The Breathtaking Finale of Final Fantasy 16: A Perfect Farewell to the Beloved Series

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CAUTION: Major spoilers for Final Fantasy 16 ahead. Proceed at your own risk.

Final Fantasy 16 marks a fearless new entry in the beloved RPG series. This installment dares to reimagine familiar elements, weaving them into a gritty tale of dark fantasy, all while paying homage to the franchise's roots. While Final Fantasy 16 was originally intended as a tribute to the cherished franchise, its conclusion seems to signal the end of the series. Despite its efforts to redefine Final Fantasy for a new generation, the ending of Final Fantasy 16 feels more like a farewell to the long-standing series rather than a jubilant celebration.

Final Fantasy 16's Ending Closes the Book on the Series

: A thrilling story unfolds in Final Fantasy 16 as it revolves around the journey of brothers Clive and Joshua Rosfield. Their mission is to protect the land of Valisthea by eliminating the powerful mothercrystals and thwarting the world-ending scheme of the god-like Ultima. Clive and Joshua possess the extraordinary ability to control Eikons, which are the summons in Final Fantasy 16, and possess magic skills that do not rely on the crystals. However, the climax of the game reveals that destroying the crystals is actually part of Ultima's grand plan. Shockingly, Ultima discloses that they were responsible for creating both humanity and the mothercrystals, intending to unleash a spell that would reshape the world and annihilate its current inhabitants. Clive becomes the crucial vessel for this spell due to his unique status as the sole organic being capable of harnessing the immense energy required. In the breathtaking finale of Final Fantasy 16, Clive confronts Ultima at their most formidable, with the destiny of Valisthea hanging in the balance.

After the revelation of Ultima's endgame, Clive makes a firm commitment to triumph over the god-like entity, adamantly refusing any participation in its destructive scheme. Engaged in a fierce battle, Clive harnesses the might of his human will to engage Ultima in combat, even though Ultima proclaims themselves to be a deity. Ultima perceives free will as a twisted distortion of Clive's creation, a mere illusion that humanity clings to out of desperation. However, Clive's determination only intensifies, leaving Ultima frustrated and diminished, teetering on the brink of defeat. As humanity stands on the precipice of liberation, Clive asserts that the power of free will is, in fact, humanity's greatest asset. Renouncing Ultima's convoluted plot as a mere figment of imagination, Clive pledges to be its ultimate witness.

In the end, Clive in Final Fantasy 16 emerges victorious over Ultima, liberating humanity from the control of mothercrystals, magic, and the influence of Eikons. Consequently, the inhabitants of Valisthea are now able to live and perish based on their own choices, in a world where the unfair advantages created by Ultima's final fantasy no longer exist. Simultaneously, the conclusion of the game marks the end of many longstanding traditions within the Final Fantasy series, as the cherished crystals are obliterated in the pursuit of a magic-free world.

After Clive's journey, in a scene occurring after the credits roll, two young children recount the epic tale of the Eikons. It is revealed that the narrative of Final Fantasy 16 has transformed into a legendary tale throughout Valisthea, having been chronicled by Joshua Rosfield in a book titled "Final Fantasy." The final moments of this scene not only serve as a conclusion to the game's story but also signify the potential end of the entire Final Fantasy series.

Final Fantasy 16 Features A FINAL FANTASY Mode

After completing Final Fantasy 16, fans are given the option to play New Game+ mode. However, there is also a more challenging mode called FINAL FANTASY, designed to test the abilities of even the most dedicated fans. This mode not only raises Clive's level cap to 100, but also introduces new gear and items for players to collect. What's especially intriguing for long-time fans of the series is that FINAL FANTASY mode includes exclusive content, including the game's most powerful weapon.

In a departure from previous titles, players cannot obtain the Ultima Weapon during their initial playthrough of Final Fantasy 16. This exceptional sword is reserved exclusively for those who choose to play New Game+ in FINAL FANTASY mode. However, obtaining the Ultima Weapon is not simply a matter of strength or progress. It requires crafting the weapon by combining a Ragnarok Sword, an Utterance of Creation, and Ultima Weapon Crafting Materials. Players who brave FINAL FANTASY mode should not underestimate the importance of obtaining the Ultima Weapon, as it will undoubtedly prove essential in facing the ultimate challenge.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.