Arcade Mode in Final Fantasy XVI (FF16), explained
Final Fantasy XVI marks a definitive shift within the iconic franchise. While Final Fantasy XV begun the trend of mixing Action and RPG elements together, Final Fantasy XVI goes all in on making the franchise a God of War style Action game. There are still some RPG elements here, but nothing marks this shift more than the Arcade Mode in Final Fantasy XVI.
In short, Arcade Mode lets you replay certain levels of the game as pure score-attack pursuits. By “levels,” I mean dungeons and other areas of the game featuring minibosses that culminate in a major boss battle. While you can get by using any tactics you want in the main story, Arcade Mode tasks you with executing stylish combos to claim the top slot on the leaderboard. Work for those S ranks!
Arcade Mode ultimately exists for its own sake in Final Fantasy XVI. If your main concern is finishing the story and collecting rare treasure, you can basically skip this. Here’s what you need to know.
How Arcade Mode works in Final Fantasy XVI
For starters, Arcade Mode will level sync you down to a predetermined power level. In other words, even if Clive is level 50 in your current file, you’ll still be level 11 if you revisit the Greatwood.
However, your equipment and Eikon loadout will carry over into Arcade Mode. The official description indicates some restrictions may apply, but equipment with unique effects like the Berserker Ring will always work. In other words, you may want to finish the main game first if you want loadouts that can optimize your score.
Once you select a stage, you’ll run through each area much the same way you did in the campaign. However, you’ll see point values appear as you smash foes. The longer and more impressive your combos are, the better. However, note that many Eikon skills have special stipulations for accumulating bonus points. In your Ability (skill tree) menu, press the triangle button as you hover over each skill to see how to get more points when you use them.
You’ll receive a score for each section of the stage you clear, as well as an accompanying ranking. These will culminate at the end in an overall ranking, with extra points on the table for feats throughout the level. You’ll best scores will be recorded.
What do you get for running the Arcade Mode?
Arcade Mode exists solely for its own sake in Final Fantasy XVI. Completing it nets you no EXP or rewards that will help you in the main game. If you want to grind, select the Stage Replay option instead. This will let you reenter stages and uncover any treasure chests you missed the first time around.
While this news may bum some people out, it’s nice that Arcade Mode exists for pure action game enthusiasts. If this is up your alley, best of luck shooting for those high scores!
