Chaotic Guide to the World of Darkness
The Chaotic mode of Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail has officially launched, presenting players with an exhilarating challenge. In this mode, players form an alliance to confront a significantly enhanced level 100 version of the Cloud of Darkness, a formidable foe previously encountered during the narrative events of A Realm Reborn. This battle is not simply a level increase; the Cloud of Darkness boasts new moves and altered behaviors designed to keep players engaged and alert. With effective team coordination, this boss can be tackled as a medium challenge, providing an exciting experience for groups willing to strategize.
The World of Darkness (Chaotic) can be accessed after successfully completing the level 100 Dawntrail quest titled How the West Was Sung. To gain entry into the raid, players should speak with the Wandering Minstrel in Tuliyollai at coordinates (x: 11.2, Y: 14.7) after finishing the main storyline of patch 7.0. While Square Enix indicates that a raid of 12 players can technically complete the challenge, it is advisable to assemble a group of 24 players consisting of six tanks, six healers, and twelve DPS roles. Additionally, all participants should have a minimum item level of 710, which can be easily achieved through the Echoes of Vana’diel raid.
Essential Strategies for Defeating the Cloud of Darkness
Maintain Distance and Dodge Effectively
While the Cloud of Darkness is indeed ferocious, players will find that it does not introduce entirely new attacks that have not been previously experienced in FFXIV expansions like Shadowbringers or Endwalker. Those who have successfully completed Savage-level raids from these expansions will have a better understanding of the attack patterns. However, the rapid assault from the Cloud of Darkness can easily overwhelm players with simultaneous moves, making the chaotic nature of the raid evident.
It’s crucial for players to recognize that the Cloud of Darkness directs its auto-attacks towards all three main tanks. These powerful hits significantly reduce the tanks’ resistance to further damage, making it essential for off-tanks to utilize the Provoke ability to shield their partners. Additionally, a potent Bleed damage-over-time effect may occur during the encounter, emphasizing the need for Healers to actively manage hitpoints while consistently employing healing spells throughout the battle.
Understanding the Main Attacks of the Cloud of Darkness
At the onset of the encounter, the Cloud of Darkness can execute a sweeping attack that cleaves a vast area, either from its right or left hand. This attack is highly telegraphed and can be avoided by positioning oneself beneath the opposite arm. Alternatively, the boss may slam the ground directly in front of it, signaling the necessity for melee players to maintain a safe distance.
Following this initial assault, the Cloud of Darkness unleashes two attacks concurrently. The first involves the spawning of a series of lasers in the southern and eastern sections of the map. Players should adjust their camera angles to identify these lasers and dodge them accordingly. The second attack targets a random selection of players, marked by Stillness markers reminiscent of past FFXIV raids such as Eden’s Gate. The countdown begins at five, and players must avert their gaze from the rest of the raid when the counter reaches zero.
During this chaotic phase, three of the six tanks will receive Flares as markers. If you’re marked, it is crucial to move away from the rest of the party and activate defensive cooldowns to mitigate incoming damage. Other players, particularly ranged DPS, should ensure they distance themselves from these marked tanks to avoid unnecessary damage.
The Cloud of Darkness features both push-out and pull-in mechanics from its center. When a blue circle appears, players should quickly move close to it to avoid being knocked off the arena. Conversely, if a black circle materializes, players must move away to prevent instant death, then quickly reposition themselves toward the center to evade subsequent attacks.
Tactics for Handling Stygian Shadow Minions
At approximately 70% health, the Cloud of Darkness will summon three Stygian Shadow clones, located at the west, south, and east of the map. These minions resemble the enemies encountered in the Eden’s Promise raid from FFXIV: Shadowbringers. It is essential for tanks to maneuver these minions to avoid attacks from all four adversaries, ensuring they remain vigilant to reposition themselves near the main Cloud of Darkness during outward attacks.
In addition to the three summoned minions, an extra six may appear around the battlefield. While off-tanks can attempt to control these additional foes, it is generally more effective for ranged DPS players to eliminate them to alleviate pressure on the tanks.
Throughout the encounter, Meteor pads will appear. It is imperative that three to four players occupy these pads to prevent heavy raid-wide damage, a mechanic familiar to many FFXIV raids. The Stygian Shadows will also tether from a wall and unleash cone-shaped blasts: either one directed straight ahead or two from the sides, with the order being random. Additionally, these shadows can cleave left or right based on the main tank’s orientation.
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Upon successfully inflicting sufficient damage to the three Stygian Shadows, the Cloud of Darkness will revert to its original attack patterns. If your team’s damage per second (DPS) is sufficiently high, the boss’s health should drop to around 20%. It may only require an additional three to four minutes of combat and evasion to secure victory in this raid. Upon completion, all players will be awarded the Cloud Strife achievement, a clever homage to Final Fantasy 7.
Unlocking Rewards and Trade-In Opportunities
Discover Direct Drops and Valuable Tokens
Upon defeating the Cloud of Darkness, players will receive two armor chests that correspond to the standard FFXIV armor slots for the head, body, hands, legs, and feet. Utilizing these items in town will yield item level 730 gear tailored for your current job. Players will also need to engage in a loot roll against their seven teammates to secure their desired pieces.
In addition to armor, players will garner a number of Clouddark Demimateria. Typically, this amounts to two per individual, but additional currency can be obtained if any party member is tackling the raid for the first time. These Demimateria can be exchanged with Uah’shepya in Solution Nine at coordinates (x: 8.7, Y: 13.5) for acquiring more FFXIV gear.
To acquire a single head, hands, or foot piece, players will need to spend two Clouddark Demimateria. For body or leg pieces, three Demimateria are required. Additionally, players can purchase a mount and hairstyle for 75 and 50 Clouddark Demimateria, respectively, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
Taking on the World of Darkness (Chaotic) in <em>Final Fantasy 14</em> may initially seem intimidating. However, with no weekly lockout on attempts, it presents an excellent opportunity to accumulate high-quality equipment. Players are encouraged to practice with friends or a Grand Company to improve their chances of clearing the raid with sufficient preparation and teamwork.
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