Final Fantasy XIV, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Square Enix, is known for its epic raids, challenging trials, and gripping storylines. One of the most iconic and challenging trials in the game is The Final Steps of Faith, which serves as a pivotal moment in the Stormblood expansion. This trial is a multi-phase battle against the primal Shinryu, a creature of immense power who plays a key role in the narrative of Final Fantasy XIV.
Whether you are a veteran looking to refresh your strategies or a new player attempting this trial for the first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about The Final Steps of Faith. From mechanics to strategies and tips for each phase of the trial, this guide will help you tackle Shinryu and come out victorious.
Overview of the Trial
The Final Steps of Faith is the culminating trial of the Stormblood main storyline, and it takes place in the Azim Steppe. This trial is significant not only for its lore but also because it offers players the opportunity to face off against Shinryu, a primal that threatens the stability of the world. The fight is set in a stunning arena with dramatic visuals and is considered one of the most challenging trials in the Final Fantasy XIV series.
The trial is designed for a party of eight players and requires solid teamwork, coordination, and an understanding of the mechanics. It consists of multiple phases, each introducing new challenges, and demands quick reflexes and communication to overcome.
Unlocking The Final Steps of Faith
Before embarking on this trial, you'll need to unlock it by progressing through the Stormblood main scenario questline. Specifically, you will need to complete the quest The Steps of Faith, which is given after completing The Path of the Righteous. After finishing the main scenario questline up to that point, you will be directed to The Final Steps of Faith, where you will face Shinryu in battle.
Once unlocked, the trial can be completed in both normal and extreme modes, with the normal mode serving as the introductory version and the extreme mode offering more challenging mechanics and higher rewards.
Phase 1: The Awakening of Shinryu
The first phase of the trial introduces players to Shinryu, a primal of immense strength and terrifying appearance. This phase consists of multiple mechanics that are important to understand for the rest of the encounter.
Key Mechanics:
Tidal Wave: Shinryu begins the fight with a series of tidal waves that will sweep across the arena. Players need to be aware of the wave's timing and position themselves accordingly to avoid being knocked back or taking significant damage.
Hellfire: This attack targets specific players with a fiery explosion. Players who are targeted will need to move away from the group to prevent the explosion from damaging their teammates. Timing is critical here to avoid excessive damage or even wipes.
Tail Swipe: Shinryu will occasionally use a powerful tail swipe that affects the front half of the arena. Players should avoid standing directly in front of Shinryu when this attack is used.
Wrath of the Heavens: At the end of this phase, Shinryu will use a large area-of-effect (AoE) attack that deals significant damage. Players should position themselves accordingly, ensuring that they are in a safe zone or behind the boss to minimize damage.
Phase 2: The Eye of the Storm
Once the first phase is completed, Shinryu will take on a more menacing form, unleashing a storm of fury on the battlefield. This phase introduces new mechanics that will test the coordination of the entire party.
Key Mechanics:
Storm Clouds: At the start of this phase, large storm clouds will appear in the arena. Players will need to navigate the area and avoid being caught in the clouds, as they deal heavy AoE damage. If too many players are caught in these clouds, the trial can become overwhelming.
Skyward Rage: Shinryu will use Skyward Rage, which targets a random player with a large AoE attack. The player targeted will need to move away from the rest of the group to avoid spreading the damage to others. Healers should be prepared to deal with any damage that comes from this mechanic.
Primal Roar: Shinryu will roar periodically, causing players to be knocked back. The roar also triggers a series of small AoE markers on the ground, which will need to be avoided. Players should keep an eye on these markers and move quickly to avoid them.
Add Phase: After Shinryu's roar, several adds (additional enemies) will spawn on the battlefield. Players must quickly take down these adds while maintaining focus on Shinryu. Failing to clear the adds quickly enough can overwhelm the group, leading to a wipe.
Phase 3: The Infernal Wrath
As Shinryu nears the end of the encounter, he will become more enraged, triggering the Infernal Wrath phase. This phase is significantly more chaotic and introduces a number of new mechanics that players will need to manage in order to secure victory.
Key Mechanics:
Firestorm: This mechanic causes several fiery tornadoes to appear across the arena. Players will need to move quickly and position themselves to avoid the tornadoes, as they deal high damage and can quickly wipe the party if too many players are caught in them.
Divine Fury: Shinryu's attacks will become significantly more powerful during this phase, dealing increased damage to anyone in range. Players will need to ensure they have proper mitigation and healing to survive the onslaught. Tanks, in particular, should use cooldowns to reduce the damage taken from Shinryu's attacks.
Sacred Grounds: Periodically during this phase, large circles will appear on the ground. These zones are safe areas, and players should move into them to avoid damage from AoE attacks. However, there will only be a limited number of safe spots, so players must work together to ensure that everyone can find a safe area.
Desperation Dive: Towards the end of the phase, Shinryu will use Desperation Dive, a devastating attack that will deal massive damage to the entire party if not avoided. Players should pay attention to the telegraphs and position themselves away from the area of effect. If the dive connects, the raid is likely to be wiped.
Tips and Strategies for Success
Communication is Key: As with all trials in Final Fantasy XIV, effective communication is critical for success. Make sure to communicate with your team, especially during mechanics like Hellfire, Storm Clouds, and Skyward Rage. Assign roles and ensure everyone is clear on their responsibilities.
Positioning: Proper positioning is crucial throughout the encounter. Always be aware of your surroundings and move quickly when required. Avoid standing directly in front of Shinryu during tail swipe and be mindful of the storm clouds in Phase 2.
Healer Preparation: Healers should be prepared for the large bursts of damage that will occur throughout the trial, especially during the Infernal Wrath phase. Ensure that cooldowns are used effectively to keep the party alive, and be ready to handle large AoE heals during phases with multiple markers.
DPS Timing: DPS players should focus on dealing damage to Shinryu without neglecting the adds in Phase 2. Be sure to focus on the mechanics and avoid getting too greedy with damage, as timing is crucial. Keep an eye on your health, and don't be afraid to take a break from DPS to dodge AoE attacks or move to a safe zone.
Tank Coordination: Tanks will need to work together to ensure that Shinryu is properly positioned and that the rest of the party can avoid the most dangerous attacks. Use taunts and position the boss to avoid deadly mechanics like tail swipe or Firestorm.
Conclusion
The Final Steps of Faith is a trial that requires both individual skill and team coordination to overcome. It challenges players with its complex mechanics, high damage output, and the need for precise positioning. By understanding the mechanics, communicating effectively, and preparing for each phase, your group can successfully defeat Shinryu and claim victory, get more FFXIV Gil and items rewards.
Whether you're undertaking this challenge for the first time or revisiting it with a group of experienced players, this trial offers a rewarding and thrilling experience. The stakes are high, the mechanics are intense, and the payoff is a sense of achievement that only comes from conquering one of Final Fantasy XIV's most formidable foes. Good luck, adventurer!
MMOexp Final Fantasy XIV Team