FF16: 11 BEST Vambraces [Expert’s Opinion + Experience]
From Steel Crowns, Platinum Cannons to The Sons of Ouroboros. Discover the FF16 best vambraces!
Vambraces, or bracers or armguards, are protective arm pieces worn by characters in Final Fantasy 16. They typically provide defense and sometimes additional stat bonuses to the wearer. In Final Fantasy 16, the best vambraces offer high defense stats and often come with additional bonuses such as increased HP or special abilities.
- There are 17 Vambraces in Final Fantasy 16.
- The advantage of vambraces arm guards in Final Fantasy 16 is in providing defense for Clive’s forearms.
- By visiting Blacksmiths, Clive can also have new vambraces forged.
- The vambraces increase Clive’s HP and defensive ability.
- Why Trust Us: With 90+ hours in the game, Usama is a trusted source for FF16 guides!
Final Fantasy 16 Best Vambraces And Comparison
Here is an overview of all the FF16 best vambraces I found during my playthrough of Final Fantasy 16:
| SERIAL NO | VAMBRACE NAME | DEFENSE | HP | HOW TO GET IT | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steel Crowns | 30 | 0 | Steel Crowns become available before reaching the "Headwind" main story mission's conclusion. | N/A |
| 2 | Battlechains | 35 | 0 | During the main story mission titled "The Hunter and the Hunted," players will gain access to the Battlechains. | N/A |
| 3 | Platinum Cannons | 49 | 0 | At the onset of the "After the Storm" main story mission, players will acquire the Platinum Cannons. | The Best Early-Game Vambrace In FF16 |
| 4 | Hunter's Armcloths | 56 | 0 | Reaching "Out of the Shadow" main story mission, players will gain access to the Hunter's Armcloths, | N/A |
| 5 | Diamond Armlets | 65 | 0 | After successfully defeating the White Dragon in the "Fire in the Sky" main story mission, players will unlock the Diamond Armlets. | N/A |
| 6 | Rune Crescents | 76 | 23 | Right from beginning of the "A Song of Hope" main quest, players can find the Diamond Armlets readily available for purchase at Charon's Toll. | The Best Vambrace For Mid-Game In FF16 |
| 7 | Sun Bracelets | 86 | 26 | By successfully finishing the "Streets of Madness" quest | The Best Vambrace For Late-Game |
| 8 | Metian Bonds | 45 | 12 | As players progress through the "Holding On" main story mission | N/A |
| 9 | Mythril Wristlets | 64 | 20 | You can get it During the "Fire and Ice" main story mission. | N/A |
| 10 | The Founder's Grasp | 94 | 50 | After successfully completing the "Where There's a Will" side quest. | The Highest Base HP Stat In FF16 |
| 11 | The Sons of Ouroboros | 97 | 32 | Once players have obtained the design draft for the The Sons of Ouroboros, they can proceed to craft it at The Black Hammer | The Strongest Vambrace In FF16 |
1. Steel Crowns
- Why I Chose This: Steel Crowns might be the first vambrace that you come across and provides good defenses in early-game.
Before reaching the conclusion of the “Headwind” main story mission, you will have access to the Steel Crowns. One option to obtain the Steel Crowns is by purchasing them from the vendor at Charon’s Toll. Keep in mind that the availability of this item may depend on the progress of the storyline and specific quest requirements.
If you already possess the Steel Crowns and wish to further upgrade them, I suggest you to follow the upgrade path outlined below:
| Upgrade Path | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Steel Crowns -> Steel Crowns +1 | Steel Crowns (1), Wyrrite (9), Dragon Talon (1) |
| Steel Crowns +1 -> Steel Crowns +2 | Steel Crowns +1 (1), Meteorite (1), Magicked Ash (18) |
- Obtained fairly early in the game.
- Can be reinforced to increase stats.
- Def is pretty low, needs to be upgraded.
- Quickly outclassed after obtaining other vambraces.
2. Battlechains
- Why I Chose This: Battlechains have more defensive capabilities than other early-game vambraces.
The Battlechains become accessible during the “The Hunter and the Hunted” main story mission. This mission marks a crucial point in Final Fantasy 16 ‘s progression. One option to obtain the Battlechains is by purchasing them from the vendor at Charon’s Toll. Keep in mind that the availability of this item may be influenced by the progress of the storyline and specific quest requirements.
| Upgrade Path | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Battlechains -> Battlechains +1 | Battlechains (1), Imperial Link (1), Wyrrite (13) |
| Battlechains +1 -> Battlechains +2 | Battlechains +1 (1), Meteorite (2), Valley Madder (3) |
- Is cheap to buy and can be obtained early.
- Provides better overal results than Steel Crowns.
- Has no HP boost without upgrades.
3. Platinum Cannons
- Why I Chose This: Platinum cannons have increased defense than other early-game vambraces and can be bought at a low price.
The Platinum Cannons are initially made accessible at the start of the “After the Storm” major narrative objective.
One option to obtain the Platinum Cannons is by purchasing them from the vendor at Charon’s Toll. They are available for a price of 1,800 Gil. It’s important to note that the availability of this item may be influenced by the progress of the storyline and specific quest requirements.
| Upgrade Path | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Platinum Cannons -> Platinum Cannons +1 | Platinum Cannons (1), Bloody Hide (30), Sharp Fang (96), Briar Clam Shell (12) |
| Platinum Cannons +1 -> Platinum Cannons +2 | Platinum Cannons +1 (1), Meteorite (3), Bloody Hide (36) |
- Have substantial increase in defense as compared to others.
- Upgrades can greatly increase its stats.
- Requires progression of main story to unlock.
- Little HP and no Attack boost provided.
4. Hunter’s Armcloths
- Why I Chose This: This is one of the first vambrace that you can find at the start of mid-game and provides decent defenses to support you through these stages.
Next I have The Hunter’s Armcloths, they become available at the start of the “Out of the Shadow” main story mission. One option to obtain the Hunter’s Armcloths is by purchasing them from the vendor at Charon’s Toll. Keep in mind that the availability of this item may be influenced by the progress of the storyline and specific quest requirements.
If you already possess the Hunter’s Armcloths and wish to enhance them further, you can follow the upgrade process outlined below:
| Upgrade Path | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Hunter’s Armcloths -> Hunter’s Armcloths +1 | Hunter’s Armcloths (1), Earthen Fury (1), Sharp Fang (129), Bloody Hide (42) |
| Hunter’s Armcloths +1 -> Hunter’s Armcloths +2 | Hunter’s Armcloths +1 (1), Meteorite (3), Sharp Fang (48) |
- Has decent defenses and remains effective in mid-game.
- A HP stat can be obtained at the first upgrade.
- Needs to be upgraded for maximum potential.
- The materials required to reinforce, involves defeating a boss.
5. Diamond Armlets
- Why I Chose This: Diamond Armlets have considerably more defense than other vambraces. Can also additionaly provide HP boosts upon upgrades.
The Diamond Armlets become accessible after successfully defeating the White Dragon during the mission, “Fire in the Sky.” This accomplishment signifies a significant milestone in Final Fantasy 16’s storyline and progression. One option to obtain the Diamond Armlets is purchasing them from the vendor at Goetz’s Toll. Keep in mind that the availability of this item may be subject to the completion of specific quests or storyline events.
If you already possess the Diamond Armlets and wish to enhance them further, you can follow the upgrade process outlined below:
| Upgrade Path | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Diamond Armlets -> Diamond Armlets +1 | Diamond Armlets (1), Wyrrite (142), Whitewyrm Bone (1), Sharp Fang (47) |
| Diamond Armlets +1 -> Diamond Armlets +2 | Diamond Armlets +1 (1), Meteorite (3), Desert Rose (10), Sharp Fang (60) |
- Has higher defense and also gains an HP stat with upgrades.
- Requires defeating a boss to obtain.
- The upgrade materials are difficult to obatin.
6. Rune Crescents
- Why I Chose This: Rune Crescents is found in mid-game and provides decent defenses along with an HP boost for those encounters.
I consider it one of the best vambraces! To acquire the Rune Crescents in Final Fantasy 16, follow these methods:
The Rune Crescents +1 can be crafted by combining the following materials:
- Sanguine Insignia (1)
- Desert Rose (20)
- Steelsilk (399)
- Magicked Ash (133)
Utilize the crafting facilities available in Final Fantasy 16, such as The Black Hammer or other appropriate locations, to combine these materials and create the Rune Crescents +1.
- Provides good defenses and small health boost.
- Found in mid-late game.
- The crafting materials can be a bit tedious to farm.
- Easily outclassed by Regal Armguards.
7. Sun Bracelets
- Why I Chose This: Before getting better options, Sun Bracelets are a good choice for end-game builds as it provides substantial defenses.
To acquire the Sun Bracelets in Final Fantasy 16, follow this method
- Crafting the Sun Bracelets +1:
- Behemoth Shackle (1)
- Bloody Hide (250)
- Magicked Ash (250)
- Sharp Fang (248)
- Can be upgraded to increase efficiency.
- Provides good defenses and health boost.
- Obtained essentialy in end-game area.
8. Metian Bonds
The Metian Bonds can be acquired during the “Holding On” main quest. After a specific cutscene with Lady Hanna, you will obtain the Metian Bonds as part of the storyline progression.
- Why I Chose This: Metian Bonds is a good mid-game choice as it provides substantial defenses and also comes with an innate HP stat that doesn’t needs to be upgraded.
As you progress through the “Holding On” main quest, you will reach a specific cutscene involving Lady Hanna. During this sequence, you will acquire the Metian Bonds as a part of the ongoing narrative.
- Has relatively high defenses and an innate HP stat.
- Cannot be reinforced for further stat boost.
9. Mythril Wristlets
- Why I Chose This: Mythril Wristlets provides defenses and HP stats which outclass many other mid-to-late vambraces.
To obtain the Mythril Wristlets, I recommend you to follow these steps:
The Mythril Wristlets can be found in a treasure coffer during the “Fire and Ice” main story mission. Pay attention to the specific area where you encounter the Red Mousse enemy. The treasure coffer containing the Mythril Wristlets will be located in that same area.
As you progress through the “Fire and Ice” mission, keep an eye out for the treasure coffer that holds the Mythril Wristlets.
- It’s important to note that if you encounter the Flame Lizard mini-boss, it means you have proceeded too far.
- However, even after defeating the Flame Lizard, it is still possible to backtrack and find the treasure coffer containing the Mythril Wristlets.
- They have comparatively higher stats than other mid-to-late game vambraces.
- Can be obtained from a chest so no need to farm materials.
- Acquired after defeating a certain boss in a late area.
- Can not be upgraded, so you are stuck with the base stats.
10. The Founder’s Grasp
- Why I Chose This: The Founder’s Grasp is one of the best Vambraces in FF16 as it provides the best HP stat
FF16’s best vambraces are incomplete without The Founder’s Grasp. To acquire The Founder’s Grasp in FF16, follow these steps:
Before obtaining The Founder’s Grasp, complete the Back to Their Origin main quest. This quest serves as a prerequisite for unlocking the subsequent side quest. Once you have fulfilled the requirement of completing the Back to Their Origin main quest, head to The Hideaway. Within The Hideaway, locate Joshua and engage in conversation with him, initiating the Where There’s a Will side quest.
Upon completing the quest, you will be rewarded with The Founder’s Grasp, a powerful equipment piece for your character.
- Has very high Defense and the highest HP in FF16.
- Can be better than Sons Of Ouroboros in some cases.
- Requires progression of story as well as completion of a side quest to obtain.
- Acquired at essentially the end-game scenarios.
11. The Sons Of Ouroboros
- Why I Chose This: The Sons of Ouroboros is without a doubt, the strongest vambrace of Final Fantasy 16 with its exceptionaly high defenses and HP boost.
The last on my list is The Sons of Ouroboros and it easily tops FF16’s best vambraces list.
The Sons of Ouroboros is a vambrace in Final Fantasy 16 that offers impressive stats for defense and HP. Below are the details regarding its stats and how to obtain it in Final Fantasy 16.
Begin by completing the side quest “Blacksmith’s Blues III.” Progress through the questline to unlock the crafting option for The Sons of Ouroboros.
Once you have completed “Blacksmith’s Blues III,” gather the necessary materials for crafting The Sons of Ouroboros. The required craft materials include:
- Orichalcum x 1
- Stained Loincloth x 1
- Morbol Flower x 1
Additionally, you can reinforce The Sons of Ouroboros for further enhancement. To reinforce it, gather the following materials:
- Orichalcum x 1
- Flawless Stained Loincloth x 1
- Flawless Morbol Flower x 1
- Provides exceptionaly high increase in defence and Hp.
- The strongest vambrace in FF16.
- Obtained in end-game content.
- Special materials required for crafting.
What I Think Are The Best Vambraces
After my initial run through FF16, its pretty obvious that one of the vambraces I prefer the Sons of Ouroboros due to their endgame level stats which are pretty much the highest you can achieve until heading over to NG+ in Final Fantasy Mode. Though I would say this gear would hardly matter in an action-fcoused game such as FF16 where the ‘defense’ stats of Vambraces add little to no difference at all, at least in my opinion.
That’s it from my side! I found Gears of Ouroboros and the Founder’s Grasp as the best FF16 vambraces. Also, do check out Final Fantasy 16: Scarleitite and Final Fantasy 16: Phoenix Skills & Abilities!
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