Full Active Time Events (FATEs) are dynamic, open-world scenarios in Final Fantasy XIV that spawn periodically in most field zones. Engaging in FATE grinding involves repeatedly completing these events for various rewards.
Benefits of FATE Grinding
While often seen as a supplementary activity, FATE grinding offers several distinct advantages:
- Experience Points (XP): FATEs provide a decent source of XP, especially for leveling alternate jobs or when queues for other content are long. Bonuses are often applied during specific in-game events or with items like the Brand-new Ring (for levels under 30).
- Grand Company Seals: A primary currency for Grand Companies, seals are awarded for FATE completion and are crucial for promotions, gear, and various consumables.
- Shared FATE Rewards (Endwalker & Dawntrail): In newer expansion zones (Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail), completing FATEs rewards unique currencies (Bicolor Gemstones). These can be exchanged for exclusive minions, mounts, orchestrion rolls, crafting materials, and gear. Reaching Rank 3 in all zones of an expansion unlocks special vendors with even more desirable items.
- Relic Weapon Steps: Certain stages of some Relic Weapon quests may involve FATE grinding as a requirement.
- Achievement Hunting: Numerous achievements are tied to completing a large number of FATEs in specific regions or overall.
Efficient FATE Grinding Strategies
To maximize your FATE grinding efficiency, consider the following:
- Join a FATE Train/Party: Grinding with a group is significantly faster. Players often form "FATE trains" that move from one FATE to the next in an organized manner. Use Party Finder or shout in the zone to find or start one.
- Zone Choice:
- For XP: Choose zones appropriate for your current level. Zones with active FATE trains are ideal.
- For Bicolor Gemstones: Focus on the latest expansion zones. Check which zones have bonus completion rates for Gemstones if applicable.
- Job Selection: Jobs with good AoE (Area of Effect) damage and mobility excel at FATE grinding. Tanks can often tag multiple enemies, while healers keep everyone alive. DPS with strong AoE can clear mobs quickly. Blue Mage, when appropriately leveled and specced, can be exceptionally efficient.
- Chocobo Companion: Summon your Chocobo companion and set it to a DPS or Healer stance to assist.
- Mounted Speed: Ensure your mount speed is upgraded for the zones you are grinding in to reduce travel time between FATEs.
- Food & Potions: Use food buffs for the XP bonus (3%) and stat increases. Potions can help with burst damage on bosses.
- Prioritize Contribution: Contribution to a FATE determines your reward level (Gold, Silver, Bronze). Focus on dealing damage, healing allies, or fulfilling FATE objectives to secure Gold ratings for maximum rewards.
- Teleportation: Utilize Aetherytes and reduced/free teleport tickets to move swiftly between distant FATEs if a train isn't strictly following a linear path.
Special Considerations
- Boss FATEs & Notorious Monsters: These FATEs often offer better rewards, including specific minions or items, but can be more challenging and time-consuming. They are a key part of Shared FATE progression for unique vendor unlocks.
- Chain FATEs: Some FATEs occur in a sequence. Completing one may trigger the next, often culminating in a larger boss FATE.
- Gemstone Caps: Be aware of the cap for Bicolor Gemstones (typically 1000 per zone, 1000 general). Spend them regularly to avoid overcapping.
In conclusion, FATE grinding can be a productive activity for leveling, currency acquisition, and achievement hunting, especially when approached with a group and an efficient strategy. While it can be repetitive, the rewards, particularly from Shared FATEs in newer expansions, make it a worthwhile endeavor for dedicated players.
