The highest difficulty in Final Fantasy XVI is called Ultimaniac. This is one level above Final Fantasy Mode. It’s a hidden difficulty setting and the game doesn’t make it clear from the start that this exists. Here’s how you unlock it:
- Beat the Story once on any difficulty. This can be done on the lowest difficulty “Story Focused”.
- At the end of your first playthrough you will be prompted to create a “Clear Save”. Do this by saving in a manual slot. This save will have a star-icon on it.
- Go to Title Screen > New Game+ > Final Fantasy Mode > load the “Clear Save” to import progress from previous playthrough.
- Play until Arcade Mode becomes available at the Arete Stone in The Hideaway.
- Interact with the Arete Stone > select “Arcade Mode” > Ultimaniac Difficulty.
The Ultimaniac difficulty is exclusive to Arcade Mode in New Game+ Final Fantasy Mode. It’s not possible to play the entire story on Ultimaniac, only the specific sections that are available in Arcade Mode. Because of this you will have to play through the game in Final Fantasy Mode again to unlock all Arcade levels for replay. This is the ultimate challenge in the game. There are also leaderboards in the Arcade Mode.
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