“Endgame” refers to continuing to play a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) like Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, even after you’ve hit the maximum level. And it’s not just levelling other classes, either; you can participate in the Duty Roulette and challenge a variety of daily quests, even if you’re not a “leet” hardcore gamer with a headset and Mumble / Ventrilo.
Here’s a look at one of the most casual-friendly endgame scenes in any MMORPG!
Forget level; think “average item level”
This is the new metric by which the game judges your character at endgame. Many dungeons and trials (avatar boss fights) are gated to a certain average item level, meaning you can’t go in if you’re under that.
Fortunately, if you did your job quests, completed your class’ hunting log, and got the master ring for your class, you’ve already got a head start with “iLevel” 55 gear. (If you’ve completed your hunting log but haven’t gotten the ring yet, talk to Jonathas at Apkallu Falls in Old Gridania.)
Save up those tomes
Allagan Tomestones of Mythology and Soldiery are the two main types of currency you’ll use to buy endgame gear, as of the time of this writing. You earn these for just about every endgame activity, including ones you can do solo or through the Duty Finder. Once you have enough of them, you can trade them in with Rowena and her assistants in Revenant’s Toll in Mor Dhona, to get equipment like your class’ Relic gear.
Unlock every dungeon
Many high-level (and some low-level!) dungeons have gear you can lot on and upgrade your set with while you’re saving up. Sometimes it’s just a cosmetic upgrade, but you can also earn powerful Darklight gear, which is iLevel 70. Most of these dungeons aren’t tied to the main scenario, however, so you’ll need to look around for quest icons and do the quests to unlock them.
Spin the Duty Roulette
In FFXIV’s endgame, you’re rewarded even for going back and doing low-level dungeons. How? By registering for the Duty Roulette, which automatically groups you up with people for a random dungeon or trial. You can choose low-level, high-level, or “expert” dungeons, as well as ones that are part of the main scenario, and you’ll get an extra reward for completing each roulette once per day.
Try daily quests
Quest-givers in each nation’s Grand Company headquarters will assign you to investigate different beastman tribes. Once you’ve completed the initial quests, you can go around to each tribe and complete the daily quests they have on offer. By doing so, you’ll earn tomes and raise your reputation with each tribe, which will let you buy exclusive dyes and mounts.
Endgame crafting and gathering
Your Grand Company will request different items each day, for each crafting and gathering class you have levelled. You can earn GC seals for trading them in. Other worthwhile endgame pursuits (besides making things to sell!) include crafting difficult items to improve the quality of the materia you earn for converting your gear, and levelling other crafting classes so that you can use their level 50 ability.
Titan Hard Mode?
This is the incredibly difficult (to newcomers and casual players especially) primal boss fight that you need to do to unlock your relic weapon. My advice? Upgrade your gear until you have around 4000 HP, then either use Party Finder or ask your friends to help out. Find a dedicated group that will run it until you beat it.
Good luck, and have fun in FFXIV!
