As an avid Final Fantasy fan and expert RPG player with over 200 hours across the FF series, I am thrilled analyze Final Fantasy 16‘s game-changing Eikon abilities and see how they stack against supers from Destiny 2.
Introduction to Eikons: Primal Powerhouses
In Final Fantasy 16, Eikons serve as harrowing primal entities from the mothercrystal that Clive Rosfield can summon as allies in combat. By calling upon these iconic FF summons, Clive gains access to their arsenal of special abilities, allowing him to unleash commanded power beyond normal limits.
These spectacular Eikon abilities range from swift mobility maneuvers, to elaborate magical assaults, to nigh-impenetrable defenses. Each summon has their own diverse ability pool with varied functions in combat. Mastering these moves is pivotal as they interweave beautifully with regular attacks to enable groundbreaking battle dynamics.
In this guide, I will be analyzing FF16‘s most game-changing Eikon abilities and drawing comparisons with the supers from Destiny 2 where relevant. Supers in Destiny 2 are ultra-powerful moves with elaborate animations that charge over time and can decimate groups of enemies when timed well.
I will evaluate Final Fantasy 16‘s abilities on parameters like damage potential, utility in combat, supporting stats like MP cost/cooldown, and visual spectacle. Let‘s dive into the spectacular Eikon abilities and how to maximize their potential!
Phoenix: Death from Above
Phoenix is obtained as the initial Eikon in Final Fantasy 16 after awakening Clive‘s dominant Eikon power. While a lesser summon stat-wise, Phoenix provides excellent mobility.
Phoenix Shift
This ability instantly repositions Clive directly above enemies and crashing down to deal AoE damage, with Clive emerging unfazed. It has excellent uptime with a spammable 5 second cooldown.
Phoenix Shift allows Clive to swiftly ambush enemies and even escape hairy situations. It embodies the Fists of Havoc slam attack by Destiny 2‘s Arc Titans. With proper timing, it enables crashing down when a target is vulnerable after finishing an attack animation.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phoenix Shift | 0 | 5 seconds | 15m teleport | Single target | ★★☆ |
Flames of Rebirth
This conjures an evolving wall of sweeping fire that damages enemies caught in the surging inferno. It has a powerful 110 potency and substantial 60% HP restore over 15 seconds.
Flames of Rebirth is one of the only ally heal abilities among Eikons, giving it unique utility. The wall of fire is akin to the radiant flames left by Dawnblade‘s Everlasting Fire perk in Destiny 2.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flames of Rebirth | 2 | 45 seconds | 20m length | Multiple targets | ★★★ |
Garuda: Stand and Deliver
Obtained second in FF16, Garuda has more modest damage potential but excellent enemy manipulation capability. Her abilities drag enemies into melee range.
Deadly Embrace
This pulls an enemy target straight to Clive even through obstacles. As the description states, it ensures "none can escape" Clive‘s revenge.
Reminiscient of Nova Warp Void ability in Destiny 2 with its pulling vortex animation. Sets up air juggle potential with allies. Low MP cost means it can be used repeatedly to isolate dangerous enemies.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deadly Embrace | 1 | 15 seconds | 30m pull | Single target | n/a |
Aerial Blast
Summons a mid-air vortex of lacerating winds around Clive dealing damage over time if enemies remain trapped by the winds.
Evokes Stormtrance‘s sustained area damage, providing excellent crowd control against multiple weak monsters. High stagger power means even large enemies take continual part damage if stuck in the vortex.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aerial Blast | 2 | 20 seconds | 10m radius | Multiple targets | ★★☆☆☆ |
Ifrit: Playing with Fire
The iconic fire summon, Ifrit unlocks pyrokinetic devastation. Ifrit‘s kit focuses on dealing damage rather than utility.
Will-o‘-the-Wykes
Transforms Clive into a spectre of Ifrit engulfed in roaring flames. Pulses waves of fire damage around Clive that heavily damages foes. Costs a chunk of MP but deals fire damage on par with top tier black magic.
Certainly captures that lumbering, heavy fire theme of Burning Maul super in Destiny 2. Use against mobs weak to fire instead of bosses due to limited duration. Combines excellently with Flames of Rebirth against groups.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Duration | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Will-o‘-the-Wykes | 3 | 35 seconds | 15 seconds | 5m radius | Multiple targets | ★★★★ |
Ignition
Charges ahead aflame like a blazing comet, dealing impact damage and leaving behind trailing fire. Costs less MP for repeated use to juggle staggered enemies mid-air.
Feels cinematically like a Burning Maul Titan using the spinning attack super after launching airborne enemies with abilities like Aerial Blast.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ignition | 2 | 10 seconds | 20m charge | Single target | ★★★ |
Ramuh: Thunderous Applause
The lightning-flinging sage Ramuh unlocks storm magic for FF16‘s mage knight. Ramuh sports solid magic damage with excellent area saturation.
Blind Justice
Fires orbs of plasma that attach to targets and channel surges of voltage for sustained zaps. Excellent against enemies weak against lightning like mechanical monsters or water creatures.
Reminiscient of Destiny 2‘s Getaway Artist exotic allowing Warlocks to spawn AI arc souls. But Blind Justice is offensively focused – imagine chaining the balls strategically between enemies!
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Projectiles | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blind Justice | 2 | 18 secs | 6 orbs | Multiple targets | ★★☆ |
Judgement Bolt
Calls down concentric lightning strikes around targets that deal heavy damage and stun enemies, opening them to Clive‘s attacks. One of the highest single damage abilities.
Certainly captures that "fight or flight" moment when a Destiny 2 team gets tethered by Shadowshot in PvP, priming them for an ambush. Judgement Bolt disrupts enemy formations.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Judgement Bolt | 3 | 38 secs | 30m diameter | Multiple targets | ★★★★ |
Titan: Weapons of Mass Destruction
Titan unlocks seismic upgrades, enabling you to harness the wrath and protection of earth. Abilities focus on defense and controlling areas.
Titanic Block
Conjures an earthen barrier that completely guards Clive against hits from one direction. Nullifies all frontal damage as long as it holds. Can even block breath attacks from Malboros and other titans like the Iron Giant.
Essentially a reactive Ward of Dawn bubble from Destiny 2 minus the blessing buffs. Use Titanic Wall strategically to tank massive enemy combos then counterattack in the openings you create. Vital for higher difficulties.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Duration | Deg. Angle | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Titanic Block | 2 | 13 secs | 6 seconds | 180 degrees | n/a |
Earthen Fury
Violently launches groups of enemies by erupting stone spikes under them. Does high stagger damage and removes troublesome enemies from the field for a few moments. Creates opportunities to focus down isolated threats when used properly.
Certainly captures the disruptive elevation and vulnerability from abilities like Shield Bash for Sentinel Titans in Destiny 2. Use Earthen Fury to forcibly reposition the battlefield to your advantage.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Earthen Fury | 3 | 32 secs | 15m radius | Multiple targets | ★★★★ |
Bahamut: Rocket Man
The FF franchise‘s most iconic summon, Bahamut unlocks devastating magical attacks from range with Wings of Light‘s mobility.
Wings of Light
Manifests wings for Clive to take flight and strafe enemies with spells and projectiles from on high. As Clive‘s only flying ability, it enables a unique hit and run playstyle.
Certainly evokes the freeing mobility from Heat Rises for Destiny 2‘s Dawnblade Warlocks. Use Wings of Light to systematically pick apart enemies from relative safety. It really enables death from above dominance.
Ability | MP Cost | Duration | Speed | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wings of Light | 2 | 20 secs | 15m/s | ★★★★ |
Gigaflare
Spearheads a columnar beam of ravaging energy that grinds away at enemies caught in the area of effect. Incredibly high damage at the cost of long cooldown and high MP consumption.
Similar to the concentrated devastation of Celestial Nighthawk Golden Gun – trades firearm finesse for raw magical destruction. Gigaflare‘s penetrating laser tears through multiple targets. Save it for when you‘re vastly outnumbered.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gigaflare | 4 | 60 secs | 5x40m area | Multiple targets | ★★★★★ |
Shiva: Ice Ice Baby
The stoic ice queen Shiva enables Clive to harness cryomancy to freeze and smash foes into shards. Her kit focuses on controlling enemies.
Cold Snap
Clive slams the ground instantly releasing frigid energy, damaging and launching enemies into the air suspended for follow up attacks. Sets up generous attack windows against aerial enemies.
Certainly captures the initial flash freeze from Squall melee attacks or Duskfield grenades in Destiny 2. Use Cold Snap then pummel frozen enemies as they float helplessly. Excellent for pressuring powerful bosses.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cold Snap | 2 | 11 secs | 10m AoE | Multiple targets | ★★☆ |
Diamond Dust
This conjures a swirling blizzard around Clive that crystallizes enemies inside ice shards eventually detonating them for massive damage. Enemies fully frozen by the diamond dust are totally incapacitated for the full duration.
Essentially FF16‘s take on Stasis crystals from Destiny 2. Diamond Dust renders multiple enemies totally vulnerable for allies to shatter or for Clive to charge up a colossal attack. Critical against stagger resistant enemies.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Duration | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond Dust | 3 | 22 secs | 7 secs | 15m diameter | Multiple targets | ★★★ |
Odin: The Lone Ranger
The noble knight Odin unlocks Enchanted Knight abilities for Clive to serve as a roadblock wall against any attackers. His team support capabilities with Arm of Darkness empower Clive to defeat the toughest enemies within FF16 gameplay.
Arm of Darkness
Transforms Clive with Odin‘s soul possession, wielding the Zantetsuken blade for a series of all-powerful dark elemental blows with unique animations . Augments strength and allows use of several additional melee attacks during the duration.
Certainly channels the lethal, Lantern soul-empowered flurry of blows that defines Destiny 2‘s Arcstrider subclass and Whirlwind Guard. Arm of Darkness allows you to become the reaper against all enemies foolish enough to wander into your killing floor.
Ability | MP Cost | Duration | Range | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arm of Darkness | 4 | 16 secs | Melee | Single Target | ★★★★★ |
Dancing Steel
Continually summons apparitions of the Zantetsuken sword around Clive which home in one enemies and make swift work of them through ultrarapid slashes. Shreds through even the toughest enemies.
Captures the sheer lethality that veterans feel when they activate the roaming Spectral Blades super in Destiny 2 Crucible. When activated, Dancing Steel essentially deletes everyone caught in the swirling steel tornado.
Ability | MP Cost | Cooldown | Projectiles | Target | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dancing Steel | 3 | 26 secs | 14 swords | Multiple Targets | ★★★☆ |
Choosing your Eikon Dream Team
With so much diversity among FF16‘s Eikons, selecting the right entities and abilities for your playstyle and party setup is critical.
As a general rule, Phoenix and Shiva provide excellent early game crowd control of groups that Titan and Ifrit can burn down. Garuda manipulates enemies so Bahamut and Ramuh‘s powerful attacks connect reliably. Odin bolsters Clive‘s close quarters clout.
But more importantly, Eikons provide combined arms capabilities with their abilities that unlock tactical possibilities. For example, combining Cold Snap into Aerial Blast suspends airborne enemies while Diamond Dust crystallizes those grounded for Pearl Diving melee damage.
Or contrast Wings of Light mobility with Earthen Fury terrain manipulation – using flight to systematically reposition enemies into disadvantageous spots before bombarding them with Gigaflare sorcery.
The following table suggests Eikon pairings that generate excellent battlefield synergy:
Eikon Combo | Key Abilities | Strategy |
---|---|---|
Garuda + Shiva | Aerial Blast + Diamond Dust | Air juggle then freeze enemies |
Ifrit + Garuda | Ignition + Deadly Embrace | Grab then sear isolated enemies |
Ramuh + Shiva | Blind Justice + Cold Snap | Shock airborne enemies |
Titan + Bahamut | Earthen Fury + Gigaflare | Forcibly group then destroy enemies |
Phoenix + Ifrit | Flames Rebirth + Will-o-Wykes | Constant fire damage and healing |
By combining Eikons smartly, you enable ability combinations that enhance your combat potency and enable advanced tactics against Final Fantasy 16‘s diverse bestiary.
Conclusion
Through smart usage of abilities, Final Fantasy 16‘s Eikons massively augment Clive‘s capabilities with mobility maneuvers, defensive powers, and devastating assaults that builds upon the formulaic foundations of previous Final Fantasy titles. They promise to set a new benchmark for strategic possibility spaces and ability-driven dynamics for the franchise.
I had a blast analyzing how FF16‘s abilities stack up against my favorite supers from Destiny 2. Abilities like Phoenix Shift‘s mobility and Ramuh‘s area control Effects certainly resonate with gameplay styles I‘ve seen in Destiny 2.
By mastering these Eikon abilities and unlocking their full potential, you can conquer Final Fantasy 16‘s endgame challenges in style. I can‘t wait to see these spectacular powers in action when Final Fantasy 16 releases later this year!