While battling is a mainstay feature of all JRPGs, perhaps none do it on a scale like Final Fantasy 16. Monsters and creatures are common sights, but when an Eikon comes into play, the David versus Goliath scenario will unfold right before the player's eyes. This means that skill in combat matters even more when every hit causes much more damage.
That said, even the biggest foes must fall, and with some help, Clive Rosfield will be able to bring down even the mightiest of opponents and hopefully come out unscathed. For players looking to eliminate Garuda and gain even more power, read on for the best strategy in Final Fantasy 16.
How to Beat Garuda in Final Fantasy 16
As the first major Eikon battle proper, expect to be here a while, as Garuda is one hardy enemy. Head towards the eye of the storm, and heed Cid's warnings about the dangers that lie ahead. Stock up on healing potions as much as possible, and be prepared.
With Garuda's Eikonic powers already part of Clive's arsenal, there are some abilities that will come in handy. Both Rook's Gambit and Gouge are great ways to deal damage against this foe, so get them if it's possible.
First Phase
After chasing down the hooded man, Garuda will finally descend upon Clive to start the battle. Successfully use the Cinematic Strike to deal some damage and start the battle. In this cramped arena, Garuda will use melee attacks with her talons. She will either hit directly in front of her or from the side, so watch out for the signs of either rearing back or to the left or right. Use Precision Dodges to get in damage whenever possible.
The best way to do so is to use Eikonic Abilities, as these will wear down the Will gauge and get Garuda Staggered. Once half of the gauge is gone, use the Eikonic Feat Deadly Embrace to bring down the creature. This window of vulnerability affords Clive time and space to keep dealing damage, ideally till Garuda has half of her health left.
Second Phase
This will kick off the second phase of the battle, where the Eikon starts using the Aerial Blast skill. Players will have to watch out for tornadoes that start popping up around the arena that can cause damage and incapacitate Clive for a short time. Avoid the tornadoes but still, keep using magic and Charged Magic to damage the opponent.
After an Aerial Blast, Garuda will be back using melee attacks, but this time, she will add random tornadoes into the mix, so watch out. Repeat this process and continue using Eikonic Abilities, and with just a sliver of health left, the battle will transition into more Cinematic Strikes and a Clash. The victory will see rewards of 100 XP, 100 Ability Points, and 500 Gil, along with 55 Sharp Fangs. Unfortunately, that's not the end.
Garuda Eikon Battle
With the odds stacked against him, Clive finally taps into the power of Ifrit and gives players a taste of fiery power. As Ifrit, players can rely on both melee and ranged attacks, evasion, and Eikonic Lunge. By pressing Circle, Ifrit will charge and cover a great distance in a short time, as well as deal damage to enemies caught by this move.
At this stage, the fight is much more straightforward. Garuda's melee attacks should be familiar by now, so dodge those and keep hitting her with powerful attacks. Completing a full melee combo will see Ifrite slam Garuda down as a final move. If she retreats, use Eikonic Lunge to catch up and keep the pressure on. At range, she will either use wind projectiles or Tornado to send a trio of tornadoes, all can be dodged or sidestepped easily.
Whittle her health down, she will eventually try to use the Skyfall ability, so start mashing Square to win this Cinematic Clash. Following this, the Aerial Blast attack comes back into play, so just move out of the way for an easy time. Keep going, and once the action transition to cutscenes, get ready for more QTEs. There will be three more Cinematic Strikes and three more Cinematic Clashes. Get them done and Garuda will be dusted.
For beating the Eikon properly, players will receive 400 XP, 200 AP, 2500 Gil, as well as a rare Wind Shard and more crafting materials.
Final Fantasy 16 is exclusively available for PlayStation 5.