Final Fantasy XVI Guide | How To Start The Rising Tide DLC

Here's what you need to know on how to start the Rising Tide DLC in Final Fantasy XVI.

Game Guide by Ornstein on Jan 20, 2025

The Rising Tide expansion for Final Fantasy XVI adds even more quests, characters, and areas to its already massive Valisthea. Whether you are continuing on Clive Rosfield's story or experiencing these things for the first time, it is rather easy to become overwhelmed in Rising Tide. In this guide, we will show you how to get up and running with the expansion so that you do not miss out on some of the key tasks or opportunities.

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Prerequisites to Access the DLC

Know the requirements before accessing the Rising Tide expansion. For starters, you need to have completed the main story of Final Fantasy XVI. The simple reason is that this expansion takes place after the main events in the base game. Once the credits roll, update your game to the latest version. Square Enix usually gives away DLC through updates, so you will need to download and install the latest patch if you want to get your hands on the content.

Also, make sure you actually bought the Rising Tide DLC and that it is installed through the PlayStation Store. If you do this after your first playthrough, it should attach itself automatically to your completed save game. If needed, some DLCs have a "Check Installed Content" option either via the in-game menu or within the settings to confirm this.

Finding the Starting Point

With everything set up, load your completed save file. You'll find yourself back in the world of Valisthea, ready to dive back in. The new content adds a new quest marker to your world map; this acts as the starting point of the Rising Tide content. This is normally colored differently- gold or blue- to differentiate it from regular side quests.

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DLC usually takes place in a starting location derived from a central area of the original game. In this case, that will be The Hideaway, Clive's central hub. Speak to Gav or Jill; they will generally guide you through where to go next. Something new will be developing in Valisthea, and you're tasked to investigate it.

Starting the first quest of the DLC

You will be given your first quest after speaking with the quest giver. This is usually about exploring an area that you had not had access to prior in the main run-through of the game. Just follow the quest marker until you reach said area. You may have to traverse through familiar areas before you end up in some new one. Do not get cocky, though-the new enemies that have been added for the DLC can spawn even this early on.

You can assume you'll meet other people important to the Rising Tide storyline as you progress through the first quest. They may have something to say about Valisteya's current political or magical situation. Listen to what they have to say, as it provides context to what is happening and what will continue to happen.

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Getting off to a Good Start

First of all, make sure that Clive and his abilities are prepared before starting the DLC content. Use high-level equipment and, where possible, reinforce weapons and accessories for even better performance in battle. The enemies and bosses of the Rising Tide DLC have been designed with post-game players in mind, meaning they are harder than those in the main story.

Stock up on consumables you may need, which include things like potions, high potions, and others, before you start. You never know when the DLC is going to throw you into a situation where you're forced into a string of battles or exploration. Make use of new moves or Eikonic abilities given in the DLC, as they should open up new forms of combat to be accessible.

The Rising Tide DLC adds a world of new regions, secrets, and backstories to Final Fantasy XVI. After you have completed the introductory mission, take your time exploring the newly added areas. These areas will often include side quests, rewards, and tough enemies. Actually, the interaction with everything around will let you not miss special rewards that may come in the form of unique equipment or accessories.

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Finally…

Getting started with the Rising Tide DLC in Final Fantasy XVI is relatively easy, provided you follow the foregoing steps to get started. Ensure that the main storyline has been completed, that the latest patches are installed, and that a starting point for DLC in the game is found. The promise of Rising Tide, with new difficulties and deeper narrative threads, stands to be an exhilarating continuation of the story of Clive. You will want to prepare well, enter the extended world of Valisthea, and enjoy all the DLC has in store.

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