Final Fantasy XVI Hunt Rewards: Materials and Weapons Guide

Final Fantasy XVI Hunt Rewards: Materials and Weapons Guide

In the sprawling, high-stakes world of Final Fantasy XVI, Hunts stand as one of the most thrilling and rewarding optional activities. These challenging encounters pit Clive Rosfield against powerful, often massive monsters known as Notorious Marks. While the thrill of the battle is its own reward, the tangible spoils from these fights are crucial for anyone looking to craft the best gear and fully power up their character. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the hunt rewards, focusing on the essential materials and powerful weapons you can obtain.

The Hunt System: A Primer

Before delving into the rewards, it's important to understand how Hunts work. Notorious Marks are discovered by talking to patrons in taverns, examining Hunt Boards (often found in hideaways like the Hideaway), or simply by exploring the world and encountering these beasts organically. Each mark has a rank, ranging from C to S, with S-Rank hunts representing the most formidable super-bosses in the game.

Completing a hunt grants several immediate rewards:

• Gil: The currency of Valisthea, essential for purchasing items and gear.
• Renown: A special currency that, when accumulated, can be exchanged with特定的 merchants for unique, high-end rewards like accessories, crafting materials, and even orchestrion rolls.
• Experience Points (EXP) and Ability Points (AP): Vital for leveling up Clive and mastering his abilities.

However, the most sought-after rewards are the materials that drop directly from the Mark itself. These are the cornerstone of high-end crafting.

Essential Crafting Materials from Hunts

The materials obtained from defeating Notorious Marks are primarily used by Blacksmith Blackthorne to forge and upgrade Clive's arsenal. Many of the ultimate weapons and gear pieces are locked behind these rare drops. Here is a list of some key materials and the Marks that drop them:

• Minotaur Mane: Dropped by the Minotaur (Rank A). This material is a key component for upgrading several powerful swords in the mid-game.
• Grimalkin Hide: Dropped by the Grimalkin (Rank B). A versatile hide used in several armor and weapon upgrades.
• Goblin Coin: Dropped by the Terminus (Rank A). A rare coin used for crafting and upgrading accessories that boost Gil acquisition or other economic perks.
• Ahriman Tear: Dropped by the Ahriman (Rank A). A rare alchemical substance used for crafting magical-focused gear and accessories.
• Darksteel: Dropped by the Prince of Death (Rank A). An incredibly durable metal required for forging some of the strongest swords available, such as an upgrade for the Everdark weapon.
• Orichalcum: Arguably the most important hunt material. This legendary ore is a mandatory component for crafting the ultimate weapon, the Gotterdammerung. It is only dropped by specific, high-ranking A and S-tier Hunts. Known sources include:
  • The Breaker of Worlds (Atlas) - Rank S
  • The Tricephalic Terror (Gorgimera) - Rank S
  • The Masterless Marauder (Behemoth) - Rank A
  • The Tricephalic Terror (Gorgimera) - Rank A (Note: Some high-rank marks may reappear or have variants)
• Rare Coeurl Whisker / Coeurl Pelt: Dropped by the Fastitocalon (Rank S) and other large feline Marks. Used in final upgrades for powerful weapons.
• Wyrrite & Magicked Ash: While common elsewhere, S-Rank hunts often drop these materials in massive quantities, which is invaluable for funding other crafting projects.

The Crown Jewel: Crafting the Gotterdammerung

The ultimate reward for completing the most challenging Hunts is the ability to craft the Gotterdammerung, the strongest weapon in the base game.

The recipe for the Gotterdammerung is obtained by completing the side quest "Blacksmith's Blues IV," which itself requires significant progression in both the main story and the side quests for Blackthorne and Charon. The crafting recipe demands:

• x3 Orichalcum
• x2 Darksteel
• x1 Primitive Battlehorn

The Primitive Battlehorn is not a hunt reward but is obtained by defeating the notorious S-Rank hunt, The Prince of Death. The Orichalcum and Darksteel are also primarily, if not exclusively, obtained from other high-level A and S-Rank Marks.

The Gotterdammerung boasts the highest attack power of any craftable weapon, making it an essential tool for facing the game's toughest challenges, including New Game+ mode (Final Fantasy Mode).

Other Notable Weapon and Gear Rewards

While the Gotterdammerung is the pinnacle, Hunts are integral to obtaining other powerful gear:

• The Everdark: A powerful weapon that serves as a direct precursor to the Gotterdammerung. Its upgrade path requires materials like Minotaur Mane and Darksteel from A-Rank hunts.
• Renown Awards: The Renown you earn from each hunt is cumulative. By speaking to the Patron in the Hideaway (or other hubs), you can exchange your Renown tier for spectacular prizes. High tiers offer:
  • The Sons of the Seven (Accessory): A powerful accessory that boosts the experience points earned in battle by 10%, drastically speeding up leveling.
  • Genji Gloves (Accessory): Increases stagger damage dealt to enemies, a critical effect for the combat system.
  • Ambrosia Meat: A unique material, though its use may be for a specific side quest.
• Crafting Components for Armor: Many of the best belts and vambraces in the game require materials from A and S-Rank hunts to reach their maximum potential, significantly boosting Clive's defense and HP.

Strategy for Hunters

1. Prepare Thoroughly: Before taking on an S-Rank hunt, ensure you are at or near the recommended level. Max out your potion capacity and equip the best gear you have.
2. Prioritize Hunts for Crafting: If you are aiming for a specific weapon, like the Everdark or Gotterdammerung, focus on the Hunts that drop the required materials first. Consult the hunt bill to see potential rewards.
3. Farm Renown: Don't ignore lower-ranked Hunts. The cumulative Renown points are essential for unlocking those powerful, game-changing accessories from the Patron.
4. Explore: Some of the most dangerous Marks won't appear on the board until you've ventured into their territory and encountered them first. Leave no stone unturned.

In conclusion, the Hunt system in Final Fantasy XVI is far more than a simple side activity. It is an integral progression path for players seeking to push Clive to his absolute limits. The materials and weapons locked behind these fearsome battles represent the pinnacle of power in Valisthea. By systematically hunting down these Notorious Marks, players are not only treated to epic battles but are also rewarded with the tools needed to become the ultimate Dominant.