FFXIV Holminster Switch: How To Unlock + Boss Guide

You can unlock the Level 71 dungeon Holminster Switch by accepting the Level 71 MSQ “The Lightwardens” from the Crystal Exarch in The Ocular (X:6.1, Y:6.0).

This MSQ is part of the patch 5.0 storyline for the Shadowbringers expansion.

Below we’ll cover how to unlock this dungeon, all the loot you can get, and all the battle mechanics of each boss you’ll face.

Step-by-Step Unlock Guide

1. Accept the Level 71 MSQ “The Lightwardens” from the Crystal Exarch in The Ocular (X:6.1, Y:6.0).
2. Speak with the Crystal Exarch once more in The Ocular (X:6.1, Y:6.0).
3. Meet the Exarch past the Accensor Gate in Lakeland (X:28.4, Y:24.8).
4. Talk to the Exarch one last time at the Northern Staging Point in Lakeland (X:35.0, Y:7.2).

Detailed Unlocking Guide

The Level 71 MSQ “The Lightwardens” is part of the patch 5.0 Main Scenario Questline for the Shadowbringers expansion. You’ll need to finish every MSQ leading up to it before it can be unlocked, including MSQs from previous expansions.

After that, speak with the Crystal Exarch in The Ocular (X:6.1, Y:6.0) to begin.

At this point in the story, you and the Leveilleur twins have assessed the current sin eater situation in The First and have learned of its people’s plight.

The Crystal Exarch will also share some of his knowledge regarding The First and Lightwardens that lead these sin eaters. He believes that a Lightwarden’s death may disperse the sin eaters it controls.

During your conversation, Lyna will enter The Ocular and request the Exarch’s aid in defending Holminster Switch from another sin eater attack.

Speak with the Exarch once more in The Ocular before joining him at Lakeland (X:28.4, Y:24.8).

Then the Exarch will point you toward the Northern Staging Point near where the village is located.

Catch up with the others in Lakeland (X:35.0, Y:7.2) to trigger a cutscene. The cutscene will share more about the nature of Lightwardens and how the scions will proceed.

After doing so, Holminster Switch will be unlocked. This dungeon requires at least a Level 71 Disciple of War or Magic job and an average item level of 370 to enter.

Boss #1: Forgiven Dissonance

Most of the boss’ attacks apply a stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuff for 60 seconds.

Mechanics

• The Path of Light: A room-wide AoE attack.
• Brazen Bull: Four orbs will spawn to indicate the start of a long combo of AoEs:
  • Heretic’s Fork: The four orbs will use cross AoEs to cover most of the arena.
  • Gibbet Cage: A point-blank AoE during “Heretic’s Fork.”
  • Thumbscrew: A light-blue frontal column attack after “Gibbet’s Cage.”
  • Wooden Horse: A room-wide frontal cone AoE after “Thumbscrew.”
  • Light Shot: The orbs will use blue line attacks after “Heretic’s Fork”
• Pillory: A strong tankbuster attack on the primary target. Use mitigation skills and heal through the damage.

Rewards

Boss #2: Tesleen, the Forgiven

Mechanics

• The Tickler: A red tankbuster marker on the primary target. Shield and heal through the damage.
• Scold’s Bridle: A room-wide AoE attack.
• Fevered Flagellation: All players will receive a numbered marker. Then, the boss will rush toward each player in the order of their markers. Spread out to avoid overlap.
• Holy Water + Exorcise: One player will receive a stack marker. At the same time, four ground AoEs will spawn that apply a stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuff for 60 seconds to anyone hit. Then, the ground AoEs and stack marker will drop white puddles that apply “Bleed” DoTs. Drop the stack marker between the ground AoEs to consolidate the danger zones.

Rewards

Boss #3: Philia

Mechanics

• Scavenger’s Daughter: A room-wide AoE attack.
• Headcrusher: A heavy-hitting tankbuster on the primary target.
• Pendulum: The tank will receive a flare marker while a proximity marker spawns in the middle of the arena. Have the tank move to the north while the rest of the party moves south to mitigate incoming damage.
• Chain Down + Aethersup: A random player will be trapped in an “Iron Chain.” Then, the boss will slow-cast “Aethersup,” a three-hit frontal cone that applies stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuffs for 60 seconds. Destroy the chain to free the affected player.
• Right or Left Knout: A 200-degree AoE on one of its flanks that knocks players up and applies a stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuff for 60 seconds. Move to the opposite side to avoid.
• Taphephobia: Targeted circle AoEs on all players. Spread out to avoid overlap.
• Into the Light: A line stack marker on a random player. Stand inside the marker to share incoming damage.
• Fierce Beating: The boss will move to the center and begin slamming its front while using large AoEs behind it, slowly turning in one direction after each attack. Each hit will apply a stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuff for 60 seconds.
  During this time, the boss’ hitbox will also be covered in a “Sludge” DoT puddle. Keep running along its flanks as it turns to avoid incoming damage.

Rewards

• Philia Triple Triad (not guaranteed)

Extra Treasure Coffers

Apart from the boss rewards, there are four treasure coffers located throughout the dungeon that you can open for more gear rewards. Here are their locations:

• (X:11.1, Y:13.3)
• (X:12.5, Y:11.2)
• (X:12.9, Y:7.4)
• (X:12.6, Y:4.7)

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Marc Vista

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Marc is a casual FFXIV Summoner veteran, retired TF2 Soldier main, and professional communicator. He's also a huge fan of anime, Hololive, and the Golden State Warriors.

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