Final Fantasy 16: Best Abilities To Unlock First

Final Fantasy 16‘s protagonist Clive is a formidable fighter, but his skills can be enhanced even further by unlocking and mastering new abilities. After gaining enough AP, players can unlock and master all of Clive’s abilities, but new players may be wondering which ones they should focus on unlocking first. Some abilities are better than others, and there are a few things that players should keep in mind when spending AP early on in the game that will make their experience more enjoyable.

Final Fantasy 16 gives players complete control over which abilities they choose to unlock, and most of Clive’s basic abilities are available to acquire at the start of the game. Eikonic Abilities from Eikons other than Phoenix can’t be obtained until later, but most of the options from Clive’s main skill tree can be learned right away. Even if players need to farm some AP for some of FF16‘s best abilities, this effort will be made worthwhile for players who want to boss enemies in style.

Updated September 18, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: With Final Fantasy 16’s impending release on PC, fans can’t wait to check out Clive’s adventures in a game that will push their system to the very limit. The story of the latest mainline Final Fantasy game is loaded with political intrigue, letting players enjoy a rich narrative as they try to fight back against the powers that be and stop Ultima in his tracks. Given the game’s focus on hack-and-slash action, it’s easy to see why players are encouraged to unlock and master certain abilities that give them more options to choose from in combat. Some of FF16’s best abilities are a must-have in combat, and players must make it a point to invest a ton of AP and expand on Clive’s potential to make combat a blast to get through.

Final Fantasy 16: Most Important Abilities to Learn Early On

It’s worth noting that learning Clive’s basic abilities is relatively cheap compared to mastering them, so players should eventually learn all of the abilities. Players will start the game with some abilities like Magic Burst and Precision Dodge already learned, but the rest of his abilities must be acquired by AP. The following options are particularly nice to have early on, especially if players want the combat of Final Fantasy 16 to become more dynamic and engaging in no time.

• Swift Recovery – Swift Recovery should be the first ability that players purchase with AP. It only costs 10 AP and allows Clive to get back into the fight immediately after being knocked down by pressing R1. It’s a simple and effective move that goes a long way in making the combat of Final Fantasy 16 less frustrating to deal with.
• Burning Blade – Burning Blade allows players to hold square and charge up a powerful fire attack for Clive. Although this move takes too long to use effectively in combat, it can be charged up before combat starts and works as a great opener.
• Charged Magic – For players that prefer to keep their distance, Charged Magic is a good alternative to Burning Blade. Simply hold Triangle, and players will be able to shoot a powerful magic blast. The element of this attack changed based on the attuned Eikon as well.
• Stomp – Stomp allows players to jump off of enemies, providing them with just a little bit of extra air. This is useful for setting up aerial combos and gives players new options in combat, especially since airborne combat becomes more common as players engage in more battles.
• Flames of Rebirth – An extremely powerful attack that requires a ton of AP to unlock. It’s worthwhile to stock up and cash in on this skill since it’s an effective AoE that also heals Clive, making it a useful attack if players are in a pinch.
• Ignition – An excellent technique that allows players to collect numerous smaller enemies and bombard them with attacks. Larger enemies can also be hit multiple times with this ability to fill up their stagger meter.

Final Fantasy 16: Most Important Abilities to Master Early On

Mastering abilities is expensive, but it can make them much more useful. Some players may be confused by this additional upgrade, assuming that this is mostly used to help certain abilities be equipped to every Eikon moveset. However, the base moves that Clive has access to at all times can be enhanced further by mastering them, and the details of the same can be accessed via the additional info that can be triggered in the skill menu. The following abilities should be mastered as soon as possible.

• Precision Dodge – Clive starts with this ability, but mastering it extends the time frame to perform a precision dodge. This is incredibly important in the combat of Final Fantasy 16 since players will spend a lot of time dodging attacks to prevent Clive from incurring any unnecessary damage.
• Burning Blade – Burning Blade normally takes too long to make it worth using in the midst of battle. Mastering this ability makes it charge rather quickly, letting players unleash a powerful attack that knocks smaller enemies down and deals a decent amount of stagger damage to larger enemies.
• Downthrust – Once mastered, Downthrust will imbue Clive’s blade with fire, causing a small explosion around the area of impact. This turns aerial attacks into a devastating option, making it a perfect attack to combo with certain Eikon abilities that send Clive airborne.
• Lunge – A great way to close the distance with a quick stab that damages enemies. Mastering this ability enhances the distance covered by this move, making it a perfect substitute for Phoenix Shift if players are using the abilities of another Eikon.
• Titanic Block – Players will love the ability to block attacks in a game where attacks are relentless, and mastering Titanic Block ensures that players can fill up the Limit Gauge and unleash Clive’s enhanced offense in no time.
• Arm of Darkness – Gaining access to Zantetsuken makes for an epic move that players can charge up with Arm of Darkness. Mastering this move lets players charge Zantetsuken up to Level 5, unleashing an attack that dishes major damage in one fell swoop.