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Xenosaga Episode I Reference
A.G.W.S.
A.G.W.S. stands for Anti-Gnosis Weapon System. An A.G.W.S. gives its pilot a separate FHP pool and heavy weapons, but boarding also replaces the character's ordinary Items, Ether, and Tech Attacks with the unit's commands. Build for the fight you are about to enter, not merely for the largest number in the shop.
Build an A.G.W.S. in order
No.
Decision
1
Choose the unit. Its base FHP, DPOW, armor, and speed determine which upgrades it can use.
2
Upgrade the frame when survival is the problem. Frames raise FHP and the unit's armor values.
3
Upgrade the generator when the unit survives but its weapons hit too softly. Generators raise DPOW.
4
Equip weapons that solve the next target. Near, Line, and Air attacks do not cover the same positions.
5
For W-ACT, equip matching compatible weapons in the left and right slots. Guard or save AP until the pilot has the required 6 AP.
6
Add the matching ammunition when a weapon requires it, then use accessories to cover the fight's damage type or disabling status.
Fast A.G.W.S. decisions
Need
Start here
Survive a heavy physical attack
Buy the current frame first, then add direct armor or the appropriate damage-reduction accessory.
Increase weapon damage
Compare the next generator with a stronger weapon. DPOW improves the unit's offense; the weapon determines range, damage family, and target pattern.
Burst one target
Use two matching W-ACT-compatible weapons. Boarding and leaving cost 4 AP; W-ACT costs 6 AP.
Hit a group
Use an All enemies Air weapon. A powerful single-target pair does not replace area coverage.
Disable a Mechanical enemy
Match an ECM weapon with ammunition for Power Loss, Armor Failure, DEX Down, Slow, Wear, or attack and defense reduction.
Recover or clear status while boarded
Guard Recovery restores FHP while Guarding. Guard Cleaner clears most A.G.W.S. status abnormalities when the pilot Guards.
Need Items, Ether, or a Tech Attack
Stay on foot or spend 4 AP to leave the unit. Those character commands are unavailable while boarded.
See Battle Mechanics for AP, Guard, boarding, and W-ACT timing. Shops and walkthrough pages handle when a particular upgrade is actually available.
Units
The unit table is the useful baseline. A frame or generator description names the specific unit it fits, so do not buy an attractive model code until you have checked compatibility.