FFXIV 7.3 Dawntrail – The Meso Terminal Dungeon Mechanics & Strategy Guide

The Meso Terminal is a new duty introduced in Patch 7.3 of Final Fantasy XIV's Dawntrail expansion. This guide, originally shared by SamsonGrey on his YouTube channel, breaks down each of the three bosses and the key mechanics you need to watch out for. Ready to dive in? If you're looking for a faster way through, check out our Final Fantasy XIV Dungeon Boost service—we're here to help you clear this dungeon with ease!

Boss One: Chirurgeon General

Medicine Field (Raidwide)

Starts with a standard raid-wide. Shield and heal accordingly.

Chemical Dispensers (AoE + Knockback)

• Knockback resolves first.
• Position yourself to be knocked toward a corner near the smaller AoEs.
• You'll have time to adjust your position after being knocked back.

Biochemical Cast (Front or Back)

Safe zone is the opposite of the cast direction. For example, if the cast is at the front, move behind the boss.

Sensory Deprivation (Fake Knockbacks): Appears complex but is simple:

• Just remember where the first real knockback occurred.
• The fake marker doesn't affect order—just adds confusion.

Glitched AoEs

• Hides the safe zone.
• Remember which side of the boss is safe from the AoEs.
• Order of resolution (knockback or AoE) will be shown by which mechanic gets the glitch countdown first.

Concentrated Dose (Tankbuster)

• Strong tank buster inflicts poison.
• Mitigate, cleanse, and heal accordingly.

Boss Two: The Headsman

Marked Target Mechanic

• Players receive marks and can only attack the boss with the matching mark.
• Eventually, your boss will throw you across the arena to its location.

Head-Splitting Roar (Raidwide)

Standard raidwide damage – prepare mitigation.

Line AoEs & Mines

• Blades indicate short-range line AoEs. Stay away.
• Mines drop and create small AoEs – pre-position between any two mines to stay safe.

Role-Specific Mechanics

• Tanks: Will get Breaker, a cast that must be interrupted. Also, prepare for an additional tank buster.
• Healers: Will receive Move Death Penalty – applies Doom on themselves. Use Esuna or similar to cleanse before it expires.
• DPS: Will get Peal of Judgment – a burning DoT until they defeat their Hellmaker add. Once defeated, DPS are free to assist other party members.

Boss Three: Immortal Remains

Recollection (Raidwide)

Standard raid-wide damage at the start. Prepare shields and heals.

Robot Cross-Hatch AoEs

• NPC-linked robots fire cross-pattern AoEs in the arena.
• The tethered NPCs indicate which ones fire first.
• Recommended positioning: stand diagonally from a tethered NPC, then move toward it after the first AoE resolves.

Memory of the Storm (Line Stack)

Stack mechanic. Tanks should be in front to absorb damage.

NPC Group Spawns

• Groups = Large AoEs.
• Solo NPCs = Small AoEs.
• Move toward the spaces near solo NPCs to avoid damage.

Immortal Remains (Screen Text)

• Watch for text: "The Immortal Remains is gathering energy."
• Indicates a massive half-room AoE.
• The boss will pull back one arm—run to the opposite side.

Knockback + NPCs

Knockback mechanic returns. Position to be knocked toward the corner with solo NPCs (safer zones).

Memory of the Pyre (Tankbuster)

A heavy tank buster – mitigate accordingly.

Running NPCs

Their path indicates two incoming AoEs: one straight and one diagonal.

Find the safe spot away from the diagonal AoE first, then adjust for the straight AoE if needed.

Conclusion

With a bit of awareness and communication, the Meso Terminal is manageable and packed with exciting mechanics across all roles. Watch your positioning, don't forget your interrupts and cleanses, and above all—have fun!