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Players of the critically acclaimed game Final Fantasy 16 are wondering about some of the game's features. While most of these are explained in-game, New Game Plus is not.
It's said that certain weapons can only be attained by diving into New Game Plus. Completionists will find themselves diving into New Game Plus to get the full Final Fantasy 16 experience. For a description of everything New Game Plus has to offer, as well as a how-to guide on starting a game in this mode, keep reading.
Updated by Abigail Angell on July 26, 2023: As players have more fully explored the offerings of New Game Plus in Final Fantasy 16, this guide has been updated with specifics on earning the gold PlayStation Trophy. Additionally, a link has been added for the Chronolith Trials, which is now covered extensively in a separate article.
New Game Plus Explained
New Game Plus is a feature frequently added to Final Fantasy Games post-launch. However, to the delight of many, this feature has been included in Final Fantasy 16 at launch.
Historically, New Game Plus is a way for die-hard fans to test their skills against harder enemies, all while playing through the game's story a second time. In this iteration of the feature, players will face more difficult versions of two trials (The Chronolith Trials and Ultimania) as well as a Final Fantasy Mode with an increased level cap.
Options Found In Final Fantasy 16's New Game Plus
Selecting New Game Plus in Final Fantasy XVI's start screen will give three options.
- Final Fantasy Mode.
- Time Attack Mode
- Ultimania
Each of these provides new challenges for players while allowing them to keep their hard-earned Wind Shards, Valley Madder, Abilities, and Gear.
Final Fantasy Mode
This mode is a challenge for die-hard players and achievement hunters. In Final Fantasy Mode, enemies will be much more difficult to defeat, but your character will also be stronger. You will retain all your items and unlocked abilities from your previous save, starting the game with Clive at level 50. When questioned, developers said you'll need these advantages desperately, and I'm inclined to agree.
Despite your higher starting level, all side quest and main story content will be reset, and additional gear will become craftable (such as the Ultima Weapon). This keeps the game's progression feeling fresh while you grind your way to the new cap - level 100.
Time Attack Mode
This is a more challenging version of the Chronolith Trials. The Chronolith Trials involve a solo fight between Clive and several Eikons from the game including:
- Bahamut
- Garuda
- Shiva
- Titan
- Odin
- Phoenix
- Ramuh
In addition to being alone, players will only be able to use abilities from a single Eikon, and these bosses will hit much harder and faster than their earlier counterparts.
Ultimania
The final option in New Game Plus at launch will be called Ultimania, a beefed-up version of the Arete Stone Challenges. As with all New Game Plus modes, players will keep their skills and items in exchange for much stronger competition.
Rewards For Completing A New Game Plus Save
Any player skilled enough to beat the game on Final Fantasy mode will be rewarded with one of three possible gold PlayStation Trophies, along with bragging rights. Additionally, this gets you a lot of points toward the game's platinum trophy.