Universal Tomestones in Final Fantasy XIV are a form of currency acquired by participating in various endgame activities, primarily duties leveled at the current level cap. They allow players to purchase powerful gear, enhancing their character’s capabilities and progression in the game’s challenging content. An example of their usage is obtaining armor sets from vendors located in major cities after accumulating sufficient quantities through running expert roulettes or completing current-tier raids.
The acquisition and utilization of these tomestones are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the game’s endgame. They offer a predictable path for gear progression, supplementing or even bypassing the need to rely solely on random drops from difficult content. Historically, these currencies have been a staple of Final Fantasy XIV’s progression system, providing a consistent means for players to improve their characters and tackle increasingly challenging encounters.
Understanding how to efficiently earn and spend these resources is paramount for any player seeking to optimize their endgame experience. This includes knowing which activities provide the highest rewards, where to find the relevant vendors, and which gear pieces offer the most significant upgrades for a given class and playstyle. The following will explore optimal acquisition methods, vendor locations, and gear prioritization strategies.
1. Gear Acquisition
Gear acquisition represents a core element of character progression within Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame, intrinsically linked to the strategic utilization of universal tomestones. These tomestones serve as a primary currency for obtaining powerful equipment, making understanding the acquisition process paramount.
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Identifying Target Gear
Before spending universal tomestones, players must identify the optimal gear upgrades for their class and role. This involves analyzing stat weights, set bonuses, and overall item level progression. Resources such as online guides and in-game stat trackers can assist in determining the most impactful pieces to acquire from tomestone vendors.
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Tomestone Exchange Locations
Acquired tomestones are exchanged for gear at designated vendor locations, typically situated in major cities associated with the current expansion. These vendors offer a range of equipment, with each piece requiring a specific quantity of tomestones. Knowing the exact location of these vendors streamlines the gear acquisition process and ensures efficient resource allocation.
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Weekly Acquisition Limits
The acquisition of universal tomestones is often subject to weekly limits, restricting the amount players can earn within a given timeframe. This limit necessitates careful planning regarding which gear pieces to prioritize. Strategically targeting essential upgrades first ensures that players maximize the benefit of their weekly tomestone allowance.
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Augmenting Gear with Tomestones
In some instances, tomestones are also used to augment existing gear, enhancing its stats and overall effectiveness. This augmentation process requires specific items, often purchased with tomestones, which are then used to upgrade the desired equipment. Understanding which gear can be augmented and the necessary components is crucial for maximizing character potential.
The interplay between identifying target gear, locating exchange vendors, managing weekly limits, and utilizing augmentation options defines the strategic employment of universal tomestones in gear acquisition. Successfully navigating these aspects enables players to optimize their character’s performance and progress through challenging content.
2. Vendor Locations
The efficient expenditure of universal tomestones in Final Fantasy XIV is intrinsically linked to knowledge of vendor locations. These non-player characters (NPCs) serve as the primary point of exchange, allowing players to convert accumulated tomestones into valuable gear and other essential items. The absence of this knowledge renders the acquisition of tomestones a futile exercise, as players lack the means to realize the intended benefit: character progression and improved performance. For example, a player diligently farming tomestones but unaware of the vendor in Radz-at-Han will be unable to obtain the latest item level gear, hindering their ability to participate in current-tier raids.
Vendor locations are typically situated within major hub cities associated with the current expansion. These locations often feature multiple vendors, each offering different categories of items. One vendor might specialize in armor and accessories, while another provides weapon options. Still others may offer materials required for augmenting gear or crafting recipes. Remembering these specific locations and the items they offer is crucial for optimized spending. Regular updates to the game can introduce new vendors or relocate existing ones, making continuous awareness a necessity for sustained progression. Players frequently utilize online resources and community guides to stay informed of the latest vendor information and optimal gear purchase strategies.
In summary, understanding vendor locations is a prerequisite for effectively utilizing universal tomestones. The ability to quickly and accurately locate the relevant NPCs and their offerings streamlines the gear acquisition process, allowing players to maximize their character’s potential and remain competitive in endgame content. Neglecting this aspect can lead to wasted time, inefficient resource allocation, and ultimately, hindered progression. This underlines the practical significance of integrating vendor location awareness into any strategy regarding the employment of universal tomestones.
3. Upgrade Prioritization
Upgrade prioritization is a fundamental aspect of effectively utilizing universal tomestones within Final Fantasy XIV. Given the limited weekly acquisition of these tomestones and the diverse array of gear available for purchase, a strategic approach to upgrades is essential for maximizing character progression and overall combat effectiveness.
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Stat Weight Analysis
Prioritizing gear upgrades necessitates a thorough understanding of stat weights for a given job or class. Different statistics, such as primary stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Mind), critical hit rate, direct hit rate, determination, and skill speed/spell speed, contribute varying degrees to overall damage output and healing effectiveness. Evaluating the relative importance of each stat and targeting gear that provides the most impactful stat increases is crucial. For example, a Dragoon may prioritize gear with high Strength and Critical Hit Rate, while a White Mage might favor Mind and Piety.
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Item Level Optimization
While stat weights are important, item level (ilvl) generally dictates the overall power of a piece of equipment. A higher ilvl piece will usually offer larger increases to primary stats, which often outweigh the benefits of marginally better secondary stats on a lower ilvl item. Exceptions occur when a significant stat difference exists between two items, warranting a more in-depth comparison. However, focusing on acquiring the highest available ilvl gear through tomestone purchases is a general guideline for efficient progression.
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Weapon Prioritization
The weapon slot typically provides the single largest increase to a character’s damage output or healing potency. Consequently, prioritizing the acquisition of the highest ilvl weapon available through tomestones is typically the most effective way to improve performance. Delaying weapon upgrades in favor of other gear slots is generally ill-advised, as the weapon’s impact far exceeds that of other equipment pieces. For example, a DPS class should prioritize the tomestone weapon over a chest piece, even if the chest piece offers a desirable stat combination.
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Set Bonus Considerations
While Final Fantasy XIV does not traditionally feature set bonuses in the conventional sense, some gear pieces offer unique effects or enhancements to specific abilities. Evaluating the utility and impact of these effects on one’s gameplay and incorporating them into upgrade prioritization is a valid consideration. For instance, a specific piece of gear might increase the potency of a frequently used skill, making it a higher priority than a piece with slightly better stats but no special effect.
In conclusion, effective upgrade prioritization, informed by stat weight analysis, item level optimization, weapon prioritization, and set bonus considerations, directly impacts the efficiency with which universal tomestones are utilized. Strategically targeting the most impactful gear upgrades ensures that limited tomestone resources are used to maximize character progression and overall effectiveness in challenging content. Failing to prioritize upgrades can result in wasted tomestones and hindered progression, emphasizing the importance of a well-informed and methodical approach.
4. Weekly Caps
Weekly caps on universal tomestone acquisition in Final Fantasy XIV directly impact players’ decisions regarding gear progression. These limitations necessitate strategic planning and efficient resource allocation to maximize character enhancement within the constraints imposed by the system.
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Strategic Resource Allocation
Weekly caps force players to carefully consider which gear upgrades to prioritize. With a limited number of tomestones obtainable each week, selecting the most impactful pieces becomes crucial. This involves evaluating stat weights, item level increases, and the overall benefit a specific piece of gear provides. For instance, a player might choose to prioritize a weapon upgrade over armor pieces to maximize their damage output within the allotted tomestone limit.
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Delayed Gratification and Planning
The caps introduce an element of delayed gratification. Players cannot immediately acquire all desired gear, instead needing to plan their purchases over multiple weeks. This requires a long-term perspective, including researching upcoming content and anticipating future gear requirements. Such planning might involve saving tomestones for a particularly powerful item or strategically purchasing pieces that will remain relevant for an extended period.
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Encouraging Diverse Content Engagement
To reach the weekly tomestone cap, players are often encouraged to participate in a variety of endgame activities. This promotes engagement with different aspects of the game, such as daily roulettes, weekly raids, and other available content. This diversification can prevent monotony and expose players to different gameplay experiences, indirectly influencing which tomestones they choose to spend based on acquired ancillary rewards or currency from that content.
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Economic Considerations
Weekly caps also influence the in-game economy. By limiting the supply of tomestone-acquired gear, the caps can drive up the value of alternative gear sources, such as crafted items or gear obtained from other endgame content. Players may therefore consider supplementing their tomestone gear with items acquired through other means, impacting their spending decisions and influencing market dynamics.
Ultimately, the weekly caps on universal tomestone acquisition fundamentally shape how players approach gear progression. They necessitate strategic planning, informed decision-making, and engagement with a variety of game content, ensuring that the limited tomestone resources are utilized to maximize character potential and overall enjoyment of Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame.
5. Efficient Farming
Efficient farming of universal tomestones directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of character progression in Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame. The rate at which these tomestones are acquired determines how quickly players can obtain and upgrade gear, thereby influencing their ability to participate in and succeed at challenging content. Effective farming strategies minimize the time investment required to reach weekly tomestone caps, allowing players to allocate their time to other activities, such as raiding, crafting, or engaging with social aspects of the game.
Various methods exist for farming universal tomestones, each offering different levels of efficiency. Daily roulettes, particularly the Expert Roulette, provide a consistent source of tomestones. Specific duties, such as high-level dungeons and trials, may offer more tomestones per run but require more focused attention and potentially a pre-formed group. Understanding the tomestone rewards associated with each activity and the time required to complete it is crucial for optimizing farming efficiency. For example, repeatedly running a shorter, high-yield dungeon may prove more efficient than relying solely on roulettes, depending on individual playstyle and group availability. The availability of bonus rewards for completing certain duties also influences optimal farming strategies.
Therefore, efficient farming is an integral component of what to do with universal tomestones. By maximizing tomestone acquisition rates, players can accelerate gear progression, enhance their character’s capabilities, and participate more fully in Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame content. Recognizing and implementing efficient farming strategies is a key element in optimizing the overall endgame experience.
6. Alternative Currency
The effective utilization of universal tomestones in Final Fantasy XIV is frequently interwoven with the management of alternative currencies. These secondary currencies, often acquired alongside or in conjunction with tomestones, serve as catalysts for obtaining augmentations, specific crafting materials, or other supplementary items that enhance the value of tomestone-purchased gear. Neglecting to consider these alternative currencies can result in inefficient gear progression, as the full potential of tomestone equipment remains unrealized. For example, augmenting a newly acquired piece of gear with items purchased using alternative currencies can significantly increase its stats, providing a substantial boost to character performance.
Alternative currencies can be earned through various endgame activities, including weekly alliance raids, treasure hunts, and specific duty roulettes. These currencies frequently act as a limiting factor in gear progression, preventing players from immediately maximizing their equipment even if they possess the necessary tomestones. Consequently, a balanced approach to endgame content is often required, involving participation in activities that reward both tomestones and the relevant alternative currencies. Understanding the specific currencies required for augmenting different gear pieces and prioritizing their acquisition alongside tomestones is essential for optimized character development.
In summation, the strategic employment of universal tomestones extends beyond simply acquiring gear. The careful management of alternative currencies is equally crucial, as these currencies often serve as a bottleneck in fully realizing the potential of tomestone-purchased equipment. By integrating the acquisition and utilization of alternative currencies into their overall gear progression strategy, players can maximize their character’s effectiveness and optimize their endgame experience, further informing their strategy regarding what to do with universal tomestones.
7. Ilvl Progression
Item Level (Ilvl) progression represents a central pillar of character advancement in Final Fantasy XIV, inextricably linked to the efficient and strategic use of universal tomestones. Ilvl serves as a numerical representation of a gear piece’s overall power, influencing a character’s statistics and ability to effectively participate in increasingly challenging content. The pursuit of higher Ilvl gear is a primary driver for many players, and universal tomestones offer a consistent avenue for achieving this goal.
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Tomestone Gear as Ilvl Benchmarks
Tomestone gear typically establishes a baseline Ilvl for each content tier. These items provide a guaranteed path to gear upgrades, setting a standard against which gear obtained from other sources, such as raids or crafting, is measured. Players often prioritize acquiring tomestone gear to reach the minimum Ilvl requirements for accessing new duties and challenges. Failure to obtain this baseline gear can significantly hinder progression, preventing access to critical content and limiting opportunities for further advancement. For example, a player might need a specific Ilvl to queue for the latest Expert Roulette, which in turn provides more tomestones for further gear acquisitions.
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Optimizing Stat Distribution Within Ilvl Constraints
While Ilvl generally dictates overall power, players must also consider the distribution of statistics on different gear pieces. Tomestone vendors typically offer a range of items with varying stat combinations. Effective Ilvl progression involves selecting gear that not only increases the overall Ilvl but also optimizes stat allocation for a given job or class. This requires understanding stat weights and prioritizing gear that provides the most beneficial stat increases, even if other options offer slightly higher Ilvl. This tactical approach ensures that the character’s performance is maximized for their role, making them a more valuable asset in group content.
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Tomestones as a Supplement to Raid Gear
Universal tomestones often serve as a supplement to gear obtained from challenging raid content. While raid gear may offer higher Ilvl or unique effects, its acquisition is inherently less consistent due to the random nature of drops. Tomestone gear provides a reliable means of filling gaps in a player’s equipment set, ensuring that all slots are adequately equipped. This is especially crucial in the early stages of a new raid tier, when obtaining a full set of raid gear may take several weeks. Tomestone gear allows players to maintain a competitive Ilvl and participate effectively in raid content while awaiting more optimal raid drops.
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Ilvl Inflation and Tomestone Relevancy
Throughout the lifecycle of an expansion, Final Fantasy XIV typically introduces new tomestone currencies and associated gear sets, leading to a gradual increase in the overall Ilvl cap. As new tomestones become available, older tomestone gear becomes less relevant, as higher Ilvl options become accessible. This dynamic necessitates continuous engagement with endgame content to acquire the latest tomestones and maintain a competitive Ilvl. Understanding the timing of new tomestone releases and planning gear progression accordingly is essential for maximizing long-term character development. Players who fail to adapt to Ilvl inflation risk falling behind, limiting their ability to participate in current content.
In summary, Ilvl progression and the strategic utilization of universal tomestones are intrinsically linked. Tomestone gear provides a reliable pathway to increasing Ilvl, establishing benchmarks for progression and supplementing gear obtained from other sources. Effective Ilvl progression involves optimizing stat distribution, strategically filling gear gaps, and adapting to Ilvl inflation throughout the game’s lifecycle. Understanding this interplay is crucial for any player seeking to maximize their character’s potential and participate effectively in Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame content. The constant pursuit of higher Ilvl through wise tomestone expenditure is a recurring theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the acquisition, utilization, and management of universal tomestones within Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame.
Question 1: What activities yield universal tomestones?
Universal tomestones are primarily acquired by completing duties leveled at the current level cap. Expert Roulettes, level 90 dungeons, and current-tier Normal Raids offer significant quantities of these tomestones. Specific weekly duties, such as Alliance Raids, may also provide tomestone rewards.
Question 2: Where are vendors located that exchange tomestones for gear?
Vendors that exchange universal tomestones for gear are typically located in major hub cities associated with the most recent expansion. These vendors are often situated near the aetheryte, allowing for convenient access. Specific vendor locations can be found on the official Final Fantasy XIV website or through community resources.
Question 3: Is there a limit to the number of universal tomestones one can acquire per week?
A weekly cap exists on the acquisition of certain universal tomestones. This cap restricts the total number of tomestones obtainable within a given week. Information regarding specific cap amounts is available in-game or through official game documentation.
Question 4: What is the best strategy for prioritizing gear purchases with universal tomestones?
Prioritize acquiring the highest item level (Ilvl) weapon available, as the weapon slot provides the most significant increase to damage output or healing potency. Subsequently, focus on acquiring gear pieces that offer the most beneficial stat combinations for the given job or class. Consider supplementing tomestone gear with pieces obtained from other sources, such as raids or crafting.
Question 5: Are universal tomestones useful after a new expansion is released?
Generally, universal tomestones from previous expansions become obsolete upon the release of a new expansion. These tomestones are typically converted into a lower-tier currency, which can be exchanged for less valuable items. Therefore, spending existing tomestones before a new expansion is recommended.
Question 6: How do alternative currencies factor into utilizing universal tomestones?
Alternative currencies, often obtained alongside universal tomestones, are frequently required for augmenting tomestone-purchased gear. These currencies may be acquired through activities such as weekly raids or specific duty roulettes. A balanced approach to endgame content is recommended to ensure sufficient acquisition of both tomestones and the necessary alternative currencies.
Effectively managing and spending universal tomestones involves understanding acquisition methods, vendor locations, purchase prioritization, and the role of alternative currencies. Adhering to these guidelines will optimize character progression and enhance the overall endgame experience.
The subsequent sections will delve into specific gear recommendations and strategies for maximizing character effectiveness.
ffxiv what to do with universal tomestone
The efficient allocation of universal tomestones is crucial for maximizing character power within Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame. Diligent management and understanding of available options are essential for optimized progression.
Tip 1: Prioritize Weapon Upgrades. The weapon slot provides the most significant contribution to overall damage output and healing potency. Acquiring the highest item level weapon available through tomestones should be the initial focus.
Tip 2: Understand Stat Weights. Different jobs and roles benefit from different statistics. Prioritize gear that enhances the most impactful stats for the chosen job, consulting relevant resources for accurate stat weight information.
Tip 3: Consider Ilvl Over Substats. While substats are important, a significant item level increase typically outweighs minor substat optimizations. The higher primary stat gains often outweigh the secondary stat distribution.
Tip 4: Plan for Weekly Caps. Acquisition of universal tomestones is limited by weekly caps. Strategically plan purchases to maximize the benefit obtained within the available allowance. Delaying less impactful purchases can facilitate acquiring more significant upgrades sooner.
Tip 5: Locate Relevant Vendors. Familiarize oneself with the precise locations of vendors that exchange tomestones for gear. These NPCs are typically situated in major hub cities associated with the current expansion, streamlining the purchasing process.
Tip 6: Manage Alternative Currencies. Universal tomestones are often not the sole requirement for obtaining optimal gear. Manage alternative currencies, such as those acquired from raids or hunts, to fully augment and enhance gear purchased with tomestones.
Tip 7: Track Gear Progression. Maintain a record of current gear and desired upgrades. This facilitates informed decision-making when allocating tomestones and ensures that purchases align with long-term progression goals.
Strategic planning, informed purchasing decisions, and a focus on maximizing character stats are essential for efficiently utilizing universal tomestones. These tips offer a foundation for optimizing gear progression within Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame.
The concluding sections will explore specific gear recommendations and strategies for different roles and playstyles.
Conclusion
This document has thoroughly explored what to do with universal tomestones in Final Fantasy XIV, emphasizing strategic acquisition, prioritization, and expenditure of these critical endgame resources. Key points addressed include efficient farming methods, the importance of understanding vendor locations, the significance of item level progression, and the management of alternative currencies essential for augmenting tomestone gear. Careful consideration of these factors ensures optimal character enhancement and progression through challenging content.
Effective resource management remains paramount for success within Final Fantasy XIV’s endgame ecosystem. Players are encouraged to continuously evaluate their gear and adapt their strategies to the ever-evolving game environment. Prudent decision-making ensures that universal tomestones remain a potent tool in the pursuit of character optimization and the successful completion of demanding duties.
