Master Final Fantasy 16's Arcade Mode
Wondering what Final Fantasy 16's arcade mode is? It's a wonderful new addition to the series and an excellent opportunity to replay some of the game's standout sections. These reworkings of some of the game's most memorable areas emphasise a key component of the RPG - skill.
The series staple feature is purged of all its RPG components in favour of a test of skill. Players won't be grinding their way to victory; instead, they'll have to utilise what the game gives them to claim victory with the highest score possible.
What is Final Fantasy 16's arcade mode?
In the Final Fantasy 16 arcade mode, players control only one character, Gladio, as he leads his party across perilous battlefields. With all RPG components stripped away, players are given a set level and a predetermined set of skills, items, and equipment. What's left is a test of their fighting prowess, specifically their timing and ability to land high-scoring combos.
Arcade mode challenges players to rack up a high score in the later parts of Final Fantasy 16. There are no accolades handed out based on time or location, which explains the lack of a time limit in some areas. The beloved JRPG is a grind-heavy game, and Final Fantasy 16 is no different in its arcade mode. However, there is definitely a right way to approach this mode, and we'll outline the best ways to rack up an impressive score. An S-Rank awaits!
What rewards are available in Final Fantasy 16's arcade mode?
When players are just getting started in the Final Fantasy 16 arcade mode, they can clear a stage and be given bragging rights as the only reward. There's no experience to earn, no gold to collect, and not even any items. Not even if they achieve an S-Rank. If players are playing arcade mode, they're doing it for the love of the game.
Sure, the need for new weapons or accessories could motivate players in the short term. However, once they have everything there is to get, they're most likely left searching for ways to improve as players. Competing against friends to see who can achieve the highest score may not seem like a significant reason to replay plenty of the game's excellent chapters, but it's the most tangible reward at the moment.
How do arcade mode accolades work?
Accolades are for show but are also important for players' overall score. Stringing together long combos, using Eikonic attacks frequently, dealing as much damage as possible, firing off magic regularly, and dodging precisely all contribute to earning accolades. Not only do these increase players' arcade score, but they also display on screen so they can see their efforts in real time.
What are the rules of the arcade mode?
Time never factors into players' score in the arcade mode. There is absolutely no incentive to kill enemies quickly or clear an area swiftly. So, players can take their time and target high-scoring attacks. It's never been easier to sit back and stack up precision counters while waiting for Eikonic powers to recharge. Party members may end up killing some enemies if players take too long, but that won't impact their overall score.
In the arcade mode, players won't miss any monsters. However, their score will suffer if they move on before clearing all the monsters out. If players are trailing behind their party as they progress through a battle, they shouldn't forget to check behind and under objects for enemies they may have missed.
In the arcade mode, the items players start with are the only items they will get. There are no items to pick up, and no monsters will drop any either. So, players will need to ration everything thoughtfully. Torgel's heal may not be impressive initially, but it's definitely something worth using in the arcade mode. This also makes the Flames of Rebirth Eikonic Ability utterly invaluable, which sees Gladio revive his fallen allies and perform specialised actions depending on which command players choose.
Certain abilities will only be usable if players have unlocked them beforehand. So, if players want to have things like the Burning Blade ability available - or the incredibly important Taunt - they'll need to unlock those from the Ability menu before starting the arcade mode.
How do arcade mode combos work?
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