Final Fantasy 16, the newest addition to the Final Fantasy series, lets players take control of Clive. He possesses an array of fighting skills that can be further enhanced through unlocking and mastering various abilities. As you progress and accumulate AP (Ability Points), you have the freedom to choose which abilities to acquire.
However, understanding which abilities are most effective early on can provide a significant advantage in battles and ensure a more enjoyable gameplay experience. To help you navigate the vast selection of abilities, we have curated a guide to help you understand which abilities to unlock first.
Essential Final Fantasy 16 abilities to master
Swift Recovery
Swift Recovery should be the first ability you acquire with your hard-earned AP. For a mere 10 AP, Clive can quickly get back into the fight after being knocked down by pressing R1. This ability is invaluable in fast-paced battles, allowing you to regain control swiftly and avoid being caught off guard.
Burning Blade
While charging up Burning Blade during combat may not be practical, it serves as an excellent opener when charged before engaging in a fight. By holding the square button, you can unleash a powerful fire attack that catches enemies off guard. It is particularly effective when used at the beginning of an encounter, dealing substantial damage right from the start.
Charged Magic
For those who prefer to keep their distance and rely on magical attacks, Charged Magic is a valuable alternative to Burning Blade. By holding the triangle button, you can unleash a devastating magic blast. Additionally, the elemental attribute of this attack changes based on the attuned Eikon, further diversifying the combat strategy.
Stomp
Stomp is an ability that you should not overlook. By utilizing this skill, you can jump off enemies, gaining additional air and opening up opportunities for aerial combos. This move adds versatility to combat encounters, allowing you to unleash devastating combos from unexpected angles.
Final Fantasy 16 abilities for maximum efficiency
Once you have acquired the essential abilities, you should focus on mastering them to unlock their full potential. Here are some abilities that should be prioritized for mastery:
Precision Dodge
Precision Dodge is an ability that Clive starts with, but mastering it extends the timeframe for executing a precise dodge. This ability is vital for evading enemy attacks and countering with devastating blows. By pressing square immediately after executing a precision dodge, you can deliver a powerful counterattack. Mastering this ability expands the window for executing this counter, providing a significant advantage in combat.
Burning Blade (Mastered)
Although the initial charge time for Burning Blade makes it less viable during fast-paced battles, mastering this ability significantly reduces the charge time. With mastery, you can unleash the powerful fire attack more swiftly, making it a more effective choice in the midst of combat.
Downthrust
Mastering Downthrust imbues Clive’s blade with fire, causing a small explosion upon impact. This turns aerial attacks into devastating maneuvers, dealing substantial damage to enemies within the area of effect. Mastering Downthrust unlocks the potential for formidable aerial assaults, providing an advantage against aerial opponents or groups of enemies.
Additional abilities in Final Fantasy 16 to consider
In addition to the aforementioned abilities, there are a few more options that you should prioritize while unlocking:
Lunge
Lunge is a low-cost ability that allows Clive to perform a quick lunging attack, closing the gap between him and opponents swiftly. It can be used to initiate combos or as a defensive move to evade attacks from multiple enemies.
Heatwave
Heatwave is an Eikon power that functions as both an offensive move and a counter. By precisely timing the motion, you can deflect opposing bullets and stun adversaries. It is very helpful in confrontations against a large number of enemies due to its broad area of effect.
Parrying
Although it doesn’t cost any AP, learning how to parry effectively in battle can be a game-changer. Parrying enables you to slow down time and unleash powerful attacks when combined with Semi-primed Limit Breaks, which are unlocked later in the story.
Scarlet Cyclone (Upgraded)
Another Eikon power, Scarlet Cyclone (Upgraded), is strongly advised for early investment. It is excellent at crowd control and deals damage to several foes at once. This skill can be improved to further increase its efficacy, making it a useful tool in combat against numerous opponents.
