**Let’s Talk About Endwalker Crafted Gear!**
Ah, *Endwalker*. The much-anticipated expansion for *Final Fantasy XIV* that brought new stories, new zones, and of course, new gear. But there’s one thing that has made many players scratch their heads and ask, “What’s the deal with the crafted gear in Endwalker?” Crafted gear always plays a special role in any MMORPG, and *FFXIV* is no exception. Yet, many players have felt a bit confused about the true value of these items. Is crafted gear worth the effort, or should you just go for dungeon drops or raid rewards? Let’s dig into it.
**The Problem: Why Does Crafted Gear Seem So… Meh?**
The crafted gear in *Endwalker* has left a mixed impression. On the one hand, it’s a reliable way to gear up, but on the other hand, many players feel it doesn’t hold up compared to raid or dungeon rewards. So, why is this the case? Let’s break it down.
1. **Gear Power Level vs. Time Investment**: The crafted gear is good for filling in gaps, especially early on. But compared to the high-end raid drops, the stats aren’t as high. This can make you wonder, “Why am I grinding all this crafting, when I could just wait for a raid drop with better stats?”
2. **Cost of Materials**: Another big factor is the cost. Crafted gear isn’t exactly cheap. It requires materials that can be hard to gather or expensive to buy. So, if you’re not careful, you might end up spending a lot of gil on something that only lasts for a few levels. That’s a real “yikes” moment.
3. **Crafting Can Be Complicated**: Let’s not forget that crafting in *FFXIV* isn’t always a simple task. You need to know the right recipes, gather the right materials, and, sometimes, even perform some tricky synthesis techniques. For a lot of players, it’s just easier to stick to gathering gear from raids and dungeons.
**The Solution: Should You Craft or Not?**
So, should you just ignore crafted gear altogether? Not necessarily. Crafted gear can still be a great option, especially for players who enjoy crafting or need gear in a hurry. Here’s a guide for when crafting is worth it:
1. **When You’re In a Hurry**: Crafted gear is often a fast and easy way to fill in gear gaps, especially if you’re just starting out in *Endwalker*. If you need to get some gear before jumping into a raid or dungeon, crafting might be your best bet.
2. **For Specific Stats**: Sometimes, crafted gear has stats that match your needs perfectly. For example, if you’re looking for a specific secondary stat (like Determination or Critical Hit), crafted gear can be tailored more easily than loot from random drops.
3. **Do It for the Crafting Fun**: Not everyone plays *FFXIV* just to raid. If you enjoy crafting as a part of the game, then go for it! Some players love the challenge of leveling up crafting classes and making gear that they can sell to other players. It’s a whole different kind of fun.
**Player Experience: What’s the Community Saying?**
I’ve talked to a lot of players about their experience with crafted gear, and here’s what I’ve gathered:
– **“It’s good, but not great”**: Many players agree that crafted gear serves a purpose but feels a bit outdated compared to the other endgame gear options. Players often use it as a stepping stone while they wait for better loot from dungeons or raids.
– **“The crafting process is tough!”**: For new crafters, the learning curve can be steep. Some players have expressed frustration over crafting gear that doesn’t even end up as good as a raid drop. But for those who enjoy crafting, the satisfaction of making something with your own hands is a great feeling.
– **“I spent a lot of gil…”**: A lot of feedback revolves around the high cost of materials. It’s not uncommon to hear players complain about spending a lot of gil for something that only lasts for a short time.
**So, What’s the Conclusion?**
Crafted gear in *Endwalker* is kind of like that “good, but not great” item you pick up at a garage sale—it works for a time, but it’s not going to be your best treasure. If you’re new to the game or just need something quick to get you through, crafting gear can be a helpful choice. But if you’re aiming for high-end, top-tier performance, you’ll want to look into raid drops or high-level dungeon gear.
**What’s Your Take?**
Have you crafted gear in *Endwalker*? Did you feel it was worth it, or did you get frustrated by the process? Maybe you have a better crafting strategy or a horror story about how much you spent on materials. I’d love to hear about it! Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about it!
**Wrapping It Up**
Endwalker crafted gear is useful, but it might not be the best option for every player. For some, it’s a quick fix, while for others, it’s a fun crafting challenge. No matter where you stand, crafting gear can fill in the gaps when you need it, but it’s important to balance time, cost, and stats before diving in.
What’s your experience with it? Ready to craft your own destiny or pass on this gear?
