Primals

Primals are a category of powerful extraplanar beings in Final Fantasy XIV. They are not native to Hydaelyn but manifestations born from the faith, emotions, and rituals of the game's inhabitants. Each primal embodies a specific elemental force or conceptual theme and typically appears as a colossal avatar reflecting its nature. Their continued influence depends on the devotion of their followers, and the bond that empowers them can be severed through intervention by adventurers and allied forces.

Origins and nature: Primals arise when a population’s belief coalesces into a sentient entity, drawing energy from the local aether. They are sustained by the faith of their worshippers and interact with the world in ways that align with their elemental or thematic identity. Although they can seem protective or benevolent at first, their actions often impose calamity or coercion upon the surrounding regions, creating a moral and practical challenge for those who oppose them.

Role in gameplay: In the game, primals function as major antagonists encountered across story quests, dungeons, and raid content. Players confront a primal, interrupt its ritual, and aim to restore balance by dispelling its influence and addressing the beliefs that gave it form. Defeating a primal typically ends its immediate threat in the region, though the associated lore, artifacts, and cultural impact can linger within the world and its communities.

Notable examples: Notable primals include Ifrit, Titan, Ramuh, Garuda, Leviathan, and Bahamut, each associated with fire, earth, lightning, wind, water, and dragon-mystic themes respectively. Additional primals appear across expansions, expanding the tapestry of beliefs and conflicts tied to their existence.