Final Fantasy 14's 6.55 patch has introduced the anticipated Asura Trial, a boss fight first showcased at the FanFest. To access this new feature, players must delve into the Hildibrand questline from Endwalker. This comical detour is necessary to reach the eagerly awaited battle and is a must-do for players seeking the full Final Fantasy 14 experience.
Patch 6.55, also known as Growing Light Part 2, serves as the narrative connector between Endwalker and the upcoming Dawntrail expansion. Along with concluding major storylines, the patch unleashed The Gilded Araya, the new trial where players face off against the formidable Asura. Unlike typical Final Fantasy 14 main scenario tasks, this trial is intertwined with the Hildibrand adventure series, renowned for its light-hearted and humorous spirit.
To confront the war goddess Asura in The Gilded Araya, players must engage in the Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures. As the climax of this questline, players must align themselves with the quirky detective Hildibrand in his inter-world escapades, eventually leading to the trial.
Here's how you can step into battle with Asura:
1. Wrap up the main narrative of Endwalker. There's no need to complete any subsequent patch stories before starting this quest.
2. Progress with the Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures, kicking off with the quest from the Excitable Youth near the Radz-at-Han aetheryte.
3. For access to the Endwalker Hildibrand series, all three prior Hildibrand escapades across Final Fantasy 14 must be completed.
4. Discover The Gilded Araya during the Gentlemen at Heart quest, situated towards the conclusion of the story arc. Note that participation requires a minimum item level of 625.
In Final Fantasy 14's storied history, the Hildibrand tales have frequently included trial fights—three in A Realm Reborn and one in Stormblood. Asura, the deity first encountered in Final Fantasy 4, makes the fifth trial to be discovered in Hildibrand's narrative. Conquering Asura is imperative for players aiming to master the Mentor Roulette or to fully enhance their Manderville Relic Weapons.
Despite the thrill of the fight, The Gilded Araya does not offer an extreme mode for those craving a higher degree of difficulty. True challenge-seekers will have to hold tight for Dawntrail's release. However, with the coming Futures Rewritten Eden Ultimate, the Arcadion Savage raid, and a series of new Extreme trials in the next expansion, there's ample excitement on the horizon for those who thirst for demanding encounters.