How To Beat The Moonfire Faire 2020 in Final Fantasy XIV
Patch update 5.3 for Final Fantasy XIV has now been available for a few weeks. Among the immediate changes have been redesigned collectible crafting methods, new main storyline quests, a revamped and streamlined A Realm Reborn, and a new beast tribe side quest staring the dwarves of the First Shard.
The August-September season is typically when the annual Moonfire Faire hits Eorzea. In the past complicated jumping puzzles or gathering activates were the norm. Now, because of flying being standard in A Realm Reborn, such tasks have been made trivial. Instead, a new FATE has been added that will reward prizes and grant a bit of bonus EXP to players and their trusty chocobo allies.
Players will need to be a minimum of level 30 in a Disciple of War or Magic job and then speak to Mayaru Moyaru in Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks X: 11.5, Y: 13.8 for the quest A Fish Too Far. This will lead players to Eastern La Noscea to take part in the randomly spawned FATE Bombard vs Shark. If too many levels above 30, players will need to accept the level sync prompt to have their level temporarily lowered. The FATE will pit the Supershark and Bold Bombard against each other. However, the goal isn’t to outright attack either. Instead, new actions will be gained to buff up Bold Bombard and let it defeat Supershark. Enkindling Flame Dance and Invigorating Flame Dance will be added to Hot Bar 1. If one’s Hot Bar 1 has been rearranged or disabled, players should add it back into their customized HUD and bind their preferred buttons to these actions.
Players should stand very close to Bold Bombard and use Enkindling Flame Dance until its flammability meter reaches 100% and it grows very large. While it this state, Invigorating Flame Dance can be used to heal Bold Bombard from a good distance. When the flammability resets, players will once again need to approach to refill the meter with Enkindling Flame Dance. Even though Bold Bombard is considered an ally, it will unleash attacks that can damage or kill players. One should be very careful to move out of the glowing attack zones quickly. Eventually, Bold Bombard will drive Supershark back into the sea. It is recommended to watch the entire scene and NPC dialogue playout, as leaving the FATE zone too early may forfeit completion credit.
Flame Dance Teaching
With Supershark defeated, players should speak to the NPC Haermaga and complete the quest to receive the emote Flame Dance. Haermaga will also have a new quest, Flame On which involves teaching Flame Dance to several other characters around the beach, Bloodshore, and Agelyss Wise. This will grant the achievement Smile, You Son of A. This also allows players to trade in Faire Vouchers to the Moonfire Faire Vendor.
Vendor Prizes
Bombard vs Shark can be farmed repeatedly to collect prizes. Players will gain between 5-15 Faire Vouchers depending on how much they heal and support Bold Bombard. Arriving at the FATE too late or not actively participating will typically not grant a reward. The FATE will also fail if Supershark somehow defeats Bold Bombard. For just one voucher players can buy tracers, sparklers, and other fireworks exclusive to the event. The new Water Bomb Stand outdoor housing item costs 5 vouchers. Note that if you do not own or reside in a house with a lawn this item cannot be used. Finally, each piece of the Summer Flame set costs 5 vouchers each for a total of 25. This includes the hat, top, wrist torque, pareo, and sandals. These clothes are gender agnostic, allowing one to wear them even if they remake their character with fantasia potions.
It may take a couple of attempts to complete the FATE and gather all items. As a consolation, the encounter does still reward some decent EXP and gil for jobs and chocobo companions that are really near level 30.
Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers are available now on PC and PlayStation 4.