The appearance of Typhon in Final Fantasy 16 is shocking. The creature is unlike anything seen to that point, and you’ll likely wonder if it’s an Eikon, a monster, or a member of the mysterious Fallen race. We don’t get much information about Typhon in the game, but we do learn a bit about its nature.
What is Typhon in Final Fantasy 16?
While Typhon is startling in Final Fantasy 16, he is just a servant of Ultima. In fact, according to his entry in the bestiary, his purpose is to serve as a test to see if Clive is suitable as a vessel for Ultima:
“Seemingly drawn to the destruction of the heart of Drake’s Head, Ultima emerged from a tear in reality wearing the skin of Typhon, a withered and wizened colossus, and drew Clive into a space between worlds wherein the aetherial entity might test his worth as a “vessel.”
So we can tell Typhon is a very old entity, and Ultima controls it, much like Dominants do Eikons. So, it’s possible it’s an ancient Eikon or what remains of Ultima’s previous vessel.
Weirdly, this version of Typhon is entirely different than his typical portrayal. He has had a vibrant history within the Final Fantasy universe, with his first notable appearance in Final Fantasy 6. Recognized as a comical yet formidable force, Typhon possesses a distinctive attack, “Snort,” that can blow opponents out of battle, effectively making them unable to participate. This quirky monster left a lasting impression due to its eccentric design and unpredictability in combat.
In Final Fantasy 7, Typhon takes on the role of a summon, wherein his special attack, “Disintegration,” casts four types of elemental damage on enemies, embodying his chaotic and disruptive nature. This theme is maintained in Final Fantasy 14, where Typhon is depicted as a voidsent accompanied by his partner Ultros. They provide comic relief and engage in unique, fun-filled battles with players.
These previous portrayals exhibit Typhon as a whimsical, chaotic, and forceful entity, starkly contrasting the ancient and serious portrayal in Final Fantasy XVI.
