~3 MIN
Intro
Looking to master FFXIV’s Variant and Criterion Dungeons added in Patch 6.25? Whether you’re in it for the mounts, story, or savage-level challenge, our updated guide covers every route, mechanic, and reward in the Sil’dihn Subterrane.
👉 Tired of grinding? Onlyfarms.gg has your back with Leveling, Mount Farming, Gil, Extreme Trial clears, and more!
📍 Unlock Requirements
| Dungeon Type | Quest | NPC | Location | Level | Item Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variant | A Key to the Past | Shallow Moor | Old Sharlayan (X:12.0, Y:13.3) | 90 | 575+ (Synced to 635) |
| Criterion | A Key to the Past | Osmon | Old Sharlayan (X:11.9, Y:13.3) | 90 | 610+ (Synced to 635) |
✅ Prerequisite: Complete Endwalker MSQ and speak to Osmon.
🌀 Variant Dungeons Overview
- Solo-friendly, scalable difficulty
- Choose from three branching paths
- Explore lore with 12 unique endings
- Interact with the environment to unlock secrets
- Change jobs before choosing a path
- Use V&C Dungeon Finder to register
💡 Onlyfarms.gg can help you collect all 12 journal entries for that Silkie Mount faster than ever!
🎁 Variant Dungeon Rewards
| Reward | How to Get |
|---|---|
| Silkie Mount | Complete all 12 journal entries |
| Sil’dihn Potsherds | Guaranteed drop per boss |
| Glamour Set & Emotes | Trade Potsherds to Trisassant (Old Sharlayan) |
| Gold Saucer Cards, Umbrellas | RNG drops from boss chests |
📦 Pro Tip: Use our Dungeon Carry service to farm potsherds, glamour gear, and rare cosmetics while skipping the repetition.
🚪 Variant Dungeon Paths Breakdown
| Door | Path Notes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Left | Notes 1–4 | Sack puzzles, secret doors, dandelions |
| Middle | Notes 8–11 | Scales of Judgment and statue choices |
| Right | Notes 5–7, 12 | Winch choices, dragon kill order, secret boss via emotes |
⭐ Variant dungeon has multiple hidden interactions. Choose wisely or revisit paths to uncover every secret!
💡 Variant Dungeon Action Tips
Before entering, set 2 Variant Actions (some job-restricted):
| Example Action | Role | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Variant Rampart | Tank | Damage reduction |
| Variant Raise | Healer | One-time revive |
| Variant Cure II | DPS | Emergency self-heal |
⚔️ Criterion Dungeon Overview
The Criterion Dungeon is a high-difficulty version of Variant, with no revives, no checkpoints, and Savage mode for endgame players.
- Normal Mode: No natural resurrections (1 duty action revive per player)
- Savage Mode: Permadeath — wipes reset the entire run
- Trash mobs hit hard; strategic pulling is required
🎁 Criterion Dungeon Rewards
| Reward | Source |
|---|---|
| Criterion Coins | Boss chest (4 per run) |
| Mount | Rare drop or trade 100 Coins |
| Orchestrion, Portrait Kit | Coin exchange |
| Sil’dihn Manuscripts | Savage clears |
| Unique Earring, Housing Banner | Savage exchange |
| Achievements | Completing Savage mode |
🧠 Criterion Boss Mechanics – Quick Tactics
🧼 1st Boss: Silkie
| Mechanic | Description |
|---|---|
| Elemental Puffs | Wind = donut AoE, Ice = cross AoE, Thunder = cleave |
| Squeaky Clean | Predict cone/sidelong cleaves |
| Stack & Buster | Ice stack timing is critical |
| Total Wash | Raid-wide bleed; mitigate or shield to nullify |
⚔️ 2nd Boss
| Mechanic | Description |
|---|---|
| Clones & Charges | Watch where the boss and clones aim |
| Debuff Spread/Stack | Based on timers and ring explosion timing |
| Laser & Element Mix | Requires correct quadrant positioning based on debuffs |
| Final Phase | Opposing elements and AoEs—precise spread required |
🔥 3rd Boss
| Mechanic | Description |
|---|---|
| Infernal Brand | Portal/fire rotation; safe zone logic |
| Blessed Beacon | AoE targeting debuffed players—line up carefully |
| Cryptic Flames | Tear correct colored string based on numbered debuff |
| Teleport Fire Puzzle | Follow JP strat: Blue = South, Orange = North, then determine in/out |
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing that Silkie Mount, going all-in on Savage clears, or just curious about FFXIV’s branching dungeon content, Variant and Criterion Dungeons offer incredible rewards and gameplay.
Don’t let tough content or time constraints hold you back — Onlyfarms.gg is your shortcut to success in Eorzea.