FFXIV The Howling Eye (Normal): Unlock + Trial Guide

The Howling Eye (Normal) Trial Boss Garuda

You can unlock the Level 44 Normal-difficulty trial The Howling Eye by accepting the Level 44 Main Scenario Quest “Lady of the Vortex” from Cid in New Gridania (X:11.4, Y:13.6).

The Howling Eye is a four-person trial that you’ll encounter deep into the ARR Main Scenario Questline.

Unlocking Quest: Lady of the Vortex

The Level 44 Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) “Lady of the Vortex” is the third four-person trial you’ll encounter in the game.

You’ll need to finish every MSQ leading up to it in patch 2.0 of FFXIV: A Realm Reborn.

Make sure you’ve finished the backlog of MSQs before attempting to unlock this trial. Once you’re ready to proceed, talk to Cid Cid in New Gridania (X:11.4, Y:13.6).

Cid’s map location in New Gridania / Final Fantasy XIV
Cid’s map location in New Gridania

In this quest, Cid will inform you that the preparations to enter Garuda’s domain are complete. However, there’s no way of knowing if The Enterprise can break through the domain’s defenses until you get there.

As you go through the quest, a cutscene will appear.

This will be a good opportunity to learn more about Cid and his past, from his childhood until his days as a young Garlean engineer. Eventually you’ll arrive at the Ixali deity’s domain without any trouble.

Speak with Alphinaud outside the gates to unlock The Howling Eye.

This trial requires at least a Level 44 Disciple of War of Magic job to enter and has no item level requirement. Your first bout with the Lady of the Vortex will be fairly simple.

We’ve organized her list of mechanics below with tips to help you clear the trial easily.

Trial Boss: Garuda

Garuda, Lady of the Vortex / FFXIV
Garuda, Lady of the Vortex

Upon entering the trial, you’ll notice four rock pillars near the middle of the arena.

Most of the boss’ attacks can damage the pillars, so stay away from them unless it’s needed.

These pillars will help you get through some of the boss’ mechanics, so it’s important to keep them intact as much as possible.

Mechanics:

  • Friction: A ranged attack on a random player that can damage stone pillars. Stay directly in the center or near the boss to avoid damaging the pillars.
  • Downburst: A frontal cleave attack that can’t be dodged. Pull the boss to the north and face her away from the party.
  • Wicked Wheel: A non-telegraphed point-blank AoE. Keep the boss away from the pillars.
  • Slipstream: A non-telegraphed, frontal line attack that can stun. Sidestep during the cast to avoid it. Always face the boss away from the party so the pillars don’t get hit.
  • Mistral Song: The boss will jump to one side of the arena and cast a non-telegraphed frontal cone AoE. Stand behind a pillar to avoid getting hit.
  • Razor Plumes: The boss will spawn multiple plumes that will explode after some time, damaging any pillars around them. Kill the plumes before they explode.
  • Aerial Blast: At around 50% HP, the boss will jump to the center and cast her room-wide ultimate AoE attack. This attack will deal damage based on the number of intact stone pillars. Keep as many pillars up to mitigate the damage. After this attack, every remaining stone pillar will be destroyed.
  • Eye of the Storm: The boss will summon a whirlwind on the outer edges of the arena, shrinking the available space. Moving outside the barrier will cause you to get sucked back in.
  • Mistral Shriek: The boss will fly to one side of the arena and cast a large, non-telegraphed point-blank AoE. Move as far away from her as possible to avoid it.

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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