Rage over Sophia

[SpookyGhost]

As someone else said, Sophia's difficulty is somewhat similar to A9S.

Since OP is a DRK I'd say A9S is far easier than Sophia EX. :P

e: Also I'm not sure if this has been covered but are you using RF or PF? I used PF for my Sophia clear and it worked out a lot better - being able to ram your head against it even after the lockout ends is really useful. Even if the group falls apart you can try and keep the good players around for another go and just refill in PF until the clear happens. Just make sure you specify it's a clear party since, from the sounds of it, you've got the fight down by now.

[Ilan]

Since OP is a DRK I'd say A9S is far easier than Sophia EX. :P

e: Also I'm not sure if this has been covered but are you using RF or PF? I used PF for my Sophia clear and it worked out a lot better - being able to ram your head against it even after the lockout ends is really useful. Even if the group falls apart you can try and keep the good players around for another go and just refill in PF until the clear happens. Just make sure you specify it's a clear party since, from the sounds of it, you've got the fight down by now.

Ehm...why should a DRK have it easier in A9S if stuff like Scraplines is not magical dmg (it can be blocked and magic attacks can't be blocked)?

[SpookyGhost]

Ehm...why should a DRK have it easier in A9S if stuff like Scraplines is not magical dmg (it can be blocked and magic attacks can't be blocked)?

MTing A9S is 99% AFK DPSing, 0.5% move the boss a bit, and 0.5% pop defensive CDs. Of the few mechanics in the whole fight, you only need to pay attention to a few of the few. It's one of the easiest fights to MT in the whole game.

Also since A9S is one giant rotation the tank buster will always occur at exactly the same point and DRK's CDs are fine for them. You also have Reprisal available, which is p useful. Obviously DRK isn't better than PLD in this fight defensively, but it's good enough that as long as you pop defensive CDs at the right points then you'll be fine.

[StrategistShiroe]

It sounds like your OT wasn't pulling threat after the buster and you got that heavy auto attack due to Thunder resistance down 2.

[Pondera]

It sounds like your OT wasn't pulling threat after the buster and you got that heavy auto attack due to Thunder resistance down 2.

It is very odd. Sometimes, the tank buster is entirely survivable with no debuffs and the use of 2 CDs. Other times, it instantly makes the targeted tank take a dirt nap. I'm gonna guess critical hit?

Also, update on my quest. I've burned through 3 more groups trying to get the clear. Again, I'm usually the last one alive, provided I don't accidentally get the wrong side of the platform (happens sometimes). So... the people calling this easy? I'm gonna wager that at least 21 other people disagree. *sigh* I'm starting to feel like this clear might just be out of my reach.

[FinaSel]

It is very odd. Sometimes, the tank buster is entirely survivable with no debuffs and the use of 2 CDs. Other times, it instantly makes the targeted tank take a dirt nap. I'm gonna guess critical hit?
...
I'm starting to feel like this clear might just be out of my reach.

Don't worry, you'll get it!


I'd recommend checking when the other tank uses Provoke. They should use it as soon as they see Sophia began casting. Not after the attack hits.
Most of the time when I see a tank die, it is because the other tank used Provoke much too late.

You could also ask a healer to put a shield on you before the attack comes.
Her attacks not only follow a pattern, but also her the color of emotes let people know which is coming. It "should" be enough time for a responsive healer to put a shield on you.

You can also try asking someone to use Virus on Sophia before the attack hits.

When I did Sophia as a White Mage, I use Eye for an Eye and / or Swiftcast + Stoneskin on the tank before the attack came. I also prepared casting a Cure II.

If you are using a cooldown but dying it is likely something off-tank or healer can prevent.

I don't know your equipment, but it might not matter so much, because I know many people who cleared extreme sophia on the first day with IL around 240 or less.

[Ilan]

It is very odd. Sometimes, the tank buster is entirely survivable with no debuffs and the use of 2 CDs. Other times, it instantly makes the targeted tank take a dirt nap. I'm gonna guess critical hit?

Also, update on my quest. I've burned through 3 more groups trying to get the clear. Again, I'm usually the last one alive, provided I don't accidentally get the wrong side of the platform (happens sometimes). So... the people calling this easy? I'm gonna wager that at least 21 other people disagree. *sigh* I'm starting to feel like this clear might just be out of my reach.

The point is not only the tankbuster, but the hit right after. If your OT doesn't provoke in time you'll get the second hit and you'll die.

My tip for you is that you take 7 other people from your FC or friendlist and try to kill it that way.

[Annah]

Sophia ex really isn't hard. You just have to know her dance. Once you know her dance you can take her to the ball

[Ghastly]

And still no one is giving her useful information....amazing.
Doesn't matter if it's easy

That's not helping the person

[Annah]

And still no one is giving her useful information....amazing.
Doesn't matter if it's easy

That's not helping the person

there is already a ton of useful into already out there in the interwebs

Visual and video guides, class specific guides and even an illustrated guide.

All one needs to do is visit the Google places

Oh..and actually ready the thread

there are pages of folks telling her what cool downs to use and how to time them.

Don't assume something when you only read the first few and the last few posts