10 Best Trials in FFXIV, Ranked

Most, though not all, trials play an important role in the Main Scenario Quests. These are the moments where you unleash the true power of a Warrior of Light and face the biggest threats to the planet. But these stand above the rest to become the 10 best trials in FFXIV, ranked.

FFXIV: Ranking the 10 Best Trials

The Dancing Plague (Titania)

As the first trial of Shadowbringers, Titania sets the tone for the unusual world of Norvrandt. It turns out that the faerie king is the Lightwarden of Il Mheg. That means you need to defeat them to restore night to the region. The fight has a measure of levity in the visual effects and from Titania laughing and commenting like it’s a game. However, the music has subtle undertones that show how unsettling the situation actually is.

Everkeep (Zoraal Ja)

The dungeon prior to this trial is part of the experience, revealing how the Alexandrians use souls in a way that your group sees as unsavory and unethical. Then, you reach the top of Everkeep to accept Zoraal Ja’s challenge after he’s worked to build strength. All because he lost his purpose after failing to become the Dawnservant. His anger is understandable, but his mechanics are fun, and the soundtrack is amazing. Despite the MSQ being a weaker part of Dawntrail, its trials, and dungeons are some of the most fun I’ve had in a while.

The Final Steps of Faith (Nidhogg)

When it comes to mechanics, Nidhogg is far from the most difficult, especially compared to more recent fights. However, it was a pivotal point in the story of Heavensward as you try to finally end a war that’s lasted for generations. But there’s a personal stake in the fight as you desire to save your friend, who’s been possessed by Nidhogg. The story of humans and dragons in this expansion is full of lies, love, and the corruption that comes with the search for power. That build-up ends up making this trial and its soundtrack all the more impactful.

The Pool of Tribute (Susano)

Although there’s some debate about Stormblood’s quality overall, Susano is one of the funniest trials in the game. Susano, as a boss, is playful and just wants a good fight. Plus, the music accentuates this blend of playing and breaking out his full power. Even the mechanics are unique and fun, especially if you’re the tank that gets to block Susano’s giant sword with your weapon, which looks tiny in comparison.

Castrum Fluminis (Tsukuyomi)

Yotsuyu is a rather tragic character, being used by others for the entirety of her life until she finally becomes Tsukuyomi. The arena design is strikingly plain compared to the vibrant locations of Doma you’re used to seeing. But the impactful part comes from fighting spirits of the past, and Yotsuyu wavering when one comes to save her rather than scorn her. It’s tough to feel like a hero during this fight.

The Dying Gasp (Hades)

Emet-Selch is one of the best-written characters in FFXIV, and even his boss fights as Hades is surrounded by emotional impact. He’s taken you to a recreation of Amaurot, a paradise that existed before the world was shattered into 14 reflections, and before the fight, he realizes that you are the shattered soul of his old friend. Still, he commits to this fight on top of a tower in his Amaurot until he accepts defeat and simply asks you to remember that the Ancients once lived.

The Dark Inside (Zodiark)

After 10 years of building the conflict between Zodiark and Hydaelyn, his trial needed to be top-tier. Luckily, that ended up being the case. You see his broken form, still injured from Hydaelyn’s attacks and being sealed away. Even then, the mechanics are the highlight of this fight. If you go in blind, it’s shocking to learn that the arena itself rotates, making positioning require more thought. And that alone doesn’t fully convey the chaos of this fight’s design.

The Mothercrystal (Hydaelyn)

Now, you know Hydaelyn as Venat, your former mentor when you were the Ancient who held the seat of Azem. But Hydaelyn needs to make sure you’re ready to face the incarnation of despair, and she’s ready to expend her power and finally return to the Aetherial Sea. The music, the mechanics, Hydaelyn’s lines, and the arena are all perfect for this fight. Then, it’s topped with a dialogue option that makes Hydaelyn cry before she fades. Maximum damage to your heart.

The Final Day (Endsinger)

Aside from dodging planets, you get scared doing this for the first time when it seems like death is unavoidable. It’s an instance of hope versus despair that has the fate of the universe on the line. Then, you reach the phase change with a cutscene that leaves you in tears and a soundtrack shift that makes them fall down your cheeks faster. This fight makes you truly feel like the hero you’ve been built up to be over the last 10 years.

The Seat of Sacrifice (Elidibus – Warrior of Light)

Light versus darkness is a recurring theme, and this fight is the pinnacle of it as you fight against the last Unsundered Ascian. Due to events of the past, Elidibus is focused entirely on his duty to prevent the planet from ending. With the help of an unexpected ally, you stand against the embodiment of the Warrior of Light incarnate. Your reward is a heartbreaking cutscene where the line between who’s the villain and who’s the hero is increasingly blurred. It was all beautifully done and helped Shadowbringers hold a reputation as one of the best FFXIV expansions.

That wraps up the 10 best trials in FFXIV, ranked. With so many great options, it wasn’t easy to narrow them down to a total of 10. From here, check out more FFXIV content we have available, from guides to lists!