How to Get Cloud's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy XVI (Echoes of the Fallen DLC)

This article is part of a directory: Final Fantasy 16: Complete Guide & Walkthrough

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Few video game weapons are quite as iconic as Cloud Strife's Buster Sword. The comically large blade first made its debut alongside the spiky-haired mercenary back in 1997's Final Fantasy 7 and has gone on to make appearances in numerous other pieces of media in the quarter of a century or so since; the most recent of which coming in Final Fantasy 16.

How to Start the Echoes of the Fallen DLC in FF16

Final Fantasy 16: How to Start the Echoes of the Fallen DLC

Players will need to have met a few fairly simple requirements before they can start the Echoes of the Fallen DLC in Final Fantasy 16.

Although it doesn't appear in the base version of the game to begin with, players can unlock the Buster Sword by purchasing the DLC. Sadly, it's a little lackluster when compared to some of the other weapons in Final Fantasy 16, though there's thankfully a way for players to use the blade in battle without having to weaken Clive by settling for a lower attack stat.

How to Get the Buster Sword in Final Fantasy 16

To get the Buster Sword in Final Fantasy 16, players will need to purchase either the Echoes of the Fallen DLC or the Final Fantasy 16 Expansion Pass. The former is priced at $10, with the latter coming in at $25. In order to actually claim the Buster Sword in-game, players will need to head to the System menu and then navigate to the "Redeemable Items" tab. Once there, they should highlight the Buster Sword and press the X button. While they're here, they should also claim the "Away (1987)" Orchestrion Roll, which is also given to players who purchase the DLC.

As was the case when claiming Final Fantasy 16 pre-order bonuses , players will only be able to redeem the Buster Sword after they have completed the "A Chance Encounter" main story mission .

Buster Sword Stats in Final Fantasy 16

Unfortunately, the Buster Sword is fairly mediocre in Final Fantasy 16, with both its Attack and Stagger stats sitting at just 160. This isn't too bad at the beginning of a playthrough, but will place players at a huge disadvantage when playing through the DLC. Thankfully, it's possible to use the Buster Sword as a cosmetic item, effectively using it as a skin over the top of one of the other weapons in Final Fantasy 16.

How to Use the Buster Sword as a Skin in Fantasy 16

In order to equip the Buster Sword as a skin, players should head over to the Arete Stone at the hideaway and then navigate to the Appearance menu. From here, they should use R1 to switch to the Weapon submenu and then scroll down until they find the Buster Sword. Pressing X on the blade will allow them to use the Buster Sword's model in-game while keeping the stats of whatever weapon they have equipped. Players can also change the outfits of several Final Fantasy 16 characters from this menu, with Clive, Jill, Joshua, Torgal, and Ambrosia all having alternate outfits available.