Unleashing the Ultimate Twist: Final Fantasy 16 DLC Secretly Adapts a Dark Souls Masterstroke

Final Fantasy 16, despite being a complete and fulfilling experience, leaves room for the intriguing possibility of DLC. While the main focus of the game is on Clive Rosfield, there are still numerous untapped secrets and unexplored territories within the world of Valisthea. Taking inspiration from Dark Souls' Artorias of the Abyss DLC, Final Fantasy 16 could employ time travel elements to delve deeper into the history and lore of Valisthea, much like how Artorias of the Abyss expanded the world of Dark Souls by allowing players to travel back 200 years and fulfill a long-standing mission.

Valisthea's History Is Ripe For Exploring

A DLC for Final Fantasy 16 that deviates from the game's current timeline offers extensive possibilities for exploration. Within the game, players encounter Cid, who tasks them with destroying the five mother crystals. However, a visit to Loresman Harpocrates reveals that Ultima initially created eight mother crystals. A potential DLC could delve into the mystery surrounding the absence of these three crystals and investigate the entity accountable for their disappearance. Despite the implication that Drake's Eye, one of these crystals, succumbed to blight before the game's events, there remains ample opportunity to delve into it and the other two, particularly since Drake's Eye is connected to the missing eikon, Leviathan.

Another DLC option stems from the absence of Leviathan. Referred to as "Leviathan the Lost" multiple times, players are informed that its dominant has not emerged in centuries. A DLC could transport Clive back in time, where he either allies with or combats Leviathan's dominant. Alternatively, the developers could shift the focus away from Clive and center the DLC around playing as one of Leviathan's dominants during a previous era.

The Ruins Of Final Fantasy 16 Provide An Opportunity

Time travel in Final Fantasy 16 offers players the opportunity to explore the game's regions from a fresh perspective. Arriving in Ash, the island is depicted in a state of desolation, mirroring the approaching climax of the game and exemplifying the cruelty of Barnabas Tharmr. However, witnessing the past version of this place would amplify its tragic nature. Additionally, a journey to the past could unveil the true nature of the fallen and showcase the prime state of the ruins previously explored in the main game.

The utilization of time travel as a framework would enable Square Enix to thoroughly delve into the world of Valisthea, while also capitalizing on the existing lore within the base game. Although Clive being sent back to the past, paralleling the player's experience in Artorias of the Abyss, would be an effective approach, Final Fantasy 16's expansive world and compelling cast possess enough depth to support a standalone DLC. Expanding on the history of the world would greatly enrich Clive's story, even without his physical presence. While no DLC has been announced for the game, fans remain hopeful that Square Enix will revisit Final Fantasy 16 and the captivating realm of Valisthea.

Final Fantasy 16 was released on June 22, 2023, and is available on PS5.