Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) Prince of Death, The Grim Reaper, location and hunt guide

Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper Prince of Death

The Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper sounds scary, but it’s actually quite an easy boss to defeat if you know what you’re doing. Its attacks are easy to avoid and don’t do too much damage. It’s actually harder to access this hunt, as you’ll need to finish two side quests first. Here’s where to find The Grim Reaper and how to beat it.

The Final Fantasy XVI Prince of Death hunt isn’t available until you reach the Back to Their Origin quest. This is many, many hours into the game; in fact, it’s near the end of Final Fantasy XVI. 

Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper location
Screenshots by Destructoid

How to find the Final Fantasy XVI Prince of Death hunt

To find the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper hunt, you must finish both of the Under New Management missions given by Isabelle in Northreach. These will become available once the Across The Narrow main storyline mission begins.

Once both Under New Management missions have been completed and you’ve reached the Back to Their Origin quest, go to Clive’s quarters and read the Missives. Read the Concern for Jill note from Joshua. Accept his requestv and then the Hunt Board will be updated with the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper hunt, otherwise known as the Prince of Death.

You’ll discover the Prince of Death in the Sanbreque region. Go to the World Map and fast-travel to Northreach once more. The boss battle is northwest of the town nearby the white marker that indicates Westwatch. Get to the other side of town and make your way through the beautiful field to the left side. Follow the path and turn right to see an enemy with a sharp axe and red wings.

How to the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper
Screenshot by Destructoid

How to beat the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper

There is one word of advice I can give you: dodge. Dodge like your life depends on it. It will keep swinging its axe towards Clive, and if you dodge in time, it can be easy to counter. Wait until its combo finishes and then strike when it’s safe. Using the Limit Break also helps, as the high velocity of attacks is more likely to give you a parry against the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper.

Another issue you should know is that it teleports all over the map and quickly sends blue balls of energy at Clive. Keep a tight eye on the Grim Reaper and dodge at any moment’s notice. It easily telegraphs when it attacks as it slightly draws back the weapon before unleashing it with a spin. At multiple points during the battle, it will send three or four blue waves toward you. Thankfully, they’re easy to avoid.

The one move you really need to be careful of is Soul Harvest. It will charge itself in blue energy and unleash a 10-hit combo. It will constantly disappear and reappear as it tries to swipe at you. Each attack will cost you 200-250 HP if it hits, so be careful. The rule of thumb with this fight is to keep your distance and be vigilant. Don’t act recklessly.

If you’re sensible, the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper is one of the easiest A-rank bosses in the game. It’s not the Prince of Death; it’s more like a pauper.

Rewards for this hunt

If you beat the Final Fantasy XVI Grim Reaper, you’ll get the following rewards:

  • 1 Darksteel
  • 8,000 Experience Points
  • 100 Ability Points
  • 15,000 Gil
  • 45 Renown
About The Author
Chris Penwell
Chris is a freelance writer for multiple outlets, including Destructoid! He loves narrative games like Kingdom Hearts, Life is Strange, and Beyond Good & Evil. However, he does enjoy Fortnite and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from time to time.
More Stories by Chris Penwell