In the expansive realm of Eorzea, nestled amongst the clouds and dazzling lights, lies the entertainment paradise, the Gold Saucer. This colossal amusement hub, inspired by the iconic location from Final Fantasy VII, offers Final Fantasy XIV players an escape from the usual hack-and-slash and into the world of mini-games, gambling, and leisure activities. From the adrenaline-pumping chocobo races to the strategic depths of Triple Triad, the Gold Saucer is a place where warriors lay down their swords and summoners pause their spells, all in pursuit of fun, fame, and fortune.
This comprehensive guide will traverse you through the glittering aisles of the Gold Saucer, ensuring you make the most of your time in this virtual Las Vegas. Whether you’re aiming to hoard MGP (Manderville Gold Saucer Points), collect rare mounts, or simply soak in the joyous atmosphere, this guide is your ticket to success.
Gold Saucer Basics
First and foremost, to embark on this entertainment journey, you must gain access to the Gold Saucer. Accessible upon reaching level 15 and completing the quest “The Gridanian Envoy,”, “The Lominsan Envoy,” or “The Ul’dahn Envoy,” depending on your starting city-state. Players must then proceed to Ul’dah and accept the quest “It Could Happen to You” which will guide you straight to the gates of the Gold Saucer.
Upon entering, you’re awarded a modest sum of MGP to start your adventure. Think of MGP as a special currency, only valid within the confines of the Gold Saucer. This currency is key, as almost every activity within the Saucer awards MGP, which you can then exchange for exclusive items, from glamour gear to mounts that are not obtainable anywhere else in Eorzea.
The main attractions of the Gold Saucer are Chocobo Racing, Triple Triad, Lord of Verminion, and the Cactpot, each offering a unique gameplay experience. Additionally, numerous smaller games, such as the minion-themed basketball game or the “claw crane,” provide quick and enjoyable ways to earn MGP.
Chocobo Racing
Chocobo Racing is perhaps the most exhilarating activity available in the Gold Saucer, where players race their personal chocobos against others on various tracks filled with obstacles and power-ups. It’s not just about speed; plan and chocobo abilities also play crucial roles in crossing the finish line first.
Getting Started
First, register your chocobo at the Chocobo Square. If you don’t have a personal chocobo yet, don’t fret – a rental bird is always available. As you participate in races, your chocobo gains experience, improving its stats and learning new abilities.
Racing Tactics
Understanding the tracks is paramount. Each racetrack has its own set of challenges, from meteor strikes to Mandragoras popping out of the ground. Learning the layouts and where the power-ups are can give you the edge.
Equally, managing your chocobo’s stamina is vital. Recklessly sprinting will deplete your stamina, leaving your bird exhausted and slowing down before the race ends. Balancing your stamina against your speed and using abilities wisely can lead to victory.
Breeding for Perfection
As your chocobo levels up, its potential may cap. That’s where breeding comes into play. Pairing your chocobo with a suitable partner can result in a pedigree offspring, inheriting traits and possibly exceeding the capabilities of the parents.
Triple Triad
Triple Triad, the beloved card game from Final Fantasy VIII, makes its return in FFXIV. This strategic battle of wits pits players against each other, or NPCs, in a battle for card dominance.
The Basics
The game is played on a 3x3 grid, with each player possessing five cards. The aim is to capture your opponent’s cards by placing adjacent cards with higher values. The player with the most cards facing their color at the end of the game wins.
Card Collection
Cards can be obtained from various sources – victories against NPCs, tournament rewards, or purchases with MGP. Some of the most sought-after cards come from defeating iconic FFXIV bosses or completing challenging content.
Mastering the Game
Understanding each card’s strengths and weaknesses, along with the multitude of game rules that can change from one opponent to the next, is key to mastering Triple Triad. Participating in tournaments and challenging high-level NPCs is not only a test of skill but also a way to earn rare cards and a significant amount of MGP.
Lord of Verminion
A relatively newer addition to the Gold Saucer is Lord of Verminion, a real-time scheme (RTS) game where players use their collected minions to battle against others in strategic warfare.
How to Play
Each minion has its own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities, making the choice of which minions to deploy a crucial decision. Battles take place on a map where the objective is to destroy your opponent’s Arcana Stones before they destroy yours.
Scheme Over Strength
While having rare and powerful minions is beneficial, strategic placement, and timely use of abilities, can often outmatch brute force. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your minions and how they interact with your opponent’s choices is critical.
Rewarding Investment
Playing Lord of Verminion not only offers entertainment but also rewards players with MGP and unique prizes. Winning matches and participating in tournaments can significantly boost your MGP income, offering a different pace from the traditional Gold Saucer games.
Cactpot
The Cactpot represents the Gold Saucer’s lottery system, split into the Mini Cactpot and the Jumbo Cactpot. Both versions offer players a chance to win big, requiring minimal investment for potentially massive payouts.
Mini Cactpot
Available daily, the Mini Cactpot involves selecting numbers on a grid, attempting to create lines that sum up to the highest possible number. The anticipation and excitement of revealing the hidden numbers add to the charm of this daily ritual.
Jumbo Cactpot
The Jumbo Cactpot is a weekly event where participants purchase tickets, hoping their number gets drawn for the grand prize, which can reach millions of MGP. While the odds are slimmer than the Mini Cactpot, the potential rewards are significantly higher, making it a weekly must for any Gold Saucer aficionado.
Tips for Maximizing Your Gold Saucer Experience
Here are a few parting tips to embellish your enjoyment and profitability within the Gold Saucer:
- Participate in the Gold Saucer events, such as the FATE “GATEs” (Gold Saucer Active Time Events). These periodic events offer fun, unique challenges with generous MGP payouts.
- Keep an eye on the Gold Saucer’s seasonal events, usually offering unique games, exclusive items, and boosted MGP earnings.
- Method and practice are your best allies in mastering the games of the Gold Saucer. Don’t be discouraged by initial losses; every game is an opportunity to learn and improve.
- Most importantly, have fun! The Gold Saucer is a break from the grand battles and epic quests of Eorzea, offering a place to relax and enjoy the lighter side of the game.
The Gold Saucer in Final Fantasy XIV represents not just a nostalgic nod to the series’ past but a fully-fledged gaming haven in its own right. Whether you’re there for the intense competition, the unique rewards, or simply to have a good time, the Gold Saucer has something for everyone. With this guide in hand, you’re now equipped to dive into the myriad of entertainments offered, chasing the thrill of the game, the glory of victory, and perhaps, above all, the joy of play.