Square Enix has announced that “The Rising Tide,” the final downloadable content (DLC) chapter for “Final Fantasy XVI,” will be out on April 18. Following the December launch of “Echoes of the Fallen,” this upcoming DLC promises to immerse players in an adventure that precedes the main game’s conclusion.
Available for purchase individually or as part of the discounted Expansion Pass on the PlayStation Store, “The Rising Tide” offers a wealth of content for fans, including new abilities, locations, threats, endgame battle content, and exclusive bonuses.
“The Rising Tide” begins with an unmarked letter arriving at the hideaway, urging Clive and his companions to rescue the Dominant of Leviathan, the long-lost Eikon of Water.
New Leviathan Eikonic Ability Set
Their journey takes them to Mysidia, a concealed land beneath a blue sky, where they will learn the tragic history of a forgotten people. Here, Clive will acquire new Eikonic Abilities tied to Leviathan, including the powerful “Serpent’s Cry,” allowing him to summon a sea-spitting serpent for precision strikes.
The DLC raises the level cap to 60 in Story Focused Mode and Action Focused Mode, or up to 110 in Final Fantasy Mode (New Game+), enabling players to further enhance their character’s prowess.
As players explore Mysidia and face new threats, such as the notorious tonberries in the Aire of Hours, they will encounter additional side stories that deepen their understanding of the area and its inhabitants. “The Rising Tide” culminates in an eagerly anticipated confrontation with Leviathan, adding a dramatic chapter to Clive’s quest.
New endgame battle content – Kairos Gate
Moreover, “The Rising Tide” introduces “Kairos Gate,” a challenging new mode where players can test their mettle against waves of enemies in a virtual underworld.
This mode, unlockable upon completing the DLC and the main game scenarios, rewards players with new materials and weapons, offering a spot on the global leaderboard for the top performers.
Special bonuses for purchasing “The Rising Tide” or the Expansion Pass include a reimagined version of the “Curtana,” the signature weapon of the Warrior of Light from “Final Fantasy XIV,” and two Orchestrion Rolls, “Torn from the Heavens” and “Through the Maelstrom,” for background music in the hideaway.
In addition to the DLC, a free update (Ver. 1.30) will be released on the same day, bringing quality-of-life improvements to all “Final Fantasy XVI” players.
This update includes the “Quick Complete” function for returning to quest givers, icon updates for important character quests, a new Skill Set feature allowing up to five unique Feat and Ability sets, adjustments to abilities and accessories, a new customizable controller layout, enhancements to Photo Mode, and additional orchestrion rolls.
“The Rising Tide” and the accompanying free update promise to enrich the “Final Fantasy XVI” experience with new layers of gameplay, storytelling, and customization, ensuring players have plenty to explore and enjoy as they delve into the final chapter of this epic saga.
