The Second Variant Dungeon: Mount Rokkon Guide
The second Variant Dungeon has been released, and it takes us on an exciting adventure to the remote mountains of Hingashi. Get ready to face demons and ghosts alongside the beloved NPC, Hancock. If you’re not enticed by the thrilling gameplay, the stunning scenery and valuable rewards might change your mind. To ensure your success in Mount Rokkon, here is a comprehensive dungeon guide.
Mount Rokkon Full Dungeon Guide: Start and Unlock
To begin your journey in Mount Rokkon, you must pick up the quest titled ‘Mononoke Aware’ from Shallow Moor in Old Sharlayan (12.0, 13.3). It’s important to note that you need to have completed the base Endwalker storyline before undertaking this dungeon. After a few cutscenes filled with exposition, you’ll find yourself in Kugane with Hancock, and the duty finder for Mount Rokkon will be unlocked. Now, it’s time to explore the dungeon.
Variant Dungeon Tips and Tricks
Unlike regular dungeons, Variant Dungeons do not require a full party of four players for Mount Rokkon. The enemy mobs will scale their HP based on the number of players in each run. However, follow these general rules to conquer the mountain:
- Tanks and Healers should prioritize using Variant Spirit Dart as their first action. Incorporate Spirit Dart into your rotation for maximum damage output. It is more powerful than regular attacks, so don’t wait for the damage over time effect to end. Keep spamming it until the boss is defeated.
- DPS players will have different actions depending on their composition. Red Mages and Summoners should use Variant Cure and Variant Rampart, as a second raise is unnecessary. Melee DPS should prioritize Raise and Cure over Rampart, as they are more resilient than casters. Variant Ultimatum should be used based on team composition and the presence of stuns or tanks.
Left Portal: Routes and Pulls Overview
The Left Path of Mount Rokkon remains unchanged until after the first boss. Here are the pulls and routes for this section:
First Pull
During the first pull, be cautious of Shishu Yamawaro’s Dark circle AoE attack. Shishu Hitodama will primarily focus on attacking.
Second Pull
In the second pull, you will encounter Shishu Sharin, who casts a cross AoE called Crimson Mandate.
Third Pull
The enemies in this pull vary based on the weather. If it’s raining, you’ll face Shishu Dorotabo and Shishu Kosamebo. Dorotabo casts Water III, a large AoE to avoid. Kosamebo doesn’t pose a threat. In windy weather, Shishu Fuko appears with a circular AoE called Scythe Tail. The Yamabiko enemies do not have any significant abilities.
Fourth Pull
Beware of Shishu Kiyofusa’s clearout frontal cone AoE attack, as it deals significant damage. This pull also includes more Yamawaro enemies.
Route One (Gift of the Onmyoji)
When you encounter the Auspice statues, skip the puzzle and immediately use the Crystal Ball. In the next room, interact with the Katana case to progress.
Route Two (The Crimson Sword)
In this route, avoid interacting with the Katana and proceed into the final boss room. The remaining pulls include two Kiyofusa enemies.
Route Three (A Tale of Dead Men)
For this route, solve the Auspice statue puzzle. Rotate Suzaku north and Seiryu west, then interact with the orb. This action opens a new path for you. In the subsequent room, defeat Shishu Apa after it casts Water III to extinguish the lanterns.
Route Four (Forging a Legacy)
In this route, the party must focus on stunning Shishu Apa before it can cast Water III to keep the lanterns lit. Be cautious during the fifth pull, as it includes two Hitodamas, a Yamawaro, and two Shishu Onmistu. They utilize a line AoE called Shuriken. The sixth pull consists of Shishu Apa and Shishu Izumo, with the latter casting a large circle AoE called Malefic Aura.
Middle Portal Overview
Choosing the middle route leads you directly to Shojo Temple. Similar to the left path, your actions have no immediate impact until after the first boss battle. However, here are the pulls and changes you can make:
First Pull
During the first pull, you’ll face two Shishu Sharin and three Hitodama enemies.
Second Pull
This pull consists of several Shishu Koja enemies, who don’t pose a threat.
Third Pull
You’ll encounter three Koja and two Sharin enemies during the third pull.
Fourth Pull
If you pulled the rope, you’ll face two Kontengu and three Koja enemies. None of them have notable abilities. If you didn’t pull the rope, you’ll encounter a Mifune and multiple Koja, with the Mifune utilizing a large line AoE called Burnished Joust.
Route Five (The Luthier and the Songstress)
Choose this route to progress with Hancock throughout the dungeon. When you reach the White Baboon, accept its offer and spare it.
Route Six (Lost to Avarice)
Opt for this route and inform the Baboon that you need a moment to think. The Baboon will attack you, but it is easily defeated. The sixth pull includes three Koja and two Yamawaro enemies.
Route Seven (Beyond the Lantern’s Light)
Instead of following Hancock through the door, notice the makeshift staircase made of crates in the same room. Climb it and pull the rope to bring Hancock to your location.
Route Twelve (The Osgiseru’s Fate)
Reach the crates and let Hancock join you again. However, when the Chochin enemies appear, pull them down into the previous room. Several lanterns in this room need to be lit by the Chochins. Defeat each Chochin one by one to light the lanterns and unlock the Lantern of Passage for interaction. This hidden route includes a sixth pull with three Chochins.
Right Portal Routes
If you choose the right portal, you’ll embark on a natural path through nature, encountering cursed objects along the way. The outcome of this route can change before the first boss. Here are the pulls and options:
First Pull
During the first pull, you’ll face Seedkin enemies, while the Hoko enemies are passive. Beware of Irakusa’s Tornado circle AoE attack, which inflicts significant damage.
Second Pull
In this pull, there are three Irakusa enemies alongside variants of Sharin enemies named Wanyudo. The Wanyudo enemies cast Midnight Mandate, a circular AoE attack.
Third Pull
Encounter two Furutsubaki and Tenaga enemies during this pull. The Tenaga enemy utilizes a line AoE called Ovation.
Route Eight
Ignore the Dogu and proceed. However, you’ll come across four Scared Stones on the path. Interact with each stone located at (11.6, 10.0), (10.8, 8.6), (10.3, 8.3), and (9.8, 6.3) respectively.
Route Nine
In this route, refrain from interacting with any objects and simply proceed.
Fourth Pull
During the fourth pull, be cautious of the Red Shishu Penghous and Shishu Jumokko enemies. The Jumokko enemies utilize two AoEs: Acorn Bomb, a circular AoE attack, and Backhand Blow, a frontal cone AoE attack.
Fifth Pull
During the fifth pull, three Shishu Kuzuri enemies perform a conal AoE attack called Savage Swipe.
Sixth Pull
The final pull in this route includes two Red…