In Final Fantasy XVI, the world of Valisthea is rich with lore, quests, and formidable creatures that offer players meaningful challenges and valuable rewards. One particularly memorable Hunt Board target is the notorious creature known as ‘For the Hoard.’ This menacing enemy is not only a powerful foe but also one that tests your preparation, reflexes, and combat strategy. As with many high-level hunts in FF16, locating and defeating ‘For the Hoard’ can be a major highlight for those chasing 100% completion, rare crafting materials, or just seeking to conquer every notorious mark the game has to offer.
Overview of Notorious Marks and the Hunt Board
Understanding the Hunt Board System
Notorious Marks are elite monsters scattered across the open zones of Valisthea. They are stronger than average enemies and typically guarded by unique move sets and impressive health pools. Players can find information about these hunts on the Hunt Board located in the hideaway, which becomes accessible early in the game. Each entry includes the name of the mark, its rank, and vague hints about its location.
Ranking System and Rewards
Marks are categorized into ranks, with higher ranks indicating tougher enemies. For the Hoard is a Rank S Notorious Mark, placing it among the most powerful in the game. Completing these high-ranking hunts often rewards players with:
- High XP and Ability Points (AP)
- Rare crafting materials
- Gil and Renown
- Progress toward hunt-related trophies or achievements
Finding For the Hoard in Final Fantasy XVI
Location of For the Hoard
To find For the Hoard, players need to travel to the Kingdom of Waloed, specifically to the Vidargraes region. This area becomes accessible later in the story, particularly after progressing through the game’s final third. Once you’ve reached Vidargraes, fast travel to the Eistla Obelisk to begin your search.
From the Eistla Obelisk, head southward through the misty woods and down toward a secluded cave system. The enemy is found deep in a forested area teeming with ancient ruins and desolate structures. There’s no in-game marker directly pointing to this enemy, so it’s important to rely on environmental clues and thorough exploration. Look for a clearing with gold and treasure piles scattered around a clear hint to the name For the Hoard.
When to Attempt the Fight
Due to its high difficulty, it’s recommended that players be at least level 45 or above before engaging with this S-rank target. Make sure Clive is equipped with top-tier gear and well-upgraded abilities, as the fight can be unforgiving.
Combat Strategy for For the Hoard
Know Your Enemy
For the Hoard is a dragon-like creature reminiscent of classic high-fantasy drakes. It boasts a range of devastating fire attacks, heavy melee strikes, and airborne maneuvers. Its size alone makes dodging and spacing essential, as it can easily corner unprepared players.
Preparation Tips
- Gear: Equip late-game weapons and accessories, such as the Gotterdammerung or Ragnarok sword, and defensive gear that boosts HP or reduces magic damage.
- Potions: Bring a full stock of High Potions and Elixirs, as this is a drawn-out fight.
- Eikons: Use Eikons with quick-cooldown abilities and burst potential, like Odin’s Arm of Darkness or Phoenix’s Rising Flames.
Battle Tactics
During the encounter, keep an eye on the creature’s wind-up animations. Most of its fire-based attacks have noticeable cues before release, giving you a chance to dodge. Be cautious of its sweeping tail attacks and charging lunges. Use Clive’s Limit Break strategically it’s best to activate during the enemy’s staggered state for maximum damage output.
Rotating between Eikon abilities is critical. Shiva’s Diamond Dust can help briefly freeze the monster, creating windows for combos. Garuda’s Deadly Embrace is useful for pulling yourself close after the dragon takes flight.
Phases of the Fight
The battle can be roughly broken into two main phases:
- Phase 1: Ground-based attacks dominate this phase. The creature breathes fire in arcs and slams with claws. Stick to its sides and punish after dodging.
- Phase 2: Once its HP drops below 50%, it becomes more aggressive and starts flying. It rains fire from above and charges more frequently. Use ranged Eikon skills like Bahamut’s Megaflare to stay effective.
Post-Battle Rewards and Uses
Loot from For the Hoard
After defeating For the Hoard, players will earn a significant amount of Renown and Gil, along with rare crafting materials such as:
- Orichalcum: Used to craft some of the best equipment in the game.
- Amber Resin: A component for upgrading accessories.
These materials are essential for creating legendary gear that can only be made after completing specific late-game hunts. Some of the most powerful weapons, like the Gotterdammerung, require components earned exclusively from S-rank targets like this one.
Contribution to Completion Goals
Hunt completion is part of several trophy and achievement tracks in Final Fantasy XVI. Beating For the Hoard pushes you closer to 100% Hunt Board mastery. Additionally, earning more Renown allows you to unlock extra content in the hideaway, such as new conversations, items, or lore.
Exploring Lore Connections
Who or What Is For the Hoard?
The naming of this notorious mark is a clever nod to the classic fantasy trope of dragons hoarding treasure. This creature likely draws inspiration from mythological beasts that fiercely guard gold and gems. In the game’s lore, its presence in the ruined forest suggests it’s a remnant of an older age, hoarding what little is left of a crumbled civilization.
Environmental Storytelling
One of the strengths of FF16 is how its worldbuilding is embedded in exploration. The surroundings where you fight For the Hoard tell a silent story a fallen kingdom, corrupted nature, and the haunting quiet of lost wealth. These elements deepen the meaning of the battle, transforming it from a simple encounter into a thematic experience.
Facing off against For the Hoard in Final Fantasy XVI is a thrilling challenge that combines high-stakes combat, environmental storytelling, and satisfying rewards. It’s one of the many reasons why the Hunt Board is such a beloved feature in the game. With the right preparation, strategy, and a sharp eye for location clues, players can bring down this greedy beast and walk away with some of the most coveted items in Valisthea. Whether you’re hunting for completion or simply drawn to epic battles, For the Hoard stands as a defining encounter in the latter half of the game.