How Garuda Has Evolved From Final Fantasy III to Final Fantasy XVI

From its first appearance as an enemy in Final Fantasy III, Garuda has come a long way in the latest Final Fantasy XVI. Let’s dive deeper into this article to fully understand the full story of Garuda and how this character fits in the Final Fantasy franchise.

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Garuda as an Enemy

In the earlier Final Fantasy games, all through Final Fantasy III to Final Fantasy X, Garuda would usually appear as a random encounter or boss that players would have to defeat. With the exception of a few, Garuda was a part of most Final Fantasy games during this period. 

Garuda in Final Fantasy III

In its first appearance, Garuda would appear as a bird-person hybrid with no particular strength or weaknesses to any Elemental attacks. However, this version could do lightning attacks which would deal a large amount of damage to all party members.

Garuda in Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

The Garuda was introduced as normal enemies in this version of Final Fantasy and could be found in a town called Windia. Like many other enemies in the region, the Garuda were strong to Earth Elemental attacks but weak to Wind Elemental attacks. This version of Garuda did not have any lightning abilities but a Wind ability with the name Typhoon.

Garuda in Final Fantasy VII

Garuda would not make another appearance until the release of Final Fantasy VII as a random encounter enemy. This version of the magical bird was immune to Earth Elemental attacks and weak to Wind Elemental attacks. Furthermore, Garuda was able to absorb Ice and Lightning Elemental attacks. Their attacks consisted of Lightning and Ice abilities.

Garuda in Final Fantasy IX

Garuda was given a lot more importance in Final Fantasy IX as they would pose a difficult challenge for players due to their increased health and powerful spells. This iteration of Garuda could useWind and Fire Elemental attacks. Continuing from the previous games, Garuda were weak to Wind and Shadow Elemental attacks with immunity to Earth Elemental attacks.

Garuda in Final Fantasy X

This bird-like version of Garuda would be stripped of almost all Elemental affinities, with the exception of being weak to Dark Elemental attacks in Final Fantasy X. Also, Garuda may not have any Elemental attacks but could still deal huge damage.

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Garuda as a Summon/Boss

Starting from Final Fantasy XI, Garuda would be elevated to the role of one of the Elemental Summons or would appear as a boss-level enemy in games. It meant that Garuda would be given a lot more abilities and power making it a formidable foe or reliable ally.

Garuda in Final Fantasy XI

Garuda was given the Elemental affinity of Wind and could absorb Wind attacks and had a pretty good defence against Earth Elemental attacks. Instead, Ice Elemental attacks would be Garuda’s weakness in this game. As such, Garuda’s arsenal consisted mainly of Wind attacks that would assist players in combat.

Garuda in Final Fantasy XII

Garuda was turned back into solely being an enemy in Final Fantasy XII and was introduced as a boss rather than a random encounter or a common enemy. This Garuda would be able to absorb Holy Elemental attacks and was weak to Dark Elemental attacks.

Garuda in Final Fantasy XIII

Garuda has been considered more of a wyvern than a bird in Final Fantasy XIII due to its immense size. This version would be named Garuda Interceptor and was more of a bio-weapon than the original bird-like creature. This menace was made weak to Wind Elemental attacks and strong against Earth Elemental attacks. Furthermore, this Garuda could utilise the Lightning element in its attacks.

Garuda in Final Fantasy XIV

Garuda appeared as a Primal in Final Fantasy XIV with an extremely upgraded arsenal of attacks and a huge health bar. This version of Garuda would be inspired by Final Fantasy XI with Garuda having an affinity towards Wind and would consistently use Wind in its attacks. This was the first multi-phase fight against Garuda in Final Fantasy and would serve to change the image of this character in the minds of many people within the community.

Garuda in Final Fantasy XV

This version of Garuda would have an affinity towards Wind and would become summonable once players defeated it as part of a quest called “Adventurer from Another World”, in Final Fantasy XV. Once defeated, players would be able to utilise a Final Fantasy XIV-inspired iteration of Garuda during combat.

Garuda in Final Fantasy XVI

Garuda has made a huge appearance in the latest Final Fantasy game, where players will have to go through a two-phase fight to completely beat the boss. In the first phase, you’ll be fighting Garuda as Clive and in the second as Ifrit. Garuda will be Wind Elemental attacks during the fight, which you will need to be careful of. This version’s weakness is said to be the head, where Garuda will take the most damage when attacked.

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Conclusion

Garuda has seen a considerable change in its appearance and abilities over the years across many games. While it may not have been the most prominent character in the earlier games, Garuda has taken its place as one of the most iconic characters in the franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Original Story of Garuda?

Garuda was introduced as an advisor to the King in the original Final Fantasy III. Once the advisor’s lies and hypocrisy were caught, he would transform into Garuda as a show of force.

What Are Other Summonses in Final Fantasy?

Apart from Garuda in a few games, players can call on Ifrit, Leviathan, Shiva, Titan, Asura, Bahamut, Chocobo, Cochatrice, Goblin, Mindflayer, Dragon, Ramuh, and Sylph in the Final Fantasy games.

When Will Final Fantasy XVI Be Released?

The latest game in the Final Fantasy franchise was released on June 22, 2023, on PlayStation.