At the start of Final Fantasy 16, Clive can only draw power from one Eikon, the Phoenix, but that all changes as the story progresses. Eventually, Clive gains the power of multiple Eikons, including Garuda, the Eikon of Wind. Garuda's Eikonic Abilities are notably much different than Phoenix's, with none of them being too focused on dealing heavy damage. Instead, each of Garuda's Eikonic Abilities helps Clive in certain situations, often leading to combos that would otherwise be impossible or difficult to perform. It's up to each player to decide which of Garuda's abilities is the best, but this overview should give Final Fantasy 16 players a general idea of which ones are worth going for.
Aside from Garuda's Eikonic Feat, Deadly Embrace, the Eikon also grants players four different Eikonic Abilities. Unfortunately, only two of these can be equipped at any given time, meaning that players will have to choose which are their favorites. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to understand each one.
4 Wicked Wheel - Garuda Eikonic Ability
None of Garuda's Eikonic Abilities are particularly bad, but Wicked Wheel is probably the most niche of the four. This move allows Clive to use the Eikon's claws to spin and drag enemies up into the air, setting them up for aerial combos. Players that know how to string together a powerful aerial combo can make great use out of this attack, but it isn't as effective against heavy enemies or bosses that can't be lifted off the ground. Sometimes this move will even make Clive miss the target entirely.
3 Rook's Gambit - Garuda Eikonic Ability
Rook's Gambit is unique in that it gives players a new defensive option. Dodging in Final Fantasy 16 is already powerful, but this move takes that to the next level. Upon activating the technique, Clive will hop back, avoiding any attacks that would have hit him. If the move avoids an attack, Clive will counter with a two hit combo (or a deadly spin attack if upgraded). Even if no attack is avoided, Clive will still jump forward with a single hit (two hits if upgraded). In the hands of skilled players, this can be Garuda's best Eikonic Ability, but it can be difficult to use as well.
2 Gouge - Garuda's Eikonic Ability
Gouge allows Clive to make a series of consecutive attacks with Garuda's claws. Though each hit is individually weak, they come out at a blinding pace, especially when upgraded. Players can continue to press the attack button for an even longer combo. This is incredible against Final Fantasy 16 enemies with a broken will, as each hit increases the damage multiplier against staggered enemies steadily. A great strategy is to start with this attack as soon as an enemy is staggered and then switch to a heavy damage option like Phoenix or Titan to follow up.
1 Aerial Blast - Garuda's Eikonic Ability
Garuda's final Eikonic Ability is incredibly powerful, but to make up for that, it comes with a hefty price tag of 1,540 AP. Upgrading it requires even more of a commitment, leaving the player short of 2,005 additional AP. This move sees Clive spin around with Garuda's claws before summoning a massive tornado. This whirlwind will grab any enemies in its path and spin them around, dealing moderate damage over time and heavy damage to the opponents' will gauges. Upgrading the ability increases the duration of the tornado, making it even more deadly. Clive is free to attack other enemies as the tornado damages its targets or even use Phoenix Shift to jump in and add to the mayhem. Players should be forewarned though that this move's cooldown is a lengthy 110 seconds, meaning that it can't be used too frequently.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now on PS5.
