As you progress through Final Fantasy 16, you will be able to unlock more abilities that will offer different gameplay options. From combo tools to defensive tools, all abilities in the Eikon menu are amazing tools to create the best combos for whatever playstyle you want.
Once you’ve mastered these abilities through the menu, you can mix and match attacks, and some are a constant must-have. Just like any other combo action game, combo staples such as starters, extenders, and finishers are a must for any situation you may encounter while traveling through Valisthea.
10 Downward
A combo without a finisher is like reading a book and throwing it away before the end. It’s unsatisfying and boring to watch. Luckily, Downthrust has you covered. Air moves like Burning Blade and Garuda’s Deadly Embrace can start your flashy air combos, and Downthrust can help you knock those enemies back with the power of gravity.
As you level up Downthrust, its power increases based on how you activate the ability, leaving a huge splash of fire upon landing.
9 Burning blade
Since the overall gameplay has shifted from a turn-based experience to a more combo-based action game, flash moves and aerial juggling of your enemies have become the norm for Final Fantasy 16.
Burning Blade will be your main combo starter for most of your aerial shenanigans. Charging the blade while on the ground can take down most smaller enemies, but if you perform this ability while jumping, Burning Blade becomes the trigger to set up your main reel combos.
8 Precision Dodge
One of the hardest abilities in the game. Since there is no block button in Final Fantasy 16, dodging is essential to your survival. Without retreating from any mighty enemy, you will be tossed around the Grand Duchy of Rosaria full of side quests like a rag doll.
Precision Dodge, if done right, will give you a small window of deceleration to follow up with another attack or even put some more distance between you and the enemy. If you choose to follow up, you’ll perform an even stronger Precision Counter to stagger the enemy a bit faster.
7 Fallout
Due to the lack of a sprint button in the game, closing the distance between you and your enemy can be a little tricky. Lunge can help you get close to monsters in Valisthei by lunging with a notch.
You can also cancel the outage with Magic Burst, giving you more combo paths to explore. Lunge, when fully upgraded, can increase the power of the slash finisher and give it a layer of Phoenix Blessing to incinerate anyone in your path.
6 Speedy recovery
There are some enemies in Final Fantasy 16 that have long combo strings that once started are unstoppable. You’ll be stuck in a stun attack and sent flying while your enemy executes their next deadly move.
While you won’t be able to stop the combo halfway through, Swift Recovery will help you get up faster so you can close the distance and parry the next attack, or power up by using up all your potions.
5 Cold step
Cold Step is Shiva’s Eikonic Feat. Pressing the wheel on the controller will take a step in whichever direction you’re currently holding. This might not seem like a good move, especially when you see how slow it is to perform the action after it, but if you perform it through an enemy, it can freeze them, allowing you to combo them to your heart’s content.
This Eikonic feat can also be used as a Precision Dodge, as Cold Step if timed will give you the same slow as a normal Precision Dodge, but will give your enemies Permafrost and freeze even the largest Orcs.
4 Phoenix Shift
One of the first abilities you unlock in the game, Phoenix Shift stands the test of time. This ability is so versatile that you’ll be using it even in the final hours of the game. Sometimes a dash is all you need.
While moves like Wicked Wheel and Deadly Embrace can help you reach those pesky flying enemies, sometimes you have to get in their face (or beak?). Phoenix Shift not only helps you reach those bird monsters, but the follow up attack you can use can help you start your combos.
3 Wicked wheel
Although combat in Final Fantasy 16 is based on combos, there aren’t many launch moves in the game. Wicked Wheel is one of the best in your toolbox. This wind move launches your enemy into the air with a small whirlwind attack that can be followed up with a basic combo attack.
Although it only reads as a launch on paper, Wicked Wheel can also be used as a combo extension as it can be used in the air to keep your enemy in the sky.
2 Satellite
Once you learn the timing for Magic Burst combos, you’ll be performing them as main combos every time. Magic Burst already increases the damage of your combo, but what if you could throw in another attack between bursts?
Bahamut’s Satellite ability can be great for these combos. Satellite will summon an orb above you that will fire lasers at enemies whenever you press the magic button and double your damage whenever you use Magic Burst.
1 Rift Slip
It might not seem like much when you read the description of the Rift Slip game, but for anyone who is skilled in melee action games or even fighting games, this ability is a blessing. Rift Slip can cancel any attack you make by slowing down time by a few frames.
This ability can cancel any move. Whether you’re in the middle of a combo and want to extend it further, or you’re fighting one of those frustrating teleporting enemies and need to cancel your long animation attacks, Rift Slip will be there to take your combo game to the next level.