Understanding the Fundamentals
Eorzea is a land of adventure, danger, and…delicious food. But those mouthwatering stat buffs you crave don’t just materialize. They require skilled crafters and, crucially, dedicated gatherers. Food is the lifeblood of many activities in Final Fantasy Fourteen, and the ingredients to make these vital dishes must be harvested. Whether you’re a seasoned raider seeking that extra edge in damage output or a dedicated crafter looking to supply the market, mastering the art of food ingredient gathering is essential for success. This guide will cover everything you need to know about gathering those precious comestibles in Final Fantasy Fourteen, from leveling your gathering classes to optimizing your gathering for maximum efficiency and profit, so you can maximize your time to create food or sell your goods on the market board.
Gathering in Final Fantasy Fourteen is divided into three distinct classes, each with its own focus and skillset: Botanist, Miner, and Fisher. Understanding the nuances of each class is crucial for efficient food gathering.
The Botanist
The Botanist specializes in gathering plants, herbs, fruits, and other vegetation. They traverse the land, plucking ingredients from trees, bushes, and the ground. If you’re looking for vegetables, spices, and other ingredients for culinary delights, then this is where you should start.
The Miner
The Miner focuses on extracting ore, minerals, and crystals from the earth. While not all mined resources are directly edible, many are used in the crafting of certain ingredients or as components in elaborate dishes.
The Fisher
The Fisher, as you might expect, is all about catching fish. Fish are a staple in many Eorzean recipes, and a skilled Fisher can provide a constant supply of these essential ingredients. Some fish are used to create sauces and others act as the main course for different recipes.
Gathering Stats
Each gathering class has its own set of stats that determine its effectiveness. The primary stats are Gathering, Perception, and Gathering Points (GP).
Gathering directly impacts your chance of successfully harvesting an item from a gathering node. A higher Gathering stat means a lower chance of failure.
Perception influences your chance of obtaining High Quality (HQ) items and triggering special gathering bonuses. HQ ingredients provide better buffs when used in crafting, increasing the value of your goods.
Gathering Points (GP) are a resource used for special gathering actions, such as increasing gathering chances, revealing hidden nodes, or boosting your HQ chance. Managing your GP effectively is vital for maximizing your yield.
The Gathering Log
Your Gathering Log serves as your comprehensive guide to all available gathering items. It allows you to search for specific ingredients, filter by level and location, and track your progress. Understanding how to use the Gathering Log efficiently is key to finding the items you need. Simply open the Gathering Log, filter for your desired gathering class, and search for your desired resource to find where to gather.
Gathering Actions
Each gathering class has a number of actions at its disposal. The basic gathering action is used to attempt to harvest an item. Additional actions consume Gathering Points to increase your chances of success or improve the quality of your harvest. Understanding what each action does will improve your efficiency when gathering.
Leveling Your Gathering Classes: A Path to Proficiency
Leveling your gathering classes is essential for unlocking new gathering locations, items, and abilities. Here’s a breakdown of leveling strategies for each stage of your gathering journey.
Early Levels
In the early levels, your focus should be on completing Levequests and gathering items from readily available nodes. Central Shroud and Western Thanalan are great for low-level gathering. Be sure to take advantage of experience bonuses from rested experience.
Mid Levels
As you progress into the mid-levels, it’s important to upgrade your gear and continue to focus on Levequests. Central Highlands and Eastern La Noscea have plenty of options for leveling. Consider incorporating Grand Company turn-ins for additional experience. Collectibles offer good experience as well, so gather them whenever you can.
High Levels
Reaching the high levels requires a more strategic approach. Focus on gathering items from current expansion zones and incorporate collectibles and custom deliveries into your routine. This allows for faster experience gains that can continue leveling you. Remember to upgrade your gear!
Gear and Materia: Equipping for Efficiency
Your gathering gear plays a crucial role in your gathering efficiency. Invest in gear upgrades at key level milestones to maximize your stats. At endgame, aim for optimal gear sets that prioritize Gathering, Perception, and GP.
Materia Melding
Materia can be melded into your gear to further enhance your gathering stats. Prioritize Gathering, Perception, and GP when selecting materia. Keep in mind materia melding can give you a larger boost to each of the core stats.
Food Buffs
Food buffs can provide a significant boost to your gathering stats. Consider using food buffs that increase Gathering, Perception, or GP to further optimize your gathering efficiency. Some cheap but effective options include Bacon Bread and Cunning Craftsman’s Syrup.
Optimizing Your Gathering Technique
Finding the best gathering locations is crucial for maximizing your yield. Utilize online resources and the in-game map to locate nodes with high concentrations of the items you need. Consider node availability and spawn times when planning your gathering routes. Utilize the Aetheryte Network to quickly travel between locations and maximize your gathering time.
Gathering Rotations
Developing efficient gathering rotations can significantly improve your harvest rate. Experiment with different rotations to find what works best for you, focusing on maximizing HQ chance and yield. Don’t be afraid to adapt your rotations based on available GP and weather conditions.
Gathering Skills
Utilize your gathering skills and abilities strategically to maximize your efficiency. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each ability and use them accordingly. For example, increasing gathering attempt actions can ensure you gather items, and increasing HQ chance can help you receive higher quality goods.
Dealing With RNG
The inherent randomness in gathering can be frustrating. Don’t get discouraged by bad luck. Take breaks, adjust your strategy, and remember that persistence is key.
Specific Food Ingredients: A Forager’s Compendium
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of finding key food ingredients.
Fruits and Vegetables
For fruits and vegetables, La Noscean Orange can be gathered in Middle La Noscea, while Mandragora can be found in the Black Shroud Central. Cabbage can be harvested from various locations in La Noscea.
Herbs and Spices
When it comes to herbs and spices, Lavender can be gathered in the Black Shroud Central. Thavnairian Onion are grown using gardening and can be a time-consuming process. Olive Oil can be purchased from vendors in various cities.
Meats and Poultry
For meats and poultry, Apkallu Eggs can be gathered in Lower La Noscea, Raptor Sinew can be obtained by hunting raptors in Eastern Thanalan, and Wild Dodo Breast can be acquired from Dodos in East Shroud.
Fish and Seafood
When it comes to fish and seafood, Navigator’s Brand can be caught in Lower La Noscea, Glacier Corel can be fished in Coerthas Central Highlands, and Black Sole can be found in Western La Noscea.
Making Gil from Gathering
Identifying high-demand ingredients is key to making gil with gathering. Monitor the Market Board for price fluctuations and focus on ingredients used in popular crafting recipes. This can help you maximize the profits you earn from the market board.
Selling Your Goods
Develop efficient gathering routes and sell your goods at competitive prices to maximize your profit. Consider the market trends and adjust your prices accordingly.
Crafting vs Selling Raw Ingredients
Analyze the potential profit margins of crafting food versus selling the raw ingredients. Sometimes, selling the raw ingredients is more profitable than crafting the finished product. Factors to consider include crafter level and crafting skills.
Endgame Gathering and Scrips: A Path to Expertise
Collectibles
Collectibles are special items that can be gathered and turned in for scrips. These items offer good experience and are a solid path for leveling up. These are often gathered in specific locations around Eorzea.
Custom Deliveries
Custom deliveries involve crafting specific items and delivering them to certain non-player characters in order to improve a relationship with them. Doing so can offer extra rewards. Each NPC has different requirements.
Using Scrips
Scrips are a special currency that can be exchanged for valuable items. Scrips can be acquired by completing custom deliveries and turning in collectibles. These are a valuable tool to gain materials.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bounty of Eorzea
Gathering food ingredients is an essential part of the Final Fantasy Fourteen experience. By mastering the techniques and strategies outlined in this guide, you can become a proficient gatherer, providing valuable resources for crafters, raiders, and yourself. Remember to experiment, adapt to the ever-changing market, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Happy gathering, and may your harvests be plentiful. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore crafter, there is much to gain by mastering food gathering. Be sure to try different methods and playstyles to see what works best for you. Gathering offers a great source of income and is a fun activity for players to take part in.
