Hells’ Kier Guide – Suzaku Trial Mechanics

Encounter Overview

Hells’ Kier is the level 70 trial featuring Suzaku, introduced in Stormblood. This encounter blends add control, directional mechanics, and arena transformation sequences that require strong positioning and awareness.

The fight revolves around managing phoenix adds, resolving arena-based movement puzzles, and preventing Suzaku from gaining power through orb mechanics. As the encounter progresses, mechanics begin overlapping and require faster execution.

Arena Overview

The encounter begins on a circular arena. As the fight progresses, the platform transforms, introducing hazards such as a central pit and segmented tiles that explode in sequence.

Players must remain aware of their positioning at all times, as both the edges and center of the arena can become lethal.

Mechanic Archive

Cremate

A telegraphed tankbuster targeting the main tank. Mitigation is required.

Screams of the Damned

Raidwide damage that occurs periodically throughout the encounter.

Eternal Flame

Revives phoenix adds (Scarlet Ladies) that tether to players. These must be grouped and destroyed quickly to prevent dangerous follow-up mechanics.

Ashes to Ashes

A lethal cast from phoenix adds if they are not defeated in time. This will likely wipe the party.

Endless Summer

A large frontal cone attack targeting a player. Players must move out of its path.

Phoenix Down

Large plumes appear and begin charging an explosion. The party must destroy a specific plume (typically the center if adds were grouped correctly) to create a safe zone.

Scarlet Melody

Raidwide damage based on how many orbs reach Suzaku during the orb phase. Preventing orb absorption reduces incoming damage.

Orb Phase

Players must face directional arrows to intercept incoming orbs before they reach Suzaku. Failure to intercept increases her damage output.

Southron Star

A raidwide AoE following the orb phase.

Ruthless Refrain

A knockback from the center of the arena. Players must position accordingly or use knockback immunity.

Phantom Flurry

A multi-hit tankbuster followed by a large frontal AoE knockback. Tanks should mitigate heavily and face the boss safely away from the party.

Well of Flame

A targeted column AoE on a player. Move out of the impact area.

Phoenix Says

A directional arena mechanic where segments of the platform explode in sequence. Players must identify the direction and move into safe zones as explosions resolve.

Incandescent Interlude

Meteor circles spawn that require at least one player in each to prevent heavy damage.

Rekindle

AoE markers placed on all players. The party must spread to avoid overlapping damage.

Phoenix Rush

Phoenix entities dash across the arena. Players must avoid their paths.

Phoenix Says (Advanced)

A faster version of the earlier platform mechanic with multiple sequences. Requires quick movement and pattern recognition.

Encounter Flow

Opening Phase

Suzaku begins with raidwide damage and tankbusters while introducing Eternal Flame, spawning phoenix adds. These should be grouped in the center and destroyed quickly to prevent Ashes to Ashes.

Shortly after, Phoenix Down requires the party to destroy a plume to create a safe zone before a large explosion resolves.

Orb Phase

The arena shifts, and players must intercept incoming orbs by facing their directional arrows. Successfully preventing orb absorption reduces the damage of Scarlet Melody.

Mid Phase

Suzaku introduces knockbacks, tankbusters, and targeted AoEs such as Well of Flame. Players must manage positioning carefully as the arena begins to introduce hazards like a central hole.

Platform Mechanics

Phoenix Says introduces directional platform explosions. Players must identify safe sections and move accordingly, often repositioning immediately after each explosion.

Additional mechanics such as Rekindle and Incandescent Interlude overlap, requiring players to both spread and cover meteor circles simultaneously.

Final Loop

Suzaku repeats and combines mechanics, including advanced versions of Phoenix Says and Phoenix Rush. Movement becomes tighter and faster, demanding clean execution.

The encounter continues with increasing overlap until Suzaku is defeated.