Summon multiple spheres of light that, upon striking an enemy, deal it continuous damage, binding it to the spot.
Description
Impulse is one of Bahamut's default Eikonic Abilities in Final Fantasy XVI that the player can assign to Clive's loadout. Clive will eject light-aspected magic bombs that attack and bind enemies. Tapping the execute button again detonates the bombs. The best effect is from detonating the bombs when they turn orange. Impulse is good for binding small enemies while damaging them, and for dealing stagger damage to enemies with will gauges. Its fast cooldown makes it formidable.
Obtained[]
Clive gains access to Bahamut's powers as part of the story, during "Fire in the Sky", usable in his loadout after the events in Twinside. Impulse is already learned.
Mechanics[]
Clive can use Impulse in battle whenever it is equipped to his current loadout. He can have two Eikonic Abilities alongside his Eikonic Feat, which for the light loadout is Wings of Light.
Impulse has Clive deploy magic bombs onto the battlefield that damage and bind (small) enemies. Tapping the execute button again has the bombs detonate. This is best done when the charges turn orange. The explosion's strength is determined by how many times the bombs struck their targets. The player can detonate the bombs at any time, even if Clive is being knocked back or in the middle of another ability's animation.
Impulse activates the battle technique Dual Impulse when the player strikes two enemies with a single Impulse.
After being used, the ability has a 25-second cooldown before being able to be used again. Upgrading/mastering the ability has no effect on its cooldown.
The Breath of Light (Impulse) accessory from the "Lines of the Sand" sidequest shortens Impulse's cooldown to 23 seconds. Its upgraded version from New Game Plus shortens cooldown to 21 seconds.
| AP cost | Effect |
|---|---|
| Already learned | Able to equip Impulse to Clive's light loadout. |
| 450 (Upgrade) | Increases the number of bombs. |
| 1000 (Master) | Able to equip Impulse to any loadout. |
Use[]
Impulse is worth upgrading to add more orbs to Clive's deployment. Impulse is good for its ease of use, good damage and staggering power, and synergy with Bahamut's Eikonic Feat (Wings of Light) as the explosives can be detonated during the charging phase for Megaflare.
Impulse is a generally good ability to use, especially for damaging formidable foes' will gauges when the charges turn orange. Because it has a low cooldown, the player can use it often. Impulse together with Shiva's Diamond Dust are good for staggering enemies. Against regular enemies who lack will gauges, Impulse is good for binding and damaging groups of enemies, preventing them from fighting back for the duration. When detonated near a Lightning Rod, they can be even more potent.
Another upside to Impulse is that it does not leave Clive open for enemies' counterattacks, as the bombs can be detonated from a safe distance.
During the chronolith trial with the Bahamut's abilities, activating Collateral Impulse by striking two enemies with a single Impulse earns a 12-second time bonus.