Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI

Main Story Quests

Follow Clive's Main Story Quests through Final Fantasy XVI. This walkthrough covers objectives from Rosaria to the fate of Valisthea, including combat tips.

Main Story Quests

Welcome, Dominant! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every critical step of Final Fantasy XVI's gripping main story. From the initial skirmishes in the Grand Duchy of Rosaria to the climactic battles that decide the fate of Valisthea, we've got you covered. This section provides detailed objectives, combat strategies, crucial item locations, and tips to ensure your journey as Clive Rosfield is as smooth and impactful as possible.

Prologue: The Fall of Phoenix Gate

Your journey begins amidst the chaos of a brutal war. This introductory sequence serves as a tutorial for basic combat mechanics and introduces key characters and the tragic events that set Clive on his path. You will learn the fundamentals of combat, including dodging, parrying, and utilizing Eikonic abilities.

  • Objective: Reach Phoenix Gate and defend it.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Begin by following the path through the war-torn landscape. You will immediately be thrust into combat against groups of Imperial Soldiers. Practice your basic sword combos (Square button) and dodges (Circle button) to learn their timing.
    2. As you advance, you'll encounter your first significant obstacle: a barricade defended by more Imperial Soldiers. After clearing them, a brief cinematic will play, highlighting the escalating conflict.
    3. Continue forward. Near a collapsed archway, you'll find a fallen soldier. Interact with him to obtain a Healing Potion. These consumables are crucial for restoring health during combat, so always keep an eye out for them.
    4. Your first true test arrives in the form of an Imperial Captain. This enemy is more resilient and wields a heavy sword and shield. His attacks are telegraphed but hit hard. Pay close attention to his animations:
      • Shield Bash: A swift forward thrust with his shield. Dodge to the side.
      • Overhead Cleave: A slow, powerful swing that can be dodged backward or to the side.
      • Shield Slam: He slams his shield onto the ground, creating a small shockwave. Dodge backward to avoid.
      The key to defeating the Imperial Captain is mastering the parry mechanic (R2 just before an attack lands). A successful parry will stagger him, leaving him vulnerable to a series of powerful counter-attacks. This is also your first opportunity to utilize your Limit Break if it's charged, dealing massive damage.
    5. After defeating the Captain, proceed into the ruins of Phoenix Gate. A series of impactful cutscenes will unfold, depicting the tragic events that irrevocably alter Clive's life and set him on his lifelong quest.
    6. Following these events, you will gain control of a younger Clive. You'll learn the basics of using the Ignis sword, your starting weapon. Equip it immediately from your inventory if it's not already active.
    7. You will also unlock the Phoenix Eikonic abilities. These include:
      • Heatwave: A fiery wave that travels forward, dealing damage and staggering enemies.
      • Flame Thrust: A quick, forward thrust that can interrupt enemy attacks.
      • Phoenix Strike: A powerful aerial attack that slams Clive down onto his target.
      Experiment with these abilities in the subsequent combat encounters to understand their strengths and how they can be chained with your basic attacks.
  • Rewards:
    • Ignis (Sword)
    • Phoenix Eikonic Abilities (Heatwave, Flame Thrust, Phoenix Strike)
    • Experience Points
    • Story Progression

Act I: A New Purpose

Years have passed since the fall of Phoenix Gate. Clive, now a seasoned warrior, serves as the First Shield of Rosaria and is branded as a Dark Eikon. This act chronicles his life as a branded warrior, the beginnings of his quest for vengeance, and his introduction to the world of Bearers and Eikons.

Chapter I: The Branded's Burden

Clive's first mission as a branded soldier takes him to the desolate Ash, a land scarred by conflict and overrun by beastmen. This chapter serves as an introduction to Ifrit's abilities and the challenges of fighting in hostile environments.

  • Objective: Investigate reports of beastmen activity in the Ash.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Begin at the Imperial Camp. Follow your companion, Gav, towards the designated waypoint on your minimap.
    2. You will encounter your first combat encounters against packs of Goblin Marauders and Goblin Brutes. While individually weak, they can quickly overwhelm you in numbers.
      • Goblin Marauders: These fast melee attackers will attempt to swarm you. Dodge their lunges and counter with quick combos.
      • Goblin Brutes: Slower but more powerful, their charge attacks can be parried for an opening.
      To efficiently clear these groups, utilize Ifrit's "Scarlet Cyclone". This fiery vortex deals significant area-of-effect damage and can stagger multiple enemies, creating breathing room.
    3. Before proceeding further into the Ash, keep an eye out for a narrow, overgrown path branching off to the left of the main trail, just past a cluster of large rocks. Following this hidden path will lead you to a chest containing valuable early-game resources: Wyrrite x3 and 100 Gil.
    4. Enter the caves. Navigate the winding tunnels, being mindful of Cave Bats that will swarm from the ceiling. Their bites can inflict poison. It's advisable to have an Antidote in your inventory, or utilize Ifrit's "Rising Flames" ability. This fiery uppercut is excellent for knocking airborne enemies like bats out of the sky and dealing damage.
    5. Deep within the caves, you will face your first boss: a Gigantoad. This amphibian beast possesses a dangerous wide-area tongue lash attack that can cover a significant portion of the arena. Your primary strategy should be to dodge backward repeatedly to avoid this. After it uses its "Bile Spit" attack, its belly becomes momentarily exposed and vulnerable. Close the distance and unleash your strongest combos. Sustained attacks will deplete its Will Gauge, leading to a stagger and a critical damage opportunity.
  • Rewards:
    • "Lunge" Ability (Combat Skill)
    • Meteorite x1
    • Experience Points
    • Story Progression

Chapter II: Whispers of the Past

Clive's journey takes a significant turn as he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Dark Eikon and his own past. This chapter sets the stage for a pivotal meeting that will shape his future.

  • Objective: Rendezvous with Cidolfus Telamon in the Crystalline Dominion.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Begin your journey by traveling across the Royal Road towards the Crystalline Dominion. The path is generally safe, but you may encounter stray Wild Dogs. These can be dispatched quickly with basic combos.
    2. Before reaching the main gates of the Dominion, take the eastern fork in the road. This less-traveled path leads to a small, dilapidated abandoned shack. Inside, you'll find a chest containing a Greater Healing Potion, a more potent version of the standard healing item.
    3. Upon entering the Crystalline Dominion, follow the quest markers through the bustling streets. You will be directed towards Cid's hideout.
    4. As you approach Cid's location, you will be ambushed by a group of Iron Giant Guards. These armored Imperial soldiers are highly resistant to direct physical damage. Your best approach is to utilize Phoenix's Eikonic abilities, such as "Heatwave" or "Flame Thrust," to quickly break their Will Gauge. Once staggered, unleash your strongest combos. "Heatwave" is particularly effective for stunning them briefly, allowing for follow-up attacks.
    5. After successfully fending off the ambush, a pivotal cutscene will play, introducing you to Cidolfus Telamon. He is a charismatic and powerful Dominant, and his appearance marks a significant turning point in the narrative.
  • Rewards:
    • Access to the Hideaway (a new hub area)
    • Garuda Eikonic Abilities (e.g., Gouge, Wicked Wheel)
    • Experience Points
    • Story Progression

Act II: The Bearer's Plight

Now allied with Cid, Clive begins to understand the true extent of the Blight, a creeping plague that withers the land, and the suffering of the Bearers. This act sees Clive gaining new Eikonic powers and undertaking missions to aid the oppressed, often clashing with Imperial forces and other Dominants.

Chapter III: The Hand of the Storm

With Garuda's powers of wind and lightning at your disposal, you'll embark on a critical mission to rescue enslaved Bearers from a Dhalmekian stronghold. This chapter emphasizes aerial combat and strategic use of wind-based abilities.

  • Objective: Infiltrate the Dhalmekian Stronghold and free the Bearers.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Approach the stronghold from the western cliffs. Utilize Garuda's signature ability, "Deadly Embrace", to grapple onto designated points. This allows you to pull yourself to higher ledges, bypassing some initial patrols and gaining a tactical advantage.
    2. For a short section, you can attempt a stealth approach past Dhalmekian Sentinels patrolling the outer walls. Use cover and observe their patrol routes. If detected, prepare for a challenging fight against multiple enemies.
    3. Inside the barracks, locate a desk with a glowing scroll. This is the Stronghold Map, which will reveal enemy positions and hidden passages on your minimap, greatly aiding your infiltration.
    4. When engaging groups of Dhalmekian Soldiers and Dhalmekian Brutes, use Garuda's "Gouge" to deal area-of-effect damage and stagger multiple targets. Follow up with Phoenix's "Flame Burst" for quick knockdowns or Ifrit's "Scarlet Cyclone" to keep enemies at bay. Combining these abilities is key to crowd control.
    5. The stronghold commander, a Dhalmekian Dominant wielding the power of Titan, awaits in the central courtyard. This boss battle emphasizes dodging powerful ground slams and seismic attacks. Titan's attacks are slow but devastating.
      • Ground Slam: Titan slams his fists into the ground, creating shockwaves. Dodge backward repeatedly.
      • Seismic Wave: He stomps, sending a wave of earth towards you. Jump over it or dodge sideways.
      • Boulder Toss: He hurls large rocks. Dodge to the side to avoid.
      Garuda's "Wicked Wheel" can be used to interrupt some of his wind-up attacks and deal damage to his Will Gauge. Focus on dodging his heavy hits and retaliating during his recovery animations. When he is staggered, unleash your most powerful Eikonic combos.
    6. After defeating the Commander and securing the area, proceed to the prison cells to free the captured Bearers, completing your objective.
  • Rewards:
    • Titan Eikon Abilities (e.g., Upheaval, Rocksmith)
    • Black Blood x1
    • Experience Points
    • Story Progression

This is just a glimpse into the vast and dangerous world of Valisthea. Continue to consult this guide for detailed strategies, item locations, and boss breakdowns as you progress through each Main Story Quest. Remember to regularly upgrade your gear at the Hideaway's forge and master your Eikonic abilities to overcome the challenges ahead!