How to obtain the Wind Shard in Final Fantasy 16? – Location and Uses

Much like the previous Final Fantasy games, crafting is a core mechanic in Final Fantasy 16. Crafting materials are used for creating new weapons or gear and upgrading them. The Wind Shard in Final Fantasy is a crafting resource of immense value.

The Wind Shard can be obtained by completing the main campaign quest ‘Awakening’ (Chapter 14) where players battle against Benedikta and Garuda, the Warden of Wind. The Wind Shard drops as a reward for defeating them. It is worth noting that the Wind Shard drops only once.

This means that the only way to get this resource is to defeat Garuda, the Warden of Wind and complete the ‘Awakening’ quest. There are no alternate ways to get it. However, one Wind Shard is all you need to craft a weapon in the game.

How to use the Wind Shard in Final Fantasy 16?

The Wind Shard can be used to craft the Stormcry in Final Fantasy 16. The cost to craft the weapon is a single Wind Shard. To craft it, head to the Blacksmith in Cid’s Hideaway or The Hideaway.

The Stormcry has 135 stagger power and 135 attack power, making it a decent weapon. It deals basic damage and staggers enemies. You can either sell this weapon or save it to craft the Flametongue, which is better than the Stormcry.

Currently, there’s no way to dismantle a weapon in the game which is why you need to either sell the Stormcry or save it for crafting a better weapon later in the game.

How to defeat Garuda in Final Fantasy 16?

The Garuda boss fight has two phases in Final Fantasy 16. The first phase can be dealt with by timing your dodges and using your Eikonic abilities. The second phase can be beaten by using your lunge ability, rather than dodging and combining it with melee swipes.

The first phase tests your dodge timing. Garuda has three primary attacks: a claw swipe, a kick, and explosive projectiles that detonate on impact. Make use of your Eikonic abilities to deal Stagger damage and perfect your dodges when she starts mixing her attacks with projectiles. Use your Flame attacks from a distance when required.

The second phase sees Clive becoming an Eikon, embracing his true power as Ifrit’s Dominant. This results in an Eikon vs. Eikon boss fight. As Ifrit, you’ll have limited ways to damage Garuda: lunge, fireball, and melee swipes. Combine lunges and melee swipes to deal maximum damage to Garuda and you’ll be done with her in no time.

That’s all you need to know about the Wind Shard and defeating Garuda, the Warden of Wind.

About Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. The sixteenth main instalment in the Final Fantasy series is scheduled for release on June 22, 2023 for the PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive. The game will feature segmented open environments and an action-based combat system involving melee and magic-based attacks. There are also recurring series features, including Chocobos, and summoned monsters called Eikons, fought as bosses and used through channelling their power in combat.