Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide

About Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide

Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide is a paid expansion for the 2023 action RPG. It adds a standalone story chapter set in the same world, focusing on Clive’s mission to rescue the Leviathan Eikon in the secluded land of Mysidia. Developed by Square Enix’s Creative Business Unit III, it released on April 18 2024 for PS5 Xbox Series X|S and PC. The DLC introduces new combat challenges exploration zones and a lore-heavy narrative about Mysidia’s lost civilization. Think of it as a side quest with major story stakes, ideal for players who want more hours in Final Fantasy XVI’s world without needing the main game’s completion.

Gameplay

The Rising Tide follows the same real-time combat as the base game, blending melee combos magic and summons. Battles against Leviathan’s minions require managing the Eikon’s unique abilities while avoiding environmental hazards. Mysidia’s open area is smaller than the main game’s maps but packed with hidden quests and collectibles. A new “summon fusion” mechanic lets you combine Clive’s powers with Leviathan’s for brief overpowered attacks. Missions alternate between story-driven exploration and structured boss fights, with a focus on figuring out Mysidia’s history through dialogue and environmental storytelling. Sessions typically last 30, 60 minutes if you stick to the main path, longer if you hunt secrets.

What Players Think

The DLC holds an 80.1 IGDB score from 12 user ratings, skewed positive but with limited data. Community threads highlight praise for the “emotional Leviathan arc” and “well-designed Mysidia environments,” though some note it feels “repetitive for main story completers.” Average playtime for owners is 8 hours, with 32% beating 100% of objectives. Achievement hunters report 14 trophies, half of which require side quests. The most common mood? Curiosity, players are split between feeling “it adds meaningful depth” and “it’s a long detour.” No major performance issues reported on PS5 or PC.

PlayPile's Take

This DLC is a must for Final Fantasy XVI owners craving more story and combat variety. At $19.99 (standard price for expansions), it’s a reasonable ask for extra content, though newcomers won’t get much from it. The Leviathan conflict is the highlight, offering a fresh narrative angle and tough boss fights. If you’re past the main game’s climax and want to pad your playtime, The Rising Tide delivers. But don’t expect impressive changes, it’s a solid extension, not a revolution.

Storyline

An unmarked letter arrives at the hideaway containing a request most curious: the Dominant of Leviathan, long lost Eikon of Water, is in need of rescue. To heed this call, Clive and his companions must journey to Mysidia—a hidden land under a blue sky—where they will uncover the tragic history of a forgotten people.