Some of Final Fantasy 16‘s Notorious Marks are easier than others. Unlocked during the main quest step “The Gathering Storm,” the Hunt Board is probably FF16‘s most expansive side activity. It puts players up against a wide variety of The Twins’ strongest monsters, providing them with extra opportunities to garner some Gil, XP, and rare materials. Uniquely, the Hunt Board also provides points toward a stat called Renown, which can later be cashed in for crates full of useful items at the Patron’s Whisper in the Hideaway. Hunts also allow players to refine their tactics so they can improve their Battle Ratings in FF16.
Some Hunts, however, should be prioritized. Whether it’s because they’re interesting, easy, or richly rewarding, there are certain Hunts the FF16 player should always keep their eyes out for. However, since Notorious Marks in FF16 unlock out of ranked order, it can be difficult to know whether it’s best to take them on right away or wait until Clive’s gained some experience. While there are certainly some that are best saved for the late game, other Marks are worth attempting the moment they’re unlocked. Even if players fail their first ten times, it’s no worry – there isn’t a penalty for a failed hunt, and they’re encouraged to try, try again.
10 Ahriman
At Rank C, Ahriman is the first Notorious Mark players can face in FF16. Recurring beasts in the Final Fantasy series, these are basically giant, glowing eyes, replete with rows of sharp teeth and bat-like wings. The Ahriman Notorious Mark in FF16 isn’t particularly difficult. It prioritizes ranged attacks, so players should counter that by closing the distance with moves like Lunge and Phoenix Shift whenever possible. The rewards – 5,000 Gil, 10 Renown, 10 Magicked Ash, and a little XP – aren’t anything to write home about. However, turning in Ahriman’s bounty unlocks the rest of the Hunt Board and allows players to start taking on more lucrative Marks.
9 Soul Stingers
The Soul Stingers are another early-game C-Rank target, composed of multiple flying insects. Players may be a bit worried about taking on a whole swarm of Notorious Marks so early in their FF16 journeys, but these bugs are easy to swat down. Sticklers for a fair fight, the Soul Stingers tend to engage Clive one at a time instead of rushing him from all directions. Though relatively limited, aerial combos are some of FF16’s most satisfying combat options, so this can be an enjoyable fight. The rewards, which include Magicked Ash, Sharp Fangs, and Bloodied Hides (somehow), aren’t unique, but are surprisingly varied for such an easy hunt.
8 The Angel of Death
Intimidating name aside, the Angel of Death (also called Aruna) is one of FF16’s easiest Hunts. A Harpy type enemy, Aruna uses wing swipes and wind elemental projectiles to lash out at Clive. She moves fast and can do a lot of damage when she hits, but her attacks are pretty clearly telegraphed. Well-timed dodges can keep Aruna on her toes, and well-placed Eikonic Strikes can stagger her quickly. Once she’s down, Aruna will reward the player with a Rare Clouded Eye, 6,200 Gil, and 10 Renown, the best haul of any C-Rank hunt.
7 Belphegor
Belphegor introduces the FF16 player to Rank B of the Hunt Board, and as such is unlocked as soon as the Board becomes available. Belphegor is an Aevis, which means this fight is fast and furious, but by this point, players have probably already defeated its ilk many times over. Belphegor can launch multiple fireballs at once, and perform a swoop attack that can knock Clive off his feet. Still, it doesn’t do that much damage, and as long as the player keeps evading they’ll eventually wear it down. As the first B-Rank Hunt, its reward – 8,000 Gil and 20 Renown – is significant so early in the game.
6 Sekhret
Sekhret is another early B-Rank Hunt in FF16. He’s a giant Minotaur, which means he can dish out some hefty hits with his club. However, Minotaurs also move very slowly, so their next strike is always easy to predict. As always with these lumbering beasts, FF16 players should focus mainly on dodging, rushing in to deliver a combo when Sekhret has his back turned. With a little patience and precision, Sekhret will go down easily. Rewards include a Minotaur Mane, 8,200 Gil, and 20 Renown.
5 Carrot
A Rank B Morbol, finding and beating Carrot is as healthy for the player as its name implies. This Hunt is unlocked through the quest “Please Sir, Can I Have Some Morbol,” in which the Hideaway’s botanist requests a Morbol Tendril for his agricultural pursuits. Morbols aren’t total pushovers in FF16, but they’re also a far cry from the insta-kill machines they’ve been in previous Final Fantasy games. Players should watch out for AOE sludge pools while sidestepping its Worst Breath columns of damage. Fire attacks work best here. It’s not the toughest foe, but beating Carrot comes with a worthy reward: an upgrade to the healing power of Potions and High Potions.
4 The Ten Of Clubs
The Ten of Clubs is a B-Rank Hunt that FF16 players should prioritize not just for the ease of the battle, but also for its implications to the game’s story. While most FF16 Notorious Marks are monsters, the Ten of Clubs is a human. Specifically, he’s a highwayman who stalks the roads around Dhalmekia. Otherwise, he’s not particularly unique or strong. Players need to avoid glowing red circles on the ground, and attempt to dodge his melee attacks as they come in. Besides Gil, Renown, and XP, players get a piece of Scarletite from the Ten of Clubs, which can be used to craft some of FF16’s best equipment.
3 The Nine Of Knives
The Nine of Knives goes hand in hand with the Ten of Clubs, although this one’s an A-Rank Mark. Players can also find him on the roads outside Dhalmekia, and once again, he’s similar to enemies that they’ve fought before. The Nine of Knives is far faster than the Ten of Clubs, and uses dual blades instead of an axe. FF16 players should remain on the defensive, using opportune moments to execute Will-breaking moves and eventually staggering their foe. Unfortunately, there’s no Scarletite to be had here, but the prize of 10,500 Gil and 30 Renown, plus 25 pieces of Wyrrite and 2 Meteorites, is well worth the trouble.
2 Gobermouch
No offense to this gallant Goblin, but Gobermouch is basically an A-Rank joke. A regular-sized Goblin with a Gigas-sized moveset, Gobermouch performs elegant pirouettes, flailing his club wildly. His most fearsome ability is Goblin Punch, a three-swing combo that also allows him to close gaps quickly. Players should master the dodge timing around this move, and mind their positioning as they traipse around the relatively small arena. Gobermouch is an amusing foe, but also a rewarding one: defeating him nets the player a whopping 15,000 Gil, 30 Renown, and a Primitive Battlehorn, which can be used to craft Ragnarok, one of FF16’s best swords.
1 Flan Prince
The Flan Prince may not be FF16’s easiest Hunt, but it’s worth a shot as soon as players unlock it. This tough custard-mer has an impressive magical arsenal, able to sling potent spells of any element. These projectiles hit hard, but move slowly; if players can close the distance while the prince is casting one, they’ll have a little window of time in which they can deal some damage.
Flan Prince can also mold himself into various destructive shapes in order to deal melee damage. Players need to be especially wary when he sprouts limbs. That means the palm slam Hands Down is incoming, a four-strike combo with odd timing. Evasion is good here, but Titanic Block is better. Once FF16 players have given the Flan Prince his just desserts, they’ll be treated to 12,000 Gil and 30 Renown. Since he’s an A-Rank Mark that unlocks early, defeating him immediately can be a challenge, but the Gil and XP he offers can make an enormous difference to an early-game player.
FF16‘s Hunts make for an amusing diversion from the main story. They take players to some of the furthest reaches of Valisthea, with opportunities to appreciate the serene scenery before their swords are unsheathed. They provide players with some thrilling challenges – while some Hunts are easy, many truly try the player’s power and precision. Whatever order players complete them in, Final Fantasy 16‘s Hunts are not to be skipped – although prioritizing certain ones can be a great help in the early game.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
