Max Level Caps in Final Fantasy 16

Discover the max level cap in Final Fantasy 16 for your first playthrough and New Game+. Learn how to earn EXP faster to reach level 50 and then level 100!

Hey there! So you're wondering about the level cap in Final Fantasy 16, huh? It's a good question to ask as you're diving into Clive's adventure. Let's break down how high you can go and what you need to do to get there.

The Base Game Level Cap: Level 50

Your first major goal in the main game is to hit level 50. Don't be fooled by starting around level 10 after the prologue; the EXP needed for each subsequent level really ramps up. You'll breeze through the early levels, but once you hit your 30s, you'll notice each new level takes a significant chunk of experience. Completing the main story quests will get you a good amount of EXP, but if you're aiming to reach that level 50 cap on your first run, you'll absolutely want to tack on side quests and Hunts (those are the Notorious Marks you'll find). We've got guides for all the side quests and Hunts if you need help finding them!

It's a smart move to tackle side quests and Hunts as soon as they pop up. Keep an eye on the Alliant Reports and the Hunt Board in The Hideaway hub – that's your go-to spot for finding this extra content. Your map will also show you available side quests with green icons. Hunts are a bit trickier, as their locations usually aren't marked, so you'll definitely want to consult our specific Hunt guides.

Important Tip: Some side quests can become unavailable later in the game if you progress the main story too far. If you want to maximize your EXP and experience everything FF16 has to offer, prioritize these side quests early on. Many of them actually tie into the main story and can give you a deeper understanding of the world and its characters.

Earning More EXP in FF16

Beyond just doing quests and Hunts, you can always grind out some extra EXP by fighting enemies. Most enemies respawn when you revisit a region, giving you a repeatable source of experience. However, don't feel pressured to grind if it's not your style; reaching the level cap isn't strictly necessary to finish the main story. It just makes things easier by boosting Clive's base stats like HP, Attack, Defense, and Stagger power.

EXP-Boosting Accessories:

• Scholar's Spectacles: If you pre-ordered the game, you'll have this accessory by default, giving you a 10% EXP boost.
• On Fortunes and Heavens: You can buy this from Charon's Toll shop in The Hideaway. Equipping it grants an extra 15% EXP.

The New Game+ and Final Fantasy Mode Level Cap: Level 100

Once you've conquered the base game, you unlock New Game+ and the super-tough Final Fantasy Mode. This is where the real challenge begins, and the level cap gets a serious boost to 100! As you climb from level 50 to 100, you'll see substantial increases in HP, Attack, Defense, Stagger, STR, VIT, and WIL. These boosted stats are crucial for taking on the significantly tougher enemies you'll face in these modes.

In New Game+ and Final Fantasy Mode, enemies hit harder and have more health. You'll even encounter new, more powerful enemy variants in places where you fought weaker foes before. It's the same story, but the combat is a whole different beast!

Don't worry if you're more of a casual player! All your EXP, Ability Points, Eikon Abilities, and Gear carry over from your first playthrough. Plus, you can combine accessories at the forge in The Hideaway to make them even more potent, giving you that extra edge you might need.