Final Fantasy 16: The Best Abilities [Our Picks]

Abilities in FF16 are different skills that Clive can learn along his journey to make his combat easier. It makes the gameplay more joyful so players can have fun playing FF16. 

1. Swift Recovery

Best Ability for Counterattacks.

The main issue with Clive is that he takes a lot of time to get back into the fight after being knocked down by a strong hit from the enemy. Swift Recovery is here to rescue, as it lets Clive get back on his feet in no time.

To activate the ability, press R1 on your controller, which will get Clive standing and also make him hit a melee attack on any nearby opponent.

Swift Recovery is one of those abilities that unlock at the story’s start. It does not need any AP for upgrade purposes. If you open Mastery for this ability, it will get more efficient and quicker.

The perfect scenario to use Swift Recovery is against Chirada‘s Dash when Clive is knocked down in the air. Pressing R1 right after the knock will do the trick.

2. Flames Of Rebirth

Best Ability for AoE Damage.

This is one of those unlockable abilities that require Ability Points. Players must unlock this in the quest, Sunrise, Sunset, where they must interact with a specific mission part. This ability is related to Phoenix’s Eikon, where a storm of fire magic is brought that damages all the enemies in its range. 

Flames of Rebirth costs 1695 AP to unlock. When you wish to use this ability, equip the respective Eikon and ensure you have enough AP in the bank. Select the targeted area where the storm should appear and cause damage. It has a very huge range and can cover the whole field in some situations.

3. Charged Magic

Best Ability for Tactical Magic Usage.

Charged Magic is worth 20 AP, and it enhances regular magic. To charge it, hold the triangle button on the right side of the controller. Upon release, the ability will launch the attack. Use this skill when you plan to dodge the opponent’s strike.

You must master this to help you counter powerful enemy attacks.

4. Stomp

Best Ability for Aerial Combo Initiation.

Stomp is one of those abilities that provide an advantage for aerial attacks and costs 15 AP. If press X when in mid-air, you will kick any enemy close to you.

Using the ability maximizes your jump height and can be an excellent choice for powerful combos with abilities such as Downthrust. When upgraded, Stomp can increase the kicks you get in mid-air so you can knock more enemies in a single go.

5. Gauge

Best Ability for Staggering Groups Of Enemies.

Introducing another aerial ability, Gauge lets you bring two claws into the battle that can destroy the enemies completely. It is applicable in the air and can exponentially increase stagger damage.

Players can work on this ability by using it to stun big groups of enemies. Moreover, mastering this ability will enhance the speed of attacks.

Best Abilities Compared

Ability	Best For	Type	Price (AP)	Description
Swift Recovery	Best Ability for Counterattacks.	Ground	10	Helps Clive get back on his feet quickly
Flames of Rebirth	Best Ability for AoE Damage.	Ground	1695	Brings a storm of fire magic to crush all the enemies in its range charged
Charged Magic	Best Ability for Tactical Magic Usage.	Ground	20	Casual magic is charged to dodge enemy strike
Stomp	Best Ability for Aerial Combo Initiation.	Aerial	15	Stomp any enemy close to you in mid-air by kicking
Gauge	Best Ability for Staggering Groups Of Enemies.	Aerial	–	Clive introduces two claws that dominate the opponents.

Comparison Table. 

How To Unlock Abilities

Ability Points, or AP, are the in-game currency for unlocking and upgrading abilities. You must get them through winning battles, defeating enemies, or progressing in the campaign. Follow the steps below to easily get abilities.

• Get access to the abilities tab from the main menu.
• Notice that abilities are related to their specific Eikons. Unlock any ability from the list that you currently have access to.
• Every ability has its own purchase cost in terms of AP. Ensure you have enough of them with you before deciding to buy an ability.
• Once you have a sufficient amount, hover over the desired ability and select the option to unlock or upgrade. 
• The abilities associated with Eikons will require that Eikon be dominated first in the story. By performing this act, the Eikon will grant you the ability so you can add it to your collection. 
• After unlocking, you can keep upgrading the ability by spending AP until it reaches Mastery Level. 
• Mastering an ability will have more benefits, like enhanced combat and engaging in ability combos.
• If you are uncomfortable with your current skill set, there is an option to reset it through Respec Mechanic. Using it will allow you to rebuild your tree from scratch.

Alternative Options That We Considered

• Stomp: Stomp is too situational, as its effectiveness requires enemies to be airborne.

• Dodge: A basic dodge is likely a fundamental movement mechanic in FF16’s combat.

• Taunt: Taunting may not fit FF16’s fast-paced combat and lack of traditional aggro systems.

• Burning Blade: A fire-imbued attack is likely already covered by Phoenix’s Eikon abilities.

• Downthrust: Downthrust is too specialized, as it focuses solely on aerial combat.

What Would I Recommend?

As an experienced FF16 player, I’d highly recommend focusing on Flames of Rebirth. This ground-based ability unleashes a fiery storm, striking all enemies in its path. What truly sets it apart is the healing effect it provides to Clive – an incredibly useful feature that’s uncommon in most Final Fantasy titles, forcing you to adapt your usual strategies in interesting ways.

Another ability I’d suggest experimenting with is Gauge. This aerial attack summons two powerful claws to devastate your opponents. Gauge excels in staggering foes, giving you openings to exploit that are reminiscent of those found in classic Final Fantasy games.

Up Next:

• Final Fantasy 16: Best Weapons & Comparison
• Final Fantasy 16 Best Armors [Belts & Vambraces]
• Final Fantasy 16: Trophy Guide