Final Fantasy 14: The Striking Tree (Hard) Guide

Throughout Final Fantasy 14's Main Scenario, you will fight against Primals of all elemental affixes. Eventually, as you tread through the Sylphlands, you will be tasked with facing Ramuh — the Primal of Thunder and Lightning.

This will be your first time encountering this boss, and he can pose quite a challenge if you aren't prepared. Let's take a look at Ramuh's attacks and abilities, how to avoid them, and how you can take down the Lord of Levin.

How To Unlock The Striking Tree (Hard)

Main Scenario Quest – 'Levin an Impression'

Papalymo – East Shroud (X:23, Y:14)
Accepting this quest will unlock the trial

You will have access to this quest through the Main Scenario, provided you have done all previous quests and are level 50.

Trial Walkthrough

Throughout this trial, Ramuh will use powerful lightning attacks that will incapacitate you and your party members. Unlike other trials, Ramuh does not move from the center of the arena and must be tanked here. Luckily, Ramuh does not possess any cleaving attacks that will damage players who stand in front of him, so feel free to strike from any angle.

Orbs: After certain lightning strikes, an Orb will be left behind. You can gather up to three of these to grant the special buff Electroconductivity. This will be used for a few different mechanics throughout this fight, so be sure to pay attention to where the Orbs are and if you need to grab any.
If you gather more than three orbs at a time, you will be debuffed with Static Condensation, which will reduce healing given and received for a set duration.
Additionally, any Orbs that are left on the ground will provide Ramuh with a damage buff. Stay on top of picking these up, but be sure to leave a few around for when you'll need them later.

Phase One

During this phase, Ramuh will have access to the following attacks.

Thunderstorm: All throughout the fight, Ramuh will target random players with a Thunderstorm. This attack has a small area of effect centered around each player and does a small amount of damage after a short delay.
- There will also be a few Thunderstorms that do not target any player, and instead, remain stagnant on the ground. After dealing damage, these instances of Thunderstorm will leave behind an Orb.
Thunderspark: This attack will deal damage in a circle around Ramuh. Avoid this attack by moving away from Ramuh when he begins to cast Thunderspark.
Chaotic Strike: Ramuh will apply the Terror debuff on two players that do not have top enmity. These players will be unable to take action for around 40 seconds. To save these players, when you are targeted by Thunderstorm, stand near them to shock them out of their Terror.
- Additionally, you can save yourself from Chaotic Strike by running near Ramuh when he casts it, ensuring you are hit by Thunderspark shortly after. Only do this if you have full or almost full health, as Thunderspark will do a sizable amount of damage.
Shock Strike: Ramuh will target the Main tank, then deal an AoE attack centered on them. This attack does high damage but can be avoided by building up three stacks of Electroconductivity before you are struck with it. Tanks will be able to survive this attack, but Shock Strike can be deadly to other jobs. If you are targeted with it, ensure you are away from other players.
Grey Arbiter: At 65% health, Ramuh will summon three Grey Arbiters around the arena. These enemies will chain lightning between themselves, resulting in a moderate amount of damage. These enemies must be killed quickly before Ramuh uses Judgment Bolt.
Judgment Bolt: This is Ramuh's signature move, and will deal damage to all players according to how many Grey Arbiters are still alive. If your party manages to kill all three, this attack can be easily survived. However, if even one Grey Arbiter is still alive, expect to receive heavy damage from Judgment Bolt. After Ramuh uses this attack, the fight will move into Phase Two.

Phase Two

Phase Two will begin after Ramuh casts Judgment Bolt. This phase is relatively similar to the first half of the fight, but there are a few changes that you will need to be aware of. First of all, the Orb mechanic will become slightly more important with the introduction of a new attack, Rolling Thunder.

Rolling Thunder: Ramuh will create a lightning chain between two players that will inflict the debuff Causality. If this debuff is not removed, both players will take continuous damage, and receive damage every time they use an action. This effect can be removed by having one tethered player gather three stacks of Electroconductivity.
Additionally, every so often Ramuh will spawn a single Grey Arbiter. This enemy does not precede a Judgment Bolt, but should be dealt with to avoid unnecessary damage.

Other than this, the fight will continue on much like Phase One. Keep track of your Orbs, save players suffering from Chaotic Strike, and you will get through this trial.