Learn everything there is to know about the FFXIV Alliance Raids. How to Unlock them, how the content works, and what you need to look out for.
The Alliance Raids of Final Fantasy XIV are a highlight of the critically acclaimed MMORPG. Tense multi-man gauntlets that challenge players to go above and beyond accompanied by some of the most amazing vistas in the entire game.
If you are new to the MMORPG, you might have no idea what they are. But don’t worry. We have this little, comprehensive guide that will tell you everything you need to know about the Alliance Raids and why you should care.
FFXIV Alliance Raids Explained
Alliance Raids are 24 instances in Final Fantasy XIV that split the players up into 3 groups with 8 people. Unlike other 8-man content, these groups typically consist of a tank, two healers, and five DPS. Players need to coordinate across their so-called Alliance to beat a gauntlet of bosses for gear rewards.
On top of gear that is meant to catch you up, you’ll also earn coins which are used to upgrade Tomestone Gear to eventually become the BiS of the current patch.
These Alliance Raids are part of every Expansion and are usually released with every odd-numbered patch. Just like the Raids, these Alliance Raids always come in sets of 3 and usually take 20-40 minutes to clear with a competent group.
There is also a daily Alliance Raid Roulette which frequently pays out huge amounts of EXP.
How to Unlock Alliance Raids
For the sake of brevity, we’ll list all the Alliance Raids in order of appearance and the quest that kicks off their quest chain.
Crystal Tower Alliance Raid
The Crystal Tower Alliance Raid is part of Final Fantasy XIV’s Main Scenario and needs to be completed in order to finish A Realm Reborn. It can be initiated by taking on the quest “Legacy of Allag” from the Outlandish Man in Mor Dhona. It becomes available after completing the “The Ultimate Weapon” Main Scenario Quest.
This Raid Series includes the following Instances:
- The Labyrinth of the Ancients
- Syrcus Tower
- The World of Darkness
Shadow of Mhach
Just a big Final Fantasy IX Reference. The Shadow of Mhach Alliance Raid series involves the Warrior of Light with some shady, but entertaining figures and reveals the secrets of Mhach, the city whose War of the Magi once almost wiped out the entire Star. It’s unlocked by accepting the quest “Sky Pirates” from the Unquiet Trader in the Pillars in Ishgard after completing the Heavensward Main Scenario.
This Raid Series includes the following Instances:
- The Void Ark
- The Weeping City of Mhach
- Dun Scaith
Return to Ivalice
The Return to Ivalice Raid Series is a homage to Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics. They even got FFXII and FFT creator Yasumi Matsuno on to write this questline. It’s unlocked by taking on the quest “Dramatis Personae” from Keiten in Kugane after completing the Stormblood Main Scenario.
Completing this series of Raids is also a requirement to unlock the Southern Front and Bozja exploratory zones.
This Raid Series includes the following Instances:
- The Royal City of Rabanastre
- The Ridorana Lighthouse
- The Orbone Monastery
YoRHA: Dark Apocalypse
Commonly referred to as the Nier Raid Series, this Alliance Raid was designed in collaboration with Nier creator Yoko Taro. It is canon to the greater story of Nier Automata and allows players to unlock cool gear from the Action RPG megahit. It’s unlocked by starting the quest “A Scandal in Komra” which can be picked up in Kholusia by talking to the Gossipy Dwarf after completing the Shadowbringers Main Scenario.
This Raid Series includes the following Instances:
- The Copied Factory
- The Puppets’ Bunker
- The Tower at Paradigm’s Breach
Myths of the Realm
The Myths of the Realm Raid Series is not a reference to other Final Fantasy games. Instead, it aims to put a neat bow on story beats that have been around since 1.0. It explores the background and story of the Twelve, the patrons of Eorzea. You can unlock it by completing the quest “A Mission in Mor Dhona” which is picked up in old Sharlayan from the Fresh-faced Student.
You need to complete the Main Scenario quest “A Brother’s Grief” beforehand.
This Raid Series includes the following Instances:
- Algaia
- Euphorsyne
- Thaleia
Echoes of Vana’diel
This is going to the Alliance Raid of Final Fantasy XIV’s Dawntrail Expansion. As of writing, we have no idea what to expect except that it’s going to be Final Fantasy XI-themed.
And that is all we got in Alliance Raids in Final Fantasy XIV. For more on the critically acclaimed MMORPG such as guides and news, check out our dedicated section here.