Nearly three years since its original release, this specific Raid series inFinal Fantasy XIVis still the best in the game and seemingly can’t be topped when it comes to quality and overall design.The critically acclaimed MMORPG by Square Enix has just seen the first anniversary ofDawntrail, its latest content expansion, which picks up after the events ofEndwalkerand takes players to Tural. Since then, the game has been constantly receiving updates, with the most recent of them beingFinal Fantasy XIV’s Patch 7.2.
The update brought forth several new pieces of content, including the Cruiserweight tier for the Arcadion raid series, as well as a new dungeon and quests, for example. The game is constantly receiving new updates, despite theacknowledged fact thatFFXIVis in declinein terms of content and quality of service. Whilethe future of the MMORPG does look a bit blurry at the moment, withDawntrailbeing much weaker than the previous DLCs, it’s possible to look back at some of the best pieces of content in the game and reminisce.
FFXIV: Endwalker’s Pandaemonium: Abyssos Raids Are Still The Best In The Game
Abyssos Is The Second Part Of The Larger Pandaemonium Raid Series
One of these superb pieces of content is the set of Pandaemonium: Abyssos Raids, added with the post-MSQ patches during theEndwalkerexpansion. For reference, Abyssos is the second tier of Raids that compose the larger Pandaemonium Raid series. These four Raids were preceded by the Asphodelos tier and followed by the Anabaseios Raids, which concluded Pandaemonium. All these Raids are part of a single story arc, but thePandaemonium: Abyssos Raids inFFXIVstand out.
Released in August 2022,the Abyssos section is composed of the Fifth Circle, Sixth Circle, Seventh Circle, and Eighth Circle Raids, which feature Proto-Carbuncle, Hegemone, Agdistis, and Hephaistos as the bosses to defeat. Lore-wise, Abyssos takes players into the deeper layers of Pandaemonium and reveals a larger conspiracy at play.
FFXIV’s Pandaemonium: Abyssos Raids Are A Master Class In Gameplay Design & Soundtrack
The Abyssos Raids’ Soundtrack Is Memorable
The Abyssos Raids stand out among the other Pandaemonium sections and even other Raid series because of how well-designed they are in all aspects – not including Alliance Raids.In terms of gameplay, these four Pandaemonium circles feature some of the coolest bosses to face. These opponents have unique movesets that are more memorable than any other. Agdistis, for example, has an unforgettable arena mechanic that will keep you on your toes like no other. DirectorYoshi-P’s favorite addition inFFXIV: Patch 6.2also sets itself apart with its soundtrack.
When you start the Abyssos Raids, facing the Proto-Carbuncle in the Fifth Circle Raid, you’ll hear a well-crafted instrumental song calledSilent Scream, which guides players through what is very fun battle to participate in.Once you reach Hegemone and Agdistis, you’ll hearScream, the version of the song with vocals that give it new blood. Leitmotifs are not new to the game, but this particular ensemble shows just whyFFXIV’s soundtrack is one of the bestin the series.
Endwalkeris well-known for its leitmotifs, as it brings back melodies since the dawn ofA Realm Rebornand resignifies them, adding much more emotional depth to the whole adventure.
In addition to all the quality it provides during the activities themselves, the Abyssos Raids also feature some of the coolest-looking armor and weapon sets in the entire game. Surely, their item levels have been surpassed significantly since their release, but the possibility of using their glowing designs in glamour plates is more than enough reason to farm the Abyssos Raids inFinal Fantasy XIV.
