In Final Fantasy 16, players can embark on a multitude of captivating side quests. As they make progress in the main storyline, more side quests unlock, each offering unique experiences. However, not all side quests come with equally impressive rewards upon completion. The Root of the Problem stands out from the rest, granting Clive the invaluable ability to enhance the effectiveness of his potions.
Players can undertake The Root of the Problem quest in Final Fantasy 16 right at the start of the After the Storm main quest. This side quest becomes available as soon as Clive returns to The Hideaway and can be initiated by speaking with Nigel, the esteemed Head Botanist. To successfully complete this quest, Clive must venture out of The Hideaway in search of Morganbeard seeds.
How To Start The Root Of The Problem In Final Fantasy 16
Upon returning to The Hideaway, Clive has the opportunity to embark on The Root of the Problem side quest. To initiate the quest, Clive should make his way to The Backyard and seek out Nigel, the Head Botanist. Nigel can be located in a small room just west of The Backyard, which can be accessed by traversing through The Black Hammer, taking a left turn, and descending the nearby staircase.
Once Clive engages in conversation with Nigel, he will learn of Nigel's desire to obtain a rare flower called a Morganbeard. Nigel explains that these flowers possess the unique ability to enhance the effectiveness of curative items. Acquiring the Morganbeard would greatly benefit both Clive and the residents of The Hideaway. Unfortunately, Nigel lacks the means to acquire the flower himself, leaving the task in Clive's capable hands.
Where To Find Morganbeard Flowers
After accepting the quest, Clive can fast-travel to Martha's Rest to embark on his mission to find Morganbeards. The flowers can be found to the west of Martha's Rest, specifically in a dead-end area located north of Glaidemond Abbey. To reach this location, Clive should travel west from the fast-travel Obelisk, take the elevator down to the marches below, and then head southwest towards the small wooden bridge.
Upon crossing the bridge and continuing west, Clive will come across an area inhabited by three Level 28 Goblin Gardeners and a Level 28 Gigas Ploughswain.
The Goblin Gardeners can be easily handled, but players may encounter difficulty when facing the formidable Gigas Ploughswain due to its powerful attacks. However, there is a silver lining. This slow-moving enemy gives players the advantage of being able to predict most of its actions. One particular attack to be wary of involves the beast charging towards Clive before viciously swinging its massive club into the ground. To avoid being a victim of this assault, Clive must swiftly dodge as soon as the beast completes its charging animation.
The Gigas Ploughswain's Big Swing attack is undoubtedly its most perilous maneuver. Once Clive is struck by it, evading the subsequent strikes becomes quite challenging. The optimal strategy to sidestep this attack is for Clive to immediately retreat to a safe distance as soon as the "Big Swing" text materializes above the Gigas Ploughswain's head. In the event that Clive finds himself within the beast's striking range during this action, he must skillfully evade each swing of its club until the attack concludes; conversely, he can preemptively halt it by executing a well-timed parry.
When the Gigas Ploughswain is finally defeated, Clive can venture west into the grassy fields to search for and gather a handful of Morganbeards. These unique flowers can be located in patches of beautiful yellow blooms. Once Clive has successfully collected three Morganbeards, he can conveniently use the fast-travel feature to teleport back to The Hideaway and deliver the vibrant flowers to Nigel.
How To Complete The Root Of The Problem In Final Fantasy 16
Upon reuniting with Nigel and engaging in further interaction, players have the opportunity to deliver the Morganbeard as a means of accomplishing the quest. As the conversation draws to a close, Clive is awarded with 1 Morganbeard Extract and 1 Black Blood.
The Morganbeard Extract boosts the effectiveness of Potions and High Potions and extends the duration of the enhancements granted by Strength Tonics, Stoneskin Tonics, and Lionheart Tonics. Additionally, the Black Blood is a highly valuable item that can be sold. Final Fantasy 16 can only be played on PlayStation 5.