Final Fantasy XVI: Best Phoenix Eikon Abilities

AntMag.NET

Alright, let's dive into the Phoenix Eikon abilities in Final Fantasy XVI. Phoenix is one of the first Eikons you'll get, and its skills can really shape your early-game combat style. We'll break down each one to help you decide what to focus on.

Phoenix Ability Breakdown

Phoenix Shift

This is your bread-and-butter gap closer, activated with the Circle Button. Think of it as a quick dash towards your enemies. Upgrading it early is a smart move because it increases the distance you can cover, making it super handy for closing the gap quickly. Just remember, it's not an evade! Don't try to dodge attacks with it, or you'll likely take a hit. You can use Phoenix Shift in the air too, and chaining it with melee or magic attacks lets you pull off cool Battle Techniques like Shift Strike. Honestly, it's one of the most useful Circle Button abilities, making Phoenix a great Eikon to attune to, even when you have others available. If you need another gap closer, Clive's basic Lunge is always an option.

Tip: Phoenix Shift is great for closing distance, but not for dodging. Combine it with attacks for Shift Strike or Shift Shot!

Rising Flames

You get Rising Flames automatically when combat becomes available. Its main job is to launch lighter enemies into the air, setting them up for aerial combos or Torgal's Sic. Upgrading it adds more hits to the initial strike, making it more potent. Many players stick with this because it's familiar and provides a quick way to get enemies airborne. However, as you get deeper into the game, you might find Burning Blade more useful. If you master charging Burning Blade faster, you can use it to launch enemies by jumping and then executing it, which frees up a valuable ability slot.

Tip: Rising Flames is good for launching smaller enemies, but consider Burning Blade for more flexibility later on.

Scarlet Cyclone

This ability is also unlocked automatically when you return to present-day Clive during the 'A Chance Encounter' Main Quest. While Rising Flames is more for single targets, Scarlet Cyclone is your Area of Effect (AoE) move. Clive spins around, hitting multiple enemies at once. It deals more Stagger damage compared to Rising Flames' regular damage. Upgrading Scarlet Cyclone increases its hits and potency. A neat trick is that you can use it while being knocked back, which actually boosts its potency and shaves off 33% of its cooldown! It's decent early on, but honestly, Ignition from Ifrit's skillset usually becomes a better AoE option later.

Tip: Scarlet Cyclone is your go-to AoE early on, and can even be used defensively while knocked back.

Heatwave

Heatwave is the first ability you'll need to unlock, available as soon as you're back as present-day Clive. This one takes a bit more skill but is incredibly rewarding. It shoots shockwaves from a distance. The real magic happens when you shoot a shockwave through enemy projectiles – this triggers a Heatwave Counter, dealing massive Will damage and making it easier to Stagger your foe. It's more of a reactive, counter-focused ability than a pure assault. It shines in boss fights and against tough enemies with Stagger bars. If you successfully counter, the cooldown shortens, and you can even control the shockwave's direction with the Left Stick. We think this is the best Phoenix Ability if you enjoy a reactive playstyle, but if not, it's still a solid ranged attack.

Tip: Use Heatwave to counter projectiles for massive Will damage and easier staggering.

Flames of Rebirth

This ability has a high cost to learn, and it's one of the most powerful Phoenix abilities. When used, it unleashes a massive fiery AoE that can take down most regular enemies, especially early in the game. It also recovers some of Clive's HP, but here's the catch: it only heals the portion of HP that's faintly green on your bar. So, while it's strong, that healing aspect is less appealing, though still useful in a pinch.

Tip: Flames of Rebirth is a powerful AoE attack that offers partial HP recovery.