Does Item Level Matter for Your Final Fantasy XIV Retainers? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes, item level absolutely matters for your retainers in Final Fantasy XIV. It’s not just about aesthetics; a retainer’s item level directly impacts their performance and the rewards they bring back from ventures. Understanding how item level works with your retainers is crucial to maximizing their potential and reaping the full benefits they offer. This guide will delve into why item level is so important, what it affects, and how to best equip your retainers.

Why Item Level is Critical for Retainer Ventures

Your retainers aren’t just storage mules; they’re valuable assistants who can gather materials, find rare items, and even bring back crafting components. The effectiveness of these ventures is primarily determined by two key factors: their level and their item level. While your retainer’s level caps at your own class level, the item level reflects the quality and power of the gear they are wearing.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Higher Item Level = Better Rewards: Retainers with higher item levels have a significantly increased chance of obtaining high-quality items and larger quantities of items during ventures. This applies to gathering ventures, quick exploration, and even hunting ventures.
• Access to Higher-Level Ventures: To send your retainer on more challenging and rewarding ventures, you need to equip them with gear that meets the minimum required item level. This ensures they can handle the demands of these missions and have a better chance of success.
• Efficient Quick Exploration: For those looking to level retainers quickly, Quick Exploration is the most efficient method. However, it requires your retainer to be consistently geared with the best possible equipment available at their current level.
• Resource Optimization: By maintaining a high item level for your retainers, you are essentially investing in their capabilities. This means your daily ventures will yield significantly better results, saving you time and effort in gathering materials.

How to Increase Your Retainer’s Item Level

Increasing your retainer’s item level is simple: equip them with better gear. This gear comes from the same sources as your own: dungeons, crafting, market boards, or even as quest rewards. Here’s a general guide:

• Use Your Outdated Gear: As you progress and obtain higher-level gear for your main character, consider passing down your outdated gear to your retainers. This is a cost-effective way to improve their item level.
• Market Board Finds: Check the Market Board for affordable gear that is suitable for your retainer’s level. Don’t always go for the most expensive items – often you can find good value mid-range gear.
• Crafted Gear: If you have a crafting class leveled, consider making gear for your retainer. This gives you great control over the item levels they use.
• Don’t Neglect Accessories: Remember that accessories also contribute to item level. Ensure you equip them with rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that boost their stats.
• Gear From Ventures: Rarely, retainers can bring back gear that is an upgrade for themselves. Keep an eye out for these, as they are the easiest form of an upgrade!

Matching Your Retainer’s Class to Your Own

While the text says “it makes no difference what class your retainer is for DoW/M,” matching your retainer’s class to one you play offers a significant benefit. Since you often acquire extra gear for that class, this allows you to effectively gear your retainer with hand-me-downs, making it far easier to maintain their item level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainer Item Level

To further illuminate the importance of item level in FFXIV, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions and their answers.

1. Can my retainer be a higher level than me?

No, a retainer’s maximum level cannot surpass your own level in the assigned class. If you outlevel a particular class, your retainer will be capped, meaning the item level is the only thing that can provide benefits.

2. Can I change a retainer’s class?

Yes, you can change a retainer’s class at any time. However, you must first reset their class and level beforehand. This can be helpful to match your current main class for better gear options.

3. Why should I level my retainers?

The higher the level and item level, the better the items and yields you will get when you send them out on ventures. High-level retainers, equipped with high-level gear, provide valuable materials and a steady source of income.

4. Does the city my retainer is in affect anything?

No, it doesn’t matter what city they are in. You can access your retainers from any retainer bell in any city, housing district, and several other locations.

5. What level do I need to be to get a retainer?

You can unlock retainers at level 17 by completing the quest “An Ill-Conceived Venture” in any of the three starting ARR cities.

6. How many retainers do I get for free?

Your FFXIV subscription allows you to hire up to two retainers per character without paying any additional fees. You can purchase more from the Mogstation.

7. What is Retainer Fantasia?

Retainer Fantasia is an item that allows you to change your retainer’s appearance. It can be obtained from Ventures or purchased on the Market Board.

8. Does gear matter for Quick Exploration?

Absolutely! Gear matters most for Quick Exploration. It’s the fastest way to level retainers, but requires them to be outfitted with the best possible gear at their level every time.

9. How many quick ventures does it take to level from 10-90?

It takes approximately 249 Quick Ventures to level a retainer from level 10 to 90. Note that each level will require higher gear.

10. What class should I make my retainer?

While it doesn’t directly matter in terms of ventures, making your retainer the same class as your main character can make gearing them much easier.

11. How do I get my retainer geared up?

You can gear up retainers by giving them your outdated dungeon gear, market board purchases, or crafted gear. Always look to maximize their item level.

12. What is a good item level for a retainer?

A good item level is the highest item level you can achieve at their current level. Always be aiming to give them the best equipment available to them.

13. Can I get better gear from retainers?

Yes, retainers can sometimes bring back gear that is an upgrade for them, though it is rare. Keep an eye out for these drops.

14. How often should I update my retainer’s gear?

You should ideally update your retainer’s gear whenever you can obtain an upgrade. This is especially important for Quick Exploration, which relies heavily on high item level. This will vary as you approach the level cap, as upgrades become more sporadic.

15. Do gathering classes still need high item level?

Yes, all classes of retainers, including gathering classes, will benefit from higher item levels. Better gear ensures better chances at HQ items and more substantial yields.

Conclusion

In Final Fantasy XIV, the item level of your retainers is paramount for their efficiency and the rewards they bring. Don’t neglect their equipment; instead, treat them as valuable party members who deserve the best. By understanding and actively managing your retainer’s gear, you’ll ensure a steady flow of resources, a faster leveling process, and a much more enjoyable experience with the game’s systems. Happy adventuring, and may your retainers bring you great riches!