Praetorium with Trusts: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Introduction

Praetorium is a notorious 8-player raid in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn that poses a significant challenge to even experienced players. However, with the introduction of trusts, solo players and smaller groups now have the option to tackle this epic encounter with a reliable companion AI. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of strategies, tips, and tricks to help you conquer Praetorium with the assistance of trusts.

Understanding the Battle System

1. Chain Casting: Praetorium features extensive opportunities for chain casting with trusts. Chain casting involves multiple party members casting a certain spell in rapid succession, resulting in greatly increased damage.
2. Limit Break: Each trust has a unique Limit Break ability that can significantly alter the course of battle. Utilize Limit Breaks strategically to mitigate damage, boost party damage, or overcome specific mechanics.

Trust Composition

1. Healer: Urianger or Y'shtola
2. Tank: Thancred or Alisaie
3. DPS: Yda, Papalymo, or Alphinaud

Note: For optimal results, choose a tank and healer that match the composition of your own job. For example, if you play as a tank, select Alisaie, while if you play as a healer, pick Urianger.

Dungeon Walkthrough

Ultimate Weapon

Mechanics:
* Flametongue: An AoE attack that targets a random player with a fire beam.
* Crimson Cyclone: Deals damage to all party members.

Strategy:
* Assign trusts specific roles (e.g., Yda and Papalymo for Flametongue).
* Use the Limit Break to mitigate Crimson Cyclone damage.

Ultima Weapon X-3

Mechanics:
* Dreamworld: Traps a target player in a separate dimension.
* Dream Spike: A powerful attack used by Ultima while a player is in Dreamworld.

Strategy:
* If you are targeted by Dreamworld, immediately use a defensive cooldown or Limit Break.
* Focus on damaging Ultima while a player is in Dreamworld.

Ultima Weapon X-4

Mechanics:
* Ultima Buster: A raid-wide attack that is extremely damaging.
* Trinity: Summons three orbs that must be destroyed in a specific order.

Strategy:
* Chain cast healing spells to mitigate Ultima Buster damage.
* Coordinate with trusts to destroy the Trinity orbs in the correct order (Yellow, Blue, Green).

Gaius van Baelsar

Mechanics:
* Javelin: Throws a javelin at a random player.
* Blade's End: A powerful attack that targets a random player.

Strategy:
* Use a defensive cooldown or Limit Break to mitigate Javelin damage.
* Focus on damaging Gaius while a player is targeted by Blade's End.

Tips and Tricks

• Communicate with trusts using the chat or macro system.
• Coordinate with trusts to execute Limit Breaks effectively.
• Use the sacrificial strategy for Trinity: have one player sacrifice themselves to destroy the final orb while others focus on damaging Gaius.
• Chain cast healing spells to keep the party alive during Ultimate Buster.

Pros and Cons of Using Trusts

Pros:

• Allows solo players and smaller groups to experience Praetorium.
• Provides a reliable companion AI that executes complex mechanics.
• Reduces the need for real-time coordination with other players.

Cons:

• Trusts can sometimes have unpredictable behavior.
• The overall pace of the encounter may be slower compared to a full party of players.
• May not be as challenging or rewarding as completing Praetorium with a human party.

FAQs

1. Can trusts be used to complete other raids in the game?
   Yes, trusts can be used in other raids, such as The Binding Coil of Bahamut.

2. What is the recommended gear level for using trusts in Praetorium?
   At least item level 90.

3. How do I enable trusts for Praetorium?
   Speak to the NPC Minfilia in the Praetorium lobby.

4. Can I control the trusts' actions?
   No, the trusts are controlled by the game's AI.

5. Can I change the composition of the trust party?
   Yes, you can select different trusts from the available options in the Praetorium lobby.

6. Are trusts available in the Extreme version of Praetorium?
   No, trusts cannot be used in the Extreme version.