In the year or so after Final Fantasy XVI was launched, the developers added two additional DLC expansions: Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide . This content becomes available during the final Chapter of the Main Scenario Quest called Back to Their Origin.

Unlocking the DLC Expansions

There are only two requirements that you need to complete to unlock both Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide, and that’s to complete the two Optional Quests listed below. Note that the first quest (Where There’s a Will) needs to be completed first.

A notification will appear after you complete Priceless, letting you know that you can now access both expansions. You can begin Echoes of the Tide by speaking to Charon, and you start The Rising Tide by reading the missive in Clive’s Chambers labelled (Unmarked).

When Should You Complete the DLC Expansions?

Should you complete them as soon as you can or save them for later on? You have three options available to you:

1. Complete them as soon as they become available.
2. Complete them after finishing the rest of the end-game content in Back to Their Origin, such as the other Optional Quests and Side Quests first, and then the DLC.
3. Complete them after finishing the game and defeating the final boss at Origin. This method involved re-opening your save file after you’ve finished the game.

So, how do you decide?

Timing	Pros	Cons
1) As Soon As Possible	You can pick up useful items and experience to help you complete the other end-game content and side quests Gives you more of an opportunity to try out the new gear and abilities you pick up from the DLC The content fits into the main story Adds to the difficulty of the DLC because you’re not over-leveled yet	You may be considered slightly overpowered for the final boss and some of the end-game content It’s a bit of a diversion or a distraction from the main storyline
2) After End-Game Content	This allows you to take on the DLC Expansion contents with some higher-level items to make it a bit easier, as some of the DLC is considered fairly difficult Allows you to experience all of the game’s content before taking on the final boss	You won’t get to use the items from the DLC to complete some of the end-game and Side Quest content, such as Chronoliths You may still be slightly overpowered for the final boss of the game, making the final fight easier
3) After Final Boss	Completing the final boss before turning to the DLC allows you to experience the game in the original way and save the add-on content for later You can always choose whether to go back and play the DLCs, skip the DLC entirely, or maybe only complete it during a New Game+ and Final Fantasy Mode playthrough	The story for the DLC Expansions is meant to be completed before heading to Origin, so this method involves completing the game’s content out of its canonical order You’ll never really get to use the powerful items and abilities you earn from the DLC unless you replay content or try one of the other Game Modes

TL;DR - Complete the DLC first!

This walkthrough/strategy guide recommends taking option one and completing it as soon as possible. This allows you to earn and get good use out of the items and abilities you get from the DLC, it enables you to complete the story in the correct order, and while it makes the final boss a bit easier, if you’re looking for a more difficult challenge, those already exist in the game (e.g. Chronoliths, more difficult Game Modes, Kairos Gate).

Walkthrough Sections

Use the links below to access the walkthrough sections for the DLC content: