What’s the Highest Item Level in FFXIV? A Comprehensive Guide
The current highest item level (iLvl) you can achieve in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is 635. This gear is primarily obtained by completing the Pandaemonium Abyssos (Savage) raids, which represent the latest and most challenging endgame content. While iLvl 630 gear is also available from the same raid tier, iLvl 635 represents the pinnacle of equipment power, signifying a significant dedication to mastering FFXIV’s challenging encounters. This isn’t just about the numbers, though; item level plays a crucial role in determining your character’s overall strength and ability to tackle various game content. Let’s delve deeper into how item levels work, why they matter, and how you can maximize your gear progression.
Understanding Item Level (iLvl) in FFXIV
What is Item Level?
Item level, or iLvl, is a numerical value assigned to every piece of equipment in FFXIV. It serves as a quick indicator of an item’s relative power compared to other gear at the same level. The higher the iLvl, the more potent the item, typically offering improved stats such as strength, dexterity, vitality, intelligence, and mind.
Why Does iLvl Matter?
Item level is crucial for several reasons:
- Content Progression: Many duties, especially those at the endgame level (level 50 onwards) have minimum iLvl requirements. Meeting these requirements ensures that your character is appropriately geared to handle the challenges presented.
- Character Power: Higher iLvl directly translates to increased character strength, enabling you to deal more damage, absorb more attacks, and heal more effectively.
- Unlocking Content: Certain duties and raids may be locked until your average item level reaches a specified threshold, meaning constant gear upgrades are essential to access all content.
Item Level at Level Caps
Item level becomes particularly relevant at the end of each major story arc. This means you’ll see a considerable increase in gear power and complexity at the level caps of 50, 60, 70, 80, and the current cap of 90. Each of these “capstone” levels comes with new gear options, including the coveted Artifact Gear which can help kickstart your gearing journey into the endgame.
How to Get Higher Item Level Gear
The Road to iLvl 635
- Leveling: To begin, focus on leveling your character to the current level cap of 90, utilizing the plethora of leveling content.
- Artifact Gear: Once you reach level 90 and complete the Level 89 Main Scenario Quest “A Bold Decision,” you’ll unlock the NPC named Varsarudh in Old Sharlayan, who will give you free level 90 Artifact Gear and a Weapon (Item Level 560).
- Tomestone Gear: After receiving your Artifact Gear, aim to obtain Tomestone Gear. This gear can be purchased using Allagan Tomestones of Astronomy and Allagan Tomestones of Causality, earned from completing various level 90 duties.
- Raid Gear: For top-tier equipment, focus on completing raids. The Pandaemonium Abyssos (Savage) raid series is where you’ll find both iLvl 630 and the ultimate iLvl 635 gear.
- Market Board: The Market Board is always an option, but typically, gear purchased here can be expensive and quickly becomes outdated as you advance to higher iLvls.
Other Ways to Improve Your Item Level
- Dungeons & Trials: While not offering the highest iLvl gear, these duties provide gear to steadily improve your level and prepare for more difficult content.
- Alliance Raids: Completing the weekly alliance raids can grant items that you can use to enhance your gear and provide further paths towards iLvl progression.
- Recommended Gear: Utilizing the game’s “Recommended Gear” function, which automatically equips the best gear available in your inventory, is a great way to keep your character appropriately leveled.
Item Level is Not Everything!
While item level is an excellent measure of overall power, there are instances where it isn’t the sole determining factor. For example, specific stats on a lower iLvl piece might offer a greater benefit for your job or rotation, than a higher iLvl piece with inferior stats. Learning your job and understanding how stats scale is vital to optimizing your character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current level cap in FFXIV?
The current level cap in FFXIV is 90.
2. How do I unlock level 90 gear?
By completing the Level 89 Main Scenario Quest “A Bold Decision,” you’ll unlock the NPC named Varsarudh in Old Sharlayan, who will give you free level 90 Artifact Gear and a Weapon.
3. What is the maximum item level gear you can get outside of the Savage raids?
While it can vary, you can typically get gear up to item level 610-620 from Tomestones and the regular tier of the latest raids, before delving into the savage raids.
4. Will FFXIV go to level 100?
Yes, Final Fantasy 14’s next level cap with its new major expansion will be level 100.
5. Is there an age limit for playing FFXIV?
Yes, the game is designed for players aged 13 and older.
6. Where can I get iLvl 630 gear?
You can get iLvl 630 Abyssos Gear by clearing Abyssos Savage raids, with drops including coffers that contain pieces of gear.
7. What item level is needed to enter the Pandaemonium Abyssos Savage raids (P5S)?
You need an item level of 600 or higher to queue for P5S (The Fifth Circle of Abyssos Savage).
8. Does item level matter when not in endgame?
Yes, even outside the endgame, having appropriate gear is essential to completing higher level duties efficiently and accessing new story content.
9. Where can I buy lower-level gear like iLvl 60 gear?
The central building in Idyllshire sells level 60 Shire gear, which is the Ironworks equivalent for Heavensward.
10. Can I transfer items and characters from the free trial to the full game?
Yes, characters, and their associated data, that you create in the Free Trial can be carried over to the full game.
11. What are Poetics and how are they used for gearing?
Poetics are a type of Allagan Tomestone that can be used to purchase gear at certain level thresholds, usually for levels 50, 60, 70, and 80.
12. What is the strongest weapon in FFXIV?
The strongest weapons in Final Fantasy XIV come from the Asphodelos Gear, obtained from Asphodelos Savage raids.
13. What is the “Recommended Gear” Function and when should I use it?
The “Recommended Gear” function is a feature that equips the best gear available in your inventory at any given time. It’s useful for quickly ensuring your character is appropriately geared, especially during normal play and progression.
14. Is there a specific role that is considered the hardest to play?
While preference varies, the Tank role is often regarded as the most challenging, particularly in Savage and Ultimate raids. Healers in these raids are expected to also contribute damage, adding to their complexity.
15. Is the FFXIV Free Trial still available?
Yes, the free trial for FFXIV is currently available, allowing players to reach level 70 for free.
Conclusion
Understanding item level is essential for successful progression in FFXIV. Reaching the highest item level of 635 requires dedication, skill, and mastering the game’s most challenging content. Don’t get caught up only chasing the highest iLvl – remember to play the game at a pace you enjoy and with gear that complements your playstyle. By staying informed and actively upgrading your gear, you’ll be able to experience all that Final Fantasy XIV has to offer. Good luck, and happy adventuring!