Fans of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail can now dive into the newly released Chaotic mode of the World of Darkness. This mode introduces a high-stakes challenge where an entire alliance must confront an enhanced, level 100 version of the iconic Cloud of Darkness, originally introduced in the A Realm Reborn expansion. Unlike the previous encounter, players can expect a more dynamic fight featuring new abilities and tactics that will keep everyone engaged. With proper coordination among the team, this boss battle is designed to provide a moderate level of challenge.
To unlock the World of Darkness (Chaotic), players must complete the level 100 Dawntrail quest titled How the West Was Sung. After finishing the main storyline of patch 7.0, speak with the Wandering Minstrel located in Tuliyollai at coordinates (x: 11.2, Y: 14.7) to access this exciting raid. Square Enix advises that while it is technically possible to tackle the raid with just 12 players, for the best experience at launch, it’s recommended to assemble a full group of 24 players comprising six tanks, six healers, and twelve DPS. Additionally, all participants should possess a minimum item level of 710, which can be easily acquired from the Echoes of Vana’diel raid.
Cloud Of Darkness Attacks And Strategy
Stay Away And Dodge Quickly
Despite the Cloud of Darkness’s intimidating presence, it does not introduce any completely new attacks—many of which have been featured in previous FFXIV expansions like Shadowbringers and Endwalker. If players have previously tackled Savage-level raids, they will likely have an advantage in anticipating the battle mechanics. However, the speed and complexity of the Cloud of Darkness’s attacks can quickly overwhelm unprepared players, contributing to the raid’s chaotic atmosphere.
Understanding the fight mechanics is crucial. The Cloud of Darkness auto-targets the three primary tanks, delivering hard-hitting attacks that significantly reduce their damage mitigation. Consequently, off-tanks must utilize the Provoke ability effectively to safeguard their partners. Moreover, players should be aware of a potent Bleed effect that deals damage over time, necessitating active healing from the party’s healers throughout the encounter.
Main Attacks Of The Cloud of Darkness
At the start of the encounter, the Cloud of Darkness can perform a sweeping cleave attack from either her right or left arm. This attack is clearly indicated, giving players the opportunity to dodge by positioning themselves under the opposite arm. Alternatively, a direct slam to the ground requires melee fighters to maintain their distance.
Subsequently, the Cloud of Darkness will execute two simultaneous attacks. First, lasers will appear from the southern and eastern edges of the arena. Players should be vigilant and react quickly to avoid incoming danger. Simultaneously, random players will receive Stillness markers similar to those found in previous FFXIV raids, which will start a countdown from five—players must look away from the group as the counter reaches zero.
Additionally, three out of the six tanks will be marked with Flares; players bearing these markers must move away from their party to mitigate damage effectively. Ranged DPS must also stay clear of these tanks to avoid unnecessary harm.
The Cloud of Darkness incorporates push-out and pull-in mechanics central to FFXIV. Players will notice a blue circle; they should group closely to it to avoid being pushed off the arena. Conversely, if a black circle appears, players must distance themselves quickly to survive the subsequent attack.
Stygian Shadow Minions
When the Cloud of Darkness drops to approximately 70% health, it will summon three Stygian Shadow minions at the western, southern, and eastern points of the arena. These minions, akin to those from Eden’s Promise during Shadowbringers, require tanks to manage their positioning adeptly to divert their attacks. Coordination is key as tanks must move closer to the main Cloud when it unleashes area attacks while also bringing the minions to the outer edges during line attacks.
Furthermore, additional minions may spawn around the battlefield. Off-tanks can attempt to control these spawns, but ideally, ranged DPS should take them out to reduce the burden on tanks. Players will also notice Meteor pads appearing; it is crucial for three to four party members to stand on them to prevent raid-wide damage.
The Stygian Shadows will tether to a wall, unleashing powerful cone-shaped attacks either straight ahead or from either side, with the order determined randomly. As players deal sufficient damage to the Stygian Shadows, the Cloud of Darkness will revert to its initial attack patterns. A well-coordinated team with strong DPS can expect to see the Cloud of Darkness’s health drop to 20% relatively quickly, achieving victory in just a few additional minutes of strategic play. All participants will be rewarded with the Cloud Strife achievement, a delightful homage to Final Fantasy VII.
Rewards And Armor Trade-Ins
There Are Direct Drops And Tokens
Defeating the Cloud of Darkness yields two armor chests, corresponding to the standard armor categories in FFXIV: head, body, hands, legs, and feet. Using these items will grant players item level 730 gear for their chosen jobs. Players will need to roll for loot against their teammates, adding an exciting layer of competition.
Additionally, players will receive Clouddark Demimateria upon completion. The default drop is two Demimateria per participant, with potential bonuses for first-time clearers. These materials can be exchanged with Uah’shepya in Solution Nine (x: 8.7, Y: 13.5) for further gear upgrades.
To acquire a single piece of gear for the head, hands, or feet, players will need two Clouddark Demimateria. For the body or legs, the requirement increases to three. Rewards also include a mount and a unique hairstyle available for 75 and 50 Clouddark Demimateria, respectively.
While facing the challenges of World of Darkness (Chaotic) in Final Fantasy XIV may seem overwhelming, it’s important to note that there are no weekly lockouts. This aspect makes it an excellent opportunity for players to accumulate high-quality gear. By practicing with friends or a Grand Company, the path to success becomes significantly more achievable with teamwork and perseverance.
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