Tomestone System
Tomestones are a crucial endgame currency in Final Fantasy XIV, serving as a primary method for acquiring powerful gear. These ancient relics are awarded for completing various endgame duties and can be exchanged with special vendors for high-level weapons, armor, and accessories. Understanding the different types of Tomestones and how to acquire them is essential for gearing up your character.
There are several types of Tomestones, each with its own acquisition methods and item level caps. The most common are the current endgame Tomestones, which are typically capped weekly. For example, at the time of writing, players might be earning 'Crystarium Tomestones' or 'Shards of Creation' (names vary with expansions). These are obtained from completing level 90+ dungeons, trials, and raids. The weekly cap ensures that progression remains steady and prevents players from acquiring the best gear too quickly.
The primary way to earn Tomestones is by completing endgame duties. These include:
- Level 90+ Dungeons: Completing these dungeons for the first time each week often grants a sificant amount of Tomestones.
- Level 90+ Trials: These are boss encounters, often part of the MSQ or side story arcs, and award Tomestones upon completion.
- Level 90+ Raids: Both 8-player Normal Raids and 24-player Alliance Raids award Tomestones.
- Expert Roulettes: Daily roulette bonuses for completing random endgame duties provide a substantial Tomestone reward.
Once you have accumulated enough Tomestones, you can exchange them for gear at specific vendors. These vendors are usually located in the main cities or in endgame hubs. For example, the Tomestone vendor for current endgame gear is typically found in Radz-at-Han or Eulmore, depending on the expansion. The gear purchased with Tomestones is often the best accessible gear outside of Savage or Ultimate raids.
| Tomestone Type (Example) | Acquisition Method | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Current Endgame Tomestone (e.g., Crystarium) | Level 90+ Dungeons, Trials, Raids, Expert Roulette | High Item Level Gear (Weapons, Armor, Accessories) |
| Previous Expansion's Endgame Tomestone (e.g., Poetics) | Any Level 50+ Dungeon, Trial, Raid; Daily Roulettes | Lower Item Level Gear, Glamour Items, Mounts, Minions |
Tomestones often have a cap on how many you can hold at any given time. Exceeding this cap will result in any further Tomestones earned being lost. Therefore, it's advisable to spend your Tomestones regularly to acquire the gear you need. Prioritize upgrading your weapon first, as it often provides the largest damage increase.