The purpose of this series is to give a basic overview of the gameplay systems, specifications, and general knowledge regarding the current state of FINAL FANTASY XI ("FFXI") for those players who are thinking of returning to Vana'diel after spending some time away from the game.
Here in Volume 2, we will be covering item level equipment for further strengthening your characters once they reach level 99, as well as some content that you can take on solo with that equipment. We'll also take a look at Rhapsodies of Vana'diel, which is often considered a compilation of the game's story up through Seekers of Adoulin, and also highlight A.M.A.N. Trove, which is content specially designed for level 99 characters.
Obtaining item level equipment after reaching level 99
As a way to continue developing your characters after they reach level 99, the game introduced the concept of item level equipment. With item level equipment, the stats for a piece of equipment are based on its item level. As of June 2023, the current item level cap is 119.
You can acquire item level equipment through various means, including exchanging it for Sparks of Eminence that are obtained from Records of Eminence, exchanging it for bayld at the Peacekeepers' Coalition in Eastern Adoulin (F-7), and also as spoils from battle. Item level equipment can also be obtained by upgrading artifact or relic armor.
Average item level
Once you equip item level equipment, you will receive an additional stat known as average item level. Your average item level is the average of two numbers: the highest item level from your Main, Sub, and Ranged slots and the average item level of your armor (Head, Body, Hands, Legs, and Feet slots).
Additionally, your average item level has an effect on the strength of alter egos that you summon and also the information regarding a monster's strength that is displayed when you examine it. The higher the item level of the weapon that you equip as your main or ranged weapon, the better the stats for your pets, wyverns, summons, automatons, and other such entities will be.
You can compare your average item level to the content level that is given for some in-game content and use it to decide if the battle is appropriate for your current level or not.
Taking on in-game content after obtaining item level equipment
Due to factors such as the level cap increase to level 99, the addition of item level equipment, and the inclusion of alter egos with the Trust magic system, many missions and other in-game content that were added to the game when the level cap was below level 99 are now able to be completed solo.
About the missions
The missions for Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, and Wings of the Goddess were all added to the game before the level cap was increased to 99. Players who wear item level equipment and call forth alter egos should be able to take on these battles without any problems. Furthermore, some aspects of certain missions that required the participation of other party members have now been updated so that they can be completed by a single person.
Conversely, Seekers of Adoulin, Rhapsodies of Vana'diel, and The Voracious Resurgence are in-game content that was released after the introduction of item level equipment, so make sure that you are well-equipped before taking them on by yourself.
In-game content before Seekers of Adoulin
Like with the missions, there is plenty of other content that was released prior to Seekers of Adoulin that can be completed solo. As such, it's a good idea to see how much more powerful you are with item level equipment by taking on any content that you may have had difficulty with at level 75. Note that alter egos cannot be used in certain battle content.
Relic Weapons, Mythic Weapons, Empyrean Weapons
The materials needed to craft these weapons can be found prior to Seekers of Adoulin, so although it takes a considerable amount of effort to gather the required items, it is something that can be completed on your own. You can collect Rhapsody key items, which will be covered later on below, in order to lower the participation cost and restrictions for some in-game content. These weapons can be upgraded to item level equipment once you have met certain conditions and gathered the necessary materials.
Job-specific equipment (artifact, relic, and Empyrean armor)
You can call forth alter egos to help you on quests to obtain artifact armor and also content such as Dynamis, where you can obtain relic armor, and Abyssea, where you can acquire Empyrean armor. Plus, similar to the weapons mentioned above, you can upgrade this armor to item level equipment once you have met certain conditions and gathered the necessary materials.
High-level notorious monsters (HNM)
Even HNMs that gave you trouble at level 75 should be no problem when equipped with item level equipment and alter egos at your side. Furthermore, giving particular items to interactable points labelled “???” can allow you to fight notorious monsters such as King Behemoth. Aside from the usual ways of acquiring the item, you can also obtain it by trading login points for it.
Making your way through Rhapsodies of Vana'diel
Rhapsodies of Vana'diel is a scenario that compiles all of the in-game missions up through Seekers of Adoulin and features all of the major NPCs. By progressing through this scenario, you will obtain Rhapsody key items that can aid you on your adventures.
Getting starting with Rhapsodies of Vana'diel
The content is triggered automatically when your character is level 3 or higher and travels to a certain location in any of the three nations. Afterwards, you can take on the missions from Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Wings of the Goddess, and Seekers of Adoulin up to a certain point, at which time you'll be able to proceed through the Rhapsodies of Vana'diel story as well.
Earn more experience points, limit points, capacity points, and Unity accolades
Receive larger boosts to battle and magic skillsプ
Summon more alter egos at one time (up to 5 total)
Additional items are available for sale by Curio Vendor Moogles in the three nations
Reduces the amount of gil required for various types of in-game content and relaxes their entry requirements
...and more!
Port San d'Oria (J-9)
Port Bastok (K-13)
Port Windurst (M-4)
Acquiring alter egos
There are some alter egos that you can acquire by working your way through the Rhapsodies of Vana'diel missions.
Testing your luck in A.M.A.N. Trove
A.M.A.N. Trove is battle content that can be accessed by level 99 characters and allows you to open multiple treasure chests placed on the battlefield and retrieve the spoils contained within. The content will end when you open the gold treasure chest, but you can increase the spoils that you obtain by opening the other treasure chests first, so try to open as many as possible before opening the gold chest. When you hear a Loud Thud upon opening a chest, it increases the chances of obtaining high rarity items.
However, one of the regular treasure chests is actually a mimic pretending to be a treasure chest. Mimics are extremely powerful monsters and will usually defeat you right away, meaning that you will be unable to open the gold chest and will lose your chance at all of its contents. Therefore, a good strategy is to only open as many chests as you feel you safely can in order to reduce the chances of the mimic appearing. This content features various kinds of spoils, including item level equipment, exclusive accessories, items necessary for upgrading job-specific equipment, and more.
How to participate in A.M.A.N. Trove
Requirements
・Have a main job level of 99
・45 days or more have elapsed since you created your character
Note: If a party member uses the appropriate orb, or manages to directly obtain an orb, the party can join the battlefield even if its members don't meet the necessary requirements.
Content game flow
1.Select the "Exploring the Trove" Records of Eminence objective.
2.Speak with Greyson in Lower Jeuno (G-11) and exchange any silver A.M.A.N. vouchers that you have left with him for a Mars Orb or a Venus Orb. Mars Orbs cost 6 silver vouchers, and Venus Orbs cost 10 silver vouchers. You can either purchase silver A.M.A.N. vouchers from Greyson or receive them as special rewards for completing certain Records of Eminence objectives, such as the A.M.A.N. Trove monthly objective.
3.Trade one of the orbs to the burning circle that is located in Horlais Peak, Waughroon Shrine, or Balga's Dais to enter the battlefield.
