How YOU Can Start Raiding Today! [Final Fantasy 14]

Trying to start raiding in Final Fantasy XIV but feeling overwhelmed? Let me confuse you more! In this over-edited and under-scripted video, we'll go over the ancient template Square Enix has had in place since 2017 and get you on the right path toward the most legitimately fun content in this game.
Here are all the websites and Discords I mention:
The Balance (job guides/optimizations): / discord
FFXIV Recruiter (for finding statics): / discord
Etro (for building and sharing BiS templates): etro.gg/gearset/
XIV Wiki (finding out how to unlock stuff): ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wi...
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:35 The Raiding Pipeline
1:01 Extreme Trials
2:05 Savage Raids
3:30 Ultimate Raids
4:43 Unlocking Content
4:56 Statics vs. PF
6:50 Pre-raid BiS
7:55 Raid BiS
9:23 Consumeables
10:13 Outro
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click funny link to receive future video: www.youtube.com/@specstreTV?s...
Socials:
Discord: / discord
Patreon: / specstre
Twitter: / specstre
Twitch: / specstre

[@jasmineruiz9209]

Hey there. I was formally the rank 7 paladin in the world back in eden's gate for a few months and would like to add that if people want to do high-end raiding that they should be ready for elitism and other things that don't really exist in the general raid community. I know there are ambitious players out there and the fact of the matter is that the experience is fun but you can very easily get your experience sullied in FFXIV if you don't keep good company. I was rank 7, 20 and 50 respectively for three separate tiers (Also cleared e8s week 1) and I know, like many other high-end raiders, that there is a lot of things that go on behind the scenes where people are ostracized even when they are simply trying their best. This is just a cautionary reminder to all of those players who want to raid and have their eyes set on content like ultimates and the like.

[@riverdays364]

Yes I felt this when trying the new extreme. I had over 600 ilvl gear but was still dps shamed out of the group by the raid leader using ACT to view dps. Don't be surprised if get report-worthy comments thrown your way just for being slightly under par while learning a new fight. My advice to people reading this is to wait until you're fully geared and melded before even trying, that way the group has no excuse to shame you unless you really do suck. lol

[@willowm.8444]

this is why its very important to look around for a static that fits your playstyle and needs, going in as a new player its definitely better to go with people who are on the same page as you so you arent getting picked on for learning

[@specstreTV]

Super valid input! I've been fortunate in that in my off-and-on raiding in this game, I've played with either friend statics or very kind groups of strangers. However, FFXIV has never been my "competitive" game, so I tend to raid semi-casually. Based on my experience with other games though, that all about tracks. Sorry to anyone who's had to live through it, but I think the content is well worth doing and thanks to the game's growth, it's pretty easy these days to find a casual or midcore static for people just coming in!

[@LightyGab]

Thank you for the insight. The main reason that keeps me from doing Savage or Ultimates (been trying EX's lately for the first time) is that I don't think I can handle going into PF and meet with random people and ruin my night if it's a bad group. Not even talking about performance wise but just as you said, behaviours that just... speak more about the other person than you, don't think I can handle just praying to God to get into a good group because once you put yourself out there and join you expose yourself to all of that and in the end for me if I'm not havign fun then I'm out. I'd love to have trusty worthy friends/team that I know will have a good time while we are doing the fight and don't get into toxic behaviors. Btw, you mentioned you were the #7 PLD in the world and that makes me curious in asking rank 7 based on what? I don't really know how the rankings work and what do they measure to assign you that so I'd like to learn.

[@Bankai90]

@@riverdays364 I think if someone wants to try savage (not neccessary for extremes), but for savage everybody new to it should use ACT. Just for your own to see how you're doing. At least for awhile until you're aware of your potential level of play. I say this, because I started FFXIV as my first mmorpg with Endwalker. I boosted and skipped story/lvl. So I sat there, and tried to learn my massive rota for 3-4days. But I was very very new since I never played a online game with more than 4-6buttons. Once I thought I had my rota down, I joined the extreme trials and I thought I was doing good. Since I had my 3 minute rotation down. Truth is, I was utter trash and a burden to everybody. Mainly because I didn't know how important uptime actually is. Someone logged and I hit a solid 2%tile, which totally shocked me since I thought I'm alrdy the shite and this made me download ACT 5minutes later. So it took me 1-2weeks to understand that I can do more dmg by hitting 1,2,3 and actually attacking when I should ALL the time instead of doing a suboptimal rota with even minor downtimes. 3weeks later I was alrdy in the 70th percentile and 2weeks later in the 95+. I even hit rank1 on ex1 on my server which was really really cool for me. I played a lot after that, and in FFXIV a lot of even very very longtime players. Really don't know how bad they actually are. Especially console players probably are very shocked once they find out. The skillceiling in FFXIV can be very high. But so long someone is actually trying, it doesn't matter much. Savage is easy clearable after week2 with 25% dmg people. Yet everybody has to pull his own weight then. I wouldn't shy away, especially if someone enjoys the content. I never experienced much toxicity during all those runs. But personally I'd rather have people callout someone. In FFXIV there's this weird "never toxic" culture which hinders the experience in PF a lot. You have people doing 0 damage, then the whole party disbands cause noone wants to tell that person or kick. And this cycle repeats again and again and again. Or someone is failling the mechanics which the group is alrdy past (according to title) and same thing happens. While I think not illmannered criticism would help all parties involved and really should be more accepted in that game. I got lucky that some 99+ logger took me under his wing. I wished someone would've told me on my first Ex runs how bad my dps actually is, but everybody was too nice. Which doesn't change fact how bad I actually was and if I wouldn't seekout myself on FFlogs I would've probably ruined a lot of savage parties till I would've figured it out.

[@randomcanadian6298]

For anyone anxious about Savage I definitely recommend making a static with friends that are also interested or doing it with a community you know are already friendly, so you don't have to worry about judgement for screwing up in prog. I myself started Savage raiding in this expansion around mid 6.2 having originally been too anxious about the "high end" of Extremes, and last week having finally cleared P8S. Half of the static was brand-new to Savage and was anxious about "high end". This expac Savage has a pretty nice entry if you're interested in trying it with P1S being roughly the difficulty of an Ex (you can even bring someone fresh to Savage through it with good callouts and a decent team of people who cleared in a single lockout), and still providing a real challenge as you pass that first step and prog through from P2S-P8S. Another thing to be aware of is to pick the class you're most comfortable with, there's no actual "easy class", it's a matter of practice. A BLM may do amazing in one Savage but then have a hard time learning SMN in the same Savage. Also the "two melee, one caster, one phys ranged" isn't a hard rule. My own static's DPS setup is RPR, DRG, SMN, and BLM and we still beat the tier. Another thing is that despite the emphasis raiders may put on parses you should simply treat it as a learning tool, and don't worry about numbers unless you're week 1 or BIS. Going from a 615 weapon to a 635 one can make you go from a perfect rotation, perfect mechs grey to an "oops I got a damage down" green.

[@specstreTV]

Really good write-up, I’m sure it’ll help a few newer players who pass through! :D

[@YdamAaj]

To players that have some raiding anxiety, please start raiding! I started this game around Nov 2021, near Endwalker release and got dragged into savage raids mid raid tier! After doing the Asphodelos tier, I started DSR and have completed all the ultimates. While progging DSR, I joined a Midcore group that cleared ucob and another group that did uwu shortly after clearing ucob. Point im trying to make is, a lot of people stop themselves from raiding and get put off because they fail the first time or don't perform well, but who didn't perform bad the first time they tried something? Going through DSR, I realized a small group of players that I would pass by also had the same story as me. They started off with raiding anxiety, but now are great raiders today in such a short amount of time. If you practice/work hard on improving, I imagine that there are a bunch of yall that are hidden gems

[@specstreTV]

That's an awesome turnaround time to get all the Ultis down as a new player! Super impressive, and glad you found some people you enjoy playing with. :D As for failure, spot on: one of my favorite (if cheesy) quotes is that "the master has failed more times than the student has tried." One of those tidbits that always picks me up after I bungle something.

[@nerdychocobo]

when I attempted to do the bahamut coils for the first time a friendly stranger found my PF and invited me to join a fellowship dedicated to doing the coils, was a very nice experience

[@specstreTV]

Sorry for the long gap between videos! I'm hoping to get back on schedule, but I spent way too long practicing my edits and trying out new things on this one... Absolutely let me know if it was over-edited or distracting-always happy to learn, and as always, thank you so much for watching! :D

[@specstreTV]

@@seof13 Glad to hear it, always nice to see you here! :D

[@danjack08]

Good stuff here. I liked the editing, kept some good laughs with the content

[@dyambot]

I'm always an advocate for "fk around and find out" 😂 as long as YOU like the editing style and are able to get your point across, I'm all for it!

[@LetMeSoloThemER]

i'd say a tiny bit over edited and you talk a little too fast for new people to catch up on

[@28cappuccino21]

always nice to see a new video from you! LOVE the editing and ur choice of music in this one, your videos just keep getting better and better. looking forward to the next one

[@ytmatx]

If you are new to raiding, do NOT worry about Pentamelding. While every meld helps, the difference between base melds and Pentamelds on your performance is at most a 1% boost. This is usually only relevant to people pushing week 1/month 1 clears of the tier, so save your gil for consumables.

[@Yokai_Yuri]

Yeah, it's not that huge of a deal as elitist raiders make it to be. Sure 1% boost is a most welcome buff but at the end of the day is not necessary

[@Yuuni3D]

Very nice comprehensive guide for new players curious about what "serious raiding" entails. I think that anyone nervous about starting hard content should see a video like this. Good job!

[@specstreTV]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@neinlives9424]

This is the first I have run across your videos by total accident looking at MTQ raid guides and this was a recommended video. I am SUPER impressed at the quality and how much detail you put into not just the information you provide (which was quite clear and easy to understand) but the background, outfits, and little jokes / quips throughout. You really must enjoy what you are doing to produce something like this. Insta-subbed.

[@PowerPigify]

New to high end; tried timidly starting PF groups for O12S a couple times but ultimately chickened out before people joined xD. After watching this, I'll probably try out some extreme stuff first. Great vid as usual!

[@specstreTV]

Absolutely give it a go! :D Extremes are pretty fun, and the current one is really good. It has a lot of fast mechanics in it, but it's pretty fair and you'll pick it up after dying a bit. Just try to find a learner group to take some of the mental pressure off yourself! Thank you btw, and glad to see someone come back for more!

[@willowm.8444]

another banger with good tips . Thank you again specstre you are a legend first!

[@SoranDalawi]

Thanks for this clear breakdown. Also, kudos for slipping in the FFT tavern music.

[@bransonchic678]

Omg, your lalafel is sooo cute !!

[@specstreTV]

Ty so much! :D

[@ShaunOfNintendo]

Very interesting video. I did my first EX back in Shadowbringers and had a ton of fun doing it. The idea of doing Savages always looked interesting as well. You did a great job of breaking down the path of progression.

[@specstreTV]

thank you :) if you haven't yet, i definitely encourage you to try it. it's not as intimidating as may meet the eye, and there's a lot of fun to be had in savage, especially if you can find a few people to do it with! even if you don't have any available friends right NOW, there are always statics recruiting new people and i've met a lot of good buddies like that.

[@021218theolobo]

Hey there! That is a very good video, complete with dynamic editing. Truly a masterpiece, wish I saw that two years ago haha

[@specstreTV]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@CivilChev]

Thank you SO much for this video!! I went on a whim and joined the FFXIV Recruiter Discord to find a group to do blind progging and my tryouts start tomorrow!!

[@PubstarHero]

I think the issue around midcore groups is that people think its a nebulous term. Honestly its not. Midcore is Hardcore without the time commitment. Where hardcore is 12+ hours a week, midcore will carry the same kind of mindset while running 4-8 hours a week. Basically a group that cant commit the full time to be hardcore, but wants good, consistent prog in the small time they have allotted. If more people went with this, it would clear up a lot of issue I have recruiting for my static.

[@specstreTV]

I think that's a totally reasonable definition -- it's just kind of unfortunate that, over the years, it's kind of become an XKCD "There are 15 competing standards" type joke where other opinions trying to concretely define "Midcore" have just opened more interpretations. I've signed up for midcore groups where everyone had significant ultimate experience and wanted the tier done within 2 weeks, and I've joined midcore groups where it's been a prospect of months to clear the tier. Your take seems spot on to what I'd say "true" midcore is, though!

[@AwkwardBird]

Thank you. Your explanation without being condescending is appreciated

[@NotTheWheel]

This was a great video. Thank you brotato 💙

[@specstreTV]

Thank you!! :D

[@ferraris1006]

Very informative thank you :)

[@specstreTV]

Glad it was helpful! :D

[@GhostBoyX18]

Avatar 2 is coming December 16th, thank you for the guide reminding me of this!

[@specstreTV]

Should've made the guide 10 years ago when Avatar 2 was truly just vaporware...

[@tanagerie]

Glad to see you back! Another highly entertaining and well edited video. I think the editing works really well with your humor. I'm only a sprout 🌱 somewhere in base Stormblood, so it will take me a while to get even close to raiding, but it's something that always kinda sits in the back of my mind. It's a bit of a relief to see that the start isn't as steep as I thought. (Also does this mean the bunboi is gone for good? ; _ ; )

[@specstreTV]

It's definitely not that steep!! And Square has shown no signs of wanting to mix up the formula, so to speak, so most stuff in this video will be relevant no matter how casually you level! Definitely take your time and enjoy the story, especially Shadowbringers. :D TY TY for the compliment on the editing, and as for bunboi-I make no promises either way... I am a Fantasia addict.

[@kirarozu]

Earned my sub my guy. Wow raider since vanilla here. Wanting to get into ffxiv raiding. This is the info I’ve been looking for.

[@specstreTV]

Awesome, glad it helped! :D The raiding scenes are definitely different, but I've grown to love FF's. Hope you enjoy it!

[@xbree_]

How’s getting unto raiding going?

[@Lotis343]

8:51 augment mats are also available from Hunts costing 3k for left side gear and 2k for right side

[@Lotis343]

just as f.y.i this happens i believe the patches like 6.45

[@ErakirPompop]

Ah, you've joined us in the ways of the SMOL. Welcome, welcome, enjoy your stay even if it's not for too long (But it should be!)~ Was there more editing here? It felt like it to me - either way, it's a good thing! Turned out amazing (TY for including an Ivalice Moogle

[@specstreTV]

ty ty, glad to be welcomed-a true age of lala supremacy is upon us! I knew that the moment I started messing with the emotes… Also yes: I wanted to try a slightly heavier edit, glad it worked well enough!! These are all great points! I tried to keep it light and so cut some stuff about guides, etc., since as you point out, that’ll depend on the group and its culture/expectations. Great write-up though and super useful! :D

[@selesiars420]

I was waiting for this video with bated breath. Big thanks!. Story update from last video, I'm about to finish endwalker and I lost my sprout

[@specstreTV]

So glad to see you again! :D Sorry for the delay here, but glad I got this out in time for you! Huge grats on losing the sprout, and I hope you've been enjoying yourself! Can't wait to hear how Extremes go for you at endgame!

[@selesiars420]

@@specstreTV well... for extremes: i have a lovely free company of friends, and with some we decided to start a static. it's not filled yet and I'll probably have to wait a bit until some other friends reach endgame status. but it sounds lovely to jump in with friendly faces and progress together. right now I think we're 4 people. will probably before then take a looksie in party finder

[@specstreTV]

@@selesiars420 That sounds perfect! Huge help to have a few friendly / consistent faces when you're doing new content, glad you have an FC like that! :D It's really no rush at all, for you or for them, because this content will be here forever, more or less. A new Extreme is coming out in late January with 6.3, but the raid tier is going to be around for another whole patch after that, so you've got many months! Huge grats again on making it to/through Endwalker!

[@tciddados]

For the "personal preference" of pentamelding: I think a good guideline for newbies is to not even think about pentamelding unless you're at least pushing for like, week 1 or week 2 tier clears. Beyond that point, you should have enough extra ilvl that if you're having issues, there's something else you can improve instead of pouring a bunch of money into extra melds. Also wrt PF vs Statics: While I definitely 100% believe people should try out statics (schedule permitting) for savage, I think if you're just starting out extremes, or only doing the first fight (or two) in a tier, the flexibility from PF is probably nicer than a static. But trying to prog further than that in PF is masochism, if you have a schedule that allows you to find a static.

[@JulesVante]

Honestly, I won’t put a foot on endgame content like savages and EX until I find a group of friends naturally in the game, or if some of my friends starts playing FFXIV. I consider myself as a decent player, but when conflict appears and someone starts to get mad, my attention goes of the board and I start to make so many mistakes, which causes even more irritation. Basically, I don’t wanna set a bad experience for others or for me with the raids. Still, a great guide I will still come very often since I will make use of the alliance tokens for augmented version once the final one is released lol. TYSM! 🌻

[@mrs.alienrope5778]

thanks for explaining! just started savage with my FC. and i wanted it explained compared to wow terms because people didnt ever explain this well even by itself not using wow terms . great job! you should explain what types of groups to look out for in PF. like avoid this group because xyz. look for this group because blah. also people put strats in description i had no idea what they were talking about i avoided those. im also so confused on the raid terms like O12S i knwo S is savage but the name and the 12 numbers confuse me

[@specstreTV]

So glad it helped, that’s awesome! :D Damn, I had a section breaking down the raid tags but it got a little wordy so I cut it. Roughly, though, you’re right: the S stands for Savage (and an N would stand for Normal!), while the letter tells you which raid set it is (O is short for Omega, the Stormblood raids), and the number tells you which of the 12 fights it is. Basically every xpac has its own raid “set,” then there’s always 3 tiers with 4 fights each. Right now, for example, we’re on the 2nd of 3rd Endwalker raid tiers, so if you’re going to do those, you’ll start on P5S-the fifth fight of Pandaemonium Savage! OK, it’s a little confusing, but you’ll get the hang of it and it’s a good universal shorthand once you can decipher it LOL. I wish you the best with your FC static! Hope you guys enjoy :D

[@dragonstargameforce]

I have never tried raiding. It kinda scares me, but I guess I will be trying it anytime soon now.

[@specstreTV]

You absolutely should!! It's not as intimidating as it seems, especially if you can find a group of friends or even like-minded strangers! :D

[@zerikafox1595]

I know this is a slightly older video, but I wanted to say thank you for the content you make! This is really helpful, and a dash of humor with it is just that much better. Also, when you covered the spoiler-y trial names, you didn't cover the EX versions. Oops.

[@specstreTV]

Thank you!! I appreciate encouragement like that. :D As for the spoilers... yeah, yikes. I remember someone pointing that out when this released and I SWEAR I went back w/ KZbin's editor to do a bit of blurring. If that's fallen off somehow, I'll go back and re-apply it.

[@zerikafox1595]

@@specstreTV Hey, you're quite welcome! Also shared this video and a couple others with my roommates, who also play XIV. The "EVIL" joke at the start of this vid had them giggling, so you hit the mark there!

[@apljack]

Rather well put together, but I would also want to emphaise to ANYONE wanting to do more than normals: Do not be scared of PF and Extreme Trials. Don't let the idea of them daunt you. I skipped high-end on the first expansion I was leveled up in to do it(ShB) because I just felt this big wall between what I thought I was capable of vs. what the actual content really is. I managed to Pf into E1S clear, but lost track of myself going into E2, and literally avoided Savage Raiding, and even the EX Trials the rest of the expansion because I felt I was too much a failure for not going into it, and letting social anxiety keep me from getting into learning groups. I didn't want to let people down, and it held me back. I made a point in EW to turn that around, and honestly... If you are even half competent on a fight you are not going to be the cause of complete failure. If you are, well, maybe you just didn't mesh with a group, join another learning party and go again. I've seen people who really.... are not good at all, but I've uh... peeked on FFLogs, saw just how much they actively participated, and honestly? They are getting kills, even with grey numbers, and I can respect them constantly geting into something they enjoy. Hell, I just helped some friends last night get their P7S clear, playing DPS which I never do, having literally barely melded crafted gear, and quite honestly having not touched the job at all prior(SMN, I main SCH). The content is spicy, but not horribly difficult or too intense to be able to learn That's what its about at the end of the day, enjoying the content. Don't hesitate because you might fail, you will always fail first little bit. Hell, even mostly over geared reclear groups still fuck up P5S today, so legit... Just try. I know some people it is not the content for them, and for others it is the only content. Myself, I am a casual PFer that aims to fully clear this expansion for the first time ever, other than Ultimates... Those I know I am not dedicated enough for. XD

[@specstreTV]

Really good words of encouragement!! You’re spot on that its more of a mental block than a mechanical one for 99% of people. The fights aren’t REALLY that hard, and they’re a lot of fun to do! :D

[@isateasane]

@@specstreTV yup!! Cant stress this enough that its just a mental block!! I am a very average player (i do not optimize my rotations.. well i try to but im too bad and misclick a lot, i dont parse, i mess up mechanics) but ive cleared everything in EW including dragonsongs reprise. How? I just did it. Just watch povs, learn mechanics and take responsibilities for ur mistakes! Ppl are actually super patient and nice when u can identify ur mistake and just actively try to improve. Just join casual groups == no frustations :) I really wish there were most ppl participating in the endgame content... it sucks sitting in pf for 2hrs and play 30mins get ur totem and thats it. :/

[@ganjaweedchief1510]

awesome video, liked for the lala alone. lalafells are the best part of ffxiv. every time i log in, i'm greeted with the joy of realizing that i play the best race in the game hands down. i'm so cute it's not fair to other people, but really it is, because they could've been lalafells too but chose not to, so if anything they deserve what they get. oh also the video is cool too. i've been thinking about getting back into raiding again so maybe this is a sign to take the plunge

[@cute_death8361]

My first extreme was Barbie was fun and it encouraged me to keep going XD

[@specstreTV]

that was a great trial ngl

[@soldierorsomething]

I have participated in several lvl 70 savages that were unsynched where everyone were in it for mounts and glams and after wiping to that damn Kefka and final omega (damn hello world) severals times i quickly noticed that i had ran out of money to fix my gear, since i had spent all my money to buy materia and meld them, but once i told this group about my issue, one member gave me 800 000 gil just like that and we managed to continue and beat both bosses, so my point with this is that even in super casual groups there some very generous people out there, so dont be afraid to join one if you really want that one piece of glam or a mount!

[@specstreTV]

That's an awesome story of some actual FFXIV kindness! And yeah, some of the older fights - like Kefka - still can be tricky when synced down because they have mechanics you've gotta solve for sure! That's awesome you guys did that though, and I hope some day soon you try some current content too! While there is always the POTENTIAL for toxicity, I think it's totally doable to find a fun group of people who don't get super cut-throat and just want to enjoy the fights! :D

[@soldierorsomething]

@@specstreTV hey thanks, i have been pushing myself to grind the MSQ faster and faster since nothing is more frustating than having your friend to come and ask for some help with some boss and the content is still locked for you since they all are already past endwalker content or the situation, that you have several several lvl 90 characters but have to rely on GIL to get your +600 item lvl gear for them :S (I love the story and characters of FF14, so rushing feels wrong without clearing each raid/dungeon of every expansion)

[@Orodreth888]

It's funny. I started playing and was kind of disappointed by the combat system. I progressed through the MQ and found some of the boss battles to be quite difficult. As I went on I became lvl 90 on my MCH. My first touch with any of the trials or raids came with older level 80 content which we did unsynch on extreme and savage to farm stuff. Only one week later I was invited to Barbarizia extreme and she fell in only 4 hours. I was the worst DPS of our group, but I also only played the game for 4 weeks tops and managed to die the least. I did actually have relatively few idle time too, almost none at the end. After that day none of the previous content was hard to me anymore. Love my MCH, love my guild

[@LinoudStrife]

Handy video I just threw at my friends who are new to the game. Thanks. :)

[@specstreTV]

That’s awesome, ty for the kind words!! :D Hope they enjoy the game!

[@Aetalutaa]

Welcome to the Lalafell master race team.

[@shogyi]

I've cleared an ultimate why am I watching this.. Sweet guide btw

[@KenanVonKaiser]

I Just Use Duty Finder!

[@RaidenKaiser]

Did alliance raids for ivalice today. I died so many times and i wonder how much harder savage is. Wait so ivalice raids dying did lead to a full wipe on me i wonder if its alot harder than I thought and i may not be too far from being ready to practice savage?

[@nachocheese9328]

New player to raids here...this answered literately none of my questions, great job.

[@Xenos_hive]

Not a single mention of BLU raids my heart sinks

[@Omegaphoenix128]

Honestly, savage can be at times even easier mechanically than normal modes of the same fight because savage is a lot more scripted mechanically.

[@isateasane]

And ppl do clockpos instead of pvp 🤣🤣🤣

[@Fhalei]

I'm admittedly a trash tier player and so I rarely try harder content. I don't want to waste people's time! I did the ARR extremes and a couple in HW with pugs, but this was way after release. After spending most of E4 normal face down on the ground I feel like I should just focus on finishing EW MSQ for now lol. I do want to try again though!

[@specstreTV]

The only way to get better is to play!! Don’t be too hard on yourself about E4-that was the first raid tier I did, farmed the savage for the mount and everything, but died twice in the normal the other day because I forgot the mechanics… E4N is unironically one of the hardest normals they’ve put out LOL

[@BenkaiDebussy]

Tbh normal FF14 content (the stuff required to progress storylines, either for MSQ or the raids) is actually significantly harder than in most other major MMOs. It's not that the mechanics are particularly complex, but you can still die pretty easily to missing just one or two mechanics, regardless of your gear quality. In something like WoW, you can almost entirely ignore mechanics for normal content as long as your gear is good enough. FFXIV at least requires engaging with mechanics; you can't ignore mechanics and survive, even in normal content. My biggest issue with attempting harder FF14 content (aside from needing to meet/know a group of people, which is the real biggest problem for me and most people) is that the fights are long enough that I simply wouldn't be able to play consistently for that amount of time, regardless of practice. If anything, playing for longer would result in my mind becoming more tired and forgetting things more and more. My mind basically "shorts out" at regular intervals, so no matter how much time I've done something I'll just spontaneously forget what's happening (or lose track of where I am in my rotation - particularly for jobs that have similar "phases" in their rotation, like Dragoon, where I'll forget what phase I was on and mistakenly repeat a phase twice). It's a shame, because I feel like FF14 raiding with a group of friends over voice chat would probably be extremely fun. But I don't have any friends who play this game (despite my attempts to persuade them).

[@antoineberkani9747]

Question : where do mine synced bahamut raids (non savage) lie on this scale? It seemed harder than most of the ARR or heavensward extremes to me.

[@specstreTV]

Hard to pinpoint exactly because as you’ve kind of figured out, Square didn’t really have things fully figured out back then. I’d say you’re about right and they’re harder than a lot of old extremes. Honestly ARR and HW were both very different in terms of raid difficulty, and the savages (especially pre-nerf Alexanders) were much, much more hardcore than today, as Ultimate has now filled that top difficulty slot.

[@goldtoothslair3052]

Yeah I'm a casual. Only recently have I actually gotten into the crafting and Gathering after already playing this game for three years and getting myself up to shadowbringers walk only really using one class that is extremely overleveled for the expansion that he's in. I will say though since I decided to break from just doing the story and stop trying to Blitz everything and stop trying to catch up I've been kind of having a little bit more fun with some of the content that I just haven't been doing and crafting and Gathering is actually not as difficult as I thought it was. Yes it is still time consuming but I have made more Gil they're selling resources that I don't need anymore and crafting items that people need then doing the dailies and since I want to buy a house I've been just doing that instead and yes I know buying a house just sort of like something you do after you've already done all content in the game and I won't be able to get a house

[@MrPhibbz]

hey don’t forget about Criterion dungeon!

[@specstreTV]

criterion status: forgotten I hope they actually stick with those and “integrate” them into the actual content cycle, but atm, they don’t really slot in neatly. They’re pretty much a Gold Saucer attraction for raiders already in BiS, but I hope they get more creative with them!! The fights themselves are really interesting, anyway!

[@isateasane]

@@specstreTV they just need juicier rewards. For example, im literally only doing ultimates for "shiny anime glowsticks" 😆

[@LunaNx]

Your vids are super cute I love watching them and your tiny lalaness is adorable but I love your handsome bunny to.

[@specstreTV]

Thank you so much, glad you liked the videos!! :D I fantasia a lot, so maybe someday I’ll be back to the bunny!

[@dennisengelen2517]

How? Find a group or just pug and do the raid.

[@MrZodiark]

pentamelding shouldnt be problem as long as hunt trains exist.

[@Jaid6n]

is there like a spreadsheet of what extremes to do in order, or just do randoms ones using wiki?

[@specstreTV]

It’s usually only “worth” doing the most recent one-at the start of the xpac, there are always 2 “current” extremes, then every major content patch after adds just 1 after. You can of course DO more, but unless you sync down they won’t be very challenging. For that though, yes, I’d recommend just going through the wiki :)

[@hammsuke3981]

i understand doing hard content when its still relevant is fun and also way to improve skills, but many people tend to gatekeep other people with that reason smh, like if you didnt clear it when it was relevant, you easily become a bad player to them.

[@RecklessCV]

It's not that clearing on launch doesnt mean you're good but always being able to clear on patch shows a level of consistentcy that's super important for HC groups. World prog groups often use PTO to raid, so they need players who are consistent and bring a type of mindset to raid. it's a big sacrifice people make. You don't want to throw that away on just anybody. For 95% of groups this is just used to gatekeep.

[@astrid2432]

all talking about raid and such stuff my cat butt is way way far away from it, still vibing at lvl 50 stuff and still scary about my first boss fight with 8 peeps, who will be probally odin

[@Anna.K..]

Wow ur very right. Savage is a nonsence name for endcontend. In some other games its just ,hardmode'. Btw u can raid from few days after u get lv 90. U can buy ur first green gear from market or farm a lot in the newest lv 90s 4 player dungeons for some lower gear slots and buy just some slots from market. U can also craft all for urself but u have to lv the craft jobs first. But the most important thing. Read and watch a current guide for the savage dungeon. Then please dont apply for a normal party. Join or make a party in party finder with training. U also wouldnt like to be failt ur weeklies just cause of some new player. Its no hatespeech. Ff 14 has Training parties for that.

[@SyvexDilecta]

love how u hide the trials to avoid spoilers and 10 seconds later introduce the extreme fight with boss name and level displayed lmao

[@specstreTV]

Hey, that's fair! Hard to censor everything while showing gameplay, but the trials I covered were VERY story pertinent, while Barba is... kind of just an old school FF reference with very little part in the grand XIV story. By the time she appears, there's really no doubt you're going to fight her within a quest or 2. It's not really connected to the "big" story in the same important way the hidden trials are/were.

[@maybemay96]

Me; having never raided before just jumped into p8 ☠️

[@user-ev1eo8nx8g]

New to the game but I wish the game told you what drops from these high end raids so I can know what raid I should even dedicate my time to trying to complete/farm ...as of now level 70 why should even waste my time trying to do an extreme raid other then bragging rights

[@walwal6449]

You probably alrdy know by now but...Mounts All extreme raids are for mounts collecting and also good practice lol Savage can drop gears and materials to exchange for better gear (and tend to look good for glamours if you're into that... I know that was my reason to get into savage at least 😂)

[@user-ev1eo8nx8g]

@@walwal6449 no actually I'm level 90 dragoon post shadowbringers and I'm just now learning this so thank you

[@walwal6449]

@@user-ev1eo8nx8g np, if you havent yet, you can actually run the ARR extreme trials solo unsynched to collect all the mounts there (which you then can get a cool kirin when youve collected all) :) often people will run extremes unsynched with others to farm mounts so older contents/extremes synched is mostly just an achivement reason tbh (though you may still need some knowledge as some mechanics are insta wipes if not done correctly)

[@trystanreadman1764]

hi there, i'm a lalafell

[@civares8609]

Just do it boys, It's easy.

[@keshxiv]

The Lala is a improvement over the Viera btw

[@specstreTV]

Blessed ❤️

[@specstreTV]

@@flickerfaith Love all your comments! :D That hair WAS made for lala, I swear. While I probably won’t stay one forever, I’m loving it for now. Just a goofy little race.

[@Ashaweshk]

Become a streamer and cute catgirl and statics will let you in lmao

[@intetsuanimes6437]

Hello, I'm doing an academic research about FFXIV and I would like to get how the content creators feels about some aspects of the game. Would you like to participate by answering some questions about the game?

[@specstreTV]

Hey! Well, I'm certainly on the smaller side of content creation and am a little touch and go with the game, but if you still need responses, then yes, I don't mind! Feel free to DM me on Twitter and I'll reply there if that works! :D

[@intetsuanimes6437]

@@specstreTV I would love to get your response about some aspects of the game. I don't know why, but I cannot send you DM on twitter. Is there another way to contact you?

[@Choklar_]

10:27 Not everyone is max level and doing current raid content. I've played back when max lvl was 50 and stopped for a long time. Just got back into it and I buy raid gear like this whenever I can just to help gear me out. Maybe if I ever finish the story (almost done with heavensward) I'll be doing this content when it's new and relevant. Just got to look at it from other point of views. Not everyone is in the same place or skill as you.

[@specstreTV]

Welcome back!! And of course, that’s kinda the beauty of the game-there’s TONS to do and it isn’t at all a race to get to endgame. Just enjoy the story as you go. :D Don’t feel pressured to move at anyone else’s pace. This video was/is aimed at people nearing or at endgame who haven’t raided before, but the ideas will more or less always be relevant. Good luck wrapping up Heavensward!!

[@Choklar_]

@@specstreTV Ah, cool, that makes sense! Awesome video btw! I enjoyed it, subbed for sure! I'm really liking FFXIV. The story is great and I'm taking my time and smelling the roses. I almost did the story skip for ARR, but I'm glad I didn't. ❤️

[@specstreTV]

@@Choklar_ I appreciate that, and that's great to hear! :D You will be happy you didn't skip when you get a bit further along. ARR might have a bit of a plodding pace and some boring bits, but stuff that happened there will be referenced throughout the entire game. The story is VERY connected across the xpacs. And speaking of, Heavensward is very good, but it definitely gets even better!

[@idaret.]

0:47 you think you covered all the spoilers but you really didn't

[@specstreTV]

oh my god... how many times did i go over that scene in premiere and just miss that? youtube has a scuffed blur tool built in, so i've done that now, but i'm so sorry if that affected you. should be fixed as soon as it processes! :(

[@idaret.]

yeah, no problem, I finished endwalker one month ago :D

[@wetcow]

I am level 30

[@PrinceArtemis]

/pet the lala

[@LelloDalamiq]

Honestly, given my experience with toxic groups in high-intensity games or competitive content, guides like these will honestly never get me into raiding.

[@specstreTV]

I'm sorry to hear that, but I also understand -- everyone has bad experiences now and then, and competitive stuff brings out the worst in humanity sometimes. If you're ever able to find 7 like-minded people who want to keep it chill though (and those groups do exist!), the content is fantastic and worth doing!!

[@specstreTV]

@@flickerfaith I know that absolutely DOES happen, but in general, it’s as uncomfortable for everyone else as it is for you! No one wants to play in that kind of environment, and the only people who I’ve ever seen tolerate it have been super hardcore raiders who have a different value system than most. I’d say in 99% of scenarios, people with those types of attitude problems get the boot! I wouldn’t let it discourage you! :D

[@darknight602]

Ultimately it’s all pretty ez

[@Mikalon90]

Big Tip for all of you. Find a nice round of Raiders that fit your play style. Dont surround yourself with toxic, selfish pricks that eat your mental health. There are a lot of nice players out there, looking for members of their static. Also. Raiding is time commitment, expect to plan it in your life, or dont raid. If you are not there, youre waisting the time of 7 other people.

[@specstreTV]

very solid advice :)

[@SILVERONIN]

Parsers take the fun out of raiding

[@GranDutty11]

lmao if ur a new player forget about getting a static no one wants that, can tell from experience

[@F3nryl]

HC raids for 12h a week? Idk bro, HC is more like 12h a day

[@sirylcat]

Thumup bcause smol.

[@specstreTV]

you will be spared in the lala uprising

[@specstreTV]

@@flickerfaith all are welcome ❤️

[@Ahahaha6986]

Tldr walk into PF and realize you need to get good

[@SuperGamer-mt5oc]

This game has way too many mechanics that only those without a social life that spends hours in the game can get thru these….F that!

[@imsi107]

That's pure bs you're spouting there If you're struggling with weighing both mechanics and your social life in balance at ex and savage content then that's a you problem lmfao

[@medivh1035]

Well.... It took me 80 hours to clear p3s with pf. So l gave up. I just soloed o8s recently and that was a fun challenge, So l Guess that would be the raiding experience l am looking for. For ultimate, well, l find se doesn't ban boosting, so l just pretend l am buying clothes from mogstation.

[@jfx_LAhazni]

why do you have to talk so fast...

[@darksuns7384]

Raiding is for NEETs, sociopaths, hikikomori and streamernogs

[@pyn_rae]

good joke😂

[@pyn_rae]

@Phoenix "explosive people" exist because people waste their time, people lie about prog, wipe the team countlessly, or just come in with no pots food and melds, while i dont agree with yelling at someone, i cant say i disagree with them getting mad about it after all the people causing wipes in a clear party are wasting everyones time

[@shintenkai1648]

No, don't hardcore raid in 14 unless you enjoy dictatorship, elitism and discrimination by people who use third party programs to input their actions and actually can't even play any other aspect of the game themselves without said tools. This includes but is not limited to ranked and unranked pvp, frontline, gathering bots, RMT. Majority of high end raiders are very well versed in all of these things.

[@gravestomper4359]

youre a pdf file playing that char