The wait is finally over for Final Fantasy XIV players eager to wield the latest relic weapons. With the release of the Dawntrail expansion, a new questline has emerged, offering a fresh path to powerful gear known as the Phantom relic weapons. Polygon recently published a detailed guide on how to obtain these coveted items, and we've broken down the essential steps for you here.

What Are Phantom Relic Weapons?

Phantom relic weapons are the newest addition to FFXIV's long line of relic weapons, which are special weapons that grow in power through a series of quests and tasks. Unlike previous expansions, Dawntrail introduces these weapons with a unique visual aesthetic and a questline that blends combat, exploration, and crafting. The name "Phantom" hints at their ethereal design, which has players buzzing with excitement.

These weapons are not just cosmetic; they offer significant stat boosts, making them a must-have for endgame content. Whether you're a veteran raider or a casual collector, obtaining a Phantom relic weapon is a worthwhile endeavor that will keep you engaged for weeks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Phantom Relic

Based on the Polygon guide, the process to acquire your Phantom relic weapon involves several stages. Here's a summarized breakdown:

Step 1: Unlock the Quest

First, you need to reach a certain level and complete the main scenario quests in Dawntrail. Once that's done, head to the main hub city and look for an NPC who offers the quest "A Phantom's Legacy." This quest will kick off your journey.

Step 2: Complete the Initial Trials

After unlocking the quest, you'll be tasked with completing a series of trials and dungeons. These are not your average dungeons—they are designed to test your combat skills and require a full party. Expect to face challenging bosses that drop the materials you'll need.

Step 3: Gather Required Materials

The most time-consuming part is gathering the necessary materials. You'll need a mix of:

  • Tomestones of Aesthetics (purchased from endgame vendors)
  • Phantom Crystals (dropped from specific dungeons and world bosses)
  • Rare crafting materials (gathered via mining, botany, or fishing)

These materials are used to upgrade your weapon at a special forge in the new hub area.

Step 4: Upgrade and Customize

Once you have all the materials, return to the forge and select your weapon. You can choose from a variety of base stats and later enhance them further with additional steps. The Polygon guide emphasizes that this process is repeatable, allowing you to upgrade your weapon to multiple tiers.

Tips for Efficient Farming

Farming materials can be tedious, but with the right strategy, you can speed things up. Here are some pro tips from the guide:

  • Join a pre-made party to farm dungeons faster and reduce queue times.
  • Use food and potions to boost your item level and clear enemies quicker.
  • Focus on daily roulettes to earn extra Tomestones and Phantom Crystals.
  • If you're a crafter, gather materials yourself to save gil, or buy them off the Market Board if you're rich.

Remember, the relic weapon questline is designed to be a long-term goal. Don't burn yourself out—pace your farming sessions and enjoy the journey.

What Makes Phantom Relics Special?

Beyond their stats, Phantom relic weapons have a unique glow effect that changes color based on your equipped glamour. This customization is a major draw for players who love to personalize their characters. Additionally, each job has its own unique model, so you'll want to collect them all if you're a completionist.

The weapon also unlocks special achievements and titles, adding to its prestige. For many, this is the ultimate endgame goal in Dawntrail.

Key Takeaways

Getting a Phantom relic weapon in FFXIV: Dawntrail is a multi-step process that requires dedication and patience. Here are the main points to remember:

  • Unlock the quest after completing the main scenario.
  • Gather materials from dungeons, trials, and gathering nodes.
  • Upgrade your weapon at the forge in the new hub.
  • Customize your weapon's appearance and stats.
  • Take advantage of farming tips to save time.

With this guide, you're well on your way to wielding a Phantom relic. Happy adventuring!