BiS Free Trial Gear and Leveling Gear
Guide for BiS Free Trial Gear and Leveling Gear for the FFXIV Free Trial.
This is where you’ll find all the best gear for Level 70 characters, and how to reach that point.
So what’s the best possible gear in the FFXIV Free Trial? For a tldr:
- Combat BiS -
Weapons: | Eureka Relics (IL405) |
Armour: | Omega / Scaevan (IL400) Elemental +2 (IL390) (Only some pieces) |
Accessories: | Omega / Scaevan (IL400) |
Blue Mage: | Friar Rush Weapon / Mirage Gear (IL400) |
Eureka: | Physeos Weapon / Elemental Armour +2 Vermillion Cloak / Kirin's Osode Blitzring / Cassie Earring |
Materia: | Tier VI ~ Crit > DH / Det > SpS/SkS |
Food: | HQ Shakshouka (IL370) |
- Crafting & Gathering BiS -
Tools: | Melded HQ Crafted Tools (IL 325 - 350) Black Willow / Nightsteel / Silvergrace |
Armour: | Melded HQ Onishi / Yamashi (IL340) |
Accessories: | Melded HQ Crafts (IL340) Nightsteel / Silvergrace / Slothskin |
Crafter Materia: | Tier VI + V ~ Craft > Control > CP |
Gatherer Materia: | Tier VI + V ~ Gather > GP > Perception |
Crafter Food: | HQ Matcha (IL 320) |
Crafter Medicine: | HQ Cunning Craftsman's Tea (IL 282) |
Gatherer Food: | HQ Gameni (IL276) |
OK, so that’s a super quick summary, but how do you obtain said items? What do you use before getting to end game? Are there alternatives? If you’re wondering about any of that, continue on for a more detailed guide~
First of all, let’s go over some terms you might encounter and what they mean for you.
~ Gear Terms ~
Character Menu (C): | This is where you'll see almost everything gear related. |
Class/Job Level: | Each piece of gear has a level requirement to equip it, as well as class requirements. |
Item Level (IL): | This is the level of your gear. Past class level 50, you'll start seeing much higher increases, such as IL130 when you're level 50. Dungeons will start having Item Level requirements, so be sure to upgrade. Generally, higher Item Level means better gear. |
Attributes: | Str, Dex, Vit, Int, Mind - These are your main stats and you don't have much influence over these. |
Properties: | These stats can be influenced by choosing different gear sets and by using materia. |
Condition: | This is the items durability. Upon reaching 0% the gear will become useless; they'll still be useable with no stats but repair them as soon as possible at a town Mender. You can also use Dark Matter to repair gear if you have the crafting level required (shown on the item menu), but I'd advise staying away from those if only for some extra inventory space. |
Spiritbond: | When you use gear in combat it will start to accumulate Spiritbond. At 100% you can extract a piece of materia from it. Doing so will reset the Spiritbond back to 1% and restart the process. |
Materia: | These are little jewel like spheres which you can meld into your gear for some additional stats, provided the item has Materia Slots. As long as a slot is open, the chances of success are 100%. You can freely retrieve materia. |
Advanced Melding: | Sometimes known Over-Melding. Gear usually has a base amount of Materia Slots, like one or two. Some items allow you to push past that limit, but with a risk of losing your Materia. The more materia that gets melded, the lower your success rate. Up to a maximum of 5 Materia can be added to any one item. 5 Melds can be referred to as pentameld. |
Armoury Chest: | This is where new gear typically gets stored. If a section is full, the gear will be placed into your inventory instead. Crafted items go to your inventory by default too. |
High Quality (HQ): | In game it looks like a little half-circle looking icon. Crafting a HQ item results in better base stats. |
BiS: | Best in Slot - A term used by players who want to min-max, or have the best gear possible, down to the smallest of stats. |
Where to find gear Lv1-49 (Combat)
So, let’s say you’re brand new and asking yourself how gear works in this game. To begin with, gearing up is super simple, there’s not a whole lot you need to worry about. Gear ends up coming to you for the most part. Here’s some ways you’ll come across gear:
- Quests – Main Story Quests, Class/Job quests or side quests. All can reward gear.
- Hall of the Novice – You can get some nice Lv17 gear from here. (And an EXP Boosting Ring)
- NPC Vendors – You’ll find them around the cities in the shopping areas. They offer gear for various levels.
- Crafted – Crafted items are great and all, but I don’t recommend it since they’ll be out leveled FAST.
- Dungeons – My personal recommendation, they offer great stats and are super easy to get.
LEVEL 50! (Combat)
When you reach Level 50 you might start running into some trouble, in terms of gear. By that, I mean Item Level requirements. Dungeons will start blocking you from entering if you don’t have decent gear. If you’ve been collecting dungeon gear often you might not run into this problem, but even still there’s an easier way to boost your Item Level.
Allagan Tomestone of Poetics! – or for short, just Poetics. These are an important type of currency that you’ll be using for a lot of things in Final Fantasy XIV. You can use these Poetics to buy Ironworks Gear (IL130). That’s the best possible gear you can get at Level 50 and will last you a good while.
You can start earning Poetics in various ways, in fact you might have some already that you didn’t know about. These can come from Dungeons, Roulettes, Fates, Hunts/Elite Marks, and more.
The Poetics vendor, Auriana, can be found in Revenant’s Toll in Mor Dhona (22.7, 6.6)
Alternatively, if you’ve finished the MSQ quest, “The Ultimate Weapon”, you can access vendors near the atherytes in Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, and Ul’dah. (and later in Foundation) The later vendors are called Rowena’s Representatives.
Other options for gearing up at Level 50 include:
- Quests – Your Level 50 Job Quest in particular will give you a set of IL 90 gear for your class.
- NPC Vendors – While not a great option in the long run, if you need something quick, buy something.
- Crafted – Crafted gear will always be an option but typically won’t be worth the effort.
- Dungeons – You won’t immediately have access to high item level gear, but you can work your way up.
- Allied Seals – If you like doing Hunts, the Hunt Billmaster has some IL110 Gear for trade.
- Grand Company – If you’ve leveled up your GC you can buy a variety of gear for some Seals, like IL130 weapons at max rank.
- PVP – If this ever comes back you can buy a full set of LV110 gear from here, which is easy to get.
- Zodiac Weapons (IL135) – These weapons are technically the best weapons you can get at Level 50. However, due to the difficulty and time required to get one, it’s not really an option for actual use. [For more information]
LEVEL 60! (Combat)
So you’ve finally hit the Free Trial level cap and want to have the best of the best. Let’s go over what options you have to pick from. All armour and accessory options have the same main stats, just different sub stats. It’s all about preference from here. However, if you want the highest possible output, you need to mix and match different sets.
- Augmented Shire (IL270) – This is probably the easiest Lv60 gear you can get, you can buy it with Poetics, just like the Ironworks gear. If you don’t care about min-maxing the free trial, you can just get Shire and call it day.
- Alexandrian (IL270) – This gear drops from the last four Alexander Savage Raids. “The xxxx of the Creator (Savage)” (A9S, A10S, A11S, A12S) These raids can either drop the gear directly, or you can trade in the Alexandrian Manifesto books that are rewarded per clear. The vendor, Sabina, can be found in Idyllshire. Alternatively you use the Rowena’s Representative in Foundation if unlocked. This gear is similar to Shire, they just offer a different variety of sub stats.
- Alexandrian Weapons (IL275) – These weapons are a slight upgrade from the Shire counterparts, with higher IL and stats. They’re obtained in the same way as the armour and accessories.
- Proto Ultima (IL270) – These are a set of accessories which you can buy from Slimthix in Idyllshire. They require Proto Ultima Heat Shielding in exchange for the accessories. These can be obtained from the quest “Unidentified Flying Object”, which can be accepted right next to the vendor. Ultima accessories are similar to Shire and Alex accessories, just with different sub stats.
- Anima Relics (IL275) – Also known as Lux. These are the ultimate weapons for a Free Trial player and require a large amount of time and effort to acquire. With these weapons, you get to choose which sub stats you want and it’s much stronger than both the Shire and Alex weapons. (They look neat too.) If you want to begin the journey, start talking to Rowena in Idyllshire for the starting quest, “An Unexpected Proposal”. If it’s your second time, you start with the quest “Soul Without Life”, from Ardashir in Azys Lla. [For more information]
- Blue Mage Weapon – Incendiario (IL270) – You can buy this for 800 Allied Seals from Maudlin Latool Ja in Ul’dah, Steps of Thal.
- Blue Mage Armour – Mask of Azuro (IL270) – Headgear that’s comparable to Shire/Alex. It’s a reward from the quest, Blue Cheese, started from Martyn in Ul’dah, Steps of Thal.
- Blue Mage Accessories – Whalaqee (IL270) – Accessories that are comparable to Shire/Alex. Purchased from Maudlin Latool Ja in Ul’dah, Steps of Thal for 400 Allied Seals each.
Combat Materia
The highest quality Materia available is Tier V (IL160).
The general go-to for combat materia is Critical Hit followed by Direct Hit Rate or Determination. Feel free to throw a few Skill Speed or Spell Speed into a few slots if you need or want it. This goes for all classes: DPS, Tank, Healer, Blu. Tenacity and Piety aren’t really needed for tanks or healers, both give very minimal boosts. Crit also helps with heals.
There are a few classes that might want to consider different builds such as Black Mage who might want to go all in on Spell Speed. Blue Mage may also prioritize Spell Speed, but that depends on how you play the class.
Combat Food
The best possible combat food, regardless of class is HQ Priestly Omelette (IL250). Boosting Critical Hit (53) Vitality (55) and Direct Hit (24).
HQ Flaugnarde (IL250) is also good for classes that need spell speed, giving Spell Speed (53) Vitality (55) and Critical Hit (24).
Both of these foods require Lv60 Culinarian along with Mastery IV books. They also have very high stat requirements, so top of the line crafting gear is a must.
However, if you’re not a fan of crafting, your best options are a bit weaker. These come from your Grand Company, at Rank Second Lieutenant. These foods range from about IL139 to IL160, quite a large drop from the BiS crafts.
- Example for BiS Warrior Gear -
Weapon: | Minos Lux |
Head: | Augmented Shire Custodian's Circlet |
Body: | Alexandrian Mail of Fending |
Hands: | Alexandrian Gauntlets of Fending |
Legs: | Alexandrian Breeches of Fending |
Feet: | Augmented Shire Custodian's Sollerets |
Earrings: | Augmented Shire Custodian's Earrings |
Necklace: | Alexandrian Neckband of Fending |
Bracelet: | Proto Ultima Amulet of Fending |
Ring Left: | Alexandrian Ring of Fending |
Ring Right: | Alexandrian Ring of Slaying |
Food: | Priestly Omelette (HQ) |
Total Materia: | Tier V - Critical Hit x9, Direct Hit Rate x6 |
Stat Total: | 932 STR, 861 DH, 952 CRIT, 332 DET, 386 SkS, 1016 VIT, 459 TEN |
Gear Link: | https://ffxiv.ariyala.com/1FXYO |
- Example for BiS Blue Mage Gear -
Weapon: | Incendiario |
Head: | Mask of Azuro |
Body: | Augmented Shire Philosopher's Coat |
Hands: | Alexandrian Gloves of Casting |
Legs: | Augmented Shire Philosopher's Hose |
Feet: | Alexandrian Boots of Casting |
Earrings: | Augmented Shire Philosopher's Earring |
Necklace: | Whalaqee Choker |
Bracelet: | Whalaqee Bracelet |
Ring Left: | Augmented Shire Philosopher's Ring |
Ring Right: | Alexandrian Ring of Casting |
Food: | Priestly Omelette (HQ) |
Total Materia: | Tier V - Critical Hit x8, Direct Hit Rate x9 |
Stat Total: | 836 INT, 716 DH, 934 CRIT, 344 DET, 387 SpS, 811 VIT |
Gear Link: | https://ffxiv.ariyala.com/1FXYM |
Where to find gear Lv1-49 (Crafting + Gathering)
Starting off with crafting and gathering classes is just as easy as combat classes really, you’re basically given all your gear and you don’t need much to get by. Both crafting and gathering work in similar ways.
- Class Quests – This is one of the main ways you’ll be getting free gear, don’t neglect them!
- NPC Vendors – You’ll find them around the cities in the shopping areas. Gear for various levels, and materials!
- Crafted – If you’re crafting stuff already, you might as well wear it, right?
- Ehcatl Wristgloves – These are a special piece of Level 1 crafting gear that are required for the Ixali Beast Tribe crafts. The stat boosts are very small. They can obtained from the Ixali Vendor in North Shroud (after unlocking the Tribe.)
LEVEL 50! (Crafting + Gathering)
If you haven’t unlocked the Heavensward areas yet, I highly recommend getting there before doing any more crafting. The options at this level feel a bit limited when coming from a combat class. You don’t get easy Item Levels this time around, so things might feel a bit difficult. Get what gear you can and push on to Level 60, it gets a bit better from there.
- Scrip Gear – For a few white scrips, you can buy Lv50 (IL55) gear from the Rowena’s Representatives. (Poetics vendor)
- NPC Vendor – Norlaise in Foundation sells Lv50 (IL50) to Lv55 (IL100) gear
- Crafted Gear – Always an option, if you’re willing to do a bit extra.
- Ehcatl Smithing Gloves (IL70) – Great gloves for a Lv50 crafter, if you can get them. They require max rank in the Ixali Beast Tribes (Sworn) and can be bought from the Ixali Vendor for 10 Ixali Oaknots. These do not replace the Ehcatl Wristgloves for the crafting requirement, sadly.
Before you can start earning White Scrips, you need to do a few quests first. “Inscrutable Tastes” and “Go West, Craftsman”.
You can earn White Scrips in a variety of ways, the primary method being “collectables”. Turning in Crafting collectables gives you Crafter Scrips, and Gathering collectables give you Gathering Scrips.
Doing custom deliveries for Zhloe is a great alternative for Crafting Scrips. Ocean Fishing is great for Gathering Scrips.
LEVEL 60! (Crafting + Gathering)
This is it, you finally made it to 60 Crafting / Gathering! That’s great but you still have quite a journey ahead of you if you want some decent gear. You have two main options for Level 60s:
- Augmented -Keep Gear (IL200) – These are bought with white scrips from Rowena’s Representative in Foundation. This is by far the easiest of the level 60 gear that you can get. It costs a lot of scrips for everything so it might take a while to farm. It’s the second best crafter and gathering gear you can get. Unfortunately it’s class specific so you’ll need to buy multiple sets.
- Blessed -Keep Tools (IL200) – These are exactly like the Augmented versions, except they’re obtained in a different way. They also glow gold! Blessed tools are obtained from from doing the “Craft X Unique items” achievements, per class. A bit of a challenge, but they make great glamours.
- HQ Ironworks (IL190) – Despite being lower item level, it’s able to surpass the stats of -keep gear by melding Materia to it. However, you’ll need nearly a full penta-meld for this to be better. While difficult to obtain, it’s the go-to option if you want to be the best sprout out there.
- HQ Ironwork Accessories (IL190) – These need their own category because they require a special method to craft. Specifically, the Earrings, Bracelet and Rings require the material Celestine, which is normally only available from Voyages. For Trial players, you’ll need to do some house item trades with a friend. Hat Stands are the best option for desynthesis. It definitely requires you to go above and beyond, but if you want the best, you’ll need to.
- HQ Aurum / Astral / Griffon (IL170) – These accessories, despite being much lower IL, are the second best option for Free Trial, if fully melded. These can be an alternative to the Ironworks Accessories if you’re unable to go that route.
- Handmaster / Landmaster (IL200) – The third best option for accessories. These still have good stats without the need for melding, however. If you don’t want to bother with materia, I highly recommend just using these. These accessories are bought with scrips.
- Soul of the Crafter (IL136) – Also know as being a crafting Specialist. These are equipped in the Soul Crystal slot, like Job Stones. These boost your skills by Craftsmanship +20, Control +20 and CP +15. Up to three crafting classes can have one, although you can change which ones at a cost of crafting scrips. These can be unlocked from the quest “Beloved of the Builder” from Lydirlona in Mor Dhona at level 55 crafting.
Crafting and Gathering Materia
Same as combat Materia, the highest tier available is Tier V (IL160).
For the crafting side of things, Craftsmanship and Control is what you should focus on the most. Sure, they make it easier to craft things, but a lot of items have Craft and Control requirements that you must meet before you can even begin to craft. For this reason, focus on those first. CP is a luxury and should come last.
For gatherers, it’s about the same. Gathering and Perception to meet stat requirements then GP when you can. If you’re using Ironworks, you can max out most of the materia stats anyway, with room to spare.
Crafting and Gathering Food
For crafters, the best food you can find is HQ Heavensegg Soup (IL220), giving Control (77), Craftsmanship (53) and CP (10).
A secondary food, if you’re really in the need for some extra Control, is HQ Oyster Confit (IL180), giving Control (88) and Craftsmanship (37).
For gatherers, you’ll be looking for HQ Pasta Ortolano (IL220), giving Gathering (34) Perception (34) and GP (13).
Gatherers also have access to Hi-Cordials, which are potions that restore 400 GP instantly. These can be bought from the Rowena’s Representative in Foundation, or from other scrip exchanges for 20 White Gathering Scrips each.
However, if you hate cooking for whatever reason, the food vendor in Foundation, Mestonnaux, sells a variety of IL50 foods.
☆ Lv.70 DoH / Crafting BiS ☆
Primary Tool: | Nightsteel Alembic (HQ) |
Secondary Tool: | Nightsteel Mortar (HQ) |
Head: | Onishi Kasa (HQ) |
Body: | Onishi Dogi (HQ) |
Hands: | Onishi Tekko (HQ) |
Legs: | Onishi Momohiki (HQ) |
Feet: | Onishi Zori (HQ) |
Earrings: | Silvergrace Earrings of Crafting (HQ) |
Necklace: | Black Willow Necklace of Crafting (HQ) |
Bracelet: | Black Willow Armillae of Crafting (HQ) |
Ring Left: | Black Willow Ring of Crafting (HQ) |
Ring Right: | Black Willow Ring of Crafting (HQ) |
Soul Stone: | Soul of the Weaver |
Food: | Matcha (HQ) |
Medicine: | Cunning Craftsman's Tea |
Materia Total: | Tier VI - Craft x9, Control x12, CP x8 Tier V - Craft x6, Control x21, CP x4 |
Stat Total: | 1820 Craftsmanship, 1818 Control, 564 CP |
Gear Links: | [Ariyala's Toolkit] | [Etro's Gearsets] |
☆ Lv.70 DoL / Gathering BiS ☆
Primary Tool: | High Nightsteel Hatchet (HQ) |
Secondary Tool: | High Nightsteel Scythe (HQ) |
Head: | Yamashi Kasa (HQ) |
Body: | Yamashi Dogi (HQ) |
Hands: | Yamashi Tekko (HQ) |
Legs: | Yamashi Momohiki (HQ) |
Feet: | Yamashi Zori (HQ) |
Earrings: | Silvergrace Earrings of Gathering (HQ) |
Necklace: | Slothskin Necklace of Gathering (HQ) |
Bracelet: | Slothskin Armillae of Gathering (HQ) |
Ring Left: | Slothskin Ring of Gathering (HQ) |
Ring Right: | Slothskin Ring of Gathering (HQ) |
Food: | Gameni (HQ) |
Materia Total: | Tier VI - Gathering x15, Perception x9, GP x5 Tier V - Gathering x6, Perception x15, GP x10 |
Stat Total: | 1674 Gathering, 1636 Perception, 838 GP |
Gear Links: | [Ariyala's Toolkit] | [Etro's Gearsets] |
FSH Stats: | 1369 Gathering, 1185 Perception, 868 GP |
Fisher Gear: | [Ariyala's Toolkit] | [Etro's Gearsets] |
For more talk on Free Trial Gear, chat with us in our Discord~
https://discord.gg/aNm3eH5W55