Bolt Hounds are agile, canine-type enemies frequently encountered in Final Fantasy XIV. They are distinguished by their typically sleek, often dark pelts and their pronounced affinity for lightning-aspected attacks, sometimes manifesting as a visible electrical aura.
Common Locations
Players will primarily encounter Bolt Hounds in the following areas and duties:
- Coerthas Central Highlands: This region is a key habitat, with Bolt Hounds commonly found roaming areas such as the Boulder Downs and the surroundings of Dragonhead.
- The Sea of Clouds: These lightning-infused canids also inhabit specific zones within this Heavensward area.
- Early Game Dungeons: Instances like Halatali (Normal) feature Bolt Hounds or similar variants as standard enemy encounters.
Combat Characteristics
When engaging Bolt Hounds in combat, players should be prepared for:
- Lightning-Aspected Attacks: Their primary offensive capabilities revolve around electrical damage. This includes single-target strikes and area-of-effect (AoE) abilities, often named "Static Charge" or similar, which can inflict paralysis.
- High Agility and Aggression: Bolt Hounds are swift creatures that can quickly close distances. They are generally aggressive and will engage players on sight.
- Pack Behavior: They are often encountered in small groups, necessitating careful target management.
In-Game Relevance
Bolt Hounds are significant for several aspects of progression and gameplay:
- Hunting Logs: They are common targets for the hunting logs of various combat classes, notably including Arcanist, Thaumaturge, and Lancer.
- Quests and Levequests: Numerous main scenario quests, side quests, and levequests in their respective zones require players to defeat Bolt Hounds.
- FATEs (Full Active Time Events): Bolt Hounds frequently appear as adversaries in FATEs, either as part of mob waves or as the primary antagonists.
