Final Fantasy 16 is the latest mainline release of the long-running series. With so many mainline games over the past years, this series can seem daunting to enter into, with many expecting to play a lot of games to get caught up.
While some game series out there require players to play every mainline and spin-off series to fully grasp the grand narrative, Final Fantasy takes a different approach, welcoming both returning and new fans at any point.
Is Final Fantasy 16 Related To 15?
In short, no. Final Fantasy 16 has no ties to any of the mainline or spin-off Final Fantasy games. Each mainline Final Fantasy game takes place in its own world, with unique characters and ideas, telling a new story with each entry. This allows fans who have never played a Final Fantasy game to jump in at any point in the series and have the same experience as returning fans.
While the story and world are unique in Final Fantasy 16, there are a few Easter eggs here and there nodding to other Final Fantasy games, but nothing that detracts from the experience of those who don't notice. The Eikons will also be recognizable for returning fans but are new entities with slightly different designs compared to their appearances in other games.
What Is Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy 16 is set in the land of Valisthea, following the story of Clive during his teens, 20s, and 30s. The story will focus on Clive and those closest to him, and he is the only playable character. While there will be companions who join your party from time to time, the focus of the story is Clive's journey for revenge.
Valisthea is a land at war. Different realms fight over control of the Mothercrystals that provide magic for those living near them. These realms use the power of their unique Eikons to wage devastating wars in an attempt to control the Mothercrystals and use their magic to protect their realm. The events of Final Fantasy 16 begin after a growing Blight begins to become a major threat, with the protection of a Mothercrystal becoming even more necessary. For the longest time, there have been a set number of Eikons that kept a balance of power between the realms — until a second Eikon of Fire emerged to further upset the realms. All of these different events come to head and set Clive on his journey.