In the sprawling, magnificent world of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), a game heralded for its rich anecdote, breathtaking landscapes, and the ability to embroil oneself in nearly endless activities, there lies a unique and often overlooked pastime: Chocobo raising. This guide will walk you through every feather of this process, from the initial step of acquiring your feathery companion to altering its plumage to the most vibrant of colors.
The Chocobo, an iconic creature in the Final Fantasy franchise, serves not only as a trusty steed for your adventures across Eorzea but also as a companion in battles and competitive racing. So whether you’re a neophyte adventurer or a seasoned veteran, understanding the intricacies of Chocobo rearing, training, and racing can enrich your FFXIV experience in unexpected ways.
Acquiring Your Chocobo
Embarking on your journey to become a Chocobo owner is like initiating a rite of passage. This quest begins once you join a Grand Company after completing the level 20 story quest “A Hero in the Making.” Hereafter, you’ll receive a quest dubbed “My Little Chocobo,” mandating you to amass 200 Grand Company Seals. Earning these seals can be achieved through participating in FATEs, undertaking Grand Company Hunting Log tasks, or completing Grand Company Levequests.
Upon gathering the required seals, you’ll exchange them for a Chocobo Issuance, which you then take to your Grand Company’s Chocobo Handler. The presentation of this issuance marks the debut of your very own Chocobo, a companion bound to accompany you through thick and thin on your journey across Eorzea.
Chocobo Levels
With your Chocobo by your side, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the progression mechanics. Your feathered ally gains experience points (XP) alongside you as you drive through battles. However, to ensure your Chocobo gains XP, you must have Gysahl Greens in your inventory to summon it to battle.
Like your character, Chocobos ascend through levels, up to a cap, enhancing their attributes and unlocking new potential in combat. To augment this growth, Chocobo experience books, purchasable with Allied Seals from Hunt Billmasters, can be utilized.
Chocobo Skill Trees
As your Chocobo ascends in levels, it unlocks skill points which can be distributed across three distinct skill trees: Healer, Attacker, and Defender. Each build offers unique abilities; for instance, investing in the Healer tree can revamp your Chocobo into a capable field medic, sustaining you through prolonged skirmishes. It’s essential to strategize and invest in a manner congruent with your playstyle or the specific demands of your adventures.
Chocobo Racing
Perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of Chocobo rearing, racing transforms this endeavor from a solitary journey to a competitive sport. Situated in the Gold Saucer, Chocobo Racing blends the thrill of competition with nuanced plan, requiring not just a swift Chocobo but a savvy jockey as well.
Getting Started with Racing
Your entry into the world of Chocobo racing begins with registering a race Chocobo, distinct from your field Chocobo, at the Chocobo Square in the Gold Saucer. This registration begets the creation of a racing Chocobo, imbued with random attributes and capabilities.
The Racing Circuit
Chocobo Races are a test of both speed and tactic, where you traverse through diverse tracks, each harboring unique challenges and power-ups. Mastery over your Chocobo’s stamina and knowing when to sprint or conserve energy is pivotal. Moreover, understanding each racecourse’s layout and leveraging power-ups can turn the tide in your favor.
Training and Breeding
To edge out the competition, your race Chocobo must be honed through rigorous training and selective breeding. Training sessions can amplify your Chocobo’s attributes, but it�s through breeding that the potential for greatness is unearthed. By pairing Chocobos with desirable traits, you can cultivate a lineage of champions, poised to dominate the racetracks.
Chocobo Colors
Beyond the realm of combat and racing, the artistic allure of customizing your Chocobo’s plumage adds a personal touch to this companion. The spectrum of possible colors is vast, ranging from the subtle shades to the most luminous hues.
The Basics of Chocobo Dyeing
Altering your Chocobo�s color involves a meticulous process of feeding it specific snacks. These snacks, known as “fruits,” influence the Chocobo’s plumage over time, gradually shifting its color towards your desired hue.
The Art of Precision
The transition to your chosen color is not instantaneous and requires a careful diet plan. The discoloration process hinges on the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, where adjustments to the Chocobo’s current color are made by incrementally changing these values through fruit consumption. Patience and precision in feeding intervals are critical, as overfeeding can result in overshooting your intended color.
In conclusion, Chocobo rearing in FFXIV transcends mere pet ownership. It’s a comprehensive enterprise encompassing combat, racing, and grace. By mastering the nuances of Chocobo levels, skill trees, race plan, and color customization, you not only heighten your gameplay experience but forge a deeper bond with these charismatic creatures. Whether pursuing victory on the racetracks, dominating the battlefield, or simply exploring Eorzea’s breathtaking expanses, your Chocobo remains an indomitable companion, emblematic of your journey and accomplishments in this vast, virtual world.