Chocobos are a Final Fantasy staple that has been around since the release of Final Fantasy II in 1988, appearing in later mainline installments as well as spin-off games like Chocobo GP and Chocobo Mystery Dungeon. While these noble creatures have functioned as both playable and support characters in the series, they typically act as a means of transport for the party across the world map. Players will be pleased to know that the Chocobo returns in Final Fantasy XVI as a mount that makes traversing the semi-open world a much more enjoyable experience.
Unlike many of Final Fantasy's Chocobo mounts, Final Fantasy XVI's can only be obtained by completing a specific side quest. Once it's obtained, players can use the Chocobo to increase their travel speed across the map, which steadily increases in size as the game progresses. Aside from providing the ability to travel at greater speeds, the Chocobo can also be used to attack Clive's enemies while he is mounted. Here's how to unlock and use the Chocobo mount in Final Fantasy XVI.
How to Unlock and Use the Chocobo Mount in Final Fantasy XVI
"The White-Winged Wonder" is a side quest in Final Fantasy XVI that you can acquire from an NPC named Rowan, Traveling Trader in Martha's Rest once you've completed the main quest "Release." You'll find Rowan near the bridge, The Fallen Gate, just south of the Martha's Rest Obelisk.
Upon speaking with him, he'll tell you that a flock of Chocobos has attracted the ire of a gang of bandits who have terrible plans for the creatures. He'll then ask you to find them and their leader, Whiteheart, before the bandits have their way with them. From there, follow the objective markers for the quest until you reach the bandits. After a short conversation, you'll engage in combat with the gang, along with the Chocobos' assistance.
Once the gang is defeated, Rowan will approach as you learn that Whiteheart is actually Clive's childhood mount, Ambrosia, whom he hasn't seen in a very long time. Rowan will eventually mention that Ambrosia wants to be reunited with her master, a request that Clive will gladly accept, and you'll then receive her as your mount.
To summon Ambrosia in the wild, simply hold down R3 to have Clive call her. When she approaches, press X to mount her, and then hold R2 to gallop. If you need to stop her, simply press L2. Ambrosia can travel anywhere that Clive is able to, and she can be extremely useful for avoiding unnecessary or unwanted battles, especially with monsters of a much lower level. She can also attack foes if you press Square while you're riding her.