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Eikonic Abilities are what set Clive apart from the rest of the world in Final Fantasy 16, as the protagonist is able to draw power from the franchise's classic summons to enhance his combat ability. Given the blessing of Phoenix, the earliest Eikonic Abilities that players have access to come from this Eikon, but that doesn't mean they become obsolete as the game goes on. Phoenix grants Clive three different Eikonic Abilities and an Eikonic Feat, but players may only equip two Eikonic Abilities alongside their Eikonic Feat per Eikon. This means players will need to decide which of Phoenix's powers are the best.
Of course, this is all up to personal preference, as different Final Fantasy 16 players may prefer certain abilities over others. That said, some of Phoenix's abilities have an advantage over others due to dealing more damage or just being easier to use. A deep dive into each of them should help players decide what's best.
Scarlet Cyclone - Phoenix Eikonic Ability
Arguably the worst of Phoenix's Eikonic Abilities (but still good in its own right), Scarlet Cyclone sees Clive use the wings of the Phoenix to spin around, dealing fire damage to all enemies in a small AoE around him. The trouble is that this move doesn't do the greatest damage, making it not as effective against bosses. It shines when taking out groups of fodder enemies, but this is usually pretty easy to do even without the use of Eikonic Abilities. It's best to save an ability slot for something else.
Heatwave - Phoenix Eikonic Ability
Heatwave is a contender for the best Eikonic Ability from Phoenix, but its main drawback is that it can be difficult to use. This move creates a wall of fire that blocks any kind of magic attack. If the move is used without blocking an attack, it will launch a single wave of flame toward the target (two if upgraded), damaging all enemies in the path. If the move successfully counters a magical attack, it instead launches two powered-up waves (four if upgraded). In the right hands, this move can be deadly, and it gives Clive a defensive option and a ranged offensive option simultaneously.
Rising Flames - Phoenix Eikonic Ability
Rising Flames is a classic since Clive starts off the game with it. As early as his sparring with Lord Commander Murdoch, players have access to this simple but effective ability. Clive summons the fiery wing of Phoenix to knock enemies in front of him skyward, setting them ablaze and doing heavy damage. It's easy to use, incredibly effective, and can still be even more devastating in the hands of experienced players that can use it to set up aerial combos.
Flames of Rebirth - Phoenix Eikonic Ability
Comparing Flames of Rebirth to the rest of Phoenix's Eikonic Abilities is difficult because it is far more powerful and functions very differently from the rest. Whereas the other abilities are all focused on dealing damage, Flames of Rebirth also has a healing effect. Clive summons forth both of the Phoenix's wings and unleashes a pillar of flame, damaging all enemies in the blast and healing himself in the process. The drawback to this powerful move is that it costs a lot of AP to learn (2,390 AP), and can only be used once every 120 seconds. This technique stands out as one of the only ways to heal in Final Fantasy 16 without using consumable items like Potions, but it can still only restore the grey portion of Clive's health after he has taken damage.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now on PS5.
