How to Start The Wreath of Snakes (EX) Trial in FFXIV Patch 4.5
Patch 4.5 is finally out for FFXIV, which means there’s tons of new content to dive into today. Aside from the continuing the main story, players will also be able to progress in the Four Lords side story, which gives you access to some of the game’s more challenging trials for sweet rewards. Here’s how to start The Wreath of Snakes (EX) trial in FFXIV patch 4.5.
Just like the previous trials, there’s a normal, story mode version of the trial, and an Extreme (EX) version. Before you can start farming the EX version, however, you’ll need to clear the normal trial first.
Before moving forward, you need to be all caught up with the Four Lords story in FFXIV. The latest trial before The Wreath of Snakes was Suzaku in Hell’s Kier, so you’ll need to clear that first, if you haven’t already. Once you’re all caught up, you’ll need to meet the following requirements to start The Wreath of Snakes:
- Have a combat class at level 70.
- Talk to Bunchin at the Ruby Sea (X:27.8 Y:16.4) to accept the quest, Surpassing the Samurai.
- Follow the quest line to unlock The Wreath of Snakes.
In addition to that, it’s worth noting that the normal trial has an item level requirement of 365. The best way to catch up quickly is by turning in Tomes of Genesis at Rhalgr’s Reach for 390 gear, or doing the Alphascape raids for Omega parts, which can also be exchanged for high level gear.
With patch 4.5, the weekly gear restrictions for Alphascape have been lifted, so this is a much more efficient way of getting better gear since Genesis Tomes still have a weekly cap.
In order to start The Wreath of Snakes (EX), you’ll need to have completed the normal version first, then talk to the Wandering Minstrel in Kugane (X:11.6 Y:12.6) to unlock the Extreme version.
The EX version has an item level requirement of 380, so get ready to grind for Genesis Tomes or do Alphascape Savage raids to catch up.
That’s all you need to know about how to start The Wreath of Snakes (EX) trial in FFXIV patch 4.5. Be sure to search for Twinfinite for more FFXIV-related content.
If you’re looking for more FFXIV patch 4.5 guides, we’ve got you covered with how to start the MSQ (Soul Searching) and how to start the Orbonne Monastery Ivalice Alliance Raid.
FFXIV is also slated to receive its next major expansion this summer, titled Shadowbringers. Aside from more story to dive into and a new max level cap, it’s also looking very likely that the Viera race from FFXII will be added to the game. Before the expansion releases, players will also finally get to check out a new ‘limited’ Blue Mage job next week.
TLDR;
Question: How do you start The Wreath of Snakes (EX) trial in FFXIV patch 4.5?
Answer: Assuming you’re all caught up on the Four Lords story, talk to Bunchin at the Ruby Sea (X:27.8 Y:16.4) to accept the quest, Surpassing the Samurai. Progress through the story to unlock the normal version. After beating the normal version, talk to the Wandering Minstrel in Kugane to unlock the EX version.
