Individual Gathering Jobs — Final Fantasy XIV Guide
Explore the foundational professions of Eorzea by mastering the Gathering jobs: Miner, Botanist, and Fisher. These Disciples of the Land are essential for acquiring the raw materials that fuel the game's crafting economy and provide valuable resources for your own adventures.
Gathering jobs offer a unique and often relaxing gameplay experience, allowing you to explore the world and discover hidden resources. Whether you're looking to supply your own crafting endeavors, sell materials for profit on the Market Board, or simply enjoy a different pace of play, understanding these jobs is key to a well-rounded FFXIV experience.
The Three Gathering Jobs:
| Job | Primary Tools | Key Resources Gathered | Typical Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miner | Pickaxe, Hammer | Ores (e.g., Iron Ore, Mythril Ore), Gems, Stone, Coal | Rocky areas, caves, mountainsides |
| Botanist | Hatchet, Sickle | Wood (e.g., Oak Log, Yew Log), Herbs, Cotton, Mushrooms, Fruits | Forests, plains, jungles, swamps |
| Fisher | Fishing Rod | Fish (various species), Seafood, sometimes rare items like Coral or Pearls | Rivers, lakes, oceans, ponds |
Core Gathering Mechanics:
Each gathering job shares fundamental mechanics:
- Gathering Points (GPs): A resource used to activate special gathering abilities. GPs regenerate over time and can be increased with gear.
- Gathering Attempts: Each node has a limited number of attempts before it depletes.
- Yield: The number of items you receive from a successful gathering attempt.
- Quality: Similar to crafting, gathering can also yield "high quality" (HQ) items, which are often more valuable.
- Perception: A stat that influences your chance of gathering HQ items.
- Gathering: A stat that influences your chance of successfully gathering an item.
Miner and Botanist: Node-Based Gathering
Miners and Botanists gather from specific nodes that appear on the map. These nodes are timed and appear in desated locations. You'll use your gathering abilities to increase your chances of success and obtain HQ items.
Key Abilities:
- Solid পাথর (Miner) / Bountiful Harvest (Botanist): Increases the number of items you can gather from a node.
- Nophica's Grace: Increases the chance of gathering HQ items.
- Scrutiny: Reveals the quality of the node, allowing you to decide whether to pursue HQ.
Fisher: The Art of the Catch
Fishing is a more interactive gathering process. You cast your line, wait for a bite, and then "hook" the fish. The type of fish you catch depends on the bait used, the time of day, weather conditions, and the location.
Key Abilities:
- Bait: Different bait types attract different fish.
- Hooksets: You'll need to perform specific hooksets based on the fish's tug (e.g., "Precision Hookset" for smaller tugs, "Powerful Hookset" for larger ones).
- Patience: Abilities that increase your chances of catching HQ fish or allow you to wait for a specific bite.
- Chum: Increases the chance of bites for a limited time.
Leveling and Progression:
Gathering jobs level up by successfully gathering items. The most efficient ways to gain experience include:
- Levequests: These instanced quests are incredibly efficient for leveling gathering jobs, offering sificant experience rewards for gathering specific items.
- Grand Company Turn-ins: Providing specific gathered materials to your Grand Company grants substantial experience.
- Custom Deliveries: NPCs offer weekly quests where you can turn in gathered items for experience and reputation.
- The "Gathering Log": This log shows you all gatherable items for your job and their required levels and locations.
Gear and Materia for Gatherers:
Gathering gear is separate from combat gear and focuses on increasing your Gathering, Perception, and GP stats. Melding Materia into your gathering gear can sificantly improve your efficiency, allowing you to gather more items and a higher chance of HQ results.
Tips for Efficient Gathering:
- Use GP Wisely: Prioritize using abilities that maximize your yield and HQ chances.
- Stay Updated on Gear: Regularly upgrade your gathering tools and armor to keep up with new gathering nodes.
- Utilize Food Buffs: Food items can provide temporary boosts to Perception and GP.
- Learn Node Timings: Some nodes appear at specific real-world times, making them predictable for farming.
- Check the Market Board: Understand which materials are in demand to focus your gathering efforts.