The Ultimate Plot Twist in Final Fantasy 16 That Will Leave You Speechless

Warning: The following article contains major spoilers for Final Fantasy 16. Proceed at your own risk.

In Final Fantasy 16, nothing is as it appears. While the game is rooted in the series' tradition and history, it breaks new ground in various ways. The tone of the title is much darker and mature compared to previous installments, examining themes of war, slavery, and profound loss within the series' lore. The endgame of Final Fantasy 16 is filled with unexpected surprises, particularly its most significant revelation that sheds light on the true nature of its world and the protagonist, Clive Rosfield. Interestingly, a recurring detail in the game's narrative subtly foreshadows this game-changing twist, cleverly concealed within the most explosive moments of the plot.

Final Fantasy 16 revolves around Clive's mission to liberate humanity from the influence of the Mothercrystals, colossal crystal deposits that saturate Valisthea with magical energies. These crystals enable a select few individuals, known as Dominants, to form an intimate bond with formidable entities known as Eikons, the game's version of summons. However, this connection gradually consumes the Dominants, except for Clive, who possesses the unique ability to assimilate and utilize the powers of any Eikon without suffering any negative consequences. Together with his brother Joshua, Clive embarks on a quest to obliterate the crystals, aiming to eradicate magic and thwart Ultima, an omnipotent being who intends to use Clive as his vessel.

Final Fantasy 16's Ultima is More Than Meets the Eye

Upon his introduction in the narrative, Ultima is immediately portrayed as having a profound bond with the Eikons of Final Fantasy 16. He puts Clive to the test by summoning the Eikon Typhon, and later, a fragment of Ultima's essence becomes trapped within Joshua. As the story progresses, Ultima becomes a central figure in the aftermath of the destruction of each Mothercrystal.

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Clive and Joshua arrive at the Fortress of Stonehyrr, located near the final Mothercrystal called Drake's Spine. From there, Ultima transports them to the Interdimensional Rift, marking the beginning of Final Fantasy 16's major plot twists, including the revelation of Valisthea's true magic.

In the Interdimensional Rift, Ultima guides Clive and Joshua through Valisthea's history. In a surprising turn of events, Ultima discloses that he is the actual creator of Humanity, Eikons, and the Crystals. Centuries ago, Ultima's body became corrupted by the Blight, prompting him to separate his soul from his physical form and seek refuge in Valisthea. Furthermore, Ultima reveals that the Crystals do not serve as the origin of Valisthea's magic, but rather as a channel to unleash it and create a new realm.

Harnessing the amount of aether required to construct this new realm necessitates a mortal vessel of worldly origin with the ability to wield it proficiently. Clive serves as the vessel, known as Mythos, while Ultima discloses that he designed humanity and its Dominants solely to augment Mythos's power. Once every Eikon is obtained, Mythos will attain equal power to that of Ultima, thereby forming an ideal new corporeal form.

The Mothercrystals Signal Final Fantasy 16's Endgame Twists

Clive, the protagonist of Final Fantasy 16, embarks on a journey across Valisthea with the intention of obliterating the Mothercrystals, under the belief that this act will also eradicate magic from existence. However, observant fans will soon notice that something peculiar is happening. Each time a Mothercrystal is destroyed, it emits an eerie scream from a realm beyond. This seemingly insignificant detail serves as a harbinger of the game's most shocking revelations. Eventually, it is unveiled that Ultima, the character previously thought to be a solitary entity, is merely a fragment of a much larger being known as Ultimalius, whose dormant counterparts reside within the very core of these ancient crystals.

In Final Fantasy 16, Clive and Joshua come across multiple Ultimas throughout the kingdoms, as they have been freed from their Mothercrystals. During the final battle, Joshua's presence unveils the ultimate Ultima, which emerges from his chest and fatally wounds him before joining the others. As the Ultimas merge, they give rise to Ultimalius, the final boss of Final Fantasy 16. Once Ultima is defeated, Joshua passes on his powers to Clive through the Phoenix, but succumbs to his injuries. With both the deity and his chosen vessel in their true forms, Final Fantasy 16 leads up to an intense finale where the destiny of humanity, magic, and Valisthea itself hangs in the balance.

Final Fantasy 16 is currently available exclusively on the PS5.