Story Explained: Summary and Plot Synopsis

This guide provides a story summary and plot synopsis of Final Fantasy 16 (FF16). Read on to learn for a detailed summary of Final Fantasy 16's events, notable plot details, from Eikons, Dominants, the lore of Valisthea, and even the game's ending!

Attention!	This page contains story spoilers for Final Fantasy 16. Proceed at your own risk!

Story Summary and Plot Synopsis

A Dying Land

For generations, Valisthea has been blessed with aether flowing through the Mothercrystals. Their power allowed the people of the realms to use magicks and thrive over the years, until the Blight begins to ravage across the lands as the crystals' aether slowly bleeds out.

With the source starting to disappear, so is the thread that binds the peace between the six realms.

Everything We Know About FF16's World

Choosing a Vessel

Clive—the firstborn son of the archduke of Rosaria and the story's protagonist—was expected to be the Phoenix's chosen Dominant but was set to a different path when the realm's Eikon chose his younger brother Joshua instead.

He grew up to be a master of the sword and even won the ducal tournament in his teenage years. He was then named the First Shield of Rosaria, becoming a guardian of the Phoenix and inheriting part of its flames.

Dominants Explained: What are Dominants?

The Mysterious Eikon

"A second Eikon of Fire?! But that's impossible!"

Rosaria was invaded by the Empire one dreadful night when Joshua unleashed the Phoenix on the brink of danger and got out of control. In his attempt to take back his younger brother, Clive was chosen to be the Dominant of a second Eikon of Fire—a horned-demon named Ifrit. Its unforseen arrival ignited a fight between the two powerful beings and brought tragedy to the two children of Rosaria.

Clive now seeks revenge as the Dominant of the dark Eikon and takes the fight to the rest of the realms.

A Monster Named Ultima

Clive's journey takes him to various regions in Valisthea. At each kingdom, he destroys its respective Mothercrystal and absorbs the Dominant's Eikon to use them as part of his abilities.

At Sanbreque's capital, Clive encounters a monster named Ultima. Ultima reveals that Clive's actions was part of his plan to shape Clive into a worthy vessel to possess and destroy Valisthea in the process.

Story and Lore Explained

What are Dominants?

The Eikons are the most powerful and deadly creatures in Valisthea. Each resides within a Dominant—a single man or woman who is blessed with the ability to call upon their dread power. In some nations these Dominants are treated as royalty in admiration of this strength—in others they are bound in fear of it, and forced to serve as weapons of war. Those who are born as Dominants cannot escape their fate, however cruel it may be.
Source: Official Site

Dominants are humans that host powerful beings called Eikons within their bodies. These Dominants can harness their Eikons' elemental abilities in combat, or even transform into them.

Dominants Explained: What are Dominants?

The World of Valisthea

Final Fantasy 16 is set in Valisthea, a land studded with Mothercrystals: mountain-sized magical crystals that bless people with the power of aether. Aether allows people to cast magic, and acts as the fuel and energy that powers their everyday lives.

The Mothercrystals are spread across Valisthea: the east continent of Ash, and the west continent of Storm. Civilizations developed around the Mothercrystals, settling into the six realms of Valisthea in the present day.

Valisthea Map and List of Regions

Ending Explained

Clive, Joshua, and Dion use their combined powers to attack Ultima at its fortress called Origin.

Dion is killed while fending off Ultima and Joshua sacrifices himself to give Clive the powers to defeat and absorb Ultima.

Clive succeeds in killing Ultima in the final fight and uses the absorbed powers to ressurect Joshua. He then sacrifices himself to destroy the last Mothercrystal and to remove magic entirely from Valisthea.

Post-Credits Scene Shows a Distant Future

A cutscene after the credits roll serves as the epilogue of the story. It shows a distant future where a mother and two sons that resemble Clive and Joshua living in a world without magic. It is revealed that the game's story is recounted in a fairy tale book called Final Fantasy that Joshua has written.

Ending Explained

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List of Categories
Main Quests	Eikons
Abilities	Tips and Tricks
Gear and Equipment	Side Quests
Hunt Board	Bosses
Map and Regions	Cid's Hideaway
Chronolith Trials	Characters
Enemies	Items
Story and Lore	News and Updates