Forging Legends: A Guide to Final Fantasy XIV Relic Weapon Progression

So, you’ve decided to embark on the epic journey of crafting a Relic Weapon in Final Fantasy XIV? Awesome! Prepare yourself for a grind worthy of Odin himself. But fear not, brave adventurer! This guide is your trusty map through the labyrinthine steps required to transform a humble piece of metal into a legendary artifact. We’ll break down each stage, offer tips for efficiency, and hopefully keep your sanity intact. Ready to become the envy of Eorzea? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Allure of FFXIV Relic Weapons

Relic Weapons. Even the name sounds prestigious, doesn’t it? But what makes them so desirable? Well, beyond the undeniable bragging rights of wielding a glowing, unique weapon, Relic Weapons offer unparalleled customization and progression. Unlike most gear in FFXIV, Relic Weapons grow with you. You can fine-tune their stats to perfectly suit your playstyle, making them incredibly powerful and personal. They’re a testament to dedication and a symbol of your character’s journey – think of it as the ultimate “I leveled this” flex.

Before You Begin: Prerequisites for Relic Weapon Quests

Before you even think about starting your Relic Weapon journey, there are a few boxes you need to tick. First, you’ll need to have reached the maximum level for the expansion in which the Relic Weapon was introduced. So, for A Realm Reborn Relics, that’s level 50. For Heavensward, it’s level 60, and so on. You’ll also need to have completed the main scenario questline for that expansion up to a certain point. Make sure you check the specific quest requirements for the Relic you’re aiming for, as these can vary slightly. Consider it your final exam before becoming a legendary weapon smith.

A Realm Reborn (ARR) Relic Weapon Guide

Ah, the OG Relic. The ARR Relic Weapon is a rite of passage for many FFXIV players. It’s a long, winding road, but the final product is a stunning piece of equipment. The journey begins with unlocking the quest “A Relic Reborn” from Gerolt in Hyrstmill, North Shroud. From there, you’ll be tasked with obtaining specific items, completing certain duties, and generally proving your worth. Think of it as a hazing ritual for weapons – you’ll definitely earn that glow.

Acquiring the Base Weapon and Completing Trials

The first step involves obtaining a base weapon from the calamity salvager that corresponds to your job. Then, you’ll need to complete specific trials, like the infamous Amdapor Keep and Copperbell Mines (Hard). These trials are designed to test your mettle, so make sure you’re well-geared and ready to face some tough challenges. This is where teamwork really shines, so consider grouping up with friends or using the Duty Finder to find reliable allies. Remember, even Cloud needed his party!

The Allagan Tomestone Grind

Next comes the Allagan Tomestone grind. You’ll need to collect a certain amount of Philosophy Tomestones, which can be obtained by running various level 50 dungeons and trials. This step can be a bit tedious, but there are ways to make it more bearable. Try varying your content to avoid burnout. Mix in some roulette runs with specific dungeon farms. Every little bit counts, and remember, the end result is totally worth the monotonous grind.

Crafting and Materia

After the Tomestone grind, you’ll need to have a skilled crafter create specific items and meld materia to your weapon. This requires a high level in a relevant crafting class and some Gil to purchase the necessary materials. If you’re not a crafter yourself, you’ll need to find a reliable crafter who can assist you. Consider it an investment in your future awesomeness. This is where the game encourages you to utilize other content and systems, demonstrating the interconnected nature of the game.

The Hydra and Ifrit Steps

The next phase involves defeating Hydra and Ifrit (Hard mode) multiple times. This can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the mechanics of these fights. Watch some videos, familiarize yourself with the strategies, and coordinate with your party. These fights are all about timing and execution, so practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged by early setbacks; keep at it, and you’ll eventually emerge victorious. These primals are challenging, but very manageable with practice!

Animus Books

The Animus Books are notorious for their demanding requirements. You’ll be tasked with completing specific dungeons, defeating certain monsters in specific locations, and using specific skills to defeat them. This step requires a lot of time and effort, so be prepared for a long grind. Using online resources and tracking your progress can help you stay organized and motivated. This step is often considered the most tedious, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and celebrate small victories along the way!

Novus and Nexus

Finally, you’ll reach the Novus and Nexus stages, which involve infusing your weapon with light by completing various duties. This is another grind, but the visual effects as your weapon gains light are quite rewarding. Certain content rewards more light than others, so research the most efficient methods. The end is in sight at this stage, so keep pushing forward! You’re almost there!

Heavensward (HW) Relic Weapon (Anima Weapon) Guide

The Heavensward Relic Weapon, also known as the Anima Weapon, offers a slightly different approach to progression. While still involving a significant time investment, it introduces new mechanics and challenges. To begin, you’ll need to have completed the Heavensward main scenario questline and unlocked the quest “An Unexpected Proposal” from Ardashir in Idyllshire. Prepare for another epic undertaking!

The Soul Without Life Questline

The initial stages of the Anima Weapon questline involve gathering specific items and completing various duties. This is designed to “ignite the spark” of your weapon’s soul. These initial steps are relatively straightforward and serve as an introduction to the mechanics of the Anima Weapon progression system. It’s all about building the foundation for the weapon’s eventual power.

Crystal Sands and Umbrite

The next phase involves gathering Crystal Sands and Umbrite. Crystal Sands can be obtained from various sources, including leves, beast tribe quests, and Grand Company seals. Umbrite can be purchased with Allagan Tomestones of Poetics. These materials are used to enhance the weapon’s attributes. It’s like carefully mixing ingredients to create the perfect potion.

The Hyperconductive Weapon

Once you’ve gathered enough Crystal Sands and Umbrite, you can upgrade your weapon to the Hyperconductive stage. This involves completing specific quests and trials. The Hyperconductive weapon is a significant upgrade from the previous stage, making it well worth the effort. You’re starting to see the fruits of your labor at this point, so keep on truckin’!

Singularity and Lux

The final stages of the Anima Weapon questline involve gathering specific items and completing various duties to further enhance your weapon. These stages are demanding, but the end result is a truly powerful and unique weapon. The visual effects of the Lux weapon are stunning, making it a worthy reward for your dedication. You’ve reached the pinnacle of power!

Stormblood (SB) Relic Weapon (Eureka Weapon) Guide

The Stormblood Relic Weapon, often referred to as the Eureka Weapon, is perhaps the most unique and challenging of all Relic Weapon questlines. It takes place in the instanced zone of Eureka, where you’ll face challenging monsters and participate in dynamic events. To begin, you’ll need to have completed the Stormblood main scenario questline and unlocked the quest “And We Shall Call It Eureka” from Galiena in Kugane. This is a journey into the unknown!

Eureka Anemos

Eureka Anemos is the first zone in Eureka. Here, you’ll need to level up your Elemental level by defeating monsters and completing Notorious Monsters (NMs). This requires a lot of grinding and coordination with other players. The key is to find a group and work together to maximize your experience gain. Teamwork is absolutely essential in Eureka!

Eureka Pagos

Eureka Pagos is the second zone, and it’s significantly more challenging than Anemos. The environment is harsh, and the monsters are much stronger. You’ll need to be well-prepared and work together with your party to survive. The bunny fate farms here are notorious for their challenging mechanics and potential for failure. This area is known for its difficulty, so prepare for some hardcore adventures.

Eureka Pyros and Hydatos

Eureka Pyros and Hydatos are the final two zones in Eureka. These zones introduce new mechanics and challenges, including the ability to craft powerful equipment and participate in challenging raids. The final Eureka weapon is a testament to your skill and dedication. You’ve conquered the elements and emerged victorious!

Shadowbringers (ShB) Relic Weapon (Resistance Weapon) Guide

The Shadowbringers Relic Weapon, known as the Resistance Weapon, offers a more streamlined and accessible progression system compared to previous Relic Weapons. It focuses on completing specific duties and gathering specific items. You begin this quest by completing the main Shadowbringers scenario. Then, go to Gangos and seek out the quest “Save the Queen.”

The Sorrow of Werlyt Quests

Following the “Save the Queen” quest unlock, you will need to begin progressing through the “Sorrow of Werlyt” questline in the Bozjan Southern Front. This questline unlocks various content and challenges that are essential for progressing your Resistance Weapon. This is where the narrative really kicks into gear!

Gathering Memories

Similar to the other Relic Weapon Questlines, you will be required to gather specific memories to further enhance your relic. This can be done by running different duties, so variety is always present and available to avoid burnout.

Upgrading Your Weapon

You will be able to upgrade your Resistance Weapon through multiple stages to give it a visual appeal you enjoy. This is done through completing the “Save the Queen” questlines.

Endwalker (EW) Relic Weapon (Manderville Weapon) Guide

The Endwalker Relic Weapon, also known as the Manderville Weapon, offers a more lighthearted and comedic approach to Relic Weapon progression. It focuses on completing hilarious quests and gathering ridiculous items. This questline is widely regarded as the easiest weapon to acquire, due to its lower requirements. You can begin this questline by completing the Endwalker story quest, and speaking to a certain NPC in the Crystarium.

The Hildibrand Adventures

This questline features the infamous Hildibrand questline that the community has come to love, and it takes you on a whimsical journey. You will do a variety of tasks to upgrade your Manderville Weapon.

Easier Requirements

Compared to the other Relic Weapon questlines, this is the easiest one to acquire due to the shorter requirements. You will need to gather a few specific materials, but the content is very easy to clear. This relic weapon questline is one you’ll be able to achieve in a matter of hours!

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Relic Weapon Progression

No matter which Relic Weapon you’re pursuing, there are a few general tips that can help you speed up the process. First, utilize online resources and guides to track your progress and optimize your strategies. Second, find a group of friends or a supportive Free Company to tackle challenging content together. Third, take breaks to avoid burnout. And finally, remember to have fun! The Relic Weapon journey is a marathon, not a sprint, so enjoy the ride.

The End Result: A Weapon of Legend

After countless hours of grinding, crafting, and battling, you’ll finally hold your completed Relic Weapon in your hands. It’s a symbol of your dedication, your skill, and your perseverance. Wield it with pride, knowing that you’ve earned it. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. You’ve not only acquired a powerful weapon but also gained valuable experience and forged lasting friendships along the way. Congratulations, Warrior of Light! You are now a true legend.

FAQ

What is the best Relic Weapon to start with?

The best Relic Weapon to start with depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. The ARR Relic Weapon is a good starting point for those who want a classic FFXIV experience. The Shadowbringers Resistance Weapon is a good option for those who want a more streamlined progression system. The Endwalker Manderville Weapon is a good choice for players who wish to obtain a Relic Weapon the easiest way.

How long does it take to complete a Relic Weapon?

The time it takes to complete a Relic Weapon varies depending on the specific weapon and your playstyle. Some Relic Weapons can be completed in a few weeks, while others can take several months. It all depends on how much time and effort you’re willing to invest. Consider it a part-time job with really cool rewards.

Are Relic Weapons worth the effort?

Whether or not Relic Weapons are “worth the effort” is a matter of personal opinion. They offer unique customization options and can be very powerful. But they also require a significant time investment. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether the rewards outweigh the costs. But hey, who doesn’t love a weapon that glows like it’s powered by a thousand suns?