The max level cap for Clive in Final Fantasy XVI is different for both the base game mode, and the Final Fantasy Mode, which is unlocked for New Game+ after completing the base game. If you just play through the main story you’re unlikely to reach the level cap, but there are a few things you can do to increase how much EXP you earn. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the different level caps in FF16 on this page.
Clive wishing he was level 100, Final Fantasy XVI.
What’s the Max Level Cap in Final Fantasy XVI?¶
The first level cap that you’ll be aiming for in the base game is level 50. It may seem like this is easily achievable given that Clive is already around level 10 after the prologue, but that’s because the EXP requirements become exponentially higher. You’ll gain a few more levels relatively quickly early on in the game, but around level 30 you’ll begin to notice that it takes a lot more EXP per level.
You can get a decent amount of EXP just by completing main quests as you make your way through the story, but if you want to ensure that you hit the max level cap in your first playthrough, you’ll need to focus on completing side quests and Hunts (aka 
Notorious Marks) as well. You can find guides to all side quests in FF16 on our List of All Side Quests in Final Fantasy 16 page, and you’ll find all Hunts on our All Hunt Locations in FF16 page.
In general, it’s a good idea to complete any side quests and Hunts whenever they become available, so be sure to visit the Alliant Reports and the Hunt Board as often as possible, both of which you can find in the Hideaway hub. You should also check your map regularly for any green icons, which represent available side quests. Most locations for Hunts aren’t indicated on the map, so you’ll need to use our guides for each hunt using the link above to find them.
It’s possible to be locked out of some side quests later in the game if you don’t complete them before progressing the story, so it’s important that you complete these first if you care about maximizing EXP and experiencing all that the story has to offer. Most of the side quests relate to the main story in some way, and in some cases will enhance your understanding of it.
How to Earn More EXP in FF16¶
Aside from earning EXP by completing all main quests and side content during your first playthrough, you can always just grind through different enemies in the game world. Most enemies will respawn in each region after you revisit it, so you’ll have a constant source of extra EXP if you’re willing to grind for it. However, it’s by no means essential to reach the level cap in order to get through the main story of the game, so don’t worry if you’d rather not. It’ll just make things easier as your base stats are increased with each level.
The following stats are improved with each level gain:
- HP
- Attack
- Defense
- Stagger
- STR
- VIT
- WIL
If you want to increase the rate at which you earn EXP, there are two accessories that you can equip. The first is available by default to anyone who pre-ordered the game - Scholar’s Spectacles - which increases EXP earned by 10%. The other is the On Fortune and Heavens accessory, which can be purchased from 
Charon’s Toll shop at 
The Hideaway.
(1 of 2) You can complete side content such as Hunts (Notorious !Marks) and side quests to earn extra EXP.
You can complete side content such as Hunts (Notorious !Marks) and side quests to earn extra EXP. (left), The On Fortunes and the Heavens accessory can be purchased from !Charon’s Toll shop, giving you an extra +15% EXP. (right)
Max Level Cap in New Game+¶
The Max Level Cap is further expanded for New Game+ and Final Fantasy Mode. You can learn all there is to know below.
Final Fantasy Mode in XVI¶
Once you’ve completed the base game, whether you reached the level cap of 50 or not, you’ll gain access to New Game+ and Final Fantasy Mode. This is intended to provide much more of a challenge from the base game for those who want it, and the level cap increase to 100 is reflected by that. As you increase from level 50 - 100 you’ll gain much more HP, Attack, Defense, Stagger, STR, VIT, and WIL, all of which will be useful to fight the more difficult enemies that you’ll encounter in Final Fantasy Mode.
In New Game+ you will notice that enemies generally have more health, and hit harder. However, this isn’t the only change that the post-game brings. You will encounter more difficult enemies early on in the game, and you will even find different, more powerful enemies have taken the place of the weaker ones which were there at specific points in the story during the regular game. This means that although you’re playing through the same story for the most part, the combat experience will be significantly different, and much more challenging.
If you’re more of a casual gamer but you still want to give Final Fantasy Mode a try, you needn’t worry too much. All of the EXP, Ability Points, Eikon Abilities, Gear, and more will be carried over from the base game to New Game+, so you’ll be sufficiently equipped to deal with the tougher enemies from the start. In addition, you’ll be able to combine accessories at the forge in the Hideaway to increase their potency, so you’ll have a few extra tricks up your sleeve to help in the toughest of battles.
More Final Fantasy 16 Guides¶
If you’re looking for more guides on the basics of Final Fantasy 16, be sure to check the links below.
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