Final Fantasy XVI Guide | How To Beat Ifrit

Here’s everything you need to know about the Eikon of Fire in Final Fantasy XVI.

Game Guide by Ornstein on Jan 17, 2025

The Ifrit fight in Final Fantasy XVI is a visually stunning and wonderfully complex duel between offense, defense, and quick reflexes. This intense fight is truly one of the best battles in the game, as each phase introduces different attack patterns and strategies. Knowing what Ifrit does best and how to exploit those in Clive's favor is key to winning this tough battle.

Preparation for the Fight

Before engaging in the battle with Ifrit, prepare Clive by upgrading his equipment, especially in terms of weapons and accessories that increase his attack and HP. Potions and high potions are a must since the battle may be very long and exhausting.

Final Fantasy XVI Guide, PC, Gameplay, How To Beat Ifrit, Screenshot, NoobFeed

Also, equipping Eikonic abilities with a range and area-of-effect crowd control, such as Phoenix's Heatwave or Garuda's Wicked Wheel, gives you an edge in both offense and defense. Furthermore, evasion and the ability to time perfectly with Precision Dodge skill of Clive will prove to be crucial in order for him to survive the relentless attacks of Ifrit.

Phase 1: Understanding Ifrit's Patterns

The first half of the fight is just learning Ifrit's basic attack patterns. He uses a lot of melee swipes and lunges, fairly telegraphed by his animations. Most of the time, Ifrit will rear back before swiping, giving you a small window of time to dodge or block. He also has a projectile attack where he shoots fireballs, which you can dodge laterally.

Throughout this phase, pay close attention to learn the timing of his attacks so that you can consistently deal damage during openings. Punish his recovery frames with charged magic shots or Eikonic abilities for maximum effectiveness. Periodically, Ifrit will do a fire-based AoE by slamming the ground. Any time you see flames gathering around him, be prepared to move away from the center. Keep yourself at mid-range to react accordingly to his strikes while giving way for openings to attack.

Phase 2: More Aggressive with New Abilities

When his health falls to around 50%, he becomes much more aggressive and adds some new moves to his repertoire. First is his fire-based charge attack, a long-range charge that covers a good distance and does a load of damage. He signals his charge by crouching low and building up furiously, so just side-dodge it. He will be open for a couple of seconds after missing and give you ample space to take advantage and deal a load of damage in return.

Final Fantasy XVI Guide, PC, Gameplay, How To Beat Ifrit, Screenshot, NoobFeed

The other biggest skill to watch out for is his eruption attack, where many pillars of fire erupt from the ground. These are always preceded by glowing circles on the ground, so pay attention and stay mobile to avoid getting caught. Precision dodges through these attacks will have you counterattacking in no time and building up that stagger meter.

Phase 3: Staggering Ifrit and Ending the Fight

Staggering Ifrit becomes important as the fight wears on. Continual strikes, especially charged magic and Eikonic strikes, will fill out his stagger meter and let you create a lethal chain. Use added pressure from things like Garuda's Deadly Embrace to pin him down temporarily, allowing you to immobilize him. Use your strongest abilities and deal as much damage as possible when he is in this state; examples include combos with Phoenix Shift or Titan's Windup.

At this point in the fight, the desperation in his movements is way more apparent. His flame-based attacks get bigger and hotter, and he can chain off a lot of AoE skills consecutively. In these situations, you would really have to keep your cool and focus more on evasion than ever. Take potions when necessary, but save as much as possible for the latter part of the fight.

Cinematic Clashes and Quick-Time Events

A few cinematic takedowns and quick-time events come into play during the fight against Ifrit. These are choreographed scenes that require you to input specific buttons or sequences to progress. Missing these QTEs will either leave you taking significant damage or forgo an opportunity to land a critical hit. Pay attention to on-screen prompts and act fast to keep up with the pace of battle.

Final Fantasy XVI Guide, PC, Gameplay, How To Beat Ifrit, Screenshot, NoobFeed

Some Quick Tips & Tricks

Always on the move: Most of Ifrit's attacks cover a lot of ground, and you'll find yourself being forced to move around almost constantly. Use Phoenix Shift to cover distances rapidly or adjust your positioning.
Look for openings: Most of Ifrit's moves have some form of recovery frames. Use this time to get in hits or set up big skills.
Conserve resources: Don't go through all the healing items early on in the fight. Keep some in reserve for later on in the fight when Ifrit starts using deadlier attacks.
Adapt to new patterns. Each phase brings new mechanics to the fight, although often, Ifrit's action will telegraph what he's about to do. Study his movements and try to anticipate what comes next.

Finally…

Beating Ifrit tests your skills and awareness; attention to detail and perfectly timed execution are rewarded. Mastering dodges, using stagger windows of opportunity, and paying much-needed attention to his changing pattern of attacks will grant success in this hot, torrid battle. This fight is but a prime example of the dynamic combat that Final Fantasy XVI has in store and a turning point in the story, making this victory even more exciting.

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