With the release of the Shadowbringers expansion, Square Enix added the ability for players to run Final Fantasy 14 dungeon content with NPC companions instead of other players. These ventures were called Trusts, and pioneered a way for Final Fantasy 14 players to experience content.
Trusts are a way for players to progress through the MSQ at their own pace with a team of their choosing. This allows the practice of mechanics, and ensures no one spoils content. In Shadowbringers, players could make use of Alphinaud, Alisaie, the Crystal Exarch, Luna, Thancred, Urianger, Minfilia, Y'shtola, Ryne, and G'raha Tia depending on the instance. With the release of Endwalker, Estinien has now joined the ranks of available Trust NPCs. Here's how players can get him on their team.
Who Is Estinien?
Estinien Varlineau is the current Azure Dragoon, and introduced the Dragoon class with his appearance in A Realm Reborn. He went on to have a significant part in the Heavensward story and made his return in the Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker expansions. He was instrumental in the defeat of Nidhogg and Lunar Bahamut. It was after the defeat of the latter that he formally joined the Scions.
How to Unlock Estinien
Estinien is unlocked automatically once the player reaches The Tower of Zot at level 81 in Scenario mode. From there, he is available in Scenario Mode for The Tower of Zot, The Tower of Babil, Vanaspati, The Aitiascope, and The Dead Ends in Avatar mode. The Azure Dragoon lives up to his title and is available as a Dragoon, thus is a melee physical DPS character. Unlike other NPCs, Estinien cannot be used as a Trust ally outside of Endwalker content.
Scenario mode is available to players that have a quest objective to clear a dungeon in the MSQ. Speaking with the NPCs at the dungeon's entrance will give the player the ability to construct a party based on the available characters. Avatar mode allows players to enter dungeons they have already completed using a larger roster of NPCs. Players can also change the glamour of NPCs into one of their past appearances.
Endwalker's story has been praised by critics and fans alike, so the journey to unlocking the Azure Dragoon should be an enjoyable one. He's a powerful ally to have in a dungeon, and his skills have only become more formidable since Shadowbringers.
Final Fantasy 14 is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.