Final Fantasy 14: 10 Things To Know About The Dancing Plague

With the release of Final Fantasy XIV‘s third expansion in 2018, players were introduced to the First, one of the thirteen reflections of the mythic Source. Players could now explore two brand new cities alongside two new playable races, the rabbit-like Vera and the lion-like Hrothgar.

Also included in the Shadowbringers expansion were three trials, the first of which is an epic battle against the faerie king Titania. Proper strategy is necessary to defeat this enemy, and a little background information on their creation only proves to improve your understanding of the sort of thing you’ll be up against.

10 The Real “Dancing Plague”

Titania’s trial is rather ominously called “The Dancing Plague,” named after a real, truly bizarre historical event. In Strasbourg, Alsace (modern-day France) in the year 1518, a total of 400 people randomly began to dance without end, ultimately resulting in a handful of deaths. There is no exact explanation for this frightening incident, although some have hypothesized that it was a form of mass hysteria. This real-life inspiration for the faerie king’s trial adds a sinister tone that many players may be unaware of.

9 Titania’s Name

Final Fantasy has a surprising amount of easter eggs for fans of classical literature. One example includes Final Fantasy IX’s prince of Burmecia, Puck, who is named after a character in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Similarly, Titania takes their name from the same play. Meaning “giant” or “great one,” Shakespeare’s character is known as the queen of the Fairies.

8 Titania’s Origin

One of the most beloved aspects of the Final Fantasy franchise is the deep lore behind every location, race, and character. Titania is no exception. Formerly a leader of the Fae Folk, Titania became a Lightwarden (a leader of the vicious sin-eaters) after defeating the previous one, and the Fae people were forced to seal their ruler away in Lyhe Ghiah. The player must defeat the king in order to restore darkness to Il Mheg and claim the light Titania holds.

7 How to Unlock The Dancing Plague

Requiring a party of 8 players consisting of two tanks, two healers, and four DPS roles, this trial is reached by progressing along the expansion’s main storyline, “Acht-la Ormh Inn.”

The quest is given by Seto in Il Mheg who will lead the player to the castle gate to combat Titania. Players must be level 73 or higher to access the trial and have to have had already completed the previous quest, “Memento of a Friend.”

6 Water Rune

In the first phase of the Dancing Plague, Titania uses this attack to summon eight water puddles across the map. If a player stands inside one of these puddles they are immediately granted Fire Vulnerability Down, preparing the player for an upcoming attack of Fire Rune. However, if a player is not standing inside the puddles, a Spirit of Dew will be summoned and promptly explode, wiping out the group if it is not handled quickly.

5 The Phases

The Dancing Plague is divided into four phases and one finale phase, each with increasing difficulty. The first phase takes place in Titania’s castle. The second, in an overgrown forest arena without rails. The third adds three treants. In the fourth, the three treants reappear, only this time they are stronger, faster, and larger. The fifth and final does not introduce anything new to the trial, although the difficulty is heightened.

4 Second Phase Transition

Titania will cast “Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the end of the first phase, signaling to the player that the environment will change into the borderless arena. One of your party will be immediately tethered to the faerie king, and this can be intercepted by another party member. If the attack is not cut off, the tethered player will have Thunder Rune cast on them six times every five seconds. The attack causes slight lightning damage, but what is more dangerous is the fact that it increases your vulnerability to lightning strikes.

3 Twist and Shout

Growth Rune occurs in the second phase, causing large tangles of tree roots to spread across the battlefield, leaving small polygons safe to stand in.

It is possible to dash through the encompassing roots, but getting caught in their path will cause Bleed damage. This rune repeats in the fifth and final phase, albeit with greater coverage.

2 Third Phase Spawn

At the start of the third phase, Titania summons three treants named Puck, Mustardseed, and Peaseblossom. Mustardseed should be the first of the trio to be dispatched as he enrages quickly. If left alive too long the treant will cast Whispering Wind which will wipe out the entire party. Puck and Peaseblossom cycle through three attacks, Pummel, Peasebomb, and Hard Swipe until the phase ends (and the real trouble begins).

1 Fourth and Final Phase

After being rid of the treants Titania has them return to the battle, only this time with improved size and strength. They are now omnidirectional and stand off the stage. Additionally, they will continue casting even after they are dead, only stopping when Titania begins to cast Being Mortal towards the end of the overall battle. If the player survives the frenzy of attacks lead by Titania and her minions, the faerie king will be destroyed and a new Lightwarden will take her place.

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