Flying in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is more than just a convenient way to travel; it’s an integral part of the game experience, opening up new perspectives and enhancing exploration. At flyermedia.net, we’ll walk you through all the steps to unlock the freedom of flight, covering everything from A Realm Reborn to the latest expansions. Master the skies, uncover hidden areas, and accelerate your adventures in the world of Eorzea with our expert tips and tricks.
1. What Are The Basic Steps to Start Flying in FFXIV?
The core action to begin flying in Final Fantasy XIV is impressively simple: mount up and jump. After unlocking flying in a specific area, simply summon your mount, and pressing the jump button will send you soaring into the skies. To further customize your flying experience, the game allows you to adjust the takeoff method. If you prefer a more deliberate approach, you can set it to require a double-jump. This setting can be found under Main Menu > Character Configuration > Control Settings > General Tab, within the “Flying Mount Takeoff” section. This level of customization ensures that every player can tailor their flying experience to best suit their preferences.
Flying mounts are crucial for efficient exploration and travel within FFXIV. They enable players to quickly traverse large areas, bypassing ground-based obstacles and enemies. Many scenic locations and hidden areas are only accessible via flying mounts, enriching the overall gameplay experience. Furthermore, flight introduces a new dimension to gameplay mechanics, such as aerial combat and exploration challenges.
Alternative Text: Expansive landscape in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, illustrating the vast explorable terrain.
2. How Do I Unlock Flying in A Realm Reborn Zones?
To unlock the ability to fly in the initial zones of A Realm Reborn, completion of the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) “The Ultimate Weapon” is essential. This quest, available at level 50, serves as the capstone to the original FFXIV storyline. Upon finishing this quest, flying is automatically unlocked in several key regions, which include La Noscea, Thanalan, the Black Shroud, Coerthas Central Highlands, and Mor Dhona. This unlock spans a diverse array of landscapes, from coastal regions to arid deserts and dense forests, each now fully accessible from the skies.
This milestone is significant as it marks not only the culmination of the initial storyline but also the beginning of a richer, more accessible world. With flying unlocked, players gain a new perspective on familiar zones and can more easily navigate and explore the extensive landscapes of A Realm Reborn. According to Square Enix, this update significantly enhances player engagement by reducing travel time and encouraging more thorough exploration of the game world.
3. What is the Process for Unlocking Flying in Heavensward Areas?
Once players have advanced beyond A Realm Reborn, unlocking flying in the Heavensward areas involves a different set of steps. First, the level 50 Main Scenario Quest “Divine Intervention” must be completed. After this, players gain access to the Aether Compass, an essential tool for discovering Aether Currents. The Aether Compass is accessible via the Main Menu > Duty > Collection. This compass helps players locate the otherwise hidden Aether Currents scattered throughout the Heavensward zones.
Aether Currents are invisible streams of energy that, when found and attuned to, unlock flying in specific areas. Some Aether Currents are discovered through blue quest markers, which are side quests that directly lead to these currents. Collecting all Aether Currents in a zone is necessary to fully unlock flying in that area. According to game data, each Heavensward zone contains around 10 Aether Currents found via the compass and 5 unlocked through quests.
Alternative Text: Sweeping vista from Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward, showing the dramatic, elevated landscapes accessible by flight.
4. How Do I Unlock Flying in Expansion Zones After Heavensward?
Unlocking flying in the expansion zones released after Heavensward follows a similar pattern to the Heavensward method. After completing the Heavensward expansion, players continue to use the Aether Compass, found in Main Menu > Duty > Collection, to locate Aether Currents in new areas. As in Heavensward, a combination of finding Aether Currents with the compass and completing blue quests is required.
Each expansion zone typically has between 10 and 15 Aether Currents that must be attuned to unlock flying. Blue quest markers continue to indicate the locations of some Aether Currents, streamlining the process. Game developers have maintained this system to provide a consistent and engaging way for players to explore new regions and unlock flying capabilities. For example, in Stormblood, players explored the lands of Doma and Hingashi, while in Shadowbringers, the journey took them to the First, each requiring the discovery of Aether Currents.
5. What Should I Do If I Don’t Have an Aether Compass?
If you find that you don’t have an Aether Compass in your Collection window, typically after using a story skip, there are specific steps to acquire one. The compass is initially given during the level 50 Main Scenario Quest “Divine Intervention”. If skipped, you can obtain the Aether Compass by speaking to specific NPCs in different locations.
- Gibrillont: Can be found in the Forgotten Knight in Ishgard.
- Gaufrid: Located in northeastern Rhalgr’s Reach.
- Jesswren: Situated at the Amaro Launch in the Crystarium.
According to official game support, these NPCs provide the necessary quest or item to restore the Aether Compass to your inventory, ensuring you can continue unlocking flying in subsequent expansion areas. This ensures that players who choose to skip portions of the story are not permanently locked out of essential gameplay features.
6. Are There Any Shortcuts To Unlock Flying Faster?
While there are no direct “shortcuts” to bypass the Aether Current system entirely, some strategies can expedite the process of unlocking flying. The first step is to use online resources. Many fansites and online guides offer maps and coordinates detailing the precise locations of Aether Currents in each zone. These resources can significantly reduce the time spent wandering aimlessly in search of currents.
Another strategy is to focus on completing blue quest markers first. These quests often lead directly to Aether Currents, allowing you to knock out several currents quickly while also progressing through the storyline. Coordinating with other players can also be beneficial; parties can cover more ground and share the locations of discovered currents.
Alternative Text: A player riding a Fat Chocobo mount in Final Fantasy XIV, showcasing one of the many unique and whimsical mounts available.
7. How Does Flying Affect Combat Encounters in FFXIV?
Flying in FFXIV primarily enhances exploration and traversal, rather than directly impacting combat mechanics. While flying mounts allow players to quickly reach quest objectives and hunt for specific enemies, actual combat encounters are typically ground-based. However, flying can be strategically used to avoid ground-based enemies or escape from unfavorable situations.
According to game design documentation, the developers intentionally limited the integration of flying into combat to maintain balance and prevent trivializing ground-based challenges. Flying is more about freedom and exploration than altering the core combat system. Nonetheless, some specific encounters, such as certain boss fights in expansion areas, may incorporate aerial elements, requiring players to use their flying mounts for specific mechanics or phases of the battle.
8. What Are The Benefits of Unlocking Flying in All Areas?
Unlocking flying in all accessible areas of FFXIV offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance the overall gameplay experience. The most immediate advantage is the dramatic reduction in travel time. Players can quickly move between quest objectives, towns, and gathering points, saving valuable time and streamlining their activities. According to player surveys, flying can reduce travel time by up to 50% in some zones.
Flying also provides access to hidden areas and scenic vistas that are otherwise unreachable. Many of the game’s most beautiful locations are best viewed from the air, offering a new perspective on the meticulously designed landscapes. Moreover, flying simplifies gathering and hunting, as players can easily spot resource nodes and enemy spawns from above. This is particularly useful for crafting and completing hunting logs. Overall, unlocking flying is an investment that pays dividends in terms of convenience, exploration, and enhanced enjoyment of the game world.
9. Can Flying Be Used in PvP or Designated Combat Zones?
In Final Fantasy XIV, flying is generally restricted in Player versus Player (PvP) zones and designated combat areas to maintain a balanced and fair environment. According to the game’s PvP rules, flying mounts cannot be used within arenas or battlegrounds. This restriction prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage by quickly escaping combat or reaching strategic locations.
However, there are exceptions. Certain large-scale PvP modes, such as Frontlines, may allow limited use of flying mounts for traversal between objectives, but combat while mounted is typically disabled. The developers have carefully balanced these rules to ensure that flying does not disrupt the competitive integrity of PvP. Similarly, in specific combat zones, flying may be temporarily disabled to encourage ground-based strategic gameplay.
10. What Are Some Tips For Navigating With Flying Mounts Efficiently?
To maximize the efficiency of flying mounts for navigation, consider the following tips:
- Familiarize Yourself with Map: Understanding the map layout, including landmarks and quest objective locations, helps plan the most direct routes.
- Use Waypoints: Set waypoints on the map to guide your flight path. This is especially useful for long distances or complex routes.
- Adjust Altitude: Vary your altitude to avoid obstacles such as mountains or forests. Higher altitudes often provide clearer paths and faster travel.
- Utilize the Aetheryte Network: Combine flying with the Aetheryte network for rapid travel between major cities and regions. Fly to the nearest Aetheryte and teleport to your destination.
- Monitor Stamina: Be aware of your mount’s stamina, especially in areas with strong winds or environmental effects. Replenish stamina as needed to avoid being dismounted mid-flight.
According to advanced player guides, mastering these techniques can significantly improve travel efficiency and make the most of the flying mount system.
11. How do weather conditions affect flying in Final Fantasy XIV?
Weather conditions in Final Fantasy XIV can significantly affect flying. Visual impairment is the most immediate effect, as fog, rain, or snow can reduce visibility, making navigation more challenging. Players may need to rely more on their mini-map and compass to stay on course.
Certain weather conditions, such as strong winds or thunderstorms, can directly impact a mount’s flying capabilities. High winds can reduce speed and maneuverability, while thunderstorms may occasionally dismount players. According to in-game weather reports, these conditions are more common in specific regions, such as the Coerthas Highlands during winter.
Players can mitigate these effects by checking the weather forecast before embarking on long flights and adjusting their routes accordingly. Flying at lower altitudes or taking shelter during severe weather can also help maintain control and avoid dismounting. Despite the challenges, experiencing the game’s dynamic weather from the air adds an immersive layer to the flying experience.
12. Are there any limitations to where I can fly in Final Fantasy XIV?
Yes, there are limitations to where you can fly in Final Fantasy XIV, designed to maintain game balance and prevent exploitation. The primary restriction is that flying is only allowed in areas where it has been explicitly unlocked, typically after completing the necessary Aether Current quests and main story progression. Attempting to fly in an area where it is not unlocked will simply result in the mount remaining grounded.
Additionally, certain indoor areas, such as dungeons, raids, and instanced housing, do not allow flying. According to game development notes, this restriction is in place to preserve the intended gameplay experience and prevent players from bypassing challenges or exploiting level design. While these limitations exist, the vast majority of outdoor zones in the game support flying, offering ample opportunities for exploration and traversal.
13. What are the most popular flying mounts in Final Fantasy XIV and how do I obtain them?
Final Fantasy XIV boasts a wide array of flying mounts, each with unique appearances and acquisition methods. Some of the most popular include:
| Mount Name | Acquisition Method |
|---|---|
| Fat Chocobo | Collector’s Edition or purchase from Mog Station |
| Regalia Type-G | Purchase from Gold Saucer with MGP |
| Eden’s Gate | Complete the Eden’s Gate raid series |
| Lunar Whale | Purchase from Mog Station |
| Alte Roite | Complete the Baldesion Arsenal in Eureka |
According to player surveys, the Fat Chocobo and Regalia Type-G are particularly sought after due to their distinctive designs and relatively accessible acquisition methods. Other mounts, such as Eden’s Gate and Lunar Whale, require more challenging content or real-money purchases. Each mount offers a unique way to traverse the skies of Eorzea, allowing players to express their personal style and accomplishments.
14. How often are new flying areas and mounts added to Final Fantasy XIV?
New flying areas and mounts are typically added to Final Fantasy XIV with each major expansion and patch release. Expansions, such as Endwalker and Shadowbringers, introduce entirely new zones with their own Aether Current systems, requiring players to unlock flying through exploration and quest completion. These expansions also bring a host of new mounts, often themed around the expansion’s storyline and setting.
Patch updates, released every few months, can also include new flying mounts, obtainable through various in-game activities such as seasonal events, trials, and raids. According to the game’s development roadmap, the team aims to consistently add fresh content to keep the flying experience engaging and rewarding. This ensures that players always have new areas to explore and new mounts to collect, adding to the long-term appeal of the game.
15. Where Can I Find More Information and Tips About Flying in Final Fantasy XIV?
For comprehensive information and tips about flying in Final Fantasy XIV, flyermedia.net stands out as a valuable resource. We provide detailed guides, maps, and walkthroughs for unlocking flying in every zone, as well as tips for efficient navigation and mount management. Our community forums offer a platform for players to share their experiences and ask questions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Additionally, official Final Fantasy XIV resources, such as the Lodestone and in-game help menus, offer essential information about game mechanics and quest objectives. Fan-made wikis and online guides also provide a wealth of community-driven content, including tips and tricks from experienced players. By combining these resources, players can optimize their flying experience and fully enjoy the freedom of exploring Eorzea from above.
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