The launch of Final Fantasy 16 is fast approaching, and the marketing leading up to it has appropriately ramped up. Previews and trailers have peppered the months leading up to the release, and fans have become familiar with many parts of Final Fantasy 16 already. A lot of political drama and magical action is sure to follow, but the major players of the cast have been firmly established for now. Considerable amounts of the gameplay have also been shown, allowing fans to get used to the heaviest action slant in the franchise yet.
Despite its differences from the norm, FF16 still seeks to prove itself with satisfying and accessible combat and a strong core roster. The player will accompany protagonist Clive Rosfield in his struggles through the war-torn country of Valisthea, and will be joined by a group of close friends through most of it. Apart from Clive's loyal wolf Torgal, many of Clive's greatest allies and enemies are Dominants, summoners who can embody the magical powers of their Eikon beasts. These Eikons are at the core of Final Fantasy 16, and the game's marketing has placed many of these mythical beings into the spotlight.
Ifrit
At the core of Final Fantasy 16 is Ifrit, the ominous "dark" Eikon of Fire and Clive's own transformation. Normally relegated by past FF games to an early spell or boss fight and then forgotten, Ifrit has been given a leading role in the Final Fantasy where summons may matter the most. Strangely, there appear to be two different Ifrits, one belonging to Clive and the other belonging to a mystery figure. Clive's pursuit of this unknown person will likely drive much of FF16's plot.
Phoenix
It seems they'll start the chase early, as trailers have framed the figure's Ifrit as the culprit behind a tragedy involving Clive's brother. Joshua Rosfield was initially the only Eikon of Fire known to the public, embodying the Grand Duchy of Rosaria's signature Phoenix. Clive's oldest set of Eikon powers actually come from Phoenix's blessing, which only makes the scenario of three Eikons of Fire existing simultaneously more suspect.
Shiva
Fortunately, even with Joshua missing or otherwise indisposed, Clive still has some familiar camaraderie with his adopted sister Jill Warrick. At some point, Jill is revealed to be the Dominant of the frigid Eikon Shiva and is drafted into an enemy army. Clive is able to free her, and benefit from her help in his future missions.
Ramuh
Leading many of those requests is Final Fantasy 16's version of Cid, Cidolfus Telamon. As the Dominant of the lightning Eikon Ramuh, Cid ironically serves to ground Clive's journey of vengeance by providing a home base, equipped with some of FF16's game-changing quality-of-life features. Not much is known about the personal life of this enigmatic mercenary, but he once served in the Royal Waloeder Army, has a good handle on his Eikon, and has history with an enemy Dominant.
Garuda
Said enemy is Benedikta Harman, the Dominant of Garuda, Warden of the Wind. Recalling Garuda's prominent appearance in Final Fantasy 14, it appears that Benedikta will be a frequent thorn in the heroes' side, and an especially aggravating one to Cid. She works as an elite intelligencer for the Kingdom of Waloed, but it's hard to tell exactly what her allegiance and intentions are.
Titan
Hugo Kupka, Dominant of the Eikon Titan and advisor in the Dhalmekian Republic, seems to have a much more rigid allegiance. Promoted from a soldier to a cushy political position, Hugo nonetheless takes to the field when duty calls. Befitting the simple strength of Titan, Hugo may have more straightforward goals of upholding his nation's well-being, but that doesn't mean his ability to plan under pressure should be underestimated.
Odin
The king of Waloed himself certainly shouldn't be counted out either. Having come to Valisthea as a mere wanderer, Barnabas Tharmr united his kingdom by force, leading as the Dominant of Odin, Warden of Darkness. Although he fights on horseback as Odin typically does, both are styled after Final Fantasy's Dark Knights. That classic FF Job also calls to mind the grim warrior Clive, which should make their inevitable clash something to behold.
Bahamut
One more iconic Final Fantasy Job expanded into a character is Dion Lesage, the crown prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. As the leader of the dragoons and, fittingly, the Dominant of the draconic Bahamut, Dion will be a force to reckon with on the battlefield. Befitting of Bahamut's various Final Fantasy portrayals as good or evil, Dion appears to be one of the more noble-minded combatants, but his tyrannical father and Emperor should complicate matters considerably. The King of Dragons is the last of the Eikons whose powers have been seen in Clive's possession, but a couple others have cropped up.
Typhon
One came recently, being in partial focus during the 2023 Final Fantasy 16 State of Play. Retro Final Fantasy fans may recognize the name Typhon from its debut in Final Fantasy 6 as the silly Mr. Typhon, but this portrayal is vastly different. Resembling one of Death Stranding's Beached Things more than the classic two-faced beast, this legless entity confronts Clive at some point in his travels. Little else is known about it right now, but it could prove to be a plot-critical Eikon, if that's what it even is.
Titan Lost
Having been seen in several trailers devoid of context, it appears there is a second Titan known as Titan Lost. It does share a rocky texture with the Eikon of Earth, but the similarities quickly end. This one may be even larger, and its human features have receded into its massive bulk. Whatever Titan Lost is, it utterly dwarfs Ifrit, and should serve as an especially climactic boss fight in Final Fantasy 16 at some point.
Final Fantasy 16 will release on June 22 for PS5.
