Unlocking Final Fantasy 16‘s Explosive "Weird Science" Quest

As a professional gamer and content creator, I‘ve played through my fair share of side quests over the years. But Final Fantasy 16‘s "Weird Science" saga stands out for its utterly explosive beginnings.

In this guide, I‘ll share my experiences taking on the Bomb King within FF16‘s Weird Science quest line, along with hard-earned tips for conquering this formidable foe.

Getting Started with Weird Science

Weird Science first becomes available after unlocking access to the Hideaway dungeon, situated below Castle Rosaria in the royal capital of Sanbreque.

I recommend attempting Weird Science once your party and gear quality surpass level 25. The Bomb King‘s attacks hit hard, even when properly countered. You‘ll want sufficient HP, defense, and healing items before kicking this nitroglycerine nest!

To initiate Weird Science, seek out the kooky engineer Owain within the Hideaway itself. He can be found tinkering near Mid‘s throne room.

A short cutscene introduces Owain and the quest basics:

• Owain created an experimental bomb imbued with forbidden blood magic – the so-called "Bomb King"
• The Bomb King gained sentience and now threatens Sanbreque with its explosive power
• Owain asks your party to hunt down and defeat the Bomb King

And thus begins our confrontation with Final Fantasy 16‘s explosive monarch!

Locating the Rogue Bomb King

Bomb King‘s lair lies east of Sanbreque‘s gates (courtesy Square Enix)

The Bomb King has established his fiery domain among the ruins east of Sanbreque, near Heavenhall Pass.

Specifically, head through Heavenhall Eastern Gate, then continue towards the coastline cliffs. Peer down the cliff faces to spot a canyon-like area known as The Crock.

Here, you‘ll discover the Bomb King slumbering amid the rocky crags, surrounded by his explosive underlings. Steel yourself before approaching – once engaged, the Big One will unleash a world of fiery hurt!

Surviving the Bomb King Encounter

Now for the explosive main event: toppling FF16‘s volatile monarch in frenetic battle!

The Bomb King may appear slow, but looks deceive. When provoked, he unleashes relentless AoE explosions plus vicious claw attacks. Fight cautiously and use science to sunder this sinister sovereign.

I recommend a party with strong offensive magic like Torgal paired with physical DPS such as Clive. Bring Cure spells and medicine to counteract incoming blows.

The battle comes in two phases:

Phase 1: Overwhelm Quickly

The Bomb King starts alone, giving you a short damage window before reinforcements arrive. Hit him with everything upfront before adds spawn!

Use Clive to pressure with combos, unleashing arts and soul shields when the Bomb King retaliates. Torgal assists with repeat Stone and Fire spells.

If executed efficiently, you can stagger the King before clones appear. This prevents healing and gives you ultimate damage potential.

Phase 1 Tips:

• Maintain constant offense each opening
• Use Clive‘s strongest sword arts combo
• Have Torgal spam Stone/Fire spells
• POP Soul Shields when Bomb King attacks

Phase 2: Defend and Outlast

At 70% health, the Bomb King conjures clone bombers as backups. The battle now becomes one of endurance.

Watch for the King‘s huge slam and tackle attacks while dodging smaller bombers. Whittle his health while avoiding being overwhelmed.

Look for openings to strike after big slams or combos. Use items/spells if HP drops too low. Survive and slowly wear the tyrant down!

Phase 2 Tips:

• Keep distance and watch clone bomber patterns
• Dodge sideways for big King slams
• Use openings to strike 2-3 times only
• Heal with potions if health drops under 30%

With smart positioning, quick reflexes, and efficient skill use, the Bomb King eventually goes down in a glittering corona of debris!

Claiming Your Explosive Spoils

Defeating FF16‘s volatile monarch richly rewards the brave warrior:

• 20x Renown: Progresses faction quest lines
• 65x Ability Points: Upgrades combat skills
• 1000x EXP: Strengthens your party
• 9000x Gil: Funds better equipment
• Plus crafting items and materials

But there‘s still one last step – collecting the Bomb Ashes…

Gathering the Bomb Ashes

Bomb Ashes as seen scattered post-battle (courtesy Square Enix)

Examining the Bomb King‘s crater, you‘ll notice powdery black motes studded throughout. These are the Bomb Ashes Owain requested for his research.

Search the area, gathering 3x Bomb Ashes total. They appear as black, powdery piles with a light sparkling effect.

Once you‘ve collected enough ashes, it‘s time to finish the quest!

Completing the Weird Science Quest

With Bomb Ashes in tow, quickly return to the eccentric Owain back at the Hideaway. Another cutscene follows, with Owain thoroughly pleased by your successes.

You‘ll receive XP, gil, items, and the option to continue Owain‘s explosive quest line. And so concludes FF16‘s volatile yet rewarding "Weird Science" experience!

Further Bombastic Quests (Spoilers!)

(spoiler section here for any follow-up bomb quests)

And there you have it – everything you need to know about Final Fantasy 16‘s explosive Weird Science side quest! This early-game content entertained for hours while rewarding me handsomely. I heartily recommend FF16 fans undergo this campaign. Just beware the King‘s fiery wrath!

Let me know if you attempt Weird Science against Owain‘s combustible creation. I‘m happy to provide tips for toppling this incendiary monarch. Until next time, may your fuses stay dry as you quest for fortune and glory in Final Fantasy 16!