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InThe Rising Tide, the newestFinal Fantasy XVIDLC, you’ll get access to Leviathan, a new Eikon, as well as a new story for Clive and the team to go on. And, just like the main game, you’ll come across some fierce foes. One of which comes once you trek the Aires of Hours:Timekeeper.
Final Fantasy XVI The Rising Tide: Perykos Boss Battle Guide
Take down the watery fiend with your newfound Leviathan Eikon.
Enemy: Timekeeper
As the companion of Shiva, Jill’s Dominant, the Timekeeper has been protecting the Aires of Hours crystal from outsiders. Its black knight armor and fearsome weapon mastery make it an intimidating fellow. Unfortunately, Timekeeper isn’t privy to outsiders and, well, you are one. Throughout the battle,it’ll use a plethora of weapons, from a sword to a hammer to even a spear. While the Timekeepermay be a lot slower than other enemies,its attacks pack a wallop, especially towards the end.It’s also a threat both in close combat and long-range, as many of its special moves, likeHailstorm, spread throughout the battlefield.
There are three phases to the battle.Yes, the Timekeeper does take his time with battling. Each phase, as expected, will be more difficult than the last. It’s best to prepare for that bykeeping potion usage low(only use if HP is under 400) andconstantly using Limit Breakto replenish health and hit hard. Also,keep chipping away at it’s stagger gauge, as it’s the only reliable way to ensure Timekeeper won’t attack, as it’ll be staggered.
How to Defeat the Timekeeper
First Phase
As mentioned before,the Timekeeper is adept across all distances, so you need to learn it’s moves and adapt.If you see the sword or hammer, it’ll try for close combat. If you see the staff, rings, or spear, it’s going for distance.Still, keep an eye on whatever weapon it’s using and change Eikons to ones that combat it(like Leviathan’s long-distance specialty or Titan’s close-ranged moves).
You’ll probably notice thatTimekeeper is always moving and attacking, only stopping after big attacks. Therefore,it’s good to keep at least one repetitive ability (like DelugeorRaging Fists) equipped. In terms of your other abilities,attempt to prioritize hard-hitting ones like TsunamiorDiamond Dust(which is good for lowering stagger) andquick ones likeHeatwaveorWicked Wheel. For Eikons, I hadShiva(MesmerizeandDiamond Dust),Leviathan(DelugeandTsunami), andGaruda(withPhoenix’s HeatwaveandFlames of Rebirth).you’re able to switch out Shiva for Titan, asTitan can lay on some good damage, and you canuseTitanic Blockfor quick blockingif dodging is dangerous.
Second Phase
The first phase is Timekeeper’s basic attacks and abilities. Its second phase, however, brings aboutFlash Freezewhich,if caught, freezes Clive in his current state. As you may guess, that does lead to Clive being open to strong attacks. Luckily,you’re able to block it with Titan Fist or dodge it by exiting the ice domebefore the Timekeeper can cast it. Though it may take some finesse and quick thinking, it’s possible. Even still,it’ll use a powerful move afterward, so keep dodging and be wary of your surroundings.
Sometimes, after Flash Freeze,it’ll cast an even wider circle that, when hit with the hammer, will spawn sharp iciclesfrom the ground, calledGlacier Strike. With these attacks,you need to get out of the AOE (Area of Effect), shown by the circle on the ground. Keep a safe distance from it andbe ready with one of your repetitive abilities like Deluge, as the Timekeeper will hesitate after the attack.
Third Phase
For the third and final phase, Timekeeper pulls out all the stops, literally. It’ll useFrozen in Time, anunavoidablemove thatfreezes the entire battleground. Then, just as you get out of the freeze, it’ll useFrozen Arsenal, which isa series of attacks utilizing its various weapons.It starts with the staff (close and far with glacier AOE effect), then rings (distance attack), time freeze, spear rays (multiple beams that you need to either block or dodge), and hammer (with AOE glacier effect).All the attacks can be blocked or dodged, but like many of Timekeeper’s attacks, it does take a bit of luck and good timing to succeed.
Regardless,Timekeeper will end Frozen Arsenal with Immortal Order, whichfreezes you and summons loads of swords and spears around you. You’ll unfreeze before they hit, butI recommend dodging this instead of blocking, as it’s easier to avoid the attack given it’s in a fixed area (where Clive is located at the moment of freezing).It’ll become open to attack for a moment, so load on the pain with your abilities.
Unfortunately, the third phase brings more than just that.Timekeeper will use all of its weapons and be constantly moving around and attacking. Furthermore,AOE glacier spots will spawn throughout, as well as battleground freezes. It’ll use more abilities, likeFinal OathandOathkeeper, which are a deadly combination. Like his other abilities in the phase,Final Oath has Timekeeper use all his weapons but a lot quicker, so be wary of each weapon and how to avoid it. Meanwhile,Oathkeeper is a sword slam to the ground with a glacier effect. The good thing about Oathkeeper is thatit leaves Timekeeper open to attacks and for a longer period. Like I mentioned before, pull no stops when it’s susceptible to damage.
Keep up the good work and, when it’s down to low HP, use every ability you can and finish the Timekeeper off. As a reward for your valiant efforts,you’ll receive 6000 XP, 300 Ability Points, 3500 Gil, x3 Timeless Gardbrace, x75 Wyrrite, x100 Steelskin, and x1 Reflection of Ice (Cold Snap),which, when equipped,enhances the ability with extended ice trail duration and input window for Permafrost.
Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide isavailable nowfor purchase on PlayStation 5 separately or included, along withEchoes of the Fallen, in theExpansion Pass.
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