Given the strength of its foundation, it's no surprise that Final Fantasy 16 is chocked full of familiar sights. Yet, Square Enix has managed to infuse freshness and excitement into the JRPG by making tweaks to both its storytelling and combat gameplay. In a sense, players are able to enjoy the nostalgia factor while also reveling in something that feels modern at the same time.
For a game that relies on its combat to do much of the heavy lifting, it's fitting that many of the encounters in Final Fantasy 16 are challenging and rewarding, ranging from the usual cannon fodder to dangerous bosses. The Morbol creature is certainly not a foe to be taken lightly, but this guide will help players get to grips with this carnivorous plant in no time.
How to Beat Morbol in Final Fantasy 16
Following the successful defeat of the Gigas in the swampland, the next foe standing in Clive and the gang's way is much scarier. The Morbol will emerge in its hulking glory and rows of sharpened teeth, ready to take a bite out of anyone foolish enough to cross it.
First Phase
To start things off, the Morbol is capable of devastating melee attacks as well as being a danger at range. Players will have to be ready to move in close or back away depending on the situation. Here's what to look out for during the first part of the fight:
- Get too close, and the boss will either swing its body at Clive or attempt to bite. Dodge any of the attacks for a good counterattacking opportunity.
- At range, the Morbol will spew black venom at Clive. It will hurt upon contact, as well as stay on the ground. Avoid the pool of goo and move away.
- The Morbol loves using its Bad Breath ability, so when the warning comes up, quickly move toward the back of the enemy and start attacking. This will allow players to deal damage safely if they move quickly enough.
- After dealing some damage, the Morbol will dive into the water and emerge with a gaping maw, threatening to suck Clive in. This is when the game introduces the Cinematic Strike mechanic, so press Square to execute the strike.
Success will cause the Morbol to be Staggered, and this is the best time to unleash any Blessing of the Phoenix abilities and combos. The added damage should cut out a chunk of the boss' health.
Second Phase
Following the Staggered phase, the Morbol will get angry and start using new moves. The first will be an AoE attack, so once the Morbol starts staying in place and gearing up, players should get some distance to avoid the poisonous fumes emitted by it. Using Fire/Fira can allow players to deal damage from a safe distance, while also avoiding any pools of water that are bubbling to avoid its tentacles.
At a certain point, the battle will bring in the Cinematic Evasion mechanic, allowing Clive to get out of harm's way by pressing R1 within the time limit. Players can then continue to keep the pressure up and watch out now for Morbol's Wild Rage. This will see the creature flail continuously in a direction, so they'll have to move out of the way. It will follow this up with a leap into the air to come crashing down, at which point, a few well-timed dodges and Phoenix Shift can be used to close the distance in an instant.
Once players finally bring down the monster, Clive will be awarded 50 XP and 70 Ability Points to put toward his progression in Final Fantasy 16.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now exclusively for the PlayStation 5.
