The Ultimate Trial and Error Side Quest Guide for Final Fantasy 16: Ember's Fate Hangs in the Balance

As players near the conclusion of the game, Final Fantasy 16 presents an array of side quests to be fulfilled. While some may appear ordinary, these quests consistently offer substantial experience point bonuses, essential for the imminent confrontation with Ultima.

One of these side quests, known as "Trial and Error," involves Final Fantasy 16 players aiding a Cursebreaker in initiating a new member. This quest, overall, is relatively straightforward, yet it demands players to make a seemingly challenging decision once the situation has calmed.

How to Complete Trial and Error in Final Fantasy 16

The "Trial and Error" side quest becomes available once you reach the "Back to Their Origin" main story mission. To initiate the quest, speak with Nazaire, a Cursebreaker, who can be found at the hideaway located at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the hunt board. Nazaire explains that he needs help with administering a trial for a new initiate. He asks Clive to assist him and, if they agree, players must then proceed to Northreach to continue.

Upon fast travelling to the Northreach Obelisk, players will come across Nazaire and the newly recruited Ember near the south gate of the settlement. Engaging in a conversation with Nazaire will initiate a brief dialogue where Ember is tasked with retrieving a logbook from a nearby Imperial lookout post. Subsequently, Ember will dash off, and players are expected to follow suit.

To reach the lookout, players need to head south through the gate to the Dragon's Aery area while riding their Chocobo. Once there, they should turn left and arrive at the lookout. At this point, the formidable dragon-like enemy named Tot Aevis will appear, causing Ember to flee. This leaves Clive to confront the creature alone, unless players have already completed the side quests of Joshua and Jill, in which case they can join Clive. Nevertheless, this battle shouldn't pose a significant challenge.

After defeating the Tot Aevis, players are advised to head back to Nazaire, who is located near the Northreach gate. Soon after their arrival, Ember excitedly appears with the logbook in his possession, boasting about accomplishing his task. Surprisingly, Ember reveals that he used Clive as a decoy, taking advantage of the distracted Tot Aevis to complete his mission safely. Upon returning to the hideaway, players must once again converse with Nazaire, who will request their evaluation of Ember's performance.

Does Ember Deserve Passing Marks?

When asked to determine whether Ember should receive a passing grade, some players may experience conflicting thoughts. On one hand, he fulfilled the given task, but on the other hand, his choice to flee could have endangered one of his companions, and his success relied heavily on Clive's assistance. Nevertheless, the players' decision, whether they opt for "yes" or "no," becomes inconsequential. Ultimately, it is agreed that Ember deserves an opportunity to redeem himself, concluding the quest.

Trial and Error Side Quest Rewards

Upon finishing the "Trial and Error" side quest, players will be rewarded with 7,200 XP, 800 Gil, and 40 Renown. Additionally, they will obtain The Breath of Lightning (Pile Drive), a unique accessory that diminishes the cooldown time of Ramuh's Pile Drive Eikonic Ability by 4.2 seconds. Final Fantasy 16 is currently accessible exclusively on the PlayStation 5.