FF16 Best Clive Abilities [Top 9 Skills]

In the enthralling universe of Final Fantasy 16, Clive’s vast array of best weapons & non-Eikonic abilities is the beating heart of the combat. These skills, each boasting unique mechanics and strategic implications, form the foundation for combat encounters and your character’s progression. Mastering Clive’s best abilities in Final Fantasy 16 not only enhances the player’s prowess but also increases the understanding and nuance of these abilities. That is why I have listed the 10 best Clive abilities you should master in FF16 from the get-go.

Key Takeaways

Clive’s best abilities in Final Fantasy 16 are diverse and crucial for different combat scenarios.
They range from defensive skills like Swift Recovery, which helps Clive regain composure quickly, to offensive abilities like Burning Blade, which can break an enemy’s guard.
The versatility of Clive’s abilities allows players to adopt various combat styles.
Depending on your preferred gameplay, you can focus on ranged attacks, close combat, or a balance of both.
Many of Clive’s abilities can be further improved or mastered by investing in Ability Points (AP).
This not only enhances their effectiveness but often unlocks additional functions.
Certain abilities like Limit Break can turn the tide of a battle system.
Combining different abilities can result in powerful combos.
It’s not always necessary to unlock or master all of Clive’s abilities.
Depending on your play style, you can choose to invest in the abilities that suit you best.

Best Clive’s Abilities In FF16

Here is an overview of all the non-Eikon best abilities of Clive in Final Fantasy 16:

Serial No.	Abilities	Unlock AP Cost	Master AP Cost	Best Usage of This Skill
1.	Precision Dodge	Default (0 AP)	500 AP	Counterattack after dodging
2.	Swift Recovery	10 AP	0 AP	Instant recovery after being knocked down
3.	Magic Burst	Default (0 AP)	300 AP	Quick burst of magic damage after a melee strike
4.	Charged Magic	20 AP	250 AP	Enhanced magic damage and aerial combos
5.	Burning Blade	25 AP	180 AP	Breaking enemy guard and parrying incoming attacks
6.	Stomp	15 AP	170 AP	Powerful attack from an aerial position
7.	Taunt	40 AP	0 AP	Crowd control and manipulation of enemy movement
8.	Lunge	20 AP	200 AP	Rapid strike at a distant enemy
9.	Limit Break	Default (0 AP)	1000 AP (Upgrade), 2000 AP (Mastery)	Boost damage and healing when HP is low or enemy is staggered

Here is a quick run down on the best Clive abilities you should get first in FF16:

9. Precision Dodge

Precision Dodge [Image Credits: eXputer]

You get this ability by default but you need to unlock the Master version by upgrading it. The good part is that you don’t need any AP to buy this Clive’s best ability in FF16 but save enough to take it to max level and get the most out of it.

Learning how to do a perfect Precision Dodge early in Final Fantasy 16 is very important for 2 cases. One, you get to counter a small to big heavy incoming attack without taking a hit at Clive’s health bar. Two, executing a perfect Precision Dodge gives you a chance to do a Precision Counter. If the attack was carried right after a Precision Dodge, then it always hits like a truck than Clive’s regular attacks so make sure you understand the mechanics of this ability & utilize it the most, especially on the bosses.

You can also land a Precision Shot after a successful Precision Dodge by pressing the Triangle button. So, to make the most of Precision Dodge, you basically need to invest 500 AP, which then extends the trigger window for Clive’s Ability. The Mastered version ensures you get enough room to land a Precision dodge easily, and not waste this opportunity.

8. Swift Recovery

Unlike the Precision Dodge, the Swift Recovery is not unlocked by default in Final Fantasy 16 and you need to invest 10 AP into this skill to get it. This skill is very useful in instances when Clive is hit hard, especially by a heavy attack, is sent back by the attack, and is knocked down as well.

If Clive stays knocked down for a longer duration, the enemies can hit him in this state as well & potentially can do a lot more damage than when he is back on his feet. That is why by pressing the R1 button right after Clive is knocked down or brought down by an enemy off his feet, your hero can regain his composure back and stand his ground immediately.

This is not an offensive best Clive ability in FF16, instead, this one leans more towards the defensive side of the combat.

7. Magic Burst

You also get the Magic Burst ability by default for Clive but this one needs to be upgraded to the Master version in order to utilize it the most. The final version of this ability will cost 300 AP, and like Precision Dodge, Magic Burst’s trigger window also gets extended.

Magic Burst is one of the best early game Clive’s abilities in Final Fantasy 16, as it allows you to land a quick burst of magic damage by hitting the Triangle button after you have landed a melee strike. This is a close-range magic attack that may or may not be of much use if you try to execute it from medium to long-range distance.

There are potentially two techniques to execute the Magic Burst, the best one is obviously to use the attack right after slashing the sword on an enemy. But, you can also use a Magic Burst attack from the air as well.

6. Charged Magic

Charged Magic is an advanced version of the Magic Burst skill in Final Fantasy 16. To unlock this Clive’s ability, you need to invest 20 AP. To obtain the Mastery or fully upgraded version of Charged Magic, you’ll need 250 AP.

You can use Charged Magic in two ways:

Charged Shot: This hits enemies with a charged spell, dealing higher damage than a regular Magic Burst.
Charged Lift: Lifts an enemy into the air with a charged spell, allowing you to execute aerial combos using Clive’s sword and maintain combo points.

5. Burning Blade

Clive’s Burning Blade ability in FF16 is reminiscent of Nero’s moves in Devil May Cry 5, charging the blade and delivering three fiery swings. To unlock this ability, invest 25 AP.

For maximum effectiveness, unlock the Mastery version by spending 180 AP, reducing the time required to charge the sword.

You can use Burning Blade in two ways: on the ground or from the air. It’s particularly useful for breaking enemy guards, a challenging task before obtaining this ability.

Additionally, the Burning Blade can naturally parry some incoming attacks when timed correctly, making it valuable in boss fights. Practice and master this parry mechanic for improved combat performance.

4. Stomp

Unlock Clive’s Stomp ability in FF16 by investing 15 AP to purchase the base version. To take it to the next level, spend 170 AP to unlock the Mastery version, allowing Clive to execute two kicks.

Press X while airborne to make Clive kick a nearby enemy, adjusting the kick’s direction with the Left Stick on your controller. This move also enhances Clive’s jump height and duration.

For maximum combat damage, combine the Stomp ability with Downthrust, particularly effective when attacking from a higher aerial position.

3. Taunt

In Final Fantasy 16, unlock the Taunt ability for 40 AP. This skill lets Clive draw the attention of an enemy, simplifying battlefield control. Activate it with the R2 + touchpad command to lure foes, making them more predictable and easier to deal with.

Taunt shines in FF16 when combined with the Precision Dodge and parry system. After taunting an enemy, Clive can bait them into an attack, setting up an opportunity to swiftly dodge or parry and counter with a powerful strike.

While Taunt can be used at any time during combat, it won’t work on some powerful enemies or bosses and is ineffective when Clive is recovering from damage. Therefore, it requires tactical timing to maximize its effectiveness.

The best use of Taunt is in crowd control and manipulating enemy movement, especially when facing multiple opponents. By singling out one enemy from a group, Clive reduces the risk of being overwhelmed.

Additionally, Taunt pairs effectively with area-of-effect (AOE) abilities. Many of Clive’s Eikonic abilities deal AoE damage, and by luring enemies into a specific location, he can use AOE skills to eliminate multiple foes at once. This tactic works exceptionally well against smaller, weaker enemies.

2. Lunge

activate the Lunge ability by pressing the X + Square button, allowing Clive to quickly close in and strike distant enemies. Unlock this ability for 20 AP, and invest 200 AP to enhance its range and power.

Lunge plays a crucial role in maintaining offensive pressure on enemies, especially ranged opponents. It can catch unaware enemies off-guard at the start of a battle, allowing Clive to initiate combos. As the lunge distance increases with mastery, it becomes useful for reaching distant enemies and escaping crowded situations.

The best use of Lunge lies in its parry capability when timed accurately. It can counter incoming attacks, reducing damage and allowing Clive to retaliate immediately, serving as both an offensive and defensive tool.

Lunge can also be effectively combined with other abilities in Clive’s arsenal. For example, use Lunge to close in on an enemy, then follow with a combo of quick melee attacks capped off with a Magic Burst for a devastating chain combo.

Remember, Lunge isn’t just for offense; it can also be used defensively to parry incoming attacks and maintain an edge in battle.

1. Limit Break

Activate the Limit Break ability by pressing L3 + R3 when the gauge is full or semi-full. It significantly boosts Clive’s battle performance for a short time and has two key features. Firstly, defeating an enemy while semi-primed unlocks Semi-Prime Finish. Secondly, even if Clive’s HP reaches zero, he won’t be KO’d during this phase.

You acquire Limit Break during the quest “The Meaning of Life” when Clive gains Ifrit’s power. There’s no initial AP cost, but it can be upgraded. The first upgrade adds a second Limit Break gauge for 1000 AP, while the Mastery upgrade adds a third gauge for 2000 AP.

Use Limit Break when an enemy is staggered or Clive’s HP is low to maximize its effectiveness. It significantly boosts damage against staggered foes and slowly heals Clive when his health is low, making it a survival tool.

Timing is crucial when using Limit Break. Use it strategically, neither prematurely nor too late, to gain an edge in challenging battles. It prevents KOs, making it useful when Clive’s health is critically low. Keep an eye on the gauge and ensure it’s filled before crucial battles.

Understanding and mastering Clive’s abilities in FF16 enhances your combat prowess and immersion in the game’s world. Each skill has its unique uses in various situations, providing an edge in battle and enriching the gaming experience.

With this, I wrap up my FF16 Best Clive Abilities guide. I recommend you also read Final Fantasy 16: Joshua Rosfield, How To save Tips For Beginners, and 12 Games To Play If You Like Final Fantasy 16 guides.

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