FFXIV Dawntrail Savage Raids Tier List - Best to Worst

As we delve into the new Dawntrail expansion for Final Fantasy XIV, players are finding themselves faced with some exciting, challenging, and, at times, infuriating savage raids. So, if you're looking to get the most out of these high-stakes encounters, it's essential to understand where each raid stands in terms of design, mechanics, and overall enjoyment.

In this article, we’ll be breaking down every Dawntrail savage raid and ranking them based on several important criteria, including fun factor, design, music, and difficulty. Keep reading if you’re planning to tackle these savage fights with your team – or if you're just curious to see how they stack up!

What to Expect in Dawntrail’s Savage Raids

Dawntrail raids bring a mix of familiar mechanics with a fresh twist, offering some of the most exciting and demanding raid content seen in Final Fantasy XIV in years. Whether you're after the challenge, the loot, or the sheer joy of figuring out complicated mechanics with your friends, these raids have something for everyone.

If you’re looking to optimize your experience, you’ll need plenty of gil. Consider checking out PVPBank to buy FFXIV Gil if you’re in need of that extra boost for gear or consumables to tackle these savage fights with ease.

1. Brute Abominator - S Tier

Let’s start with the big one: Brute Abominator. There’s no denying that this fight is a standout. With exhilarating mechanics and a truly unforgettable atmosphere, it checks all the boxes for a top-tier encounter.

• Fun Factor: A high-energy fight with an emphasis on coordination and quick reflexes. Players will be jumping between platforms and dodging dangerous mechanics that make for an engaging experience.

• Design: The design is absolutely stellar, providing a dynamic, ever-changing fight environment.

• Music: The music is an absolute banger. The soundtrack is both intense and memorable, complementing the adrenaline-filled atmosphere of the raid.

• Overall Ranking: This one is in the S tier, with little debate. Even if some think it gets repetitive, the overall design and execution of this fight are just too good to ignore.

2. Tyrant - SSS Tier (Triple S)

Moving on to Tyrant, we have what can easily be classified as one of the most memorable raid fights in FFXIV history.

• Fun Factor: Tyrant offers the hardest DPS check seen in a long time. It’s tough, it’s fast-paced, and the stakes are high. The mechanics are brutal, but satisfying when done right.

• Design: The visual design of the fight and how it progresses is a work of art. The different phases keep things fresh, and the environment feels both challenging and rewarding.

• Music: While the music is definitely not the main draw, it complements the raid’s intensity well enough.

• Overall Ranking: We’re putting Tyrant in the SSS tier because this fight raises the bar for what raid encounters can be. It’s not just a test of mechanics; it’s a test of your ability to perform under pressure.

3. Sugar Riot - S Tier

There’s a certain charm to Sugar Riot, and it's hard not to love the creativity behind it.

• Fun Factor: The mechanics in this fight are wild, and it’s exhilarating to figure them out with your team. The interaction with the environment and the ad phase are a nice touch that keeps things fresh.

• Design: While the design might be a bit quirky, it’s unique and engaging. The visual storytelling through the fight's aesthetic is brilliant, making it both fun and memorable.

• Music: While the music may not stand out to everyone, it fits the raid well and helps keep the pace going.

• Overall Ranking: This is another S-tier fight, primarily because it brought something fresh to the table while maintaining the intense raid difficulty FFXIV players love.

4. Wicked Thunder - A Tier

Next up is Wicked Thunder, which has a great concept but doesn’t quite hit the same high notes as some of the other raids.

• Fun Factor: The fight starts off strong, but Phase 2 can feel like a letdown. It’s still fun, but it doesn’t match the intensity of other fights in the same tier.

• Design: The design here is solid, but the overall execution leaves a bit to be desired. Compared to other turn-four bosses, Wicked Thunder falls short.

• Music: The music is top-tier, as you’d expect from any great FFXIV fight, but it doesn’t elevate the fight enough to push it into the S tier.

• Overall Ranking: We’re placing Wicked Thunder in A-tier. It’s a good fight, but it’s not quite as memorable as some of the other savage raids on this list.

5. Lindworm - A Tier

Lindworm stands out for its accessibility and the cool mechanic of Cruel Coil, but it’s not quite as impactful as other raid fights.

• Fun Factor: The fight is fun, especially with the cool mechanics like Cruel Coil, but it’s a bit easier and shorter than other savage raids.

• Design: It’s a straightforward fight with a clean, solid design. The pace is fast, but it doesn’t have the same dramatic impact as other fights in this list.

• Music: The music is excellent, helping elevate the experience and making the fight feel more engaging.

• Overall Ranking: Lindworm is an A-tier fight. It’s fun, but it lacks the intensity and challenge that elevate other savage encounters to higher ranks.

6. Howling Blade - S Tier (Part 1)

Howling Blade is split into two parts, and Part 1 is an absolute winner.

• Fun Factor: The first phase of the fight is a pure adrenaline rush. Melee players will love it, and the mechanics are fast-paced and exciting.

• Design: The design of this fight is solid, especially with the platforming mechanics and the fast tempo. It’s exactly what you want from a raid of this caliber.

• Music: The music in Howling Blade is a bit divisive, but it suits the raid’s intensity well.

• Overall Ranking: Howling Blade Part 1 easily earns an S-tier rating. It’s exciting and engaging, even if the music is a little lackluster.

7. Brute Bomber - A Tier

Brute Bomber offers some good moments, but it doesn’t quite make the cut for S-tier.

• Fun Factor: The fight has some exciting moments, but it’s not as consistently engaging as others.

• Design: The design is fine, but it doesn’t stand out in comparison to other savage fights.

• Music: The music here is decent, but not memorable.

• Overall Ranking: Brute Bomber sits comfortably in A-tier. It’s a solid fight, but it lacks the wow factor of other raids.

Final Thoughts: The Dawntrail Raid Experience

Overall, the Dawntrail savage raids are an exhilarating, high-octane experience for players who enjoy the challenge of high-end content in FFXIV. Some raids, like Tyrant and Brute Abominator, are easily the best of the best, while others like Wicked Thunder and Lindworm fall just short of perfection.

If you’re eager to experience the full potential of the Dawntrail raids, make sure you’re well-prepared. And if you need more gil to grab gear and consumables, consider using PVPBank to buy FFXIV Gil.