Among the many quests in Final Fantasy XIV, What Lies Beneath stands out for its atmosphere, narrative depth, and ties to the larger lore of the game. This particular quest offers players an opportunity to experience a blend of suspense, mystery, and meaningful character interaction. Whether you’re a long-time player or a newer adventurer, completing What Lies Beneath in FFXIV can feel like peeling back layers of the world’s darker secrets. As part of the post-Heavensward or Shadowbringers content (depending on patch placement), this quest has intrigued many players due to its tone and pacing.
Overview of What Lies Beneath in FFXIV
Basic Quest Details
What Lies Beneath is categorized as a side quest or part of a chain depending on when and how it becomes available. Players typically encounter it in regions rich in lore and tension. The quest often requires completion of prerequisite quests and access to specific zones introduced in expansions. Its objective is tied closely to exploration and unraveling truths, which is a recurring theme in FFXIV quest design.
- Quest Type: Side Quest or MSQ extension
- Location: Varies by patch (e.g., The Rak’tika Greatwood, The Lochs, or other deep lore areas)
- Required Level: Generally between 7080
- Expansion: Usually tied to Shadowbringers or post-Heavensward content
Quest Initiation and Setting
Where to Start
Players are usually led to the questgiver through either a preceding chain of events or NPCs marked by the familiar exclamation mark. The NPC involved will hint at something hidden or mysterious, encouraging the player to investigate ancient ruins, a forgotten cave, or an abandoned facility. The locations used for this quest are often dimly lit, filled with subtle environmental storytelling.
Atmospheric Design
FFXIV is known for using lighting, sound, and background music effectively, and What Lies Beneath is no exception. As players venture into the quest area, they’ll notice the ambiance shifts sounds grow quieter, and the terrain becomes more foreboding. These subtle cues enhance the storytelling, building suspense even before any combat or dialogue begins.
Quest Objectives and Gameplay
Tasks Required to Complete
The objectives in What Lies Beneath are typically investigative. Players may be asked to:
- Search for clues using /emote commands
- Battle corrupted or void-touched enemies
- Collect lore items or fragments
- Talk to key NPCs and piece together history
Combat, if present, tends to involve solo duties or instanced fights. These are usually manageable but may introduce mechanics meant to emphasize the eerie setting, such as enemies appearing from shadows or puzzles that involve hidden triggers.
NPC Dialogue and Story Hints
As the quest unfolds, players engage with NPCs who offer fragmented information about the location’s past. These characters might be scholars, soldiers, or locals affected by what lies hidden. The writing is rich in detail, and attentive players will notice connections to other FFXIV plotlines, particularly themes around ancient civilizations, Allagan technology, or void energies.
Lore Significance of What Lies Beneath
Ties to the Void and Forgotten Knowledge
Many players suspect that What Lies Beneath links to the Void storyline. Elements such as voidsent enemies, cryptic runes, or references to the Thirteenth Shard often reinforce this. Others see connections to the Allagan Empire or other pre-Calamity civilizations. Regardless of the specific focus, the quest is usually a window into FFXIV’s deeper lore, providing breadcrumbs for players who enjoy uncovering secrets.
Character Development and Revelation
While not every side quest features major character arcs, What Lies Beneath sometimes reveals crucial backstory for minor or supporting NPCs. The emotional tone can range from eerie to tragic, as characters recall lost comrades, uncover cursed objects, or confront ancient horrors. These narrative moments help flesh out the world and its history without overshadowing the main story.
Rewards and Completion Benefits
What Do Players Gain?
Besides the immersive experience, completing What Lies Beneath usually grants:
- Experience points appropriate for the level range
- Gil and standard side quest rewards
- Occasionally an item such as materia, minions, or glamour gear
- Unlocks further quests or lore-based achievements
Though it may not be the most lucrative quest in terms of raw items or gear, its value lies in narrative progression and world-building. Completion also helps those aiming for zone or expansion quest achievements.
Player Reception and Popularity
Why Players Remember It
What Lies Beneath is often brought up in FFXIV communities because of how it delivers story through atmosphere rather than flashy cutscenes. It has become a memorable quest for those who enjoy the darker, quieter side of Eorzea’s history. On forums and social media, players frequently discuss how it made them feel immersed or even gave them chills not from difficulty, but from mood and mystery.
Speculations and Fan Theories
The cryptic nature of the quest’s dialogue and setting sometimes leads to fan theories. Players speculate about the true origins of the events revealed in the quest or how it may tie into future expansions. These discussions add to the ongoing appeal of What Lies Beneath even after it has been completed.
Tips for Completing What Lies Beneath
Make the Most of the Experience
If you’re planning to take on What Lies Beneath, keep the following tips in mind:
- Read all dialoguecarefully lore lovers will find meaningful details
- Use the Duty Recorderif available, to rewatch cutscenes or solo duties
- Take your time exploringthe quest area hidden interactables may appear
- Play with sound onto fully appreciate the atmospheric effects
This isn’t a quest to rush. Even though the objectives are simple on paper, the true value lies in how it builds a mood and adds texture to the FFXIV world.
What Lies Beneath in Final Fantasy XIV is more than just another quest. It’s an example of how storytelling, design, and gameplay can work together to create a memorable adventure. Whether you’re uncovering forgotten history, battling hidden threats, or just soaking in the ambiance, this quest stands out for its narrative richness and mood-driven delivery. For players who love exploring the hidden corners of the FFXIV universe, What Lies Beneath is a must-play experience that lingers in the mind long after it’s completed.