How to Unlock the Void Ark Raid in FFXIV: A Complete Guide
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The Void Ark is the first raid in the Shadows of Ishgard raid series, a crucial part of the Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward expansion. This 24-player alliance raid is not only a thrilling encounter with challenging mechanics and rewarding loot, but it’s also essential for progressing through the expansion’s story and gearing up your character. Unlocking it requires completing a series of quests, and this guide will walk you through the entire process.
To unlock the Void Ark raid in FFXIV, you need to complete the following steps:
- Reach level 60 with at least one combat class.
- Complete the main scenario quest “Heavensward.”
- Travel to Ishgard – Foundation (X:25.2, Y:28.7) and speak to the Unthrifty Gentleman.
- Accept and complete the quest “Sky Pirates.”
- Follow the questline given by the Unthrifty Gentleman, which leads you through a series of short quests.
- The final quest in the unlocking process is called “Where Clouds are Gathered.” Once you complete this quest, the Void Ark will be unlocked in the Duty Finder.
Detailed Step-by-Step Unlock Guide
Let’s break down each step in more detail:
Level Requirement and Main Scenario Completion
First and foremost, you must be at least level 60 with a combat class. This is the level cap introduced with the Heavensward expansion, and the raid is designed for players at this level. Alongside the level requirement, you must have completed the main story quests (MSQ) leading up to the end of Heavensward, culminating in the quest “Heavensward.” This ensures you have access to all the relevant areas and characters involved in the unlocking process.
Starting the Void Ark Questline: “Sky Pirates”
Once you’ve met these prerequisites, head to Ishgard – Foundation. You’ll find the Unthrifty Gentleman located at (X:25.2, Y:28.7). Interact with him to accept the quest “Sky Pirates.” This quest initiates the series of events that will ultimately unlock the Void Ark. The Unthrifty Gentleman explains a peculiar situation involving airships and missing persons, setting the stage for your adventure.
Following the Questline
After accepting “Sky Pirates,” the Unthrifty Gentleman will provide you with a series of objectives. These generally involve:
- Speaking to specific NPCs: The questline requires you to communicate with different characters in Ishgard, gathering information and progressing the narrative.
- Investigating locations: You’ll need to explore designated areas, searching for clues related to the mysterious disappearances.
- Completing short duties: Some quests may require you to participate in minor combat encounters or instances.
It’s crucial to follow the quest descriptions carefully and complete each objective in the correct order to advance the storyline. The quest tracker and map markers will guide you, but pay attention to the dialogue for crucial details.
The Final Step: “Where Clouds are Gathered”
The culmination of the questline is the quest “Where Clouds are Gathered.” This final quest usually involves a more involved duty, potentially requiring you to fight enemies or solve puzzles. Upon completion of “Where Clouds are Gathered”, the Void Ark will be unlocked and accessible via the Duty Finder under the Alliance Raid category. You are now ready to queue for this exciting 24-player encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unlocking the Void Ark
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about unlocking the Void Ark raid in FFXIV, designed to address common issues and provide additional helpful information:
1. What is the minimum item level required to enter the Void Ark?
The minimum item level (iLvl) required to queue for the Void Ark is iLvl 175. If your gear is below this threshold, you won’t be able to register for the duty. Focus on acquiring higher-level gear through dungeons, other raids, or crafted equipment.
2. Can I unlock the Void Ark on multiple classes?
Yes, the Void Ark is unlocked per character, not per class. Once you unlock it on one class, you can access it with any other class that meets the level and iLvl requirements.
3. What happens if I abandon the “Sky Pirates” questline?
If you abandon the “Sky Pirates” questline, simply return to the Unthrifty Gentleman in Ishgard – Foundation and re-accept the quest to pick up where you left off.
4. Do I need to complete any other raids before Void Ark?
No, the Void Ark is the first raid in its series and doesn’t require completion of any previous raids. However, it’s recommended to understand basic raid mechanics before attempting it.
5. Can I unlock the Void Ark solo?
While the unlocking process involves solo quests, the Void Ark itself is a 24-player alliance raid and requires a full party to complete.
6. How long does it take to unlock the Void Ark?
The time required to unlock the Void Ark varies depending on your progress in the main scenario and how quickly you can complete the quest objectives. It usually takes a few hours to complete the entire questline.
7. What kind of rewards can I get from the Void Ark?
The Void Ark offers iLvl 200 gear, which is a significant upgrade for players progressing through Heavensward. It also rewards you with Void Ark Coffers, which contain various items, including crafting materials and cosmetic items. A weekly item can also be earned to trade for Ironworks Gear.
8. Is the Void Ark difficult?
The Void Ark is generally considered one of the easier 24-player raids, but it still requires coordination and understanding of the boss mechanics. Watch some videos of boss fights ahead of time to be prepared.
9. What roles are needed for the Void Ark?
The Void Ark requires the standard 24-player raid composition: 3 tanks, 6 healers, and 15 DPS. The Duty Finder will automatically match you with players filling these roles.
10. Are there any specific strategies I should know before entering the Void Ark?
Yes, each boss in the Void Ark has unique mechanics. It’s highly recommended to research these mechanics beforehand. Common strategies include assigning specific positions for players and having clear callouts for certain attacks. Watching a guide video is extremely helpful.
11. What happens if I die during the Void Ark raid?
If you die during the Void Ark raid, you can be resurrected by a healer. Don’t give up! Coordinate with your party and learn from your mistakes.
12. Can I use the Duty Finder to queue with friends?
Yes, you can form a pre-made party with your friends and then use the Duty Finder to queue for the Void Ark. The Duty Finder will prioritize matching your party with other parties and individual players to form a full alliance.
13. Where can I find strategies and guides for the Void Ark?
There are numerous resources available online, including websites, forums, and YouTube channels, that offer detailed strategies and guides for the Void Ark. Search for “FFXIV Void Ark guide” to find helpful resources.
14. What is the storyline significance of the Void Ark?
The Void Ark plays a crucial role in the overall storyline of Heavensward. It introduces key characters and concepts related to the ancient Allagan civilization and the mysteries surrounding the floating island of Azys Lla.
15. What should I do after completing the Void Ark?
After completing the Void Ark, you can continue to run it weekly to acquire more gear and materials. You can also progress to the next raids in the Shadows of Ishgard series: The Weeping City of Mhach and Dun Scaith, which unlock after certain MSQ progress.
By following this guide and the answers to these frequently asked questions, you should be well-equipped to unlock and conquer the Void Ark in FFXIV. Good luck, and have fun exploring this exciting content!