Crafting Overview
Crafting in Final Fantasy XIV is a deep and rewarding system that allows players to create a vast array of items, from essential gear and consumables to decorative furniture and unique glamour pieces. Unlike combat jobs, crafting jobs are not unlocked through the main story but by speaking with specific NPCs in various cities. Each crafting job has its own unique skills and rotations, requiring careful management of resources and crafting actions to produce high-quality results.
The crafting system revolves around several Disciple of the Hand (DoH) jobs. These include Armorer, Blacksmith, Carpenter, Leatherworker, Weaver, Goldsmith, Alchemist, and Culinarian. Each job specializes in crafting specific types of items. For example, a Blacksmith will forge weapons and metal armor, while a Weaver will create cloth armor and accessories. To begin crafting, you must first unlock the desired job by visiting its respective Guild. For instance, the Armorer's Guild is located in Ul'dah. Upon unlocking a crafting job, you'll receive a basic set of tools and a starting recipe.
Crafting involves using gathered materials (from Disciple of the Land jobs like Miner and Botanist) or materials purchased from vendors. The crafting interface presents a series of actions that manipulate the item's progress and quality. Key stats for crafters include Craftsmanship (determines the success rate of crafting actions), Control (influences the quality of the crafted item), and CP (Crafting Points), which is consumed by using crafting abilities. Higher quality crafts yield better stats on the resulting item, making them more desirable for combat or sale.
| Crafting Job | Specialty | Starting City |
|---|---|---|
| Armorer | Metal Armor, Shields | Ul'dah |
| Blacksmith | Weapons, Metal Armor | Ul'dah |
| Carpenter | Wooden Gear, Furniture | Gridania |
| Leatherworker | Leather Armor, Accessories | Limsa Lominsa |
| Weaver | Cloth Armor, Accessories | Gridania |
| Goldsmith | Jewelry, Accessories | Ul'dah |
| Alchemist | Potions, Dyes, Reagents | Limsa Lominsa |
| Culinarian | Food Buffs, Drinks | Limsa Lominsa |
Mastering crafting requires dedication. Players often level multiple crafting jobs to share materials and create more complex recipes. High-quality crafting is crucial for endgame progression, as it allows for the creation of powerful gear and valuable commodities for the Market Board. Engaging with crafting also opens up opportunities for gil-making and provides a relaxing alternative to combat.