The Best Trials in Final Fantasy XIV
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Comical Mention: Cape Westwind/Rihtahtyn sas Arvina
It’s called a comical mention because this one is a joke of a fight. The first of all 8-man trials to unlock in the entire game, it is notoriously effortless. So much so that people will purposely screw around in this fight such as healers not healing and tanks not picking up the pathetic excuse of adds that spawn in and standing in attacks. I’ve heard a story of someone telling everyone else to not interfere with him going one-on-one with Arvina as a player or two were running the trial for the first time were forced to watch it unfold. I personally find it hysterical whenever I get this piece of cake in Trials Roulette and have joined in with the screwing around and even orchestrated some.
Honorable Mentions
Containment Bay P1T6/Sophia
A boss coming straight out of Final Fantasy VI as part of a major side story quest line, what makes the Sophia fight a nice fight is its simplicity and its outstanding theme song, “Equilibrium”. However its elementary nature proves to be a detriment as there isn’t so much to be excited by when the mechanics are known. But once again…that theme…
Containment Bay Z1T9/Zurvan
The final boss of the same quest line as Sophia, Zurvan also originates from Final Fantasy VI. Much like Sophia the boss fight is a clean and simple experience, incredible music and glistening visuals to accompany it. It makes for as a perfect sendoff for the quest line and all of Heavensward. However much like Sophia, the simplicity of the fight dampens the excitement as I often find myself bored with the mechanics.
Emanation/Sri Lakshmi
Now this is what you call a mechanic heavy and tested fight. Lakshmi is entertaining all around, even as you see your party fall into shambles in mere seconds. A lot of it can be attributed to how rewarding it is to master the fight due to its intricate quirks. As a major bonus, much like every boss fight on this list, the theme song is off the charts beautiful. Yet, again, the wildness of the fight brings it down.
The Final Steps of Faith/Nidhogg
The conclusion on the titular boss’ saga in Heavensward’s endgame, the final battle versus Nidhogg wraps everything up on a captivating note. In the titanic battle Nidhogg rampage comes to an end, giving the ending to the full Heavensward story. While a fun fight when done right, a lot can go wrong however, as the trial proves to be one of the most heavy difficulty spikes in the game with mechanics new players have never seen prior to this point. I can remember being one of those said players wondering why I was dying constantly. Unfortunately because of this wild nature, the trial fails to make top five.
5. The Crown of the Immaculate/Innocence
The second trial of the Shadowbringers main scenario, it comes well late into the story line but is all the more worth the wait. It’s grudge match versus one of the most hated villains in the game and likely all of the Final Fantasy franchise, Vauthry/Innocence. The fight begins with you beating the monstrous Vauthry senseless before he transforms into his grand final form (pictured above) and finally giving a challenge. Aside from the pure satisfaction of sticking it Vauthry, the fight is an enjoyable experience with the well-designed mechanics even though it can all go south quick with an inexperienced party.
4. Hell’s Kier/Suzaku
The second of a series of trials in the Stormblood endgame, Hell’s Kier is my personal favorite. While it starts out in a relatively simple encounter, as soon as the fight hits its second phase it features some of the most innovative mechanics in the game with a fun run around the entire arena. Alongside eye candy level visuals, an awesome theme song results in one of the best bosses all game.
3. The Dancing Plague/Titania
Her name is Titania, she is the queen;
Of our hearts and dreams;
Fa la la la la la
This is quite the fight, all is nice and bright;
Up until we wipe;
Fa la la la la la
With the greatest theme, always in my head;
Here we go again.
Fa la la la la la
It’s a really fun fight;
Mostly fun, sometimes hectic;
Glisten in the sight;
Of fun mechanics.
This is a parody, of Titania’s theme;
I’ll put in a link;
It’s not so great, I’m maybe off the beat;
Yet its quite the treat;
Fa la la la la la
…
…
Fa la la la la la
2. The Dying Gasp/Hades
The final boss of the Shadowbringers main scenario, it all comes to an epic ending showdown in the greatest video game expansion of all time. Atop the skyscrapers in a ruined dream city (similar to the Dream Zanarkand in Final Fantasy X) you face off against Hades in the ultimate duel between light and darkness. Split in two phases, the battle proves itself to be a worthy ending to the astounding story with Hades not holding any of his emotion back and trying all to vanquish you while you do the same to halt every bit of his fiber. Accompanied by the main theme of Shadowbringers in full blast, it was hard to not put this as number one.
1. The Singularity Reactor/King Thordan
The final boss of the Heavensward main scenario, The Singularity Reactor is far and away the most fun piece of battle content to run in all of FFXIV. I can remember looking for a tutorial video and the first piece of advice I was given was to go blind and just have fun. I’m glad to say I took that advice and was treated to a delighting experience. A glistening, mechanic heavy battle with the theme of legends backing it all up, it was and continues to be remarkable. Not much to say other than, have fun.
