Final Fantasy XVI brings an overhauled, real-time action RPG combat experience in this new iteration, with the traditional turn-based tactical gameplay stepping down. The developers at Square Enix seem to have wanted to elevate the combat experience even further from Final Fantasy XV by raising the game's skill ceiling even more. I find that one of the best ways to train my combat proficiency is by playing the Arcade Mode in Final Fantasy XVI, and this article will delve more into it.
What is Arcade Mode in Final Fantasy XVI?
Final Fantasy 16 features an Arcade Mode, allowing you to replay previously completed stages in a performance-measuring environment. After performing each battle technique successfully, you will be rated based on your performance, motivating you to chase the best score. You can unlock the Arcade Mode after defeating the Midnight Raven boss at the end of the Fanning Embers quest. To access this mode, visit the Arete Stone in Cid's Hideaway, and select Arcade Mode from the menu.
Related: Can you sprint in Final Fantasy 16?
This game mode reminds me a lot of the good old Devil May Cry's combat scenarios ratings. To unlock all the challenges in the arcade mode, you will first have to finish the entire Final Fantasy 16 campaign, which also unlocks the Final Fantasy game mode if you're looking for an added challenge.
FF16 Arcade Mode Tips & Tricks
The in-game level, consumables, and gear are predetermined for each Arcade Mode stage you play in FF16, as they would be around the time in the game when you encountered that particular fight. But you can customize Eikonic Abilities, and you can also customize your accessories. Due to their nature, Timely accessories are not available for use in the Arcade mode.
With the basic rules out of the way, mastering your Battle Techniques is the key to scoring high in the Arcade Mode. You should be doing it through the game anyway, but it makes a quintessential part of the Arcade Mode, allowing you to get the best scores possible.
Arcade Mode scoring method in FFXVI
The point scoring method in the Arcade Mode in FF16 is based on two factors; the Battle Technique category, determined by the letter color and the number of stars, indicating how well you performed the Technique. The more complex and harder the technique, the more rewarding it is in terms of points. Here is the Technique scoring table:
| Color | * | ** | *** |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 100 | 300 | 500 |
| Blue | 500 | 700 | 900 |
| Cyan | 2,000 | 4,000 | 6,000 |
| Green | 20,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| Rainbow | 40,000 | 50,000 | 60,000 |
Are there any rewards in FF16 Arcade Mode?
Currently, there are no known rewards that you may win for playing the Arcade Mode in Final Fantasy 16. The only purpose of this game mode is to perfect your combat mastery by practicing different stages and defeating them most optimally. So far, there aren't even online scoreboards present, so the players currently can't share the high scores they reached in the game; this might change over time, but for now, the only reward we will be getting is the satisfaction of outdoing ourselves.
Looking for more Final Fantasy XVI articles to help you conquer the game? Pro Game Guide's your Dominant! Check out Does Final Fantasy 16 have romance? and What does Mastering Abilities do in Final Fantasy 16?.
Luka Rakocevic works as a full-time staff writer at Pro Game Guides and is a new-generation gamer. Backed with old-school gaming knowledge, his oldest gaming memories are on SNES, trying to beat Super Mario. Games are his big inspiration, and he frequently draws from that well to create new art. He prefers narrative-driven games like God of War, Killzone, Half-life, Uncharted and similar.
Luka mainly writes science fiction in his free time. When he's not home banging away at his computer keyboard, you will most likely find him at a local pub or a metal concert in the middle of a mosh pit.