The Ability Sphere allows you to activate Skill, Special, and Magic nodes on the Sphere Grid. Basically, if it grants you an ability, you will be able to activate it with this sphere. There is a lack of these towards the beginning of the game, but Wakka can access an ability in his area of the Sphere Grid, called Extract Ability. Using it on an enemy that doesn’t normally drop Ability Spheres will force them to drop them.

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You can use Extract Ability to help get more Ability Spheres early on

Normal enemies that drop Ability Spheres:

• Basilisk
• Chimera
• Chimera Brain
• Dual Horn
• Epaaj
• Fallen Monk (Flamethrower) and (Rifle)
• Grendel
• Larva
• Sand Worm
• Valaha