How to unlock Warqor Lar Dor Trial in FFXIV Dawntrail

There are countless new challenges to take on in Final Fantasy XIV's Dawntrail expansion, and one of the first ones pits the Warrior of Light against the one and only Valigarmanda. If you're wondering when or where you'll get to take on this serpentine beast, here's our handy guide for how to unlock Warqor Lar Dor Trial in FFXIV Dawntrail.

When Warqor Lar Dor Trial unlocks in FFXIV Dawntrail

Warning: The following guide contains location and quest-related spoilers for Dawntrail's main story. Read ahead with discretion.

The series of primal trials in Final Fantasy XIV's Dawntrail kicks off with none other than the fated beast of legend in Tural - Valigarmanda the Skyruin. However, to unlock the normal version of the fight you'll first need to reach a specific point in Dawntrail's Main Scenario Questline (see our guide for How to start Dawntrail MSQ in FFXIV).

Once you've made your way across the mountains of Urqopacha and encountered the statuesque Yok Huy who act as guardians of the region, soon enough you'll find yourself in a situation where Valigarmanda must be vanquished, lest it wreak havoc on Tural once more. The Level 93 Main Scenario quest "The Skyruin" will officially unlock the trial for you to participate in.

If you're worried about whether you meet the minimum item level requirement for this fight, there's no need to stress as the game waives that stipulation for the normal difficulty, as long as a full group of eight players is present. The duty will sync your level down to 93 if yours is any higher at the time of queueing in.

Valigarmanda Boss Guide in Worqor Lar Dor Trial - FFXIV

Remember to equip the best gear you have available, be it raid or augmented tomestone gear from Endwalker, or the most recent gear pieces provided via completion of Dawntrail Main Scenario quests. Also bring along some helpful meals to use for stat buffs, as every bit of a boost helps this early on in the expansion.

Finally, if you want to try out either Viper or Pictomancer in this fight, make sure you unlock the jobs first in their respective areas.

The normal version of Warqor Lar Dor is a dynamic fight but otherwise still pretty straightforward. Valigarmanda begins the fight with a big donut AoE for the party to stack tight in, noted by a bright red mechanic notification which is a new feature in FFXIV battle content going forward.

Along with various shaped AoEs that cleave huge portions of the arena, Valigarmanda utilizes the elements of Fire, Ice, and Lightning to its advantage through the execution of different mechanics. After a tank buster, the beast will use 'Skyruin' to change the arena to a storm (Lightning) or snow (Ice).

If it's a storm, several green squares will appear on the arena that levitate you up high if you stand on them. You'll make use of this when Valigarmanda uses 'Thunderous Breath' by levitating to dodge the otherwise unavoidable AoE mechanic.

When Valigarmanda changes the environment to snow, it will harness an avalanche to sweep through half the arena, as noted by another bright red mechanic prompt. Otherwise, make sure to keep moving through its 'Freezing Dust' ability so that your character doesn't freeze, and dodge the Arcane Circle AoEs.

Near the end of the fight, Valigarmanda will summon three elemental nail adds for the party to vanquish, all while dodging conal AoEs and stacking when necessary. Soon enough, the epic beast will collapse in defeat.

Be sure to check out all of our latest news and guides for Final Fantasy XIV at Pro Game Guides, such as How to get and use Facewear in FFXIV Dawntrail.