Unlocking the Power Within: What Happens When You Collect All Royal Arms in Final Fantasy XV?
Collecting all 13 Royal Arms in Final Fantasy XV is a game-changing achievement that significantly enhances Noctis’s capabilities and unlocks new gameplay elements. Acquiring these ancestral weapons not only grants access to powerful offensive options but also fundamentally alters the way you approach combat and endgame content. Specifically, collecting all Royal Arms unlocks the Armiger Unleashed ability (in the Royal Edition), dramatically boosts the power of the standard Armiger, allows for strategic weapon selection based on stat buffs/debuffs, and is essential for completionists aiming for the “Faithful Heir” trophy/achievement. Let’s delve into the specifics.
The Royal Arsenal: Power and Consequences
The Royal Arms, once gathered, become integral to Noctis’s fighting style. They offer devastating attacks and unique warp-strike abilities, enabling players to deal massive damage to enemies. Each Royal Arm possesses its distinct move-set and stat modifications, making strategic selection crucial. However, wielding these weapons comes at a cost: each strike drains Noctis’s HP, demanding a balanced approach to combat.
Armiger Unleashed: The Ultimate Transformation
Perhaps the most significant reward for collecting all Royal Arms is the unlock of Armiger Unleashed (available in the Royal Edition). This enhanced form of the Armiger allows for a more aggressive and dynamic combat style. Unlike the standard Armiger, which relies on preset combinations, Armiger Unleashed grants players direct control over Noctis’s movements and attacks. This heightened control transforms Noctis into a whirlwind of destruction, capable of chaining together devastating blows and dominating the battlefield.
Stat Augmentation and Strategic Loadouts
Beyond Armiger Unleashed, the individual Royal Arms offer a range of stat buffs and debuffs. Equipping specific Royal Arms can bolster Noctis’s strength, vitality, magic, or spirit, allowing players to tailor their loadout to specific encounters. For example, the Sword of the Father provides a significant boost to strength, while the Scepter of the Pious enhances magic. However, some Royal Arms also inflict stat penalties, such as reduced HP or defense, requiring careful consideration of the trade-offs. This strategic element adds depth to the combat system, encouraging players to experiment with different weapon combinations to optimize their performance.
Faithful Heir and Completionist Rewards
For players seeking to complete Final Fantasy XV, collecting all Royal Arms is an essential step. Acquiring all 13 weapons unlocks the “Faithful Heir” trophy/achievement, signifying mastery of the game’s combat mechanics and dedication to exploring its world. It’s also vital for facing some of the tougher endgame bosses and completing all sidequests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Royal Arms
Here are some frequently asked questions about Royal Arms to help you master them:
1. Are Royal Arms worth using, considering the HP drain?
Yes, most Royal Arms are absolutely worth using if employed strategically. Avoid spamming attacks and warp strikes, and equip accessories and attire that boost HP recovery to mitigate the health drain. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness.
2. Can I obtain all Royal Arms before completing the main story?
Yes and No. You will acquire five Royal Arms through natural story progression. The remaining eight can be found throughout the world, many of which are easily accessible with minimal preparation. However, one Royal Arm, Sword of the Father, cannot be obtained until Chapter 13.
3. How can I minimize the self-damage caused by Royal Arms?
Prioritize HP recovery. Equip accessories like the Regenerator Band or the Moogle Charm to passively restore health. Alternatively, use food buffs that provide HP regeneration or increased HP recovery rate. You can also mitigate some damage by parrying effectively as it does not drain hp.
4. Which Royal Arm is considered the strongest?
The Scepter of the Pious is widely considered the strongest Royal Arm when used correctly. Mastering its trident combo (holding away from the enemy while attacking) allows you to deal immense damage, making it one of the most powerful weapons in the game overall.
5. Do all Royal Arms drain health?
Yes, all Royal Arms drain Noctis’s health when used for normal attacks or warp-strikes. This is a fundamental mechanic that balances their exceptional power.
6. Can I use Royal Arms effectively against all enemy types?
Royal Arms are particularly effective against enemies with high physical resistance, such as mechs and iron giants. Some enemies are even exclusively vulnerable to Royal Arms, making them essential for certain encounters.
7. What stats do Royal Arms affect?
Each Royal Arm provides different stat buffs and debuffs. Some enhance strength, magic, or vitality, while others may decrease HP or defense. Experiment with different weapons to find the optimal loadout for your play style and the situation at hand.
8. Is the Armiger Unleashed available in the base version of Final Fantasy XV?
No, Armiger Unleashed is exclusive to the Royal Edition of Final Fantasy XV or the Royal Pack DLC. Players who own the base game must purchase the Royal Pack to access this feature.
9. How does Armiger Unleashed differ from the standard Armiger?
Armiger Unleashed grants players direct control over Noctis’s movements and attacks, allowing for more dynamic and customizable combat. The standard Armiger, in contrast, relies on preset combinations and a more limited range of actions.
10. Does the Engine Blade count as a Royal Arm?
No, the Engine Blade, while iconic, is not a Royal Arm. It is a separate weapon that can be upgraded through Cid’s sidequest line.
11. Where can I find a comprehensive guide to Royal Arm usage?
You can find comprehensive guides and detailed information about Royal Arm usage on various Final Fantasy XV wikis and online forums. These resources often provide specific strategies, optimal loadouts, and tips for maximizing the effectiveness of each weapon.
12. Does obtaining all Royal Arms affect the game’s ending?
No, obtaining all Royal Arms does not directly alter the game’s ending. However, it significantly enhances your ability to tackle endgame content and optional bosses, which may indirectly impact your overall experience and perspective on the narrative.
13. How does the Royal Edition enhance the Royal Arms experience?
The Royal Edition introduces Armiger Unleashed, a significant upgrade to the Armiger system. It also includes additional content, such as new bosses and areas, that provide opportunities to test the full potential of the Royal Arms.
14. What is the strongest sword in the game besides the Royal Arms?
While Royal Arms have their unique advantages, the Balmung is considered the strongest sword in the game in terms of raw attack power, boasting a near 250 attack rating and dealing bonus damage based on missing MP.
15. Are there any educational benefits to playing Final Fantasy XV and mastering its combat system?
Absolutely! Games like Final Fantasy XV can improve problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and resource management. Understanding the complexities of the combat system, including the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons and abilities, requires critical analysis and adaptability. You can learn more about the educational value of gaming on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the benefits of game-based learning.
In conclusion, collecting all Royal Arms in Final Fantasy XV is a rewarding endeavor that significantly enhances Noctis’s combat prowess and unlocks new gameplay opportunities. From the devastating power of Armiger Unleashed to the strategic depth of stat augmentation, mastering these ancestral weapons is essential for any player seeking to conquer the challenges of Eos.