Final Fantasy XVI The Rising Tide serves as an action RPG expansion that adds a focused narrative chapter and new combat tools to the base game. Players take control of Clive as he responds to a mysterious summons involving the long-lost Eikon of Water.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on real-time action combat where Clive combines sword strikes with summoned Eikon powers. The new Leviathan abilities emphasize water manipulation, allowing ranged attacks that target enemies at varying distances. These powers include projectile shots that function like water bullets, a close-range shotgun-style burst, and faster-paced firing options that reward precise dodging and positioning. Combat remains fluid, with players chaining abilities during encounters against groups or larger foes.
Exploration expands through the new region of Mysidia, a secluded area with its own environmental details and inhabitants. Side activities there involve assisting locals against threats, which ties into character progression. The level cap rises, reaching 60 in standard story-focused play and 110 when using Final Fantasy Mode, giving room for further ability upgrades and stat growth after the base campaign.
Additional trials appear in the form of a new Chronolith challenge tied to Leviathan, testing mastery of the fresh moveset through structured encounters. These elements integrate directly into existing saves once unlock conditions are met, after Origin becomes available on the world map and specific prior quests are finished.
Game Modes
The primary addition is a new story quest line that unfolds across Mysidia and involves uncovering details about a forgotten group and their connection to Leviathan. This segment lasts several hours and builds toward a major Eikonic confrontation.
Side quests populate the new location, offering targeted objectives that expand on local conflicts without altering the main narrative path. These provide opportunities for combat practice and resource gathering.
Kairos Gate functions as a roguelite challenge set in a virtual underworld. Players progress through successive waves of enemies, relying on both combat execution and tactical choices to survive. Completion on higher difficulties, including Final Fantasy Mode, unlocks additional rewards and a secret encounter for those who achieve top rankings across all segments.
New Story and Setting
The expansion places Clive in Mysidia, described as a hidden sanctuary beneath a clear sky amid surrounding darkness. The narrative focuses on the Dominant of Leviathan and the history of its people, delivered through quest dialogue and environmental storytelling. This chapter slots into the later stages of the base game timeline, accessible from cleared saves or at the appropriate story point.
Supporting locations include The Aire of Hours, an area claimed by Tonberries that adds distinct combat scenarios. These spaces emphasize the isolation and survival themes of the new content while providing fresh backdrops for ability testing.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback on Steam shows mixed results overall, with around 65 percent positive ratings across hundreds of reviews. Many highlight the satisfaction of the new Leviathan powers and the roguelite structure of Kairos Gate as worthwhile additions for those already invested in the action combat system.
The content suits players who enjoy extending their time with the game's Eikon-based battles and story beats. It delivers targeted progression through the level cap increase and new trials, making it a solid choice for completionists or those seeking more endgame challenges after finishing the main scenario. Those focused solely on the core campaign may find the shorter story segment less compelling without interest in the added modes.
