Does Gear Matter for Quick Exploration in FFXIV? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is no, gear does not matter for Quick Explorations in Final Fantasy XIV. This is a common point of confusion for many players, especially those new to the retainer system. While your retainer’s gear is critically important for other types of ventures, like Field Exploration and Hunting Ventures, it plays absolutely no role in the results of Quick Explorations. Let’s delve deeper into this and clear up any lingering doubts.
The Truth About Quick Exploration and Gear
Despite what you might assume, your retainer’s equipped gear, including its item level (iLvl) and stats, has no impact on the success, speed, or rewards of Quick Explorations. This was specifically clarified in Patch 5.4, which added new items that could be obtained by max-level retainers. These new items are not tied to gear, but rather to the retainer’s level.
The primary factor determining the potential loot of a Quick Exploration is your retainer’s level. A higher-level retainer can bring back more varied and valuable items. This means that while outfitting your retainers is essential for other tasks, you can relax when it comes to Quick Explorations. Save your valuable equipment and venture tokens for other purposes.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion arises because gear does matter for other ventures. For Field Exploration and Hunting Ventures, your retainer’s iLvl directly influences the likelihood of success and the quality of items brought back. This leads many to incorrectly assume a similar mechanic is in place for Quick Explorations. However, the game mechanics are different and separate for Quick Exploration, which focuses on speed, random drops, and level-based rewards.
Maximizing Quick Exploration Efficiency
Now that we’ve established that gear is irrelevant for Quick Explorations, how do you optimize this venture for the most rewards? Here’s a quick guide:
- Level Your Retainers: Prioritize leveling your retainers to their maximum level. This unlocks access to the best possible items from quick ventures.
- Constant Monitoring: Quick Explorations complete hourly. Check your retainers frequently to send them out again as soon as they return to maximize efficiency.
- Venture Tokens: Stock up on venture tokens. You’ll need many of these to send your retainers out on quick ventures.
- Don’t Focus on Gear for Quick Explorations: Save your equipment and resources. You don’t need to worry about optimizing gear when sending out your retainers for quick explorations.
- Understand Quick Venture Rewards: Quick ventures are a fantastic source of various items. These include:
- All gear purchasable with Allagan Tomestones of Poetics.
- Blue and green rarity gear that can be crafted via Master Books.
- Gear from all dungeons.
- Small amounts of HQ crafting materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to equip my retainers for Quick Explorations?
No. Your retainer’s gear has no impact on the rewards of Quick Explorations. Only the retainer’s level is relevant.
2. What is the fastest way to level up a retainer?
Quick Explorations are generally the fastest way to level up retainers once they are unlocked. This is because they are very frequent (hourly) and yield experience quickly.
3. Does gear affect the type of items you get from Quick Ventures?
No, gear does not affect the type of items that can be obtained through Quick Ventures. The retainer’s level is what unlocks different item lists. Some items are exclusive to retainers level 90 and above.
4. How many Quick Ventures does it take to reach level 90?
It takes approximately 249 Quick Ventures to level a retainer from level 10 to level 90.
5. If gear doesn’t matter, why equip my retainer at all?
While gear doesn’t matter for Quick Explorations, it is crucial for Field Exploration and Hunting Ventures. Make sure your retainers have high item level gear for these to maximize success and rewards.
6. What are some of the best items from Quick Ventures?
Quick Ventures can provide a wide range of items, including gear purchasable with Allagan Tomestones of Poetics, rare crafting materials, and gear from dungeons. It’s a great way to obtain various items.
7. How often can I send my retainer on a Quick Exploration?
Quick Explorations have a one-hour completion time, making them very fast.
8. What is the difference between Quick Exploration and other Ventures?
Quick Exploration is focused on speed and random loot. Field Exploration and Hunting Ventures rely on the retainer’s gear and stats to determine the success of the venture.
9. Does retainer class affect Quick Explorations?
No, your retainer’s class does not affect the results of Quick Explorations. All classes will receive the same potential loot.
10. How do I change my retainer’s class?
You can change a Retainer’s Class at any time, but you must first reset their Class and level. You must also have the class unlocked on your character. Equipment cannot be changed if your Retainer is currently on a Venture.
11. How do I get more retainers in FFXIV?
You can hire additional retainers through the Mog Station for an extra charge. Look for the “Retainer Service” under Additional Paid Options.
12. Can I release an additional retainer during an active subscription?
No, you cannot release an additional retainer during an active subscription period paid via game time card. You can choose the desired number of retainers when renewing after your subscription ends.
13. What is the best way to use my retainers?
Use Quick Explorations to level up your retainers and get random items. Use Field Explorations and Hunting Ventures for targeted material gathering once your retainers are high-level and well-geared.
14. Why should I level up my retainers?
Higher-level retainers unlock access to better items and yields, particularly useful for high-level crafters seeking specific materials.
15. Where do I get venture tokens?
Venture tokens are primarily acquired through Grand Company seals and can also be obtained from various other sources like beast tribes, levequests, and daily roulettes.