What is Final Fantasy 16 about? Explained

No matter which Final Fantasy game you decide to play, they’re all separate and expansive stories. Even Final Fantasy 16 has its own world and plot, which can be difficult to understand at times. While you can certainly use Active Time Lore to learn the story better, you should understand the basics before you purchase the game. We’ll explain what Final Fantasy 16 is about so you can decide if it interests you.

The plot of Final Fantasy 16 explained

Each Final Fantasy game focuses on one or a few different characters. This time, our main character is Clive Rosfield. Six nations make up the world of Valisthea.  This Game of Thrones inspired world is a medieval fantasy setting, with Final Fantasy characteristics sprinkled in. Some people throughout Valisthea hold magic powered by Mother Crystals. While ordinary people can use Crystals as an energy source, Dominants and Bearers are born with this power.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

There’s a distinct difference between Bearers and Dominants, both born with magic. While Bearers have magic abilities without needing the Mother Crystal’s power, Dominants are born as the hosts for Eikons. If you’re familiar with past Final Fantasy games, you may recognize certain enemies like Garuda or Bahamut in Final Fantasy 16. Instead, in this installment, they’re highly-powerful Eikons that can give their hosts larger-than-life powers, especially when they transform their bodies.

The main conflict of Final Fantasy 16 lies with the tension between nations. They not only fight over the Crystals’ powers, and the enslavement of Bearers and Dominants, but the fact that a Blight has spread across the lands. Going back to our main character Clive, the firstborn son of the ruling family in Rosaria, the story begins in his teens. He’s the protector of his younger brother Joshua, who is the Eikon of the Phoenix.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Since Eikons are highly sought after in certain nations, Clive has made it his duty to protect Joshua. As the game continues, you’ll jump between different times in Clive’s life, but I won’t spoil anything else. If you’re still on the fence after I’ve explained what Final Fantasy 16 is about, you can play the free demo! Luckily, it will carry over any of your save data onto the full game.

Final Fantasy 16 is available as a PlayStation 5 exclusive.