One of the most compelling aspects of the Final Fantasy franchise is the ability to summon powerful creatures known as Eikons during battles. These Eikons not only augment the game’s aesthetic appeal but also lend substantial strength to your arsenal. Among these majestic creatures is Shiva, an iconic Eikon renowned for her dazzling ice abilities. This guide provides a comprehensive account of how to unlock Shiva in Final Fantasy 16 and effectively employ her icy powers in combat.
Discovering Shiva: A Prized Eikon
Shiva is one of eight incredible Eikons you can unlock in Final Fantasy 16. Specializing in ice abilities, she employs powerful attacks like Cold Snap, Ice Age, and Diamond Dust, which are as visually stunning as they are destructive. However, what makes Shiva even more appealing is that unlocking her isn’t an overly complicated process.
How to Unlock Shiva
In order to unlock Shiva, simply progress through the game’s main storyline, and you will eventually cross paths with Shiva’s Dominant, one of the first bosses you encounter. These steps include:
1. Reach the Gleaming Peak Area
Progress through the main story until you arrive at the Gleaming Peak, a significant area in the game.
2. Complete “The Undying” Quest
While at the Gleaming Peak, undertake and complete the main quest called “The Undying.”
3. Defeat Ravus, Shiva’s Dominant
In this quest, you must confront and defeat Ravus, a powerful ice mage who is Shiva’s Dominant.
4. Shiva Joins Your Party
Following the victorious battle against Ravus, Shiva will manifest herself and offer to join your party. Accept her offer, and you can summon her during battles.
Employing Shiva’s Abilities in Final Fantasy 16
Although the game’s protagonist, Clive, cannot transform into Shiva (since her Dominant is Jill Warrick), he can wield her icy abilities by accessing the abilities section in the main menu. After acquiring Shiva’s essence, her ice powers become available, which Clive can equip to battle enemies. Additionally, these powers are upgradable, offering an even greater edge in combat.
Shiva’s abilities comprise:
Ice Shards
This ability launches numerous shards of ice that attract lighter enemies towards Clive upon impact.
Icy Claw
Shiva extends her icy claws to deal damage to enemies directly before her.
Blizzard
Shiva summons a formidable blizzard that inflicts ice damage within a specific area.
Diamond Dust
This ability forms a diamond-shaped protective barrier that shields Clive and his party from attacks.
Astral Radiance
Astral Radiance, Shiva’s ultimate ability, unleashes a potent blast of ice that deals substantial damage to enemies.
Strategies for Harnessing Shiva’s Powers in Battle
To maximize Shiva’s icy abilities in combat, here are some strategies:
Exploit Fire-based Attacks
During the encounter with Shiva’s Dominant, Ravus, exploit his weakness by using fire-based attacks.
Maintain Mobility
Stay on the move to evade Ravus’s ice attacks.
Use Precision Dodge
Use precision dodge to successfully avoid Ravus’s combos.
Stay Clear of Blizzard Attacks
When Ravus casts Blizzard, promptly move out of the affected area.
Use Charged Spells and Healing Combos
Charged spells inflict higher damage on enemies. Also, combining Phoenix Shift with Rising Flame can be an effective healing strategy during the battle.
With practice and strategic application of these tactics, you can harness Shiva’s powerful
abilities, adding a valuable asset to your party.
Conclusion
Shiva, one of Final Fantasy 16’s most iconic Eikons, can be an integral part of your game strategy. Her frosty powers offer both offensive and defensive advantages, potentially turning the tide of battle in your favor. Unlocking Shiva is a worthwhile pursuit that contributes significantly to the game’s immersive experience. Happy gaming!
