Abilities Overview
Each of the Abilities that Clive can learn is unlocked on the “Abilities” tab of the menu screen and can be unlocked by spending 
Ability Points. These Ability Points are earned by defeating enemies in battle or by completing Optional Quests.
Ability Points are used to unlock abilities, but they can also be used to “upgrade” or “master” abilities. Here’s how Ability Points impact different types of abilities:
- Core Abilities:
The core abilities that Clive can learn in the center circle are either learned by default and automatically, or are activated when Clive first spends Ability Points on them. They don’t require many Ability Points to unlock.
Core Abilities can’t be upgraded, but they can be mastered*. - Eikonic Abilities:
Clive can only enable these abilities after he has earned the power of the associated Eikon (like
Phoenix). Eikonic Feats (which are diamond-shaped) can be mastered, which increases their effects, but other Eikonic Abilities can be learned, then upgraded, then mastered. Check out the Eikons section for more information about Eikon-specific abilities.
Upgrading** an ability increases that ability’s effects. For example, upgrading
Heatwave increases the number of waves of damage it does when you counterattack with it. Mastering an Eikonic ability allows you to assign it to another Eikonic Ability Set, allowing you to mix and match abilities.
For any abilities you’re using regularly, including things like 
Charged Magic or 
Precision Dodge, make sure you upgrade them as soon as you can, as this will increase their effectiveness in battle.
Mastering Eikonic Abilities
Warning
The only effect that “Mastering” an Eikonic Ability, such as Heatwave or 
Scarlet Cyclone, will do is to allow you to assign it to another Eikon. For example, you can assign the Garuda Eikon with 
Deadly Embrace and also assign Heatwave as the 
ability.
Unless you’re assigning an Eikonic Ability to another Eikon, do not master it.
Ability Stats
You’ve probably noticed two icons under each of the abilities. What do those icons mean?
| Stats | In Game Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
 Attack Power |
Offensive potential is determined via combination of physical aptitude ( STR) and gear quality. The higher the total value, the more damage dealt per attack. |
This stat indicates how powerful the attack is and how much damage it will do compared to other abilities. |
 Stagger |
Ability to overwhelm an opponent is determined via a combination of mental aptitude ( WIL) and gear quality. The higher the total value, the easier it is to knock down targets. |
This stat indicates the impact that the ability has on the target’s “Will Gauge.” A higher stagger stat will help you stagger an enemy more quickly. |
Eikon Abilities
Eikons
An overview of each of the Eikons available in Final Fantasy XVI as well as tips and tricks on how to use their Eikonic Feats and Eikonic Abilities in battle.