The linear nature of modern Final Fantasy games has been a major source of criticism, especially when compared to their 2D predecessors. Final Fantasy 16 follows a similar pattern, where players are often guided towards continuing the main story despite having the option to take on side quests or Notorious Mark hunts.
For those who do venture into the game's side content, there are a few quests that offer choices. However, these decisions usually have little to no impact on the overall story or the quests themselves. Additionally, there are a couple of mandatory subquests, such as "Letting Off Steam I," that require players to make a decision.
Should You Choose Otto or Gav in Letting Off Steam 1? (No Spoilers)
What Happens if You Choose Gav? (Spoilers)
After conversing with Blackthorne at the quest's onset, players of Final Fantasy 16 will be presented with a choice between Otto or Gav as their companion for the Stardust collection endeavor. Despite concerns over the ramifications of this decision, there is solace in knowing that the outcome of "Letting Off Steam I" remains unaffected by whether players opt for Gav or Otto. While it could be argued that selecting Gav aligns more logically, the inclusion of a few distinct lines of dialogue aside, players will not miss out on significant content if they choose Otto instead.
In both the Gav and Otto storylines, the initial stage of the subquest remains the same. Players must navigate their way to the river located in the southern region of Velkroy and collect five handfuls of Stardust. However, it is at this point that the paths start to diverge slightly. If players choose to return to Gav, a heartfelt moment unfolds between him and Clive as they ponder how their lives have changed since the demise of the previous Cid.
What Happens if You Choose Otto? (Spoilers)
If players choose Otto, the outcome remains largely unchanged. After collecting the Stardust, Otto expresses gratitude to Clive for his contributions to the hideaway's residents. Additionally, players discover that it was Otto who initially supported Clive's decision to assume Cid's name, which may capture the interest of some. However, once players complete the mission, whether they chose Gav or Otto becomes irrelevant. Final Fantasy 16 can be enjoyed exclusively on the PlayStation 5.