FFXIV M11S AAC Heavyweight M3 Guide: Expert Tips and Strategies

The world of Final Fantasy XIV continues to evolve with each new patch, and Patch 7.4 has brought with it the highly anticipated AAC Heavyweight M3 encounter, the second boss of the third eight-man, normal raid in the Dawntrail expansion. For veteran players, this raid presents a thrilling challenge filled with intricate mechanics, fast-paced action, and plenty of opportunities for teamwork.

If you're gearing up to face AAC Heavyweight M3 (or simply referred to as The Tyrant), you're in the right place. Whether you're a seasoned raider or relatively new to the Final Fantasy XIV raid scene, understanding the mechanics, positioning, and preparation will be crucial to your success. Before we dive into the guide, if you’re looking to buy FFXIV Gil to help bolster your raid preparation or gear up for upcoming content, be sure to check out PVPBank, a trusted source for in-game currency.

Now, let’s break down the AAC Heavyweight M3 encounter in Final Fantasy XIV and arm you with all the strategies and tips you need to conquer this tough raid.

Overview of AAC Heavyweight M3

AAC Heavyweight M3 is a multi-phase encounter located within the Solution Nine raid dungeon. It is designed for level 100 characters, and you’ll need a minimum item level of 745 to queue via the duty finder. The fight rewards Cruiser Hologear tokens for each gear type (DoW I, DoW II, DoM), which can be traded with Hhihwi in the Nexus Arcade at coordinates (x:8.7, y:13.4).

The fight centers around The Tyrant, a massive, powerful boss whose phases will test your coordination, positioning, and ability to manage multiple mechanics at once. Below, we’ll dive into each phase of the fight and break down the mechanics step by step.

Phase 1: The Tyrant’s Weapons

Crown of Arcadia

The fight kicks off with a raid-wide damage mechanic called Crown of Arcadia, which applies significant damage to all players. Be prepared for this initial burst as it sets the stage for the rest of the encounter.

Draw Steel & Smashdown

One of The Tyrant’s signature mechanics is Draw Steel, where he summons one of three weapons that each correlates to a specific AoE shape:

• Scythe: This weapon generates a donut-shaped AoE that requires players to stand inside or outside the area depending on their positioning.

• Axe: The point-blank AoE targets players close to The Tyrant.

• Great Sword: This generates a cross-shaped AoE which covers the four cardinal directions, so players need to be quick to avoid the dangerous zones.

After Draw Steel, The Tyrant will execute Smashdown, using the corresponding weapon to deal damage to all players within the specified AoE shape.

Void Stardust

One of the most challenging mechanics in Phase 1 is Void Stardust, where all players are marked with a circular AoE. Here's where things get tricky:

• Players will see an arrow above their heads, which points downward, indicating they will be hit with multiple hits.

• The first hit lands within the marker, but players need to quickly move forward and away from others to avoid the second hit.

• After the second hit, players must move again to avoid the third hit, which will land where the first hit hit.

• This process continues until the fifth hit lands, so it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings and give your teammates enough space.

Trophy Weapons

In this mechanic, The Tyrant summons all three weapons and embeds them in the ground. Then, Assault Evolved begins, where The Tyrant tethers to one weapon, which then chains to another and finally the third weapon. As he moves through the tethered weapons, he triggers the respective AoEs associated with them. This is similar to the Lacus Litore Griffin fight or Thaleia Gods fight.

Keep in mind that the Great Sword’s cross shape will align with The Tyrant’s dash, meaning positioning here is key.

Dance of Domination

As the name suggests, this is a flashy and dramatic mechanic where The Tyrant summons the Great Sword again but doesn’t use the usual cross-shaped AoE. Instead, he will perform several swings, leaving a pattern of white cuts on the ground. To avoid the AoE damage, look for a safe edge without a cut or stand along a north-south or east-west axis that’s free from the cuts.

Phase 2: Meteor Rain & More

Immortal Reign

The second phase begins with Immortal Reign, which powers up The Tyrant. It’s followed by One and Only, another raid-wide damage mechanic that will require healers to be on their toes.

Meteorain

The Meteorain mechanic summons four towers that must be soaked by at least one player. Meteors will eventually land on these towers, and players will need to intercept them while also managing tank buster tethers linking the meteors. Afterward, the raid will need to stack to avoid further damage.

Double Tyrannhilation

Things get a bit more intense with Double Tyrannhilation. Two meteors will drop from the center of the arena, and players must stack behind the farther-back meteor to avoid the incoming damage.

Flatliner

The Flatliner mechanic will cause a knockback and an upward throw, but don’t panic. As long as players stay close to the knockback, they’ll be launched in a safe direction. Be sure to stay aware of your positioning to prevent being thrown into danger.

Majestic Meteor

Majestic Meteor introduces three waves of meteor AoEs and linears from the portals. Players will need to dodge these AoEs while keeping an eye on the proximity markers that will eventually trigger meteor impacts. The final part of the mechanic will have players dodging a series of conal AoEs triggered by the meteors. You’ll need to move to the safe spots and ensure no one gets hit.

Phase 3: The Final Stand

Heartbreak Kick

In the final phase, Heartbreak Kick will deliver a five-hit attack, with long gaps between hits. This mechanic requires perfect positioning to avoid damage while managing the other mechanics.

Majestic Meteor (Revisited)

The Majestic Meteor mechanic returns in Phase 3, but this time you have the entire platform to maneuver. Watch out for linears, proximity meteors, and ground AoEs as you work your way through the phase.

Fire and Fury

Once again, Fire and Fury will appear, and The Tyrant will swing his axe in wide conals across the platform. Be mindful of the tank position as this will affect the direction of the AoE.

Great Wall of Fire

The Great Wall of Fire is a shared tank buster that leaves a trail of fire behind it, which will explode shortly after. Tanks will need to move off the line of fire after taking the first hit to avoid the deadly explosion.

Crown of Arcadia

The fight concludes with Crown of Arcadia once again, which deals raid-wide damage but also restores the platform for the next phase.

Arcadion Avalanche

Finally, The Tyrant will attempt to smash the platform, leaving only a sliver of safety to stand in. Players must carefully time their positioning and use towers to escape or be thrown to safety.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you now have all the information you need to take on AAC Heavyweight M3 in Final Fantasy XIV! This raid presents a serious challenge, but with the right preparation, positioning, and execution of mechanics, you and your team can conquer The Tyrant. Remember to communicate with your raid group, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about a mechanic.

If you’re looking to give yourself a boost for this encounter, consider using PVPBank to buy FFXIV Gil and upgrade your gear before the fight. With the right gear and strategy, victory will be within your grasp!