Expansion Overview
Heavensward significantly expands the mechanical complexity of dungeon encounters compared to A Realm Reborn.
Encounters begin introducing layered mechanics, add coordination, and movement-heavy positioning requirements. Boss fights frequently combine multiple mechanics that require players to maintain spatial awareness while continuing to execute their role responsibilities.
Compared to ARR, healer strain increases noticeably due to sustained party-wide damage phases. DPS players also face increased responsibility during add management and movement mechanics.
Heavensward contains 18 four-player dungeons, beginning with leveling progression and continuing through level-cap patch releases
All difficulty ratings are calculated using the Guild Risk Model, evaluating Tank Risk, Healer Strain, DPS Responsibility, and Wipe Punishment under level-synced Duty Finder conditions.
For full expansion comparisons, see the complete FFXIV Dungeon Rankings.
Heavensward Dungeon Progression
The following table lists every Heavensward dungeon in Final Fantasy XIV in their natural progression order based on level requirements and main scenario progression.
Each dungeon links to a full guide including boss mechanics, difficulty analysis, and unlock requirements.
| Dungeon | Level Range |
|---|---|
| The Dusk Vigil | 51–52 |
| Sohm Al | 53–54 |
| The Aery | 55–56 |
| The Vault | 57–58 |
| The Great Gubal Library | 59–60 |
| The Aetherochemical Research Facility | 60 |
| Neverreap | 60 |
| The Fractal Continuum | 60 |
| Saint Mocianne’s Arboretum | 60 |
| Pharos Sirius (Hard) | 60 |
| The Antitower | 60 |
| The Lost City of Amdapor (Hard) | 60 |
| Sohr Khai | 60 |
| Hullbreaker Isle (Hard) | 60 |
| Xelphatol | 60 |
| The Great Gubal Library (Hard) | 60 |
| Baelsar’s Wall | 60 |
| Sohm Al (Hard) | 60 |
Difficulty Profile
Heavensward introduces a noticeable escalation in dungeon mechanics compared to ARR.
Encounters begin layering mechanics more frequently, forcing players to reposition while continuing to execute their role responsibilities. Movement mechanics and add phases become more common, increasing DPS execution pressure.
Compared to ARR, healer strain increases due to sustained party damage and overlapping mechanics. Tanks must maintain stronger mitigation discipline during burst windows and heavy trash pulls.
Overall difficulty increases steadily throughout the expansion, culminating in several patch dungeons that remain challenging under level sync conditions.
Heavensward Dungeon Difficulty Ranking (Highest to Lowest)
Here is the correct order based on the scores we assigned:
| Rank | Dungeon | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Aetherochemical Research Facility | 4.5 |
| 2 | Sohm Al (Hard) | 4.5 |
| 3 | The Vault | 4.4 |
| 4 | The Lost City of Amdapor (Hard) | 4.4 |
| 5 | The Great Gubal Library (Hard) | 4.4 |
| 6 | Baelsar’s Wall | 4.4 |
| 7 | The Aery | 4.3 |
| 8 | Saint Mocianne’s Arboretum | 4.3 |
| 9 | Pharos Sirius (Hard) | 4.3 |
| 10 | Sohr Khai | 4.3 |
| 11 | Hullbreaker Isle (Hard) | 4.3 |
| 12 | Xelphatol | 4.3 |
| 13 | Neverreap | 4.3 |
| 14 | The Fractal Continuum | 4.3 |
| 15 | Sohm Al | 4.2 |
| 16 | The Great Gubal Library | 4.2 |
| 17 | The Antitower | 4.2 |
| 18 | The Dusk Vigil | 4.0 |
Heavensward Dungeon Progression Order
| Order | Dungeon | Patch | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Dusk Vigil | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| 2 | Sohm Al | 3.0 | 4.2 |
| 3 | The Aery | 3.0 | 4.3 |
| 4 | The Vault | 3.0 | 4.4 |
| 5 | The Great Gubal Library | 3.0 | 4.2 |
| 6 | The Aetherochemical Research Facility | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| 7 | Neverreap | 3.0 | 4.3 |
| 8 | The Fractal Continuum | 3.0 | 4.3 |
| 9 | Saint Mocianne’s Arboretum | 3.1 | 4.3 |
| 10 | Pharos Sirius (Hard) | 3.1 | 4.3 |
| 11 | The Antitower | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| 12 | The Lost City of Amdapor (Hard) | 3.2 | 4.4 |
| 13 | Sohr Khai | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| 14 | Hullbreaker Isle (Hard) | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| 15 | Xelphatol | 3.4 | 4.3 |
| 16 | The Great Gubal Library (Hard) | 3.4 | 4.4 |
| 17 | Baelsar’s Wall | 3.5 | 4.4 |
| 18 | Sohm Al (Hard) | 3.5 | 4.5 |
Tier Summary
Heavensward is disciplined.
Damage is predictable. Mechanics are readable. Expectations are clear.
If the group executes, the dungeon clears without mishaps.
If mechanics are ignored, it’s potentially game over.
There is less chaos than late ARR, and less forgiveness.
Heavensward rewards awareness, positioning, and coordinated damage. It punishes impatience.
This is where dungeon design begins demanding consistency from every role.
Heavensward marks the point where dungeon design becomes consistently execution-driven. Players who clear this tier are prepared for Stormblood’s increased mechanical density.