Awakening

In this Final Fantasy XVI walkthrough, we'll explain the full path of the "Awakening" quest from the Act I.

After reaching the Eye of the Tempest. Climb the stairs to the Dominant. Keep going until you see the Dominant at the top. This is a good time to save before joining the battle.

Once you're close to the Dominant, you'll enter a battle with Garuda. The fight begins with an intense Cinematic Strikes, allowing you to make the first move. You'll then begin the traditional fight.

First phase

Garuda will start by attacking you with the tips of her wings. Then she'll attack you by swinging her wings and claws. She can also sweep you away with her paws, forcing you to dodge.

Garuda can also strike the ground with his claws repeatedly. If you can't dodge, you'll be hit several times.

The fight against Garuda is difficult to follow because of the environment and the size of the enemy. Take time to dodge when this enemy starts to move. Reduce his will Gauge as soon as you can.

Ideally, aim for Garuda's head, which is his weakest point, and you'll do much more damage. Be careful, though, as Garuda often strikes back after just a few shots.

Another attack tactic is to position yourself under its legs, which keep you safe. This boss doesn't change position much, so you can avoid claw attacks easily.

After reducing this boss's will Gauge by 50%, you'll get a tutorial on how to use Deadly Embrace to topple large enemies. Use L2 to use Garuda's skills and use Deadly Embrace of Garuda. This will allow you to inflict more damage.

Second phase

After first Staggered, it uses the Aerial Blast attack. This attack causes wind tornadoes to appear around the battlefield, which you can detect with the green lights on the ground.

Be vigilant and dodge them to avoid serious damage. Garuda will also protect himself with a wind barrier. For the time being, avoid attacking him until his attack is complete.

Now continue the fight as in the first phase and watch out for the green lights.

After the second partial destabilization, Garuda will conjure up tornadoes of wind that will propel you into the air, and she will also be able to perform attacks.

After the second Stagger, Garuda should have almost no hit points left, so finish it off with two Cinematic Strikes and a Cinematic Clash.

You will complete this second phase of the battle and receive several Sharp Fangs.

Third phase

You now take control of Ifrit and receive a tutorial on its use in combat.

Keep an eye out for Garuda's projectiles when you're away. Move closer and try to lunge at Garuda to knock her down.

Make four melee attacks for a powerful attack. You can also get Cinematic Strikes after hitting Garuda repeatedly.

When Garuda uses Tornado, dodge and dash towards it to start a combo. After several combos, you'll realize an intense Dueling Opportunity, quickly followed by Aerial Explosion, followed by an attack that's hard to dodge.

Keep dodging and charging, which is the best technique for avoiding damage. Perform a few four-shot combos to see Garuda throw Ifrit into the air. Get ready for several Cinematic Strikes followed by three Cinematic Clash Opportunities to end the fight.

You'll obtain a Wind Shard, a Wyrrite and some Meteorites and complete this chapter of FF16's main story;