Honestly, if you just finished the prologue of Final Fantasy 16, you probably think you have Clive Rosfield figured out. He’s the broody, dark-haired protagonist on a quest for revenge. Classic JRPG trope, right? But after spending roughly 70 hours in his boots, it’s clear that Final Fantasy 16 Clive is a lot more complicated than the "pissed-off warrior" archetype the marketing suggested.
He isn't just a guy with a sword. He’s a man who spent thirteen years as a branded slave, a "Bearer" used as a living battery until his body literally started turning to stone. When we first meet him as a teenager, he’s the Shield of Rosaria, a noble soul who loves his brother Joshua more than anything. Then, everything burns. The betrayal at Phoenix Gate doesn't just take his home; it leaves him with a level of self-loathing that most games wouldn't dare touch.
The Identity Crisis: Why Clive Isn't Just "Cid"
One of the most fascinating things about Clive’s journey is how he loses his name. For a huge chunk of his life, he’s just "Wyvern," a nameless soldier in an imperial suicide squad.
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When he finally breaks free and joins Cidolfus Telamon, he doesn’t just become a hero. He inherits a legacy. After the mid-game time skip, Clive actually takes on the name "Cid" to keep the dream of a free Valisthea alive.
It’s a heavy burden. People get this wrong all the time—they think he’s just "the new leader." In reality, Clive is cosplaying as his mentor because he doesn't think his own name, the name of the man who (he believes) killed his brother, is worth saving. He’s essentially a man living in someone else’s shadow until he finally learns to accept his own "sins."
Breaking Down the Combat: It's Not Just Mash Square
If you’re playing Final Fantasy 16, you’ve probably noticed the combat is... intense. It’s less like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and more like Devil May Cry. That’s because Ryota Suzuki, the guy behind DMC5’s combat, designed it.
Clive’s power comes from being a "Mythos"—a vessel that can absorb the powers of other Eikons. You aren't stuck with one playstyle. You’re weaving together:
- Phoenix: Great for gap-closing with Phoenix Shift.
- Garuda: Perfect for "stagger" management. You can literally yank enemies out of the air.
- Titan: For the players who love a good parry. The Titanic Block is basically a cheat code once you get the timing down.
- Bahamut: This is where you go full "nuke" mode with Megaflare.
The "pro" move most players miss? Weaving magic bursts into every single sword swing. You hit Square, then immediately Triangle. It keeps the pressure on and prevents the "clunky" feeling some people complain about.
That Ending: Did Clive Actually Die?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The ending of Final Fantasy 16 is famously ambiguous. After the final showdown with Ultima, we see Clive on a beach. His hand is turning to stone. The magic is fading from the world.
Some fans are convinced he died there. They point to the "Bearer’s Curse" finally catching up to him. But if you did the side quests (specifically the ones with Harpocrates and Jill), there’s a massive hint that says otherwise.
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In the post-credits scene, we see a book titled "Final Fantasy" written by "Joshua Rosfield." But wait—Joshua died (probably) and Clive was the one who was gifted the finest pen and ink in the world by the librarian. It’s highly likely Clive survived, took his brother’s name to honor him, and wrote the story we just played.
It’s a bittersweet thought. The man who spent his life fighting finally found peace as a writer.
Why Clive Matters in 2026
Looking back on the game now, Clive stands out because he’s allowed to be vulnerable. He cries. He fails. He spends years being a "loser" in the eyes of society. In a genre full of teenagers saving the world, playing as a 33-year-old man trying to fix his mistakes feels grounded.
He doesn't want to be a god. He just wants a world where people can "die on their own terms."
Next Steps for Your Playthrough:
If you’re still working through the endgame, make sure you finish the "Priceless" side quest. It’s the one where Clive and Jill go to a field of flowers. Not only is it the emotional peak of their relationship, but it also gives you the context needed to understand why Jill smiles at the sunrise during the final cutscene. Without it, the ending feels way more depressing than it actually is. Also, if you haven't touched the Rising Tide DLC, go do it now—it adds the Leviathan powers which completely change how you handle crowd control in the final stages of the game.