How to Increase Item Level in Final Fantasy XIV

Image Credit: Square Enix, Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)

In Final Fantasy XIV, your item level (iLvl) shows the overall strength of your gear. Higher item levels let you take on tougher dungeons, raids, and trials. Here’s a quick guide on how to increase your item level step by step.

1. Complete the Main Story Quests (MSQ)

The MSQ often rewards you with gear that boosts your item level. Always finish the main story for each expansion to unlock better gear and higher-level content.

2. Get Gear from Dungeons

Dungeons are one of the easiest ways to get better gear.

• Run dungeons near your level.

• Each dungeon drops gear with a specific item level. Check the loot and equip any upgrades you get.

Some high-level dungeons require a minimum item level to enter, so keep upgrading.

3. Buy Gear with Tomestones

Once you reach Level 50 and unlock Tomestones, you can use them to buy high-level gear.

• Earn Allagan Tomestones by doing roulettes, trials, and other endgame content.

• Trade Tomestones for gear at vendors in major cities like Mor Dhona (Level 50+), Idyllshire (Level 60+), Rhalgr’s Reach (Level 70+), or Radz-at-Han (Level 90+).

• Vendors like Auriana or Cihanti will help you exchange Tomestones for gear.

4. Upgrade Gear with Tokens

Some Tomestone gear can be upgraded to higher item levels.

• Earn tokens from raids, trials, or other duties.

• Use the tokens to upgrade your gear at specific vendors (check with the vendor where you bought the gear).

5. Run Raids and Trials

Raids and trials often drop gear with higher item levels.

• Complete Normal Raids like the Crystal Tower (Level 50) or Eden Raids (Level 80).

• Try Alliance Raids for guaranteed gear drops.

• Participate in Extreme Trials or Savage Raids for the best rewards, though these are more challenging.

6. Buy Crafted Gear from the Market Board

Crafters can make high-level gear, especially for new expansions.

• Check the Market Board for crafted gear with high item levels.

• Some crafted gear can also be enhanced with materia for extra stats.

7. Augment Gear

Augmented gear has higher item levels than regular versions.

• Use upgrade tokens from dungeons, raids, or weekly content.

• Trade these tokens to vendors to augment your gear.

For example, Euphrosyne coins can upgrade gear purchased with Tomestones.

8. Use Materia for Extra Stats

While it doesn’t increase the item level directly, adding materia boosts your stats, making you stronger.

• Meld materia onto your gear at a Materia Melder NPC or with a crafting job.

• Higher-level materia works best on high item-level gear.

9. Do Daily and Weekly Content

Daily roulettes, weekly raids, and trials reward Tomestones and tokens for better gear. Focus on these activities to steadily increase your item level.

10. Check the Current Patch Gear

Each patch adds new high-level gear. Look for patch notes or check vendors to see what’s new. The latest content often gives the best gear for raising your item level.

By following these steps, you’ll quickly boost your item level and be ready for the toughest content in Final Fantasy XIV.

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