Welcome to the sprawling world of Eorzea, where amidst battles and spells, the quiet yet persistent art of gathering beckons players to a different kind of adventure. Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) doesn’t just excel in its storytelling or compelling combat; it also offers a rich, engaging gathering system that’s as rewarding as it is complex. Whether you’re aspiring to master the economy, craft the finest wares, or simply enjoy the peaceful side of life in this MMORPG, this guide will chart you through the nuances of becoming a proficient gatherer across three distinct disciplines: Mining, Botany, and Fishing.
Miner
Researching into the depths of Eorzea’s terrain, Miners extract precious minerals and gems. These resources are pivotal for Blacksmiths, Armorers, Goldsmiths, and more, making it a lucrative path for those inclined towards geological pursuits.
Starting Your Journey
To embark on this path, visit the Miners’ Guild in Ul’dah and complete the introductory quest. As soon as you don your pickaxe, you’re ready to strike the earth. Miners primarily focus on rocks and ore, so look for rocky outcrops on your map.
Levelling Up
Progress is key, and for Miners, experience points (XP) come from hitting nodes. These nodes appear in specific locations at specific times, making knowledge of Eorzea’s geography and timetable essential. Levequests and Grand Company missions specifically designed for gatherers are a boon for efficient levelling.
Special Skills
As you ascend, you’ll gain abilities that boost your efficiency. “Sharp Vision” enhances your chance of obtaining high-quality (HQ) materials, while “King’s Yield” increases the number of items you gather per swing.
Botanist
Botanists tune into the whisper of the wind through the leaves, gathering wood, sap, and fiber necessary for Carpenters, Weavers, and Culinarians. Their journey mirrors that of the Miner, but with a focus on flora over fauna.
Starting Your Journey
The Botanists’ Guild, nestled in Gridania, is your first waypoint. After the initial quest, you’ll be equipped with a hatchet and the whole of Eorzea’s wilderness to probe. Botanists target mature trees and lush undergrowth marked plainly on your map.
Levelling Up
Sticking to your designated gathering beats is paramount. Similar to Miners, nodes are your bread and butter. However, Botanists have the unique advantage of “Leaf Turn,” increasing HQ material yield, and “Bountiful Harvest,” which, like its mineral counterpart, boosts item purchase per attempt.
Fisher
Fishing in FFXIV is a departure from its terrestrial counterparts. It’s less about the where and more about the when and how. Fishers ply the vast waters of Eorzea, seeking the thrill of the catch and the stories each fish tells.
Starting Your Journey
The Fishermen’s Guild calls Limsa Lominsa its home. After you’ve got your rod and bait, it’s all about finding the perfect spot. Unlike Miners and Botanists, Fishers aren’t bound by node locations but by bodies of water and the choreography of bait and cast.
Levelling Up
Patience is the Fisher’s virtue. The quest for the rarer catch demands knowledge of fish behavior, weather patterns, and bait preference. Fisher-specific levequests offer structured objectives, but there’s also the freedom of exploration and the serendipity of discovering a spot only you know.
Special Skills
As Fishers cast their line across the levels, abilities like “Hook” refine their precision, ensuring a higher catch rate of intended targets. “Fish Eyes” allows the discerning angler to predict the types of fish in any given body of water, tailoring their approach for higher quality hauls.
Gathering Skills
Across all three disciplines, certain universal skills facilitate the gathering journey. These transcend the specific materials sought, enhancing efficiency, yield, and quality.
Perception and GP
Perception increases the likelihood of obtaining HQ materials, a fundamental aspect of maximizing profit and utility in crafting. GP, or Gathering Points, fuel your special abilities. Managing GP wisely, ensuring it’s available for pivotal moments, can make or break a gathering expedition.
Stealth and Preparation
”Stealth” allows gatherers to approach nodes unseen by hostile creatures, preserving health and time. “Preparation” reveals the best times and locations to find particular materials, planning your route around Eorzea with precision.
Gathering Nodes
The rhythm of gathering is dictated by the spawn of nodes. These resources are not static; they follow a cyclical pattern, appearing and disappearing throughout the day and night of Eorzea’s time cycle.
Unspoiled Nodes
Unspoiled nodes are the cream of the crop, only appearing at specific times and offering rare materials. These nodes require a keen sense of timing and preparation to exploit effectively. Tools like online node trackers become invaluable for planning your gathering excursions.
Ephemeral Nodes
Ephemeral nodes offer a unique twist, blending gathering with FFXIV’s crafting system. The materials gathered from these nodes can be transformed through “Aetherial Reduction” into crystals and clusters, essential for crafting potent gear and items.
Legendary Nodes
For the true gathering elite, Legendary nodes represent the pinnacle of their craft. Unlocking these requires not only a high level in the relevant gathering class but also completion of specific quests and in some cases, possession of specialized gear. These nodes are the source of the most sought-after materials in Eorzea.
Conclusion
Mastering the triad of gathering professions in Final Fantasy XIV opens a myriad of doors. Whether it’s fueling the economic machine, outfitting adventurers with the finest gear, or the simple joy of collection, the role of the gatherer is vital.
This path is not without its challenges. It demands patience, knowledge, and a keen sense of Eorzea’s natural rhythm. But for those willing to learn its secrets, the rewards are beyond measure. Through diligent exploration, strategic planning, and perhaps a bit of luck, you too can stand among the most esteemed gatherers in the realm. May your pickaxe strike true, your hatchet cut pervasive, and your line catch the big one. Happy gathering!
Disclaimer: This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview and tips for aspiring gatherers in FFXIV. Note that game mechanics and node locations can change with updates, so staying informed through patch notes and community resources is recommended for the most current information.