Summary
It’s been some time sinceFinal Fantasy 16launched, but its tale hasn’t concluded yet. The first DLC episode in its season pass, Echoes of the Fallen, came out in late 2023. Now, at their PAX East 2024 panel,Final Fantasy 16’s developers have detailed the second episode, The Rising Tide, as well as a major 1.30 patch and the current plans to bringFF16to PC and potentially other consoles. On top of crossovers withFinal Fantasy 14andFinal Fantasy Brave Exvius, the future ofFinal Fantasy 16still looks bright.
Released in June 2024,Final Fantasy 16takes players to the continent of Valisthea, a war-torn region that is also under pressure from the encroaching Blight. Clive Rosfield takes center stage, using his ability to absorb the powers of the Dominants of various Eikons, better known asFinal Fantasy’s roster of summons, to make a difference in his flagging lands. The Rising Tide will take Clive and his closest allies to Mysidia, a hidden place that seems to be immune to the Blight somehow, and plays host to the distressed Dominant of the long-lost Eikon Leviathan.
Everything Announced For FF16’s “The Rising Tide” DLC
At a point deep intoFinal Fantasy 16, Clive’s mercenary hideout will receive a letter prompting the journey to Mysidia. A number of details are still unclear, but supposedly, this DLC will be more akin to a full story arc from the base game instead of the multi-level dungeon featured in Echoes of the Fallen. Its unique world map will includeFinal Fantasy 16’s take on the iconic Tonberry enemies, and players will be joined by the new party member Shula. They will also get the chance to hear more about co-protagonist Jill Warrick’s personal history in the surrounding northern reaches of Valisthea. Fighting Leviathan and collecting new weapons and accessories will likely be highlights, but they won’t be the only things to do.
Kairos Gate, And Other Bonus Content
At some point, players gain access to Leviathan’s watery abilities, using its Eikonic Feat Serpent’s Cry for various ranged attacks. Gainingevery Eikon inFinal Fantasy 16and completing both DLC episodes will apparently unlock follow-up rewards, at least one of which is a sidequest serving as the DLC’s epilogue. The Rising Tide also adds the Kairos Gate, new endgame content with twenty progressively harder scenarios, global leaderboards, a distinct upgrade system, and a deadly new challenge at its end.FF16’s highest Arcade difficulties haven’t been a huge hit with fans, so Kairos Gate could be exactly what it needs.
What Is Included In Free Update Version 1.30
If that was everything, thenFinal Fantasy 16’s planned content would endwith a bang. However, all players will also gain access to the free version 1.30 update, bringing with it a variety of new features. These include:
Several of the features added in version 1.30 have been frequently requested sinceFinal Fantasy 16’s launch, especially warping back to sidequest NPCs, moveset loadouts, and full controller customization.FF16’s underused Abilities and Accessories, specifically referring to combat options like Bahamut and Ramuh’s, will see significant reworks. Apparently, a short scene of Clive having his Bearer brand removed is also planned to be added at some point, and ideas for more playable characters or another DLC episode are still up in the air. Regardless of what comes next, April 18 is going to be a great day forFinal Fantasy 16thanks to The Rising Tide and version 1.30.
Final Fantasy 16
WHERE TO PLAY
An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
