What is the Level Cap in Shadowbringers?
The level cap in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is level 80. This marks a significant increase from the previous expansion, Stormblood, which capped players at level 70. Reaching level 80 unlocks new skills, content, and challenges across the Norvrandt continent.
Delving Deeper into Shadowbringers’ Leveling Experience
Shadowbringers offered a refreshing take on the Final Fantasy XIV leveling experience. The journey from level 70 to 80 is filled with captivating story quests, intricate dungeons, challenging trials, and engaging field operations. Beyond simply achieving the maximum level, the journey itself is designed to be immersive and rewarding.
Story-Driven Progression
The primary method of leveling in Shadowbringers is through the main scenario questline. These quests not only progress the compelling narrative of the First, but also provide substantial experience points. Completing these quests unlocks new areas, dungeons, and trials, ensuring a constant stream of content and advancement.
Alternative Leveling Methods
While the main scenario questline offers the most efficient path to level 80, players have several alternative options:
- Dungeons: Running dungeons is a classic method for gaining experience. Shadowbringers introduced several new dungeons with varying levels of difficulty and rewarding loot.
- FATEs (Full Active Time Events): Participating in FATEs scattered throughout the world can provide a decent amount of experience, especially when chained together.
- Levequests: Completing levequests offers another avenue for experience, providing diverse tasks and challenges.
- Daily Roulettes: Utilizing daily roulettes grants significant experience bonuses for completing specific types of content, such as dungeons and trials.
- Crafting and Gathering: Leveling crafter and gatherer jobs also contributes to your overall character progression, offering a unique and fulfilling alternative to combat-focused leveling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Shadowbringers Level Cap
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the level cap in Shadowbringers, designed to provide comprehensive information for both new and veteran players:
1. Does reaching level 80 in one job automatically level all other jobs?
No, reaching level 80 in one job does not automatically level all other jobs. Each job must be leveled individually. However, you can receive an experience bonus for leveling subsequent jobs if you have a higher-level job already. This bonus is designed to make leveling additional jobs faster and easier.
2. What happens after I reach level 80?
Once you reach level 80, you unlock endgame content. This includes high-level dungeons, trials, raids, and crafting recipes. You also gain access to Expert Roulettes for even better rewards. Gear becomes your primary focus, as you strive to obtain the best equipment to tackle the most challenging content.
3. Can I still gain experience points after reaching level 80?
Yes, you continue to gain experience points after reaching level 80, but those experience points are converted into Tomestones of Poetics or other endgame currencies. These currencies can be used to purchase powerful gear and other valuable items.
4. What gear should I aim for after reaching level 80?
After reaching level 80, you should aim for gear that is appropriate for the endgame content you wish to participate in. This typically involves obtaining gear through dungeons, trials, raids, and by purchasing it with Tomestones. The Item Level (iLevel) of the gear is a crucial indicator of its power.
5. Are there any activities specifically designed for level 80 players?
Yes, there are numerous activities specifically designed for level 80 players, including:
- Endgame Raids: Challenging encounters that require teamwork and coordination to overcome.
- Expert Dungeons: High-level dungeons with powerful enemies and rewarding loot.
- Trials: Single-boss encounters that test your skill and knowledge of your job.
- Crafting and Gathering Master Recipes: Advanced crafting and gathering activities that allow you to create and obtain the best gear and materials.
6. How long does it typically take to reach level 80 in Shadowbringers?
The time it takes to reach level 80 varies depending on your playstyle and experience with the game. Players who focus on the main scenario questline and utilize experience-boosting items can typically reach level 80 within a week or two of dedicated play. More casual players may take longer.
7. Are there any items or buffs that can help me level faster in Shadowbringers?
Yes, there are several items and buffs that can help you level faster:
- The Armoury Bonus: Grants a significant experience bonus to jobs that are lower level than your highest-level job.
- Experience-boosting gear: Certain pieces of gear, such as the Friendship Circlet and Brand New Ring, provide bonus experience.
- Food buffs: Eating food grants a 3% experience boost for 30 minutes.
- Free Company actions: Some Free Companies offer actions that provide bonus experience.
- Resting Bonus: Logging out in a sanctuary grants a bonus to experience gained from combat.
8. Can I still access old content even after reaching level 80?
Yes, you can still access all previous content even after reaching level 80. The Duty Finder and Party Finder allow you to queue for dungeons, trials, and raids of any level. You may need to adjust your gear to be appropriate for the lower-level content.
9. What is the significance of item level in Shadowbringers endgame?
Item level is crucial in Shadowbringgers endgame. It dictates your character’s overall strength and determines whether you meet the minimum requirements for certain duties. Higher item level gear provides better stats and allows you to tackle more challenging content.
10. How do I obtain the best gear in Shadowbringers after reaching level 80?
The best gear in Shadowbringers can be obtained through various methods:
- Raids: Completing high-level raids rewards the most powerful gear.
- Tomestones: Exchanging Tomestones of Revelation and Tomestones of Allegory (endgame currencies) for gear.
- Crafting: Crafting high-level gear using master recipes.
- Dungeons: Completing high-level dungeons can drop valuable gear.
11. Are there any new jobs introduced in Shadowbringers that start at level 70?
Yes, Shadowbringers introduced two new jobs: Gunbreaker (Tank) and Dancer (Ranged Physical DPS). Both of these jobs start at level 60, not 70. This allows players to jump straight into Shadowbringers content without having to level from level 1. [Note: the FAQ was edited to reflect the correct starting level of 60. The initial entry mentioned 70 in error.]
12. Does the Shadowbringers expansion include any new races?
Yes, Shadowbringers introduced two new playable races: the Viera (female only) and the Hrothgar (male only).
13. Can I skip the Shadowbringers story and go straight to endgame content?
While you can purchase story skip items to bypass certain portions of the main scenario questline, skipping the entire Shadowbringers story is not recommended. The story is integral to understanding the lore and unlocking certain features and content. Skipping the story would leave your character unable to access certain key areas and features.
14. What is the best way to prepare for Shadowbringers endgame content?
To prepare for Shadowbringers endgame content:
- Reach level 80 with your desired job.
- Obtain appropriate gear for your role.
- Learn the mechanics of your job and the encounters.
- Join a Free Company or find a static group to tackle raids and trials.
- Gather crafting and gathering materials if you plan on crafting your own gear.
15. Will the level cap increase in future expansions after Shadowbringers?
Yes, the level cap typically increases with each new expansion. In the following expansion, Endwalker, the level cap was raised to level 90.
By understanding these key aspects of the level cap in Shadowbringers and exploring the answers to these frequently asked questions, players can effectively navigate the game and enjoy the challenges and rewards it offers.