Benedikta can be seen multiple times in the new Final Fantasy 16 trailer, as can her Eikon, Garuda. She can even be seen transforming into Garuda, answering the question as to whether Dominants merely summon their Eikons or if they completely turn into them. The trailer doesn’t actually name Benedikta, however, nor does it explore her character or backstory. Luckily, that information is provided by Square Enix elsewhere.

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In a message posted to the official Final Fantasy 16 Twitter account, a brief character introduction is provided for Benedikta. The biography explains that Benedikta has grown to be “coldhearted and ruthless,” and that she has a talent for “swordplay and subterfuge.” As a result, she’s taken command of the nation of Waloed’s elite intelligencers. These intelligencers are described as being on a mission in Final Fantasy 16 to hunt down the second Eikon of Fire. As a result, she encounters Final Fantasy 16 protagonist Clive Rosfield and is said to be forced to “face her past.”

Those who have been following Final Fantasy 16 news will already know that the Dominant of the “first” Eikon of Fire, Phoenix, is Clive’s brother Joshua. Since Joshua inherited the Phoenix instead of Clive, Joshua becomes the Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria. Clive thus becomes Joshua’s First Shield of Rosaria, until he ultimately inherits the dark Eikon Ifrit – the “second” Eikon of Fire.

The story of Clive inheriting the Eikon Ifrit and why Benedikta is hunting them down will be up to Final Fantasy 16 players to discover. The only other clue available is that Waloed, the nation Benedikta comes from, is militarily advanced and uses Eikons to stifle rebellions. Suffice to say, it’s brutal and seemingly warlike. Perhaps Waloed wants Rosaria for itself.

Final Fantasy 16 is a game about war between nations, as well as a deeply character-driven story. Benedikta, being the Dominant of Garuda, has a major role to play in this story. What it is and how it will play out is up to players to discover when Final Fantasy 16 launches next year.

Final Fantasy 16 releases summer 2023 on PS5.

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