How to Beat Ultima (First Encounter)

Ultima (First Encounter) is a boss that appears during the Of Gods and Men quest in Final Fantasy 16 (FF16). See the best strategies for how to beat Ultima (First Encounter), how to counter its attacks and abilities, as well as its location, quest appearance, spoils, and drops.

Ultima (First Encounter) Overview

Ultima (First Encounter) Location and Drops

Ultima (First Encounter)
Quest	Of Gods and Men
Rewards	・15000 EXP ・650 AP ・7000 Gil ・ Magicked Ash ・ Steelsilk ・ Sharp Fang ・ The Pull of Darkness (Dancing Steel)
Abilities	・Neutron Flare ・Mark of the Storm ・Graviga ・Event Horizon ・Deliverance ・Frostbolt ・Eternal Darkness ・Ricochet

How to Beat Ultima (First Encounter)

Step-by-Step Guide
Dodge Neutron Flare using Deadly Embrace Parry Deliverance's third strike Dispel projectiles with Heatwave Close in after the first Eternal Darkness beam Frostbolt is usually followed by a rush attack Beware of flame bullets

Dodge Neutron Flare Using Deadly Embrace

Neutron Flare is an attack that is very difficult to leave unscathed from, especially as the battle progresses. This attack moves thrice, with each having a different way to dodge.

Using Garuda's Deadly Embrace Eikonic Feat will boost you into the air high enough to avoid the converging rays.

How to Dodge Neutron Flare + Other Attacks

In the latter parts of the fight, Ultima can combine Neutron Flare with his other attacks like Event Horizon and Ricochet. Remember that you can still use Deadly Embrace in midair to keep yourself airborne as well as the normal dodge (R1), so you can combine these two moves when Ultima starts to increase the pressure.

Parry Deliverance's Third Strike

Deliverance is a long flaming sword combo that can be hard to dodge if you haven't memorized the timing of the attacks yet. You can try ending this attack preemptively by parrying the third strike as it's a bit slower than the first two swings.

Dispel Projectiles With Heatwave

Ultima's projectile attacks like his frost javelins, Graviga, and Ricochet can be dispelled by Heatwave. If you have this ability at the ready, you can use it to destroy the projectile and unleash a powerful counterattack.

Close in After the First Eternal Darkness Beam

After reaching 75% health, Ultima will start using Eternal Darkness that covers the entire arena. You can't stay on the same spot during this attack so you'll have to dodge to where a beam was right after it dissipates to be safe from the rest.

Do this on the central beam so you can get more attacks in before Eternal Darkness ends.

Frostbolt is Usually Followed By a Rush Attack

Don't charge in just yet after Frostbolt ends! This attack is usually followed immediately by Ultima rushing with his flaming sword. Stay on your guard during and after Frostbolt.

Beware of Flame Bullets

When Ultima suddenly gathers energy, quickly dodge away (especially when you're attacking) as he will fire a fast-moving flame bullet that will expand upon reaching your position.

Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) Related Guides

List of Bosses and Formidable Foes

All Formidable Foes

All Formidable Foes
Gigas	Morbol	Knight of the Blinding Dawn
Eikon of Fire	Shiva's Dominant	Tiamat
Dragon Aevis	Fafnir	Midnight Raven
Chirada	Suparna and Chirada	Benedikta
Garuda	Knight of the Dying Sun	Iron Giant
Infernal Eikon	Infernal Shadow	Imperial Cannonier
Akashic Dragon	Typhon	Republican War Panther
Akashic Morbol	Flame Lizard	Liquid Flame
Coeurl	Hugo	Undertaker
Titan	White Dragon	Necrophobe
Bahamut	Sleipnir	Barnabas (First Encounter)
Control Node	Aurum Giant	Barnabas (Second Encounter)
Behemoth	Ultima (First Encounter)	Ultimalius