How to Defeat Neslug in the Monster Arena in Final Fantasy X

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

So, you've beaten nearly all the monster's at the Monster Arena in FFX, but you can't beat this huge slug. Well, here is a strategy that helped me, and will hopefully help you too. Neslug is tough because of his ability to regenerate his HP after you damage him much by crawling inside his shell, and the fact that he becomes immune to all physical attacks while in his shell as well as gaining Regen at this point.

Steps

1
To begin, Quick Hit Neslug either seven or eight times with characters capable of hitting for 99999.
2
Then, use Attack Reels. This reduces Neslug to, with eight Quick Hits, 2000020 HP, which is just 20HP above the point at which he retreats into his shell.

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3
Entrust to Wakka and use another 12-hit Attack Reels. This reduces Neslug to 800032 HP, which is 199968HP past the point at which the shell breaks. Therefore, you've broken the shell without it ever being activated. (If you only did seven Quick Hits, then it will be 900031 HP left, which is still below the shell's break point)
4
Entrust one more overdrive to Wakka and 12-hit again, this will finish Neslug off for sure. (Or alternatively, just quick hit him to death)

Warnings

Watch out for Neslug's physical attack. It inflicts great damage and inflicts Confusion.

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Once you get Neslug to come out of his shell, his Agility increases, and he may start using Slime a lot more often, so be careful.

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Unlike all other arena creations(except Espada), Neslug is immune to Doom.

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Remember that while in his shell, Neslug is impervious to all physical-type attacks. However, many attacks that would seem physical, including all physical-ish overdrives, are not seen as physical-type by the game and bypass this. The one attack that would be useful here that DOES count as physical-type is Mindy's Passado.

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Neslug is immune to all useful status ailments except Silence. You can use Silence during the shell stage to prevent Curaga, however as Regen is still present and much more effective, it won't make a huge difference.

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Things You'll Need

Entrust
Attack Reels
Enough Strength to without fail hit for 99999 with Wakka's Attack Reels. You may also want other characters to have this strength to speed up the first step. (Other stats do not matter, although decent Agility helps)
Break Damage Limit for all characters who will attack
Quick Hit
Good skill at using Attack Reels - you must be able to line up 2x 2x 2x each time, but this isn't that hard with a little bit of practice.