The game begins with Firion, Maria, Guy, and Leon being ambushed by Imperial Soldiers outside Fynn. You will lose this battle automatically, as it's part of the narrative. After the ambush, you'll awaken in Altair, rescued by Princess Hilda and the Wild Rose Rebellion. This is your starting hub. Explore Altair thoroughly, speak to all NPCs, and gather information. Your first objective is to join the rebellion and begin your fight against the Empire. Ensure you understand the Word Memory system here, as it's crucial for early progression.
While Final Fantasy II utilizes a scripted defeat to establish its stakes, Final Fantasy XVI similarly employs cinematic, high-pressure introductory sequences to ground players in its narrative.