Final Fantasy XIV, Square Enix�s critically acclaimed MMORPG, has captivated gamers worldwide with its enthralling lore, breathtaking refined, and complex mechanics. Amidst its plethora of features, mounts and companions stand out as crucial elements that not only elevate your gameplay experience but also weave into the very fabric of Eorzea�s culture and chronicle. Whether you�re a newcomer adventurer setting foot into this expansive universe or a seasoned Warrior of Light, understanding the nuances of mounts and companions can add a layer of depth to your journey across Hydaelyn.
Acquiring Your First Mount
Embarking on your voyage as a novice in FFXIV, the obtainment of your inaugural mount marks a significant milestone, propelling your adventures from the confines of the foot-trail to the boundless skies. This transition elevates your exploration capacity, allowing for a swifter traversal across the sprawling landscapes of Eorzea.
To unlock this vital feature, you must first attain level 20 and align yourself with one of the three Grand Companies. This allegiance is fostered through the completion of the main storyline quest, “The Company You Keep.” Subsequently, you are tasked with a quest dubbed “My Little Chocobo,” which requires the accumulation of 200 company seals. These seals are obtained by engaging in FATEs, company levequests, or Grand Company hunting logs.
Upon the fulfillment of these prerequisites, the chocobo issuance entitles you to your first mount�a testament to your burgeoning prowess and standing within your Grand Company. It is worth noting that this chocobo isn�t merely a means of expedited travel; it also serves as your initial companion in combat, a faithful ally in your skirmishes across the land.
Companion Classes
Your chocobo, the first of your companions, can be specced into one of three distinct classes: Healer, Tank, or DPS. Each class tailors the chocobo�s combat abilities and behavior, allowing for a versatile approach to encounters based on your requirements or personal playstyle.
Healer (Cure) Class: This spec turns your chocobo into a savior in plumes, focusing on keeping your health bar brimming during the thick of battle. It�s an invaluable choice for solo endeavors, especially for those wielding DPS or tank classes themselves.
Tank (Defender) Class: Opting for this class molds your feathery companion into a resilient shield-bearer, captivating the attention of foes and mitigating damage. This classification is particularly beneficial for DPS players, mitigating the brunt of the assault while you whittle down adversaries.
DPS (Attacker) Class: As the moniker suggests, this spec empowers your chocobo to unleash its fury, augmenting your overall damage output. Ideal for healers or solo players seeking to hasten their combat engagements.
Transitioning between these classes is accomplished through the use of a Reagan Pepper, obtainable from your Grand Company quartermaster, enabling the redistribution of skill points to finetune your chocobo�s battle prowess.
Mount Types
As you probe deeper into Eorzea, the diversity of mounts you can acquire expands, each with its unique flair and backstory. The spectrum ranges from the quintessential chocobos to the mythical unicorns, ethereal winged horses, and even mechanized marvels. These mounts are not merely artistic variances but serve as symbols of your achievements, with some obtained through rigorous quests, high-level dungeons, achievements, or promotional events.
Mounts in Final Fantasy XIV are categorized into ground, flying, and underwater varietals, each unlocking different dimensions of exploration. The majority of mounts are initially confined to terrestrial travel, but upon completing the quest “The Ultimate Weapon” and further specific quests in expansion areas, they gain the ability to soar the skies. This liberates players from the terrestrial tether, offering a panoramic viewpoint of Eorzea�s diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas.
Companion Leveling
Your chocobo companion isn�t just a static entity; it is capable of growth, enhancing its combat efficiency through the purchase of experience points in battle. Companion leveling transforms your chocobo from a mere novice to a formidable ally, with each level amplifying its attributes and unlocking additional skill points for class specialization.
Feeding your chocobo with Gysahl Greens prompts it to join you in battle, where it gains experience alongside you. Furthermore, undertaking specific companion challenges and utilizing experience-boosting items like the Thavnairian Onion can expedite this process, enabling your chocobo to reach its zenith.
Mount Speed
Traversal speed is paramount in an MMORPG landscape as vast as Eorzea, and the agility of your mounts plays a pivotal role in dictating the pace of your journey. The base speed of mounts can be augmented through the possession of riding maps, purchasable with Allied Seals from Hunt Billmasters in each major city. These maps, specific to different regions, confer an increment in speed, slicing through the air or turf at a brisker pace.
Further enhancements to mount speed are achievable by progressing through the main scenario quests and achieving certain benchmarks in the game�s myriad zones. Each zone has specific criteria for speed augmentation, creating an incentive to penetrate into every nook and cranny of the world.