Your Ultimate Guide to the Coolest Mounts in Final Fantasy XIV

Alright, adventurers! Let’s talk mounts. We all know that half the fun in Final Fantasy XIV is showing off your hard-earned loot. And what better way to turn heads as you gallop through Eorzea than with a seriously stylish mount? From majestic dragons to bizarre contraptions, FFXIV’s mount collection is vast and ever-growing. So, buckle up as we dive into the must-have steeds that will make you the envy of every player you pass.

Acquiring the Best Mounts in FFXIV: A Comprehensive Overview

The world of Final Fantasy XIV is vast and full of incredible sights. But traversing it all on foot? Forget about it! That’s where mounts come in, not just as a means of transport, but as badges of honor, showcasing your dedication and accomplishments within the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer still finding your footing, acquiring mounts adds another layer of depth and personalization to your FFXIV experience. Let’s explore the many avenues you can take to build your collection!

Mounts from Main Story Quests (MSQ)

Believe it or not, some of the earliest mounts you can get are directly tied to the Main Story Quest. This is fantastic news for new players since it gives them a practical reason to power through the narrative, plus they get rewarded with a cool ride! Specifically, you’ll receive your Company Chocobo early on, allowing for faster travel around the starting zones. These early mounts are no-frills but are functional and represent your first steps in the grand adventure. Think of it as the gateway drug to the more exotic creatures you’ll eventually be collecting!

Crafting and Gathering Mounts

For those who enjoy crafting and gathering, FFXIV offers an entire ecosystem of mounts attainable through these professions. These mounts usually require an immense amount of dedication and involve grinding specific materials, often from high-level zones. Examples include the crafting-related mounts, which may need hundreds of collectables to exchange for the privilege. Gathering classes, especially fishing, often have rare catches needed for rewards. The satisfaction you feel when you finally acquire one of these is immense, knowing you poured your heart and soul (and countless hours) into achieving it.

PvP Mounts

If you enjoy player-versus-player combat, the Frontlines and Rival Wings modes offer a way to earn unique mounts. These mounts often have a distinctly militaristic or technological aesthetic, reflecting the nature of the PvP content. By accumulating Wolf Marks, a currency earned through PvP battles, you can purchase these mounts. The grind can be intense, but the feeling of riding a mount that shows off your PvP prowess is undeniably satisfying. Plus, it gives you bragging rights in Limsa Lominsa!

Trial and Raid Mounts

Without a doubt, some of the most sought-after mounts in FFXIV are those that drop from Extreme trials and Savage raids. These encounters are notorious for their difficulty, requiring exceptional skill, coordination, and teamwork. Earning a mount from these activities is a true testament to your skill as a player. Examples include Nightmare from Garuda, Kirin from Binding Coils, and the numerous dragons from later expansions. They often require multiple clears of the trial/raid. These mounts represent not just completion, but mastery.

Achievement Mounts

Many mounts are tied to specific achievements within the game. These achievements can range from completing a certain number of dungeons or trials to mastering specific jobs or completing the sightseeing log. These mounts showcase your dedication and versatility as a player. For example, becoming a “mentor” and accumulating a certain number of recommendations will allow you access to a mount. Achievement mounts usually require consistent effort over extended periods.

Gil-Purchased Mounts

While most mounts require some form of grind, there are a few that can be purchased directly with Gil (the in-game currency). These mounts are usually available from vendors in specific locations and are often related to seasonal events or past promotions. While purchasing these mounts may require saving up a substantial amount of Gil, it offers a less time-intensive alternative to other methods. It’s also a good way to support the in-game economy by purchasing resources from other players, a win-win for everyone!

Mounts from the Mog Station

Final Fantasy XIV offers a selection of mounts available for purchase through the Mog Station, the game’s online store. These mounts are often unique or based on popular characters or themes from the Final Fantasy series. While some players may prefer to earn their mounts through in-game activities, the Mog Station provides a convenient option for those who are willing to spend real money. Think of it as a shortcut to stylish transportation!

The Most Coveted and Unique Mounts in FFXIV

Beyond the general methods of acquiring mounts, some are so rare, uniquely designed, or tied to specific content that they become legendary among players. These are the mounts that truly set you apart from the crowd and announce your achievements or dedication to the world. They may require long-term commitment, incredible luck, or collaboration with other players. Let’s dive into some of the most desirable mounts.

The Regalia Type-G

Hailing from Final Fantasy XV, the Regalia Type-G is a four-seater car mount that turns heads wherever it goes. Available through a limited-time collaboration event, obtaining this mount required completing a series of quests and challenges. The Regalia’s sleek design and the ability to carry three other players make it a highly sought-after prize. This car mount proves that even in a fantasy world filled with dragons, there’s always room for a little bit of modern flair.

The Astrope

The Astrope is a majestic, winged horse awarded to players who achieve Mentor status and complete a significant number of duties while helping new players. Obtaining Mentor status is a challenging feat in itself, requiring a high level of expertise and a willingness to guide others. The Astrope, with its ethereal glow and graceful movements, is a symbol of dedication and selfless service within the FFXIV community. To ride it is to wear a badge of honor.

The Shadow Panther

The Shadow Panther, obtained through the Bozjan Southern Front and Zadnor areas of the Save the Queen storyline, is a sleek and powerful mount that perfectly embodies the spirit of resistance and rebellion. Acquiring the Shadow Panther requires extensive participation in Bozjan content, including completing critical engagements and skirmishes. It is a statement to others that you have put in the work!

The Landerwaffe

The Landerwaffe is a fearsome mechanical dragon available upon collecting all the other Shadow of Mhach raid series mounts. This mount is a testament to a player’s dedication in tackling challenging raids across the game, and it also looks spectacular. From the sound of the engines to the way the wings move, it will be sure to get attention.

The Archon Throne

The Archon Throne is a unique mount earned by reaching the highest rank in all crafter and gatherer classes. Imagine gliding through the world sitting on a giant, elaborate throne. This mount isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about making a statement. It’s a visual representation of mastery, a symbol that says, “I have conquered the crafting and gathering realm of Eorzea.” For the dedicated crafters and gatherers out there, this throne is the ultimate goal.

Tips for Efficient Mount Hunting in FFXIV

Acquiring mounts in FFXIV can be a rewarding but sometimes lengthy process. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your mount-hunting efforts and make the journey as enjoyable as possible.

Prioritize Content Based on Your Goals

Before embarking on a mount-hunting expedition, consider what types of mounts you’re most interested in. This will help you prioritize the content you focus on. If you prefer PvP, concentrate on earning Wolf Marks. If you enjoy raiding, assemble a group and tackle Extreme trials and Savage raids. If you love crafting, dedicate time to leveling your crafting classes and gathering materials. By aligning your efforts with your preferences, you’ll stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Take Advantage of Party Finder and Communities

Many mounts require collaboration with other players, whether it’s for raiding, PvP, or completing specific achievements. The Party Finder is an invaluable tool for finding like-minded individuals to tackle these challenges with. Consider joining Free Companies (guilds) or online communities dedicated to mount collecting. These groups can provide valuable support, guidance, and companionship on your mount-hunting journey.

Stay Informed About Events and Promotions

Final Fantasy XIV frequently hosts events and promotions that offer limited-time mounts or opportunities to acquire existing mounts more easily. Keep an eye on the game’s official website and social media channels for announcements about these events. Participating in these events can be a great way to expand your mount collection and experience unique content.

Be Patient and Persistent

Mount hunting can sometimes be a grind, especially for rare or difficult-to-obtain mounts. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t acquire a mount immediately. Be patient, persistent, and remember to enjoy the journey. Celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and keep striving towards your goals. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you finally obtain that elusive mount will be well worth the effort.

FAQ

How do I summon a mount in Final Fantasy XIV?

Summoning a mount in FFXIV is quite simple! Once you’ve obtained a mount, it will be added to your Mount Guide, accessible through the Main Menu under “Character.” Select the mount you wish to summon, and it will be added to your hotbar. Alternatively, you can drag the mount icon directly from the Mount Guide to your hotbar. Once on your hotbar, simply press the corresponding keybind to summon the mount. Keep in mind that you cannot summon mounts in certain areas, such as cities or instanced dungeons.

Can multiple players ride the same mount in FFXIV?

Some mounts in FFXIV, like the Regalia Type-G, are specifically designed to accommodate multiple players. These mounts allow you to bring your friends along for the ride, making group adventures even more fun! However, the vast majority of mounts are single-rider only. Be sure to check the mount’s description to see if it supports multiple riders.

Are there any mounts that fly in Final Fantasy XIV?

Absolutely! Flying mounts are a staple of Final Fantasy XIV, allowing you to soar through the skies and explore the world from a new perspective. Once you unlock flying in a particular zone (usually by completing specific quests or attuning to Aether Currents), you can summon your flying mounts and take to the skies. Many of the most sought-after mounts, such as dragons and winged creatures, are capable of flight.