Final Fantasy XVI: Unlocking Godhood – The Best Abilities and Combos
Final Fantasy XVI throws you into the brutal world of Valisthea, and to survive, you need to master its combat system. The “best” abilities aren’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as playstyle and situation heavily influence effectiveness. However, certain abilities consistently stand out due to their damage output, utility, and combo potential. Here’s a rundown of the top contenders: Gigaflare, Diamond Dust, Dancing Steel, Impulse, and Swift Recovery. Building your optimal skillset is the key to dominating the game.
Essential Abilities in FF16
Let’s dive into what makes these particular skills so crucial to Clive’s arsenal. Remember that mastering abilities unlocks their true potential, allowing you to equip them across any Eikon, opening up insane combo possibilities.
Gigaflare (Bahamut)
Gigaflare is a high-damage, long-range beam attack that can devastate enemy health bars, particularly when enemies are staggered. Mastering it allows you to weave it into almost any combo string, making it a staple ability. Its long range ensures safer engagements, crucial in boss battles. While slow to cast, proper positioning and timing can make it an absolute nuke.
Diamond Dust (Shiva)
Diamond Dust provides unparalleled crowd control. This AoE ability freezes all enemies within a wide radius, stopping them in their tracks. It is the best stagger ability in Final Fantasy 16. This makes it invaluable for dealing with groups of enemies and setting up devastating combos on staggered bosses. Its instant freeze effect gives you a crucial window for unleashing heavier attacks or repositioning.
Dancing Steel (Odin)
Dancing Steel dramatically changes Clive’s attack pattern, allowing for a rapid flurry of strikes that builds stagger quickly. Mastering it allows you to use it in conjunction with other abilities and create long, high-damage combos. Its versatility allows you to rapidly close the gap and deal consistent damage to all types of enemies.
Impulse (Ramuh)
Impulse is a short-range burst of lightning that deals significant damage and stagger. This is a great skill for knocking down enemies, especially in the air, providing follow-up options. Its low cooldown and high stagger potential make it perfect for aggressive players who want to constantly pressure their opponents.
Swift Recovery (Ifrit)
While not flashy, Swift Recovery is arguably the most essential early-game ability. Costing only 10 AP, it allows Clive to quickly recover after being knocked down, preventing enemies from chaining attacks on him while he’s vulnerable. This is a vital skill that greatly reduces damage taken.
Early Game Priorities
In the early game, focus on unlocking Swift Recovery as soon as possible. Mastering it is not necessary immediately, but having it available drastically improves survivability. Then, acquire and experiment with the basic abilities of Ifrit, Garuda, and Phoenix to understand your preferred playstyle. Once you have a feel for the combat, you can start investing in more powerful Eikon abilities.
Ability Combinations
Experimentation is key to finding combinations that suit your playstyle, but here are some potent examples to get you started:
- Diamond Dust + Gigaflare: Freeze enemies, then blast them with Gigaflare for massive damage on a group of enemies.
- Dancing Steel + Gigaflare: Build stagger quickly with Dancing Steel, then unleash Gigaflare for a devastating blow.
- Impulse + Phoenix Shift: Use Impulse to stagger an enemy, then follow up with Phoenix Shift to close the gap and continue the assault.
Mastering Abilities: The Game Changer
Mastering an ability unlocks its full potential. For basic combat abilities and Eikonic Feats, mastering simply increases their power. However, the true game-changer is mastering Eikonic abilities acquired from other Eikons. This allows you to equip those abilities on any Eikon, creating custom loadouts tailored to your playstyle.
The Ultima Weapon: Endgame Power
For those seeking absolute power, the Ultima Weapon is the ultimate goal. It’s only obtainable in New Game+ on Final Fantasy mode (the hardest difficulty). Crafted using materials acquired throughout the game, the Ultima Weapon boasts incredible Attack and Break stats, dwarfing all other weapons in the game.
Combat Tips for FF16
- Learn to Dodge: Perfect dodging is crucial for avoiding damage and opening up counter-attack opportunities.
- Stagger is Key: Focus on building stagger to maximize damage output.
- Experiment with Eikon Swapping: Switching between Eikons mid-combat allows you to chain abilities and maintain pressure.
- Don’t Neglect Limit Break: Limit Break provides a significant boost to damage and attack speed, use it strategically.
By understanding the nuances of FF16’s combat system and strategically selecting and mastering your abilities, you can transform Clive into an unstoppable force and conquer any challenge Valisthea throws your way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FF16 Abilities
1. Which Eikon should I focus on first?
There’s no “best” Eikon to focus on initially. Experiment with Ifrit, Garuda, and Phoenix to determine which playstyle suits you best. Ifrit is a solid all-around choice for damage.
2. What does “Break” stat do?
The Break stat determines how quickly you can stagger enemies. Higher Break means faster stagger build-up.
3. Is there a way to respec my ability points?
Yes, you can respec your ability points at any time without penalty. This allows you to experiment with different builds.
4. What are Eikonic Feats?
Eikonic Feats are unique abilities tied to each Eikon, offering defensive and offensive options. Mastering them is essential for maximizing your combat potential.
5. How do I unlock more abilities?
You unlock more abilities by progressing through the main story and acquiring new Eikons.
6. What is the best way to farm AP?
Replaying hunts and completing side quests are efficient ways to farm AP. Also, equipping accessories that boost AP gain can accelerate the process.
7. Are some abilities useless?
While some abilities are more situational than others, no ability is truly useless. Experiment to find how each ability can be incorporated into your playstyle.
8. How important is gear in FF16?
Gear plays a significant role in FF16. Upgrading your weapon and armor provides substantial stat boosts that improve your overall combat effectiveness.
9. What is the best way to use Limit Break?
The best way to use Limit Break is when enemies are staggered or during boss fights to maximize damage output.
10. Can I change the difficulty after starting the game?
Yes, you can change the difficulty between Story Focused and Action Focused at any time. However, Final Fantasy mode (the hardest difficulty) is only available in New Game+.
11. How many side quests are there in FF16?
There are a considerable amount of side quests in FF16. While some are simple fetch quests, others offer valuable rewards and insights into the world and its characters. So, are side quests in FF16 worth it? Yes, they can be worth it for unique rewards and lore.
12. What is the point of no return in FF16?
The point of no return in FF16 is clearly indicated. Before proceeding, the game warns you that any unfinished side quests will become permanently unavailable, especially any side quests that unlock new features or content.
13. Is there any post-game content in FF16?
Yes, FF16 features New Game+ and the challenging Final Fantasy mode, offering a fresh experience with increased difficulty and new gear to acquire.
14. Where can I learn more about game design and learning?
Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on game design and learning.
15. Will there be DLC for FF16?
Square Enix has announced DLC for Final Fantasy XVI, with more information to come. Whether this includes additional abilities or Eikons remains to be seen.
By mastering the combat system and understanding the power of various ability combinations, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome any challenge and experience the full scope of what Valisthea has to offer in Final Fantasy XVI.