength: 20%Duration: 1 turn .

Blitz Raid

Taking Chances II

Not Selected







			This is set as a Quick Summon

Rotation
Turn 1	Call Beelzebub MC Gain 5 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) Duration: Indefinite (Max: 5) and restore HP (Healing cap: 2000). (When HP is 50% or above: Also gain StrengthATK is greatly boosted based on how high HP is Strength: 45%-15%Duration: 3 turns.) At level 30: (When HP is below 50%: Also gain JammedATK is greatly boosted based on how low HP is Strength: 30%-90%Duration: 3 turns.) Gain 60% ATK UpATK is boosted Strength: 60%Multiplier: NormalDuration: 5 turnsStacking: Dual. Self-inflict 20% DEF DownDEF is lowered (Can't be removed) Strength: 20%Duration: 5 turns. Lucio All allies gain 20% Bonus Water DMGDeals bonus water DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 20%Duration: 3 turns and Charge Bar +20%Instantly boosts Charge Bar by 20% Strength: 20%. S1 Grant a Water ally 90% Bonus Water DMGDeals bonus water DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 90%Duration: 2 turns, Guaranteed TAGuaranteed triple attack regardless of Triple Attack Lowered debuffs Duration: 2 turns, 70% Fire CutFire DMG is cut 70% Duration: 2 turnsFire Damage Cut., and 100% Debuff Res. UpDebuff resistance is boosted Strength: 100%Duration: 2 turns. S3 → MC Erika 1-turn cut to a Water ally's skill cooldowns. Target ally gains 100% / 20% Critical Hit Rate UpAttacks made with elemental superiority have a chance to deal boosted DMG Strength: 100% chance of dealing 20% more damage.Duration: 3 turns, KeenSupplemental DMG to critical hits Duration: 3 turns, and 15% DMG AmplifiedDMG for one-foe attacks and counterattacks is amplified Strength: 15%Multiplier: SeraphicDuration: 3 turns. S2 → MC MC Instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes 1 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) .) Instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes 1 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) .) Instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes 1 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) .) Erika Another Water ally instantly performs a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes Tactical EdgeConsumed upon using Erika's skills (Can't be removed) to end cooldown.) S1 → MC Call Qilin MC Gain 5 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) Duration: Indefinite (Max: 5) and restore HP (Healing cap: 2000). (When HP is 50% or above: Also gain StrengthATK is greatly boosted based on how high HP is Strength: 45%-15%Duration: 3 turns.) At level 30: (When HP is below 50%: Also gain JammedATK is greatly boosted based on how low HP is Strength: 30%-90%Duration: 3 turns.) Instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes 1 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) .) Instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes 1 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) .) Instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes 1 Machine CellConsumed upon normal attacks and using skills (Can't be removed / Max: 5) .) Erika Another Water ally instantly performs a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes Tactical EdgeConsumed upon using Erika's skills (Can't be removed) to end cooldown.) S1 → MC

Strong Alternative Characters: (Non-Exhaustive)

Criteria	Examples
Any characters that provide MC with a source of Bonus DMGDeals bonus DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks :
Any characters that provide MC with strong offensive buffs:
Any characters that provide MC with Guaranteed TAGuaranteed triple attack regardless of Triple Attack Lowered debuffs :
Any characters that enable MC to attack more times in a single turn:

Proto Bahamut Burst

Honor Range: 1.8 ~ 2.3 million

Open Fire

Ammunition Belt

Double Trouble III

Source:

https://youtu.be/VEleAYXzcoY - ムラサメ柚子廚 (Different Grid)

Make sure to put Genesis Nova in the last bullet slot.

Rotation
Turn 1	Yuel 250%-350% Fire damage to all foes (Damage cap: ~630,000). Inflict FoxflameSlight chance for attacks to miss / HP is lowered on every turn Base Accuracy: 120%Duration: 3 turnsLocal status effect. At level 90: All allies gain 30% DA UpDouble attack rate is boosted Strength: 30%Duration: 3 turns, 15% TA UpTriple attack rate is boosted Strength: 15%Duration: 3 turns, and 20% Bonus Fire DMGDeals bonus fire DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 20%Duration: 3 turns. S1 Call YatimaHome at Last 1-turn cut to all allies' skill cooldowns. Activates the call effects of 1 equipped summon at random. (Activated calls don't deal call damage. Excludes sub aura summons and one-use calls.) MC Gain Ammunition BeltReloads when out of Bullets (Can't be extended / Can't be removed) Duration: 3 turns. Catura Caster and Water MC gain 40% Bonus Water DMGDeals bonus water DMG for one-foe one-ally attacks Strength: 40%Duration: 4 turns. (From 2nd cast: Caster and Water MC also gain 100% / 30% ArmoredChance of lowering DMG taken Strength: 100% chance of taking 30% less damage.Duration: 4 turns. From 3rd cast: Caster and Water MC also gain 100% Debuff Res. UpDebuff resistance is boosted Strength: 100%Duration: 4 turns.) S1 Caster and Water MC gain Double StrikeAttacks twice each turn Duration: 4 turns. S2 MC Deal one-foe attacks until all bullets are consumed. Gain Guaranteed TAGuaranteed triple attack regardless of Triple Attack Lowered debuffs Duration: 1 turn and instantly perform a normal attack without using up a turn. (Consumes bullets.) At level 30: Also gain 20% DMG AmplifiedDMG for one-foe attacks and counterattacks is amplified Strength: 20%Duration: 1 turn .
OPTIONAL Turn 2	MC Gain Guaranteed TAGuaranteed triple attack regardless of Triple Attack Lowered debuffs Duration: 1 turn . Spear: All parties gain 10% DA UpDouble attack rate is boosted Strength: 10%Duration: 3 turnsWithout other buffs and 5~10% TA UpTriple attack rate is boosted Strength: 5~10%Duration: 3 turnsMaximum effect at 3 buffs.. Axe: Inflict DA DownDouble attack rate is lowered and TA DownTriple attack rate is lowered on one enemy. Call Wamdus (Summon)Vortex Core 9-hit Water damage to random foes. All Water allies gain Supplemental DMGDMG dealt is supplemented Strength: 1% of foe's max HP (Damage cap: 75,000)Duration: 1 turn .

Raid Setups

These grids are specialized for dealing with specific raids.

Click an icon to view raid setupsNot Selected

Atum (Raid)

Dark Rapture Zero

Unite and Fight Setups

Click an icon to view raid setupsNot Selected

	Hmm... Some of these pages seem to be missing... No setups have been added for this fight just yet. If you know of one that is suitable, please submit it in the Wiki Discord. #user_guides → Advanced Grids Feedback

	Hmm... Some of these pages seem to be missing... No setups have been added for this fight just yet. If you know of one that is suitable, please submit it in the Wiki Discord. #user_guides → Advanced Grids Feedback

	Hmm... Some of these pages seem to be missing... No setups have been added for this fight just yet. If you know of one that is suitable, please submit it in the Wiki Discord. #user_guides → Advanced Grids Feedback

	Hmm... Some of these pages seem to be missing... No setups have been added for this fight just yet. If you know of one that is suitable, please submit it in the Wiki Discord. #user_guides → Advanced Grids Feedback

	Hmm... Some of these pages seem to be missing... No setups have been added for this fight just yet. If you know of one that is suitable, please submit it in the Wiki Discord. #user_guides → Advanced Grids Feedback

	Hmm... Some of these pages seem to be missing... No setups have been added for this fight just yet. If you know of one that is suitable, please submit it in the Wiki Discord. #user_guides → Advanced Grids Feedback

Nightmare Setup History

November 2023 - Farbigrabe

Additional Resources

https://グランブルーファンタジー.gamewith.jp/article/show/21615 - GameWith Varuna Grid Setups (Japanese)

Advanced Grids/Varuna

Contents

Transitioning to Varuna

Changelog

Grid Weapons

Core Grid Weapons

Additional Weapons

Notable Farmable Weapons

Illustrious Weapons

Water Specific Summons

Grid Templates

Burst Setups

Normal Attack Burst

Hraesvelgr Burst

Proto Bahamut Burst

Raid Setups

Atum

Colossus Ira Omega

Wilnas

PBHL

Ultimate Bahamut

Dark Rapture (Hard)

Beelzebub

Belial

Mugen

Super Ultimate Bahamut

Hexachromatic Hierarch

Dark Rapture Zero

Unite and Fight Setups

Nightmare Setup History

Additional Resources

Navigation menu

Advanced Grids/Varuna

Transitioning to Varuna

Changelog

Grid Weapons

Core Grid Weapons

Additional Weapons

Notable Farmable Weapons

Illustrious Weapons

Water Specific Summons

Grid Templates

Burst Setups

Normal Attack Burst

Hraesvelgr Burst

Proto Bahamut Burst

Raid Setups

Atum

Colossus Ira Omega

Wilnas

PBHL

Ultimate Bahamut

Dark Rapture (Hard)

Beelzebub

Belial

Mugen

Super Ultimate Bahamut

Hexachromatic Hierarch

Dark Rapture Zero

Unite and Fight Setups

Nightmare Setup History

Additional Resources

Navigation menu

Search