Quick Links
With the prologue for Final Fantasy 16 over, the story jumps back to 13 years after the night that Clive lost everything after Phoenix Gate fell. Like with the earlier main scenario quests that served as both a series of tutorials and introduction to Valisthea, "A Chance Encounter" is a short and linear mission that advances the story while also getting players to the point where they will unlock more features and mechanics in Final Fantasy 16.
This next main scenario quest is fairly light on action, but it is packed with story developments for players who want to know what happens next with Clive. This walkthrough will cover the entirety of "A Chance Encounter" and give players an idea as to what to expect.
This walkthrough contains spoilers, so players should proceed with caution.
Pursue the Dominant
Just like in the intro mission, there is only one path that Final Fantasy 16 players can take. Before doing so, however, players may wish to use ability points to unlock new skills if they haven't done so already.
Abilities can be reset at any point, so players do not need to feel like they are locked to whatever they chose.
When ready, go forward and keep an eye out for a Stoneskin Tonic that is lying on the ground nearby. Go through the narrow crevice and continue down the terrain that has seen a significant change due to the battle between Titan and Shiva. Underneath one of the ice crystals is a Strength Tonic.
There are more items up ahead, but if players run out of space they won't be able to pick them up. Fortunately, consumable inventory can be increased later on. Keep going forward, and a cutscene will eventually trigger followed by the first combat encounter of "A Chance Encounter".
How to Beat Shiva's Dominant
During this encounter, Shiva's Dominant is aided by several soldiers. Pick off a couple of enemies before focusing on Shiva's Dominant as it makes it easier to dodge her attacks without having to worry about the weaker enemies at the same time. Just like with other bosses, Shiva's Dominant can be staggered. Use this time to deal as much damage as possible as Shiva's Dominant is a fairly aggressive boss.
At 30% health, Shiva's Dominant will cast Blizzaga. Move out of the ice patches that form to avoid getting hit by the large ice crystals that appear at those spots. Keep dodging her attacks and eventually players will defeat her. Each boss that players defeat will give them a variety of rewards, including crafting materials.
After a brief cutscene, another group of enemies will appear. They are fairly weak, so Final Fantasy 16 players should have no trouble defeating them. Immediately after this, a fight with Tiamat begins. He doesn't have as much health as a boss, and he can easily be staggered and overwhelmed.
As Tiamat falls, another cutscene will begin as Clive gets rescued from what would have been an otherwise impossible situation. Several more cutscenes will follow, and then the world map will open. Just like in the second main scenario quest, players only have one place they can go to. Travel to the Hideaway to advance the story and the next main scenario quest, "Hide, Hideaway", will begin.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now on PlayStation 5.
