FFXIV The Fractal Continuum (Hard): Unlock + Boss Guide

The Level 70 dungeon The Fractal Continuum (Hard) can be unlocked by accepting the Level 70 quest “An Unwanted Truth” from Philiot in Rhalgr’s Reach (X:13.2, Y:12.2).

But this quest will only become available after you clear the normal-mode dungeon The Fractal Continuum, and after you complete the final MSQ for patch 4.0 of the Stormblood expansion.

Step-by-Step Unlock Guide

1. Finish the Level 60 quest “Do It for Gilly” from Notrelchamps in The Pillars (X:14.6, Y:12.2) by clearing Fractal Continuum (Normal).
2. Complete the Level 70 MSQ “Stormblood” from Pipin in The Lochs (X:32.6, Y:22.9).
3. Accept the Level 70 quest “An Unwanted Truth” from Philiot in Rhalgr’s Reach (X:13.2, Y:12.2).
4. Speak with Philiot once again in Azys Lla (X:26.7, Y:33.7).

Detailed Unlocking Guide

As with other hard-mode dungeons in FFXIV, you’ll need to first clear the normal version before the hard mode can be unlocked.

So to do that you’ll need to accept and complete the Level 60 quest “Do It for Gilly” from Notrelchamps in The Pillars (X:14.6, Y:12.2). You can also read our guide for the Fractal Continuum (Normal) to help you clear it quickly.

After doing that, you’ll need to complete your patch 4.0 MSQs from the Stormblood expansion until you finish the Level 70 MSQ “Stormblood” from Pipin in The Lochs (X:32.6, Y:22.9).

That MSQ unlocks the quests needed for endgame content in Stormblood, including the Level 70 quest “An Unwanted Truth” which unlocks Fractal Continuum (Hard).

So once you’re done with the Stormblood MSQ, accept the quest from Philiot in Rhalgr’s Reach (X:13.2, Y:12.2) to begin unlocking Fractal Continuum’s hard mode.

The newcomer from Garlond Ironworks will report a strange signal the company received from The Fractal Continuum.

Having learned of your previous expedition in the facility from Wedge, Philiot thinks you’re the right person to investigate the signal.

Speak with Philiot once more at the Allagan Teleporter in Azys Lla (X:26.7, Y:33.7) to continue.

Upon arriving, you’ll see that the teleporter has been restricted and the only way to travel to the facility is through The Enterprise.

After the short cutscene, The Fractal Continuum (Hard) will be unlocked. This dungeon requires at least a Level 70 Disciple of War or Magic job and an average item level of 310 to enter.

Boss #1: Motherbit

Mechanics

• Electrochemical Transfer: The boss will activate the magitek bits lying on the floor. These bits will fire line AoEs and attack the primary target at the same time.
• Allagan Gravity: A large circle AoE that drops a puddle. The puddle will pull players in and apply a “Heavy” debuff for 40 seconds. Dispel the debuff as necessary.

• Citadel Buster: The bits will line up in the center facing one direction. After a few seconds, the magitek bit line will spawn an AoE underneath, cutting the arena in half. Running through the line AoE will result in a knockback attack that applies a stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuff for 60 seconds.

  Meanwhile, the boss will charge a room-wide frontal attack that applies “Damage Down” for 20 seconds. Run behind the boss before the line AoE appears.

Rewards

• 7 Allagan Tomestone of Poetics

Boss #2: The Ultima Warrior

Mechanics

• Aetherplasm: A strong tankbuster attack on the primary target. Shield and heal through the damage.
• Citadel Buster: The boss will turn toward a player and charge a laser column AoE that applies a stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuff for 60 seconds.
• Ceruleum Vent: A room-wide AoE attack that knocks players back.
• Primordial Aether: The boss will tether to one of the three Warring Triad statues around the arena and channel a primal’s power.
• Infinite Ice or Fire (Zurvan): Players will receive either an “Infinite Ice” or “Infinite Fire” status. Then, fire and ice meteors will slowly crash into the arena for room-wide AoEs that apply stacking “Vulnerability Up” debuffs for 60 seconds. Stand underneath the meteor circle that matches your element to mitigate incoming damage.
• Ratzon (Sephirot): All players will receive a “Ratzon” marker that will drop expanding AoEs. Touching the expanding AoEs will result in constant “Vulnerability Up” debuffs. Spread the markers in one area to leave safe zones once the AoEs expand.
• Dischordant Cleansing (Sophia): Players will receive either a white or black circle marker that will slowly contract. Stand with an opposite-colored player before the marker dissipates to prevent incoming damage. Failing to do so will result in a 20-second “Reduced Immunity” debuff or a 20-second “Bleeding” DoT.
• Mass Aetheroplasm: A stack marker on one random player that usually follows “Primordial Aether.” Stand inside the marker to share incoming damage.

Rewards

• 13 Allagan Tomestone of Poetics

Boss #3: The Ultima Beast

Mechanics

• Death Spin: The boss will raise its right arm for a point-blank AoE. Move away from melee range to avoid.
• Aether Bend: The boss will stand up for a room-wide donut AoE. Stand inside the boss’ hitbox to avoid.
• Flare Star: A proximity marker that drops a “Burns” DoT puddle afterward.
• Allagan Gravity: Targeted AoEs on random players. Spread out to avoid overlap.
• Light Pillar: One player will be marked with a circle AoE with directional AoEs around it. Run out between the gaps of the directional AoEs to avoid.
• Forborn Beast: A “Damage Up” buff.
• Allagan Flare: The tank will be marked with a proximity marker. Have the tank move away from the rest of the party.
• Demi-Ultima: A room-wide AoE attack. Mitigate and heal through the damage. When the boss reaches 10% HP, it’ll slow-cast this attack to wipe the party. Kill the boss before it goes off.

Rewards

• 20 Allagan Tomestone of Poetics
• Guidance Node Triple Triad Card (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, crafting material, and crystal rewards:

• (X:10.7, Y:11.0)
• (X:9.0, Y:11.7)
• (X:12.7, Y:9.6)
• (X:11.6, Y:12.5)

Lore Readings

You can find two Torn Navigator’s Log Pages throughout the dungeon that you can read for more lore info. Here are their locations:

• (X:8.5, Y:10.0)
• (X:11.9, Y:12.1)

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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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