
In the vast and immersive world of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), your gear is your lifeline. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice just starting your journey, maintaining your equipment is crucial for survival and success. This guide will walk you through the various methods of repairing your gear in FFXIV, ensuring that you’re always battle-ready.
Understanding Gear Durability
Before diving into the repair process, it’s essential to understand the concept of gear durability. Each piece of equipment in FFXIV has a durability rating, which decreases as you use it in combat or other activities. When durability reaches zero, the gear becomes unusable until repaired. Keeping an eye on your gear’s durability is the first step in effective maintenance.
Checking Gear Durability
To check the durability of your gear, open your character menu and navigate to the “Equipment” tab. Here, you’ll see a durability bar for each piece of equipment. The bar will turn yellow when durability is low and red when it’s critically low. It’s advisable to repair your gear before it reaches the red zone to avoid any mid-battle mishaps.
Methods of Repairing Gear
There are several ways to repair your gear in FFXIV, each with its own advantages and considerations. Let’s explore these methods in detail.
1. Using Mender NPCs
The most straightforward way to repair your gear is by visiting a Mender NPC. These NPCs are found in major cities and towns, such as Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, and Ul’dah. Simply interact with the Mender, and they will repair all your equipped gear for a fee.
Advantages:
- Convenience: Menders are easily accessible in most populated areas.
- Full Repair: They can repair all your gear at once, saving time.
Considerations:
- Cost: The repair cost increases with the level and quality of your gear.
- Location: You need to be in a city or town with a Mender, which may not always be convenient.
2. Using Dark Matter
Dark Matter is a consumable item used for repairing gear. It comes in different grades, each corresponding to a specific level range of equipment. You can purchase Dark Matter from vendors or obtain it through various in-game activities.
How to Use Dark Matter:
- Open your inventory and select the Dark Matter.
- Choose the “Repair” option.
- Select the piece of gear you wish to repair.
Advantages:
- Portability: You can carry Dark Matter with you and repair gear on the go.
- Control: You can choose which pieces of gear to repair, allowing for more strategic resource management.
Considerations:
- Inventory Space: Carrying multiple grades of Dark Matter can take up valuable inventory space.
- Cost: Higher-grade Dark Matter can be expensive, especially for high-level gear.
3. Using the Company Workshop
If you’re a member of a Free Company (FFXIV’s version of guilds), you can use the Company Workshop to repair your gear. This method requires the assistance of a fellow Free Company member who has the appropriate crafting skills.
How to Use the Company Workshop:
- Access the Company Workshop through your Free Company’s estate.
- Place the gear you wish to repair in the workshop.
- A member with the necessary crafting skills can then repair the gear.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: This method can be cheaper than using Menders or Dark Matter.
- Community: It fosters collaboration and teamwork within your Free Company.
Considerations:
- Dependency: You rely on the availability and skills of other Free Company members.
- Access: You need to be part of a Free Company with an established workshop.
4. Self-Repair with Crafting Classes
If you have leveled up a crafting class, such as Blacksmith, Armorer, or Leatherworker, you can repair your gear yourself. This method requires you to have the appropriate crafting class at a high enough level to repair the gear in question.
How to Self-Repair:
- Ensure you have the necessary materials and Dark Matter.
- Open your crafting log and select the “Repair” option.
- Choose the gear you wish to repair and complete the crafting process.
Advantages:
- Self-Sufficiency: You can repair your gear without relying on others.
- Cost Savings: Over time, self-repairing can save you a significant amount of gil.
Considerations:
- Time Investment: Leveling up crafting classes requires time and effort.
- Material Gathering: You need to gather or purchase the necessary materials for repairs.
Tips for Efficient Gear Repair
- Regular Maintenance: Don’t wait until your gear is almost broken to repair it. Regular maintenance will save you from unexpected equipment failures.
- Carry Dark Matter: Always keep some Dark Matter in your inventory, especially when venturing into dungeons or raids.
- Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be engaging in prolonged combat, consider repairing your gear beforehand.
- Use Free Company Resources: If you’re part of a Free Company, take advantage of the Company Workshop for cost-effective repairs.
- Level Crafting Classes: Investing time in leveling crafting classes can pay off in the long run, providing you with the ability to self-repair and even craft your own gear.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I repair gear while in a dungeon? A: Yes, you can repair your gear in a dungeon using Dark Matter. However, you cannot access Mender NPCs or the Company Workshop while inside a dungeon.
Q: Is there a way to repair gear for free? A: While most repair methods involve some cost, using the Company Workshop or self-repairing with crafting classes can be more cost-effective. Additionally, some in-game events or promotions may offer free repair services.
Q: What happens if my gear breaks during a battle? A: If your gear breaks during a battle, its stats will no longer contribute to your character’s performance. It’s crucial to repair your gear before it reaches zero durability to avoid this situation.
Q: Can I repair gear for other players? A: Yes, if you have the appropriate crafting class leveled up, you can repair gear for other players. This can be a valuable service within your Free Company or among friends.
Q: Are there any items that increase gear durability? A: While there are no items that directly increase gear durability, using higher-grade Dark Matter can restore more durability per repair, effectively extending the life of your gear between repairs.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your gear in top condition, ensuring that you’re always ready for the challenges that await in the world of FFXIV. Happy adventuring!