Unveiling the Most Sought-After Mounts in Final Fantasy XIV

So, you’re cruising around Eorzea, rocking the same old chocobo since level 20? Time for an upgrade, friend! Let’s be honest, in Final Fantasy XIV, mounts are more than just transportation; they’re a statement. They’re a flex. They’re proof you conquered that savage raid or grinded out those beast tribe reputation points. But with so many options available, from majestic dragons to adorable squirrels, which ones truly reign supreme? Which ones make other players whisper, “Wow, I want that!”?

The Ultimate Guide to Final Fantasy XIV’s Most Desirable Mounts

We’re diving deep into the world of Final Fantasy XIV mounts, separating the wheat from the chaff, the primal ex drops from the story quest rewards. We’re not just listing them; we’re exploring why certain mounts are so coveted, their unique acquisition methods, and the sheer bragging rights they provide. Think of this as your roadmap to achieving ultimate mount-collector status. Buckle up, adventurers, because we’re about to take flight (or roll, or slither, depending on the mount)!

Mounts That Scream “I’m a Pro”: The Hard-Earned Heirlooms

These aren’t the mounts you casually stumble upon while leveling your crafter. These are the trophies earned through blood, sweat, and maybe a few salty tears. They’re badges of honor, proof you’ve conquered challenging content and emerged victorious. Consider them the digital equivalent of a black belt in karate or a PhD in Theoretical Physics – only slightly less likely to impress your parents.

The Mentor Mounts

Achieving Mentor status in Final Fantasy XIV is no small feat. It requires mastering multiple classes, completing a significant number of duties, and, perhaps most importantly, possessing the patience of a saint when dealing with sprouts (new players). The rewards? The incredible Astrope mount for battle mentors and the magnificent Archon Throne for mentors of all trades. These mounts are not just transportation; they signify a commitment to helping others and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. Seeing one of these flying around tells you, “This person knows their stuff.”

The Endgame Savage Mounts

Speaking of knowing your stuff, let’s talk about Savage raids. These are the pinnacle of PvE challenge in Final Fantasy XIV, requiring meticulous planning, flawless execution, and a raid group that can communicate telepathically (or at least use Discord effectively). Defeating these encounters often rewards players with unique mounts, each more imposing and awe-inspiring than the last. Mounts like the Lynx of Eternal Darkness from the Eden’s Promise raids or the Wings of Virtue from the Pandaemonium raids, are not just flashy; they’re testaments to teamwork and perseverance. Securing one of these means you’ve danced the dangerous dance of Savage content and lived to tell the tale – and fly away on a cool mount.

The Unreal Trial Mounts

Unreal Trials bring back older extreme trials, scaled up to current endgame levels. These trials are a fun way to relive past content with a modern twist. They’re not quite as punishing as Savage, but still demand a fair amount of coordination. They also drop totems that you can eventually exchange for amazing mounts. These mounts are a testament that you can still master the past and show off your skills to those around you.

Mounts That Showcase Dedication: The Grind is Real

Not all sought-after mounts require intense raiding. Some require…well, a whole lot of playtime. These are the mounts earned through sheer dedication and persistence, proving you’re willing to put in the hours to achieve your goals. Think of them as the marathon runners of the mount world – slow and steady wins the race (or at least gets you a cool ride).

The Extreme Trial Mounts

While not as brutally difficult as Savage raids, Extreme Trials still offer a decent challenge and, more importantly, a chance to earn a unique mount. Each expansion typically features a series of Extreme Trials, each with its own distinct mount. These mounts often feature unique designs and animations, making them highly sought-after. The real kicker? You need to collect 99 totems from repeating the trial to exchange for the mount. That’s a lot of trial runs, demonstrating serious commitment. Mounts like the Kamuy of the Nine Tails from Stormblood or the Blissful Kamuy from Shadowbringers are proof you’re willing to put in the work to complete your mount collection.

The Hunt Mounts

Hunts offer another avenue for obtaining unique mounts, though the process can be…tedious. By participating in daily and weekly hunts, players earn Allied Seals or Centurio Seals, which can be exchanged for various rewards, including the elusive hunt mounts. These mounts often feature designs inspired by the creatures players hunt, such as the Regal Kirin or the Ixion. Gathering enough seals takes time and effort, making these mounts a symbol of patience and dedication. It’s like being a virtual big-game hunter, only instead of trophies, you get a rideable beastie.

The Island Sanctuary Mounts

Added in Endwalker, Island Sanctuary is a casual content offering where players can build up their own private island. While much of the content is low-stress and low-effort, there are a few mounts that require a decent amount of grind to unlock. Some mounts require the completion of specific achievements. These achievements can sometimes be a little time consuming, making the mounts just a little bit more unique and worthy of respect.

Mounts That Highlight Style: The Fashionable Flyers

Some mounts aren’t about bragging rights or proving your skill; they’re simply about looking good. These are the mounts that turn heads, spark conversations, and make you the envy of every fashion-conscious adventurer in Eorzea. Think of them as the high-fashion models of the mount world – effortlessly chic and always on trend.

The Mog Station Mounts

Let’s be real, some of the coolest mounts in Final Fantasy XIV are locked behind the Mog Station, the game’s cash shop. While some players may balk at the idea of paying real money for a mount, there’s no denying that these mounts are often incredibly stylish and unique. The Fat Chocobo, Cloud’s Fenrir Motorcycle, and the Regalia Type-G (from Final Fantasy XV) are prime examples of mounts that combine iconic designs with eye-catching animations. They’re the equivalent of buying that designer handbag you’ve been eyeing – a splurge, but one that will definitely elevate your in-game style.

The Crafting Mounts

For the crafters among us, there are mounts that reward dedication to the Disciples of the Hand. These mounts require a significant investment of time and resources to craft, making them a symbol of your skill and dedication to the crafting arts. The magnificent Bismarck Whale and the soaring Sohm Al Camels are prime examples of mounts that can only be obtained through crafting, making them a badge of honor for any aspiring artisan. It is similar to owning an expensive handcrafted guitar, they’re not just for show; they are a reflection of your passion and expertise.

The Achievement Mounts

Final Fantasy XIV is packed with achievements, ranging from simple tasks to incredibly challenging feats. Completing these achievements often unlocks unique rewards, including mounts. These mounts often represent a completionist’s dedication to exploring every corner of the game and mastering every aspect of its content. The Cerberus mount, earned by completing various achievements related to the Eureka content, is a prime example of a mount that showcases your commitment to conquering every challenge the game throws your way. If you want to show your proficiency, these are the mounts for you.

Mounts That are Just Plain Fun: The Whimsical Wonders

Finally, let’s not forget the mounts that are simply fun and whimsical. These mounts may not be the rarest or most prestigious, but they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Think of them as the quirky, lovable sidekicks of the mount world – always ready to lighten the mood and add a touch of silliness to your adventures.

The Event Mounts

Final Fantasy XIV regularly hosts seasonal events, each with its own unique rewards, including mounts. These mounts often feature designs inspired by the event’s theme, such as the Starlight Bear from the Starlight Celebration (Christmas) or the Rolling Tankard from the Moonfire Faire (summer festival). Event mounts are a fun way to celebrate the seasons and add a touch of festive flair to your mount collection. It is like collecting holiday ornaments, each one a reminder of a special time of year.

The Beast Tribe Mounts

Building reputation with the various beast tribes in Final Fantasy XIV unlocks a variety of rewards, including unique mounts. These mounts often reflect the culture and aesthetic of the beast tribe, such as the Dansig from the Vanu Vanu or the Round Lanner from the Gnath. Earning the trust and respect of these tribes takes time and effort, making these mounts a symbol of your dedication to fostering interspecies relations. They are like having a diplomatic passport, proving you can get along with just about anyone (or any beast) in Eorzea.

The Gold Saucer Mounts

The Manderville Gold Saucer is a paradise for minigame enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities to earn Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP). These points can be exchanged for various rewards, including mounts. Some of the most popular Gold Saucer mounts include the Fenrir, the Adamantoise, and the Sabotender Emperador. Earning enough MGP to purchase these mounts requires dedication and a bit of luck, but the payoff is a quirky and unique addition to your mount collection. It is like winning the lottery, but instead of cash, you get a giant turtle to ride.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About FFXIV Mounts

How many mounts are there in Final Fantasy XIV?

The number of mounts in Final Fantasy XIV is constantly growing with each new patch and expansion, but as of right now, there are well over 300 different mounts to collect! This includes everything from story rewards and vendor purchases to rare drops from difficult encounters and exclusive Mog Station items. So, get out there and start collecting!

What is the rarest mount in Final Fantasy XIV?

That’s a tricky question! Rarity is subjective and can change over time. However, some contenders for the “rarest” title include the Astral Unicorn, earned by leveling all Disciples of Magic and War to level 80. It’s a serious grind! Another might be the Regalia Type-G, a Final Fantasy XV collaboration mount that has been discontinued and is only available on the Market Board at exorbitant prices. Any older event mount that’s no longer available is considered rare as well.

Can I fly in every zone with a flying mount?

Mostly, yes! To unlock flying in a specific zone, you need to attune to all the Aether Currents in that zone. These are glowing orbs scattered around the map, some found easily on the ground, and others accessed through quests. Once you’ve found all the Aether Currents, you’re free to soar through the skies of that zone! There are a few older zones where flying isn’t possible, but these are becoming increasingly rare.