Background Information
In order to understand how to clock abuse you must first know how random numbers (RNs) are used by the game. When the game is loaded, an array of these numbers is generated. Long story short, the time from the DS's internal clock (precise to the second) determines what these numbers are. By setting the clock to any arbitrary time, the corresponding array of RNs can be reproduced.
Whenever a unit attacks, two RNs are used to determine whether or not the hit lands. If it does, a third RN is used to check for a critical hit. An enemy counterattack also uses 2-3 RNs, as does a double hit from either unit. Healing uses zero, a death quote takes one, and a level up uses eight. The specific numbers don't matter so much as knowing that events leading to a level up must remain the same to reproduce the intended stat gains. I find it easiest to level up after a single hit; a miss means no exp/level up, and a killing first blow means even my super fast units won't accidentally use too many RNs.
You will need to devise a reproduceable method that takes a consistent number of seconds between the clock setting screen all the way through the DS's warning screen (the RNs are set after this point). Then you must find another method to be followed after hijacking the RNs, like the one I described above. When both are determined, begin playing through the game, When one of your units is about to level up, suspend the game. Reset the clock, start the game, and follow your steps all the way through leveling up.
Other Notes
Though I will list the times I used later, you may find it beneficial to use your own. To do this, instead of suspending before a level up, use a map save. This will allow you to level up using different times until you find one to fit your needs.
In regard to finding custom times, beware of dynamic growths! Unless your unit is at his starting level, your times may not be reproduceable. This also applies when leveling up. A unit with a 50% growth will gain a stat on an RN of 55 every other time.
My Method
- Set DS to autoplay games.
- Get as close to 99 exp as possible with a unit. Make sure he doesn't attack on the enemy phase!
- Suspend, then power off once you get back to the title screen.
- Power on the DS while holding the Start button.
- Set clock to date/time. See below
- As soon as possible, push B, B, A (waiting for the upward scrolling animations before each keypress).
- Immediately turn the DS on.
- As soon as the text appears at the bottom of the warning screen, press A.
- Continue your Suspend data as soon as possible. This doesn't have to be quick, but I've had RNs messed up after watching the class description thing.
- The unit which will be getting the level up should only attack once without being countered, crit doesn't matter.
These are known good times when using my method. Growth rates above or equal to the numbers listed are guaranteed to increase, growths below or marked with a "?" I'm not sure about. If you have any revisions let me know.
mm-dd-yyyy hh:mm [HP, Str, Mag, Skl, Spd, Lck, Def, Res]
01-01-2000 00:05 [40, 10, ?, 55, 10, 25, 5, 10] 70 Hit; Cavalier Frey +6
01-01-2000 03:43 [30, 35, 20, 45, 60, 35, 20, 15] Mage Frey +6
01-01-2000 22:37 [20, 40, 10, 20, 25, ?, ?, 10]
Finding these dates and times was extremely time consuming; I have made these date/times freely available, and I ask that you do the same should you find better ones than me.
Contributed Date/Times
Alternative times discovered by other members using my method.
01-01-2000 09:24 [20, ?, ?, 20, 15, 40, 20, 10] by quanchino
08-27-2009 03:06 [15, 25, ?, 60, 15, 25, 5, 2] by Uiru
08-27-2009 04:31 [35, 10, ?, 30, 60, ?, 10, 5] by Uiru
08-27-2009 08:11 [35, 15, ?, 25, 25, 10, 5, ?] by Uiru
08-27-2009 11:10 [50, ?, 10, ?, ?, ?, 5, ?] Cleric Catria +3; by Uiru
08-27-2009 03:31 [35, 20, ?, 30, ?, ?, ?, ?] 1% crit; by Uiru
Edited by Meteor, 23 February 2010 - 10:41 PM.
