In Final Fantasy XIV, raids represent the pinnacle of PvE content, challenging players with complex boss battles in a variety of settings. These instanced dungeons, designed for 8 or 24 players, range from more accessible Normal Raids to the demanding Savage and Ultimate tiers.
Each raid type offers unique mechanics and rewards, requiring strategic teamwork and personal skill. This guide delves into the different raid formats, their difficulty levels, unlocking requirements, and the rewards they offer, equipping players with essential insights to tackle these high-stakes encounters.
H2: What are Raids in FFXIV?
Raids are advanced challenges that can be found in Final Fantasy XIV. There are two types of raids: the 8-player raid and the 24-player alliance raid.
These challenges typically culminate in boss battles involving complex mechanics, all taking place within an instanced dungeon. Participants generally need to be at the maximum level for the current expansion to join.
Types of Raids
In the FFXIV endgame, you will find these so-called raid duties. The difficulty of this type of content represents a perfect balance for the hardcore player or the casual player. Let’s break down each raid type below:
Normal and Savage raids
8-man Normal Raids typically involve a single boss fight after a short dungeon crawl. These raids also lack enrage timers, reducing the entry requirements as optimal DPS and consumables are not necessary, making them more accessible and perfect for the casual player.
Savage Raids present the same encounters as Normal Raids but with added difficulty, new mechanics, and enraging timers. These raids provide better rewards and are attempted by many players, though the increased challenge often leads to discouragement.
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Savage raid difficulty
Savage raids typically feature a progressive difficulty curve, with each encounter introducing more complex mechanics, increased boss health, and higher damage output. The difficulty of the first two encounters usually aligns with that of an Extreme trial or may be slightly more challenging. The latter two encounters, however, present a significant step up in difficulty.
Despite this general pattern, there are occasional variations that can change the expected difficulty of the challenge.
Alliance raids
24-man Alliance Raids are extensive, large-scale instances featuring multiple boss encounters and do not include enrage timers, allowing teams to engage without time constraints. Alliance raids are categorized as normal-difficulty content. The equipment provided is intended as “catch-up” gear and matches the item level of the current, non-augmented Tomestone gear.
Alliance raid difficulty
Alliance raids are between normal raids and extreme trials in terms of difficulty. They feature fast and hard-hitting encounters but generally lack complex mechanics or enrage timers.
Ultimate raids
8-man Ultimate Raids are structured as boss gauntlet-style encounters, with players challenging a sequence of significantly augmented bosses drawn from earlier raids, trials, and dungeons. These raids culminate with a final boss, which features an entirely original enemy design not seen in previous duties.
Ultimate raid difficulty
Ultimate raids are tailored for the top-tier players of the game, with only about 1% of the player base ever attempting these highly challenging activities.
How do you unlock Raids in FFXIV?
Raids are accessed through Content Unlock Quests, marked by blue icons, which players must complete to participate. Although most of these quests are optional, the initial three quests related to the Crystal Tower series are mandatory for advancing the story.
Participants in raids must have both Minimum Level and Item Level requirements to enter. Additionally, there is a Max Level cap; players exceeding this level will be automatically level-synced down to the appropriate levels for the raid.
How to unlock Savage Raids
If you want to unlock Savage Raids, you must complete the Main Story Quest and the normal raid of the expansion. Be aware a lot of players try Savage raiding at least once, but many get discouraged by the difficulty.
How to unlock Alliance Raids
You can unlock the first Alliance Raid, the Crystal Tower, once you reach level 50. To gain access to subsequent Alliance Raids, you must follow a distinct quest line that becomes available after completing the Main Scenario Quest of the respective expansion.
How to unlock Ultimate Raids
Each expansion, except for Shadowbringers, features two ultimate raids. To unlock an ultimate raid, players must complete the fourth encounter of the Savage raid tier from the patch preceding the release of the ultimate raid.
All FFXIV Raids from each expansion
Final Fantasy 14 has tons of optional content. If you’ve just finished catching up with the main storyline, you might consider unlocking these raids next.
A Realm Reborn Raids list
ARR Savage Raids
The Coils of Bahamut, or just Coils, is the level 50, 8-player raid of A Realm Reborn (2.0). It is the first raid series to be released in the game.
All ARR Alliance Raids
- The Labyrinth of the Ancient
- Syrcus Tower
- The World of Darkness
Heavensward Raids list
Heavensward Savage Raid
Alexander is a level 60, 8-player raid of Heavensward (3.0). It is available in both Normal (story mode) and Savage (challenge mode) difficulties. Alexander (Savage) is the main high-end raid of Heavensward.
All Heavensward Alliance Raids
- The Void Ark
- The Weeping City of Mhach
- Dun Scaith
Stormblood Raids list
Stormblood Savage Raid
Omega is the level 70, 8-player raid of Stormblood (4.0). It is available in both Normal (story mode) and Savage (challenge mode) difficulties. Omega (Savage) is Stormblood’s main high-end raid.
All Stormblood Alliance Raids
- The Royal City of Rabanastre
- The Ridorana Lighthouse
- The Orbonne Monastery
Stormblood Ultimate Raid
- The Unending Coil of Bahamut (Ultimate)
- The Weapon’s Refrain (Ultimate)
Shadowbringers Raids list
Shadowbringers Savage Raid
Eden is the level 80, 8-player raid of Shadowbringers (5.0). It is available in both Normal (story mode) and Savage (challenge mode) difficulties. Eden (Savage) is the main high-end raid of Shadowbringers.
All Shadowbringers Alliance Raids
- The Copied Factory
- The Puppets’ Bunker
- The Tower at Paradigm’s Breach
Shadowbringers Ultimate Raid
- The Epic of Alexander (Ultimate)
Endwalker Raids list
Endwalker Savage Raid
Pandaemonium is the level 90, 8-player raid of Endwalker (6.0). It is available in both Normal (story mode) and Savage (challenge mode) difficulties. Pandæmonium (Savage) is the main high-end raid of Endwalker.
All Endwalker Alliance Raids
- Aglaia
- Euphrosyne
- Thaleia
All Endwalker Ultimate Raids
- Dragonsong’s Reprise (Ultimate)
- The Omega Protocol (Ultimate)
Are the FFXIV raid bosses difficult?
Raid bosses in Final Fantasy XIV are known for their difficulty. They often require players to master complex mechanics, coordinate tightly with their team, and execute strategies flawlessly. The difficulty varies across different types of raids.
Ultimate Raids are the most challenging, designed for the top-tier players. These raids test all aspects of gameplay to the extreme and often take dedicated groups weeks or even months to complete.
Each tier offers a step up in complexity and rewards, making raiding a deeply engaging aspect of the game for those looking for a challenge.
Normal and Savage raid bosses
Normal Raids bosses are the most accessible, designed to be challenging yet manageable for most players.
Savage Raids bosses increase the difficulty with tougher mechanics and tighter DPS (damage per second), requiring more coordination and higher skill levels.
Alliance raid bosses
Raid bosses from Alliance raids provide a balanced challenge that makes them a favorite for players looking to step up from Normal raids without the intense pressure of Savage content. They are a good mix of fun and challenge, with mechanics that are complex enough to keep the encounters interesting but not so daunting that they become a barrier.
Ultimate raid bosses
The most challenging Ultimate Raid bosses are designed for top-tier players. These raids test all aspects of gameplay to the extreme and often take dedicated groups weeks or even months to complete.
FFXIV Raid rewards
Raid rewards are an essential part of the game’s progression, especially for players engaging in endgame content. The rewards vary by the type of raid and difficulty level, typically including:
- Gear and equipment;
- Tomestones;
- Crafting Materials;
- Glamour and Collectibles;
- Achievements and Titles;
Savage raids loot
Savage Raids reward players with higher item-level gear that significantly enhances performance. These pieces are often best-in-slot for their respective patch cycle.
Alliance raids loot
Alliance raids primarily drop armor sets that are visually unique and offer competitive stats. These sets are intended to serve as catch-up gear between entry-level endgame gear and the more advanced equipment from Savage raids. Typically, the item level of this gear matches that of the current non-augmented tomestone gear.
Ultimate raids loot
Ultimate Raids offer even more prestigious rewards, typically including weapons at the highest item level available then, along with unique cosmetics like titles and special mounts that signify the player’s achievements.
How to prepare for FFXIV Raiding
Whether you’re just starting or seeking to master the highest difficulties, preparation is key. Here are some general tips that you should consider before you start raiding.
Get Geared Before the Raid
Raiding in FFXIV is a rewarding experience that tests your skills and teamwork. Before stepping into any raid, especially those of higher difficulties, ensuring your character is properly equipped is crucial. This involves acquiring the best possible gear up to the current tier’s item level requirements.
You can gear up through various means, such as completing endgame duties, participating in relevant dungeon runs, or purchasing gear with tomestones or other in-game currencies.
Get Buffed With Meals & Potions
Enhancing your character’s capabilities with meals and potions provides necessary stat boosts that can be the difference between a wipe and a win. Meals can increase your primary stats and some secondary ones for a duration that typically covers an entire raid attempt. Potions provide a temporary but immediate enhancement to your abilities, ideal for use during critical phases of boss fights.
Find a Random or Static Group to Join
Deciding between joining a random group through Party Finder or becoming part of a static group can affect your raiding experience significantly. Random groups offer flexibility and are good for players with unpredictable schedules.
However, static groups provide consistency and can develop strategies and teamwork over time, leading to more successful and efficient raid clears. Choose based on your availability, commitment level, and how socially involved you want to be in the game.
Final Thoughts
FFXIV raiding is a dynamic and challenging activity that attracts both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. Whether you are preparing for your first raid or challenging the toughest Ultimate encounters, FFXIV raids require teamwork, strategy, and perseverance. Each raid is more than just a game mechanic; it is a narrative journey, with each boss battle offering its own story.