Estimating the Time Investment for Final Fantasy XIV Relic Weapons

So, you’re staring down the barrel of a relic weapon grind in Final Fantasy XIV, huh? Welcome to the club! Those shiny, powerful weapons are a serious flex, but let’s be real – they demand a commitment. We’re talking time, Gil, and a fair bit of patience. Wondering just how much of your life you’ll be dedicating to this task? Let’s break down what to expect.

Understanding the FFXIV Relic Grind: A General Overview

Relic weapons in Final Fantasy XIV aren’t just any old piece of gear; they’re symbols of dedication and a testament to your character’s journey. Each relic is tied to a specific expansion and usually involves a multi-step process. Think of it like assembling a really complex IKEA bookshelf, but instead of allen wrenches, you’re wielding your trusty sword or staff. Each step often requires specific tasks such as completing dungeons, gathering materials, and defeating certain enemies. The goal is to improve the weapon’s stats and appearance incrementally, eventually culminating in a weapon that rivals the best available.

Calculating the Time Needed for Each Relic Weapon

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. How long will this actually take? Unfortunately, there’s no single, definitive answer. The time investment varies wildly depending on which expansion’s relic you’re chasing, your playstyle, and even a little bit of luck. Some steps might be smooth sailing, while others could have you pulling your hair out. We’ll explore each relic’s time investment, including the challenges along the way. Remember, take these estimates with a grain of salt and adjust them based on your own experience.

A Realm Reborn (ARR) Relic Weapons

Ah, the original grind! The Zodiac Weapons (sometimes called Atma weapons) are infamous for their RNG elements, specifically, the Atma farming stage. You’ll need to visit specific FATEs in specific zones for a chance to get the Atma, which can be a real drag. After Atma, you will need to gather different types of materials. Following that is the books portion. The whole process is very time consuming, so you may need multiple days to finish. A dedicated player can realistically complete the entire Zodiac weapon in a week or two, but a more casual player might take a month or more.

Heavensward (HW) Relic Weapons

The Anima weapons are generally considered less painful than the Zodiac weapons, but they still require a significant time investment. Expect to spend hours grinding dungeons, gathering crystals, and completing specific quests. One of the stages requires collecting specific items like umbrite, crystal sand, and soul crystals. The collection process relies a great deal on the current market board, and the price of these items fluctuates greatly. The entire process could take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, depending on market prices and dungeon queue times.

Stormblood (SB) Relic Weapons

Eureka is a whole different beast. This zone introduces elemental affinities and level synching that can make things… challenging. You’ll be spending a *lot* of time in Eureka, leveling up, defeating notorious monsters, and gathering elemental crystals. This is widely considered the most tedious and time-consuming relic grind in the game, largely due to the Eureka-specific leveling and NM (Notorious Monster) mechanics. Expect to sink anywhere from a month to several months into a single Eureka weapon, depending on your dedication and willingness to join groups.

Shadowbringers (ShB) Relic Weapons

The Resistance Weapons are arguably the most streamlined and accessible relic grind so far. While still requiring a fair amount of time, the steps are generally more straightforward and less reliant on RNG. You’ll be running specific dungeons, participating in FATEs, and collecting specific items. This entire relic grind can take a few weeks if you dedicate a decent amount of time each day. The availability of trusts and squadrons for dungeon runs makes it a more solo-friendly option, which is a definite plus.

Endwalker (EW) Relic Weapons

Endwalker’s Manderville Weapons provide a more relaxed and story-driven experience compared to some of the earlier grinds. The steps involve completing Hildibrand quests, gathering specific items, and participating in a few duties. While some steps may require you to run certain duties multiple times, it’s generally a less intense grind than Eureka or the Zodiac weapons. Plan on dedicating a couple of weeks to a month per weapon, depending on your availability and how quickly you can complete the Hildibrand questline. These are the only relic weapons which require you to complete a series of side story quests before starting them.

Tips and Tricks to Speed Up Your Relic Weapon Grind

Alright, now that we’ve scared you with the potential time commitment, let’s talk about some ways to make the process a little less painful. There are several strategies you can employ to optimize your grind and minimize the time spent repeating the same tasks. Remember, a little planning can go a long way!

Optimize Your Dungeon Runs

Many relic steps involve running specific dungeons. To maximize efficiency, learn the optimal routes and strategies for each dungeon. Communicate with your party to ensure everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect. Consider using Trusts or Squadrons for some dungeons, especially if you’re a DPS class and queue times are long. This can be a slower approach, but it offers consistency and control over your runs. Just make sure your Trust/Squadron members are geared and leveled appropriately.

Take Advantage of Bonuses and Buffs

Keep an eye out for bonuses and buffs that can speed up your grind. Some events or in-game promotions may offer increased EXP, increased drop rates, or reduced costs for specific items. Also, make sure you’re always running with the Heat of Battle buff from your Grand Company, which increases EXP gained from combat. Food buffs can also provide a slight edge in combat and gathering, so don’t underestimate their value. Every little bit helps when you’re in it for the long haul.

Maximize Your Market Board Savvy

The Market Board is your best friend when it comes to gathering materials. Keep an eye on prices and buy materials when they’re cheap. If you have crafting or gathering classes leveled, consider crafting or gathering the materials yourself. This can be a great way to save Gil and contribute to your own progress. However, remember to factor in the time investment required for crafting and gathering. Sometimes, it’s simply more efficient to buy the materials outright.

Join a Relic Grinding Community

Don’t suffer in silence! Join a community dedicated to relic grinding. These communities can provide valuable advice, tips, and support. You can also find groups to run dungeons and FATEs with, making the process more efficient and enjoyable. Plus, misery loves company, right? Sharing your struggles and triumphs with others can make the grind feel less daunting. Plus, you may even make some new friends in the process.

Set Realistic Goals and Take Breaks

The relic grind can be overwhelming, so it’s important to set realistic goals and take breaks. Don’t try to do everything at once. Break down the grind into smaller, more manageable chunks. Celebrate your progress along the way to stay motivated. And most importantly, don’t forget to take breaks! Burnout is a real thing, and it can derail your progress. Step away from the game, do something you enjoy, and come back refreshed. Remember, it’s a game – have fun!

The Allure of Relic Weapons: Why Bother?

After reading all this, you might be asking yourself, “Is it *really* worth it?” That’s a fair question. Relic weapons require a significant time commitment, so it’s important to understand the motivations behind pursuing them. They aren’t just about power; they’re about the journey. They offer a unique sense of accomplishment and a tangible representation of your dedication to the game.

Beyond the stats and aesthetic appeal, relic weapons are also a gateway to exploring the lore and history of Eorzea. Each relic is tied to a specific storyline and character, offering a deeper understanding of the game’s world. They provide a tangible goal to work towards, a sense of progression, and a way to engage with the game’s content in a meaningful way. Plus, let’s be honest, they look pretty darn cool.

FAQ

How long does it REALLY take to get a relic weapon?

Honestly, it varies wildly. An ARR relic might take anywhere from a week to a month, Heavensward around two weeks to a month, Stormblood could take a month or more, Shadowbringers usually takes a few weeks, and Endwalker can take two weeks to a month. This depends on your playstyle, availability, and how efficiently you grind.

Which relic weapon is the easiest to obtain?

Generally, the Shadowbringers (Resistance) relics are considered the easiest, followed by the Endwalker (Manderville) relics. They’re more streamlined, less RNG-dependent, and can be completed solo or in small groups.

Are relic weapons actually worth the effort?

That’s subjective! If you’re after the absolute best gear with the highest stats, generally, you might be better off focusing on the latest raid or tome gear. However, relic weapons offer a unique aesthetic, a sense of accomplishment, and a connection to the game’s lore. They’re more about the journey than just the destination. If those things appeal to you, then absolutely, they’re worth it.