Ah, the joys of MMORPGs. For most players, there’s no greater thrill than gearing up their character to the max. And in *Final Fantasy XIV*, one of the key methods of getting powerful gear is through Tomestones. But, with the arrival of the *Endwalker* expansion, players have had their fair share of confusion and questions about the Tomestone gear system. Let’s dive into this and see why it’s such a hot topic!
What Are Endwalker Tomestone Gear Anyway?
Okay, before we get into the deep stuff, let’s quickly recap what Tomestones are for those of us who might need a little refresher. Tomestones are a special in-game currency in *FFXIV* that you collect by completing content like dungeons, trials, and raids. You can then exchange these Tomestones for powerful gear to help you tackle more difficult content.
With *Endwalker*, however, things have changed a bit. New Tomestones were introduced, and they have their own specific gear sets tied to them. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But here’s where things get interesting—or should I say, a bit tricky.
The Problem: Confusion and Mixed Feelings
Now, here’s where the *Endwalker* Tomestone gear system has caused a bit of a stir. Many players find themselves wondering which Tomestone currency they should be focusing on, what gear they should be targeting, and how to keep up with the ever-changing gear cycle.
In *Endwalker*, the Tomestone system has multiple currencies, including Tomestones of Poetics, Allegory, and a new one for the expansion. And if you’re wondering how to best allocate these Tomestones to get your gear upgrades—well, you’re not alone. The whole thing can feel like a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite fit.
The Endwalker Tomestone Gear Cycle
Here’s the thing about the *Endwalker* expansion: as you go through the content, different levels of Tomestone gear are made available at different intervals. For example, you’ll start by earning Tomestones of Allegory for the first part of the expansion and eventually transition to Tomestones of Astronomy for even better gear. Each new set is often just a small step up in terms of item level, but the grind to collect all those Tomestones is real.
Some players have felt frustrated by the slow pace of this gear progression. It’s not about difficulty—most of the content in *Endwalker* is challenging in a fun way—but the sheer number of Tomestones needed for one piece of gear can feel like a slow march toward gear perfection.
How Does It Affect Gameplay?
The frustration really comes down to one thing: time. Players have to invest a lot of time to farm Tomestones, and this can impact the experience. You may find yourself running the same dungeons or trials repeatedly just to gather enough Tomestones to buy a single upgrade. While the gear upgrades feel rewarding, the process can sometimes be a bit too grindy.
Additionally, there’s the question of “Do I need this gear right now?” Many players find themselves getting distracted by the Tomestone grind instead of focusing on the actual fun parts of the game, like exploring, socializing, or raiding. That said, the gear is important, especially if you’re aiming for the top-tier content, so it’s a necessary grind for serious players.
How Can We Fix This?
Good news! The community has already come up with some clever solutions to help ease the pain of the Tomestone grind. Here are a few tips:
1. **Set a Goal**: Instead of thinking of Tomestones as a never-ending task, try setting small, achievable goals. Focus on earning enough for one piece of gear at a time instead of worrying about the entire set.
2. **Optimize Your Time**: Focus on activities that reward you with Tomestones efficiently. Dungeons, daily quests, and the Alliance Raids are all great sources.
3. **Use Your Alt Characters**: If you have an alt, try to use them to gather Tomestones in parallel. This way, you can stockpile them more quickly.
4. **Take Advantage of Events**: The game often has special events that offer bonus rewards, including Tomestones. Keep an eye out for those to speed up your progression.
What Are Players Saying About It?
The *FFXIV* community is buzzing about the Tomestone system in *Endwalker*. On forums and social media, players have been sharing their experiences—some positive, others not so much.
“I feel like the Tomestone grind is never-ending,” says one player on Reddit. “I just want to gear up my character and move on, but it feels like I’m stuck doing the same content over and over.”
On the other hand, some players enjoy the slow, methodical progression. “The grind is part of the fun for me,” says another player. “It feels like I’m always working towards something bigger.”
The opinions are mixed, but there’s a general consensus: It’s a bit of a grind, but the rewards are worth it.
Your Turn: What’s Your Experience?
Now that we’ve covered the basics and offered some advice, let’s hear from you! Have you had any struggles with the *Endwalker* Tomestone gear grind? What’s been your approach to managing it? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the *Endwalker* Tomestone gear system is an important part of the game’s progression but can feel a bit tedious at times. The grind is real, and it’s something players will need to manage if they want to maximize their gear. But with the right approach, you can power through it and enjoy the rewards!
Keep an eye on community suggestions and tweak your strategy as you go. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Happy adventuring, and may the Tomestones be with you!
