When Worlds Collide: FFXIV's Monster Hunter Collab is a Wild Hunt for Sweet Gear (and a *Lot* of Cat Pics)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
FFXIV has unveiled its second Monster Hunter collaboration, bringing the formidable Guardian Arkveld to Eorzea in a new 8-man trial, offering players a wealth of unique rewards from mounts and gear to housing items and Felyne companions – provided you're ready for a serious hunt and a bit of a grind for the rarer goodies.
Alright, gather 'round, mates! Jeff here, and I've been tinkering with the latest happenings in Eorzea, and bloody hell, Square Enix just dropped another reality-bending crossover on us, pairing the high fantasy elegance of Final Fantasy XIV with the sheer, glorious brutality of Monster Hunter: Wilds. It's like someone cast a teleportation spell and accidentally pulled a giant beastie through a portal – and honestly, I'm here for the chaos.
You know that feeling when two of your favourite universes suddenly smoosh together, and you get this giddy excitement mixed with a healthy dose of 'what fresh madness is this?' That's the vibe right now. FFXIV has a history of these awesome genre-bending events – Nier, FFXV, Yo-kai Watch – they're not just novelties; they're pretty much a staple of what makes the game feel so alive. And this second Monster Hunter rodeo (remember Behemoth? Good times!) brings a new titan: Guardian Arkveld, stomping its way into Patch 7.35 as a full-blown eight-man trial. It's not just a quick 'kill-a-thing-get-a-hat' deal; this is a proper hunt, complete with the anticipation of carving off bits for rewards. And trust me, the loot table is extensive enough to make a dragon blush.
### So, You Wanna Hunt a Monster? Here's the Lowdown.
First things first, let's talk about getting into this shindig. If you're fresh off your adventures in Tural, you're probably in good shape. The main gatekeeping requirements are pretty straightforward, but they do mean you've got to have put in some serious hours. You'll need one combat job at a glorious **Level 100**. Yep, the big triple-digit. Not for the faint of heart, or for those who've been slacking off their main scenario quests. Speaking of which, you'll also need to have successfully beaten the main scenario quest for 'Dawntrail.' So, no skipping ahead, you cheeky sods.
Once those boxes are ticked, you're off to **Tuliyollal (13.3, 13.1)** to chat with the **Dawn Hunt Tracker NPC**. Fair warning: this isn't just a simple 'accept quest, jump in.' You'll embark on a mini-adventure, meeting a delightfully familiar Felyne (cat-enthusiasts, rejoice!) and sniffing out clues about Arkveld's whereabouts. Classic Monster Hunter detective work, but with more chocobos.
And for the actual battle? You'll need an item level of at least **725**. So make sure your gear is up to snuff before you try to poke a giant beast with a stick. Once you've successfully wrestled Arkveld into submission, you can even tackle the **Extreme** version of the fight by nattering with the **Wandering Minstrel** – because what's a good FFXIV boss fight without an extreme mode to test your mettle (and your patience)?
### The Spoils of the Hunt: What's Worth the Grind?
Now, for the really juicy bit: the rewards. Square Enix rarely skimps on these crossover events, and this one is no exception. Just for completing the initial quest, you're not leaving empty-handed. You'll snag the **Seikret Horn** (which, as you'd guess, summons the awesome Seikret mount), plus a couple of handy housing items: the **outdoor hunter's grill** and the **hunter's camp chair**. Perfect for chilling after a long day of, well, hunting monsters.
Beat Guardian Arkveld, and you'll get your usual handful of tomes – lovely, but not the main event. The real prize is a **Veldian Weapon Coffer**. Crack that open on your job of choice, and you'll get a shiny new **Veldian weapon** at item level 745. Not too shabby, especially if you're looking for a quick gear boost or just some sweet new glamour. But here's the crucial bit, the wizard's secret ingredient, if you will: **don't forget to interact with Arkveld's head before you leave the trial arena!** Seriously, it's not just for morbid curiosity; you'll get two **Guardian Scales** for your trouble. These scales are your golden tickets to a treasure trove of other goodies.
Oh, and rumour has it there's a *chance* the fight might drop the **Felyne Support Team Cart mount**. A mount pulled by a team of adorable Felynes? My heart! What's even wilder is that this can apparently be sold on the marketboard, which is a nice little bonus if the RNG gods bless you. If not, the extreme version has another path...
### The Extreme Grind: Certificates, Minions, and (More) Cats!
Clearing the Extreme version of the Arkveld fight is where the serious collectors and completionists will spend their time. Each clear nets you two **Guardian Arkveld Certificates**. And what do you do with these digital tokens of triumph? You take them to the **Smithy NPC** in Tuliyollal (just behind the Dawn Hunt Tracker you started with). Here's the rundown:
* **Felyne Support Team Cart mount (99 Certificates):** Yep, you read that right. *Ninety-nine.* That's a fair few extreme clears, mate. This is where my gentle skepticism kicks in. Is it worth 99 runs of a tough fight for a cat-cart? For some, absolutely. For others, that's a dedication to felines I can only admire from afar. But hey, at least there's a guaranteed path if the drop rate isn't playing nice. * **Augmented Veldian weapon (5 Certificates):** If you're digging that iLvl 745 weapon, you can upgrade it to a beefier iLvl 760 version for five certificates. A solid investment if you ask me.
Now, back to those **Guardian Scales** you carved off Arkveld's noggin. These are primarily for glamours, minions, and housing items. And there's a *lot* on offer:
* **Minions (3 Guardian Scales each):** The adorable **Seikret Fledgling** and the ever-helpful **Vigorwasp minion**. * **Fashion Accessory (3 Guardian Scales):** A rather fetching **Mizutsune Parasol**. Who doesn't want to stroll through Eorzea with a Monster Hunter-themed sunshade? * **Framer's Kits (3 Guardian Scales each):** Two distinct kits, the **Hunter's Monstrous Framer's Kit** and the **Hunter's Wild Framer's Kit**, perfect for jazzing up your Adventurer Plate. * **Orchestrion Rolls (1 Guardian Scale each):** A total of five new tunes to add to your collection, including 'Radiant Cry of Life,' 'White Wraith,' and 'Base Camp (Day).' Because every adventurer's abode needs a killer soundtrack.
### Glamour is the True End-Game
And for the fashionistas among us, there's a full set of armour that perfectly mimics the default green armour from Monster Hunter Wilds. It's called the **Hope set**, and you can snag the pieces for a few Guardian Scales:
* **Hope Mask (2 Scales)** * **Hope Mail (4 Scales)** * **Hope Vambraces (2 Scales)** * **Hope Coil (4 Scales)** * **Hope Graves (2 Scales)**
What's cool is that while there are 'male' and 'female' versions listed, they simply offer different aesthetic takes that can be worn by any character regardless of their in-game sex. More options, less fuss – always a win in my book!
### Turn Your Estate into a Hunter's Lodge
Finally, for the interior decorators and housing enthusiasts, the list of housing items you can redeem with Guardian Scales is absolutely massive. It's almost enough to furnish an entire hunting lodge! We're talking multiple Phasmascapes (beautiful outdoor vista art), chairs, grills (indoor *and* outdoor), weapon stands, banners, various types of makeshift camps, and even a Palanx striking dummy. My personal favourites? The **Felyne servant, material supplier, junkmonger, and mender permits** (4 Guardian Scales each). Because who wouldn't want a team of adorable, useful Felynes running errands for them? It's like having your own personal cat-powered convenience crew, minus the actual litter boxes.
### The Jeff Verdict
Look, this collaboration is exactly what I love to see in gaming. It's a genuine, content-rich event that offers something for everyone, whether you're a casual adventurer looking for a new mount or a hardcore raider chasing that ultimate glamour. Yes, some of the reward requirements – especially that 99-certificate mount – might feel like a proper grind, but that's part of the charm of these games, isn't it? The dedication, the shared experience of tackling a tough foe, and the satisfaction of finally earning that coveted prize. It's a grand spectacle, a testament to both FFXIV's enduring appeal and Monster Hunter's distinct flavour. So, strap on your gear, chug a potion, and get out there, mate. The hunt is on, and the rewards are definitely worth it!
Tags: FFXIV, Monster Hunter Wilds, Crossover, MMORPG, Gaming Event
Original article: Polygon