Final Fantasy VIII - SeeD Ranks

Rather than picking up Gil from fighting enemies, in Final Fantasy VIII you receive a salary; the amount you get is based on your SeeD Rank. The SeeD Rank is based on Squall's actions during the game.


Squall's initial SeeD Rank is set near the start of the game in the SeeD Field Exam; there are several categories that provide the initial rank (Conduct, Attack, Spirit, Attitude & Bonus in Dollet and Judgement in Fire Cavern).


As the game progresses, Squall's SeeD Rank will fluctuate depending on his actions. It can rise and fall depending on decisions made, your actions during some battles and how many enemies defeated. It can take some time to raise your rank to the higher paid ranks but you can take written SeeD Tests to raise it quicker.


Below is the salary paid for each SeeD rank and how your rank can change during the game.

SeeD Rank Salary

Your SeeD salary is paid based on the number of steps taken; depending on your rank your pay will be as follows:

Rank Salary Rank Salary Rank Salary
1 500 12 10,000 22 16,000
2 1,000 13 11,000 23 16,500
3 1,500 14 12,000 24 17,000
4 2,000 15 12,500 25 17,500
5 3,000 16 13,000 26 18,000
6 4,000 17 13,500 27 18,500
7 5,000 18 14,000 28 19,000
8 6,000 19 14,500 29 19,500
9 7,000 20 15,000 30 20,000
10 8,000 21 15,500 A 30,000
11 9,000

SeeD Rank Changes

During the game, you will earn and lose SeeD Experience points which can have an effect on your Rank. Every enemy you defeat, you will gain 1 point (enemies defeated by GF do not count) and every time you are paid your salary, you lose 10 points; each rank is 100 Points.


At certain points during the game, there are some events that can increase or decrease your SeeD Rank. Below are the actions that determine the changes:

Increased Rank

  • Timber - Presidential Train

    Complete the mission to capture the President's Train without being spotted by the guards on the train.

  • Missile Base

    Choosing the right options in the Missile base will raise your SeeD Rank by 1. The options are:

    • Relay the message "... To go on ahead..." to the Maintenance soldier in the Missile Room.
    • Outside the Circuit Room after sabotaging it, choose "Talk my way out", then "We just got here", then "It's a mess in there".
    • When you head back to the Missile Room, choose "Play it cool" and then "Help them". Push the rocket launcher.
    • Outside the Missile Room, on the control panel; set the Error Ratio to maximum.

    When you set the Self-Destruct, setting it for 10 minutes and then defeating the Boss before time runs out will give another SeeD Rank increase.

  • Fisherman's Horizon

    Completing the Master Fisherman's quest in FH will earn 20 SeeD EXP (20% of a SeeD Rank).


    For how to do the quest, check out the Walkthrough.

  • Shumi Village

    Completing the stone collecting quest in Shumi Village will earn 50 SeeD EXP (50% of a SeeD Rank).


    For a guide, see the Shumi Village Quest page.

  • Galbadian occupation of Balamb

    During the occupation of Balamb Town by Galbadian Soldiers, depending on how you find the "Captain" will earn you either 65 SeeD EXP or a full SeeD Rank.


    Method 1: If you head straight to the train, you will earn 65 EXP.


    Method 2: Find the dog and have him sniff out the Captain; see the walkthough for full details. This earns a full SeeD Rank.

  • Defeating Ultima Weapon

    Defeating Ultima Weapon in the Deep Sea Research Center will give a full SeeD Rank.


    See the guide for details.

Decreased Rank

  • Balamb Garden - Pre-SeeD

    There are two students sitting on the floor outside the 2F Classroom. If you show them your Gunblade, you will lose 1 SeeD Rank.


    If you are not yet a SeeD; this penalty will be added later.

  • Balamb Garden - SeeD Party

    Before and after meeting with Quistis in the Training Center you can try to leave Garden through the main entrance.


    If you try to do this 3 time, you will lose 1 SeeD Rank. If you try again, you will lose 1 Rank each time.

  • Timber - Presidential Train

    If you get caught 10 or more times while disconnecting the train cars, you will lose 1 SeeD Rank.

  • Tomb of the Unknown King

    If you use the escape option while viewing the Tomb Map you will lose 1 SeeD Rank.


    [Hold the Map button then press Cancel to escape the Tomb.]

  • Balamb Garden - Garden Revolt

    After defeating NORG in Balamb Garden and before heading to Fisherman's Horizon; there is a boy outside the 2F Classroom who asks to see you cast magic.


    If you agree, Squall will cast Blizzard and be scolded; this reduces your rank by 1.