Level Cap Playguide

The Level Cap Playguide is intended for players who wish to follow FFXI's story in order and experience older content near its historical level cap while maintaining relatively efficient progression toward endgame. Playguide Sections Level Cap Progression Guide A practical, level-appropriate route through FFXI. Reference: Expansion Order by Level The historical order and level ranges of expansion storylines. Reference: Battle Content by Level The historical level ranges of battle content.

Level Cap Progression Guide

This guide balances three practical considerations:

• Difficulty: How do I preserve the original level progression and challenge? See Managing Progression.
• Story: How do I preserve the chronological and narrative progression? See Approaches to Rhapsodies of Vana'diel.
• Efficiency: What is still beneficial to unlock or progress early? See Benefits to Skipping Around.

Please note this guide mainly serves to highlight how to change a playthrough for level cap progression and the New Player Leveling Guide may provide more depth for your specific point of progression.

Managing Progression

Begin by choosing one of three starting nations, each with its own mission line starting from Lv 1. You can complete the other Nation Missions by talking to an Allegiance Changer, but doing so costs gil ranging from 4,000 to 40,000 depending on the nation's rank during that particular week's Conquest Tally ranking. Chains of Promathia provides another storyline beginning around Lv 30.

At Lv 50, players stop gaining levels until the appropriate Limit Break quest is completed. Further Limit Break quests are required every five levels up to Lv 99.

Therefore, managing jobs and limit breaks can help keep older content near its historical level by spreading progression across multiple jobs and controlling when your level cap increases.

Managing Jobs

• Keep 1–2 jobs each for the each of the 3 starting nations, Chains of Promathia and maybe Rhapsodies of Vana'diel.
  • Some natural points to consider when switching nations are Lv 50 (Rank 5), after which the nation storylines diverge into examining their own unique histories, Lv 60 (Rank 7 or 8) and/or Lv 75 (Rank 10).

Managing Limit Breaks

• Delay the next Limit Break when appropriate.
• Move between expansions whose historical level ranges overlap.
• Complete level-capped content before continuing to the next level range. See Reference: Battle Content by Level.

Note: Uncapped battlefields, including many mission battles, do not permit level synchronization down to another party member. All participants must therefore meet the relevant level themselves.

Approaches to Rhapsodies of Vana'diel

Rhapsodies of Vana'diel (RoV) is a storyline and love letter to FFXI that ties together threads from the game's major storylines and expansions while offering its own overarching narrative as you progress through earlier content. RoV also provides numerous rewards, including Experience Point bonuses, increased Trust capacity, earlier access to key features, reductions to certain content timers, and additional items sold by the Curio Vendor Moogle.

However, RoV may be somewhat confusing for first-time players, and the power and progression it provides can diminish the challenge and significance of each expansion's major encounters and climactic boss battles. With this in mind, there are three approaches to RoV:

Approach
Main Focus	Fastest progression toward Item Level 119 and endgame. Experience an introduction and highlights of each expansion. Full completion of the expansions is not required. Add-on scenarios are not required for progression. Rhapsodies of Vana'diel rewards are obtained as early as possible. See the New Player Leveling Guide.
Alongside Expansions	Complete the expansions in order alongside Rhapsodies of Vana'diel. Complete Rhapsodies in chunks after each expansion. Add-on scenarios may also be completed alongside the expansions. Rhapsodies rewards are obtained incrementally. See here for an expansion-order approach infographic.
Last	Complete the expansions in order, with Rhapsodies of Vana'diel serving as the finale. Rhapsodies can be experienced as a true conclusion to the game's story. Experience Point bonuses and other rewards are delayed, which helps maintain leveling. Selectively skipping ahead is still beneficial for unlocking jobs, travel options, time-gated systems, and other useful features. See Benefits to Skipping Around below.

Benefits to Skipping Around

Even when following the "Last" approach, selectively progressing later content can provide useful unlocks without meaningfully disrupting chronological story progression.

Early Expansion Unlocks

FFXI allows many systems to be started before they become directly relevant to the player's current level. Starting them early can unlock useful jobs, transportation, and other features while allowing time-gated currencies and progression to accumulate passively as you focus on other content.

To help traverse dangerous areas, it is highly recommended to have a mount and a form of Sneak and Invisible (i.e. Spectral Jig, Silent Oil and Prism Powder, etc.).

Expansion	Advanced Jobs	QoL & Features	Time-Gated Systems
	Lv 30: Ninja, Samurai, Dragoon Requires: Kazham Airship Pass to travel to Kazham and Norg. Shortcut: Complete Rhapsodies of Vanadiel Mission 1-5.	Complete up to Rhapsodies of Vanadiel Mission 1-7 for an 80% teleport-cost reduction and two additional Trusts.	—
	Lv 30: Blue Mage, Puppetmaster, Corsair Requires: Jeuno Fame 3, see Only the Best. Tenshodo Membership and The Road to Aht Urhgan quest. Shortcut: Skip the fame requirement if gifted or by buying a Tenshodo Invite, or Rhapsodies of Vanadiel Mission 2-5 can skip the earlier steps.	Complete up to Aht Urhgan Mission 3 to unlock Assault and Mog Locker. Unlock Staging Points while exploring Aht Urghan and surrounding areas.	—
	Lv 30: Dancer, Scholar Requires: Interact with any Cavernous Maw to be sent to WoTG areas.	Collect Survival Guides, Cavernous Maws, and Proto-Waypoints while visiting the three Shadowreign nations.	Lv 30: Complete The Truth Beckons to begin accumulating Traverser stones for Abyssea. Lv 75: Speak with a Voidwatch Officer to begin accumulating Voidstones for Voidwatch.
	Lv 30: Rune Fencer, Geomancer Requires: Complete Seekers of Adoulin Mission 1-2.	Unlock Waypoints while exploring Adoulin and the surrounding areas.	Complete Seekers of Adoulin Mission 1-5 to begin accumulating Imprimaturs. See Seekers of Adoulin Grind below.

Seekers of Adoulin Grind

In Seekers of Adoulin, Imprimaturs, Coalition Assignments, Adoulin Fame, and Mog Garden progression all contribute to later missions and rewards, including the Golden shovel cordon, Ygnas, and endgame Ergon Weapons for Rune Fencer and Geomancer.

After Seekers of Adoulin Mission 1-5, Imprimaturs begin accumulating through the Task Delegator.

• Imprimaturs accumulate every 6 hours, up to a maximum of 15.
• Imprimaturs are spent on Coalition Assignments, and later Seekers of Adoulin missions are locked behind spending a certain number of Imprimaturs.
• To avoid overcapping Imprimaturs, assignments from 5 of the 6 coalitions can be accessed before Lv 99:
  • Couriers' Coalition
  • Pioneers' Coalition (procuring resources)
  • Mummers' Coalition (except Behavioral Research)
  • Inventors' Coalition
  • Scouts' Coalition
• Increasing Adoulin Fame reduces the Imprimatur cost of Coalition Assignments. Accessible quests for building fame include:
  • It Sets My Heart Aflutter (repeatable)
  • Western Waypoints, Ho!
  • Wes...Eastern Waypoints, Ho!
  • The Mog Garden Quest Line, which can raise Adoulin Fame from 0 to 4 by itself through once-per-Earth-day garden progression.
• Reja Ygridhi offers additional rewards based on Coalition Assignment progress.
  • The Golden shovel cordon requires extensive Coalition, Adoulin quest, and Mog Garden progression.
  • This progression opens Directive Quests, which offer useful rewards including the powerful healer Trust Ygnas and a HQ +1 version of the SoA finale reward.
  • Coalition, quest, and Mog Garden progression are also required toward the endgame Ergon Weapons for Rune Fencer and Geomancer.

Zone Exploration & Side Quests

Many zones and side quests are not locked behind story progression. Players may encounter them naturally or may wish to complete them for their own sake.

Post-Release Gear

Later expansions provide equipment that can be used in earlier expansion content, sometimes with little or no additional story progression. This equipment can be substantially stronger than the equipment available when the older content was current. Players prioritizing efficient gearing can therefore skip much of the historical equipment progression. See Equipment Progression for alternative sources of level-appropriate equipment.

Getting Started

• Complete the Tutorial Quest in your starting Nation to receive a Warp Ring. Starting at Lv 5, begin Records of Eminence from the Main Menu → Quests → Objective List → Tutorials → Basics.
  • Unlock Trusts and join a Unity faction.
  • Complete Fields of Valor and Grounds of Valor pages while leveling to earn additional experience, gil, and Tabs.
    • Tabs can be spent on Field Support buffs and Survival Guide teleports.
    • Grounds of Valor can also provide Prowess effects while training.
  • Ambuscade and A.M.A.N. Trove are Lv 99 content and can be ignored while leveling.

• Join a recruiting Linkshell by speaking with a Linkshell Concierge.
  • Linkshells are a useful way to meet other players who can offer help, advice, or group for content.

• Establish the following Records of Eminence habits:
  • Combat (Region) and Daily objectives to earn Sparks of Eminence for equipment.
    • If desired, exchange Sparks for equipment and either wear or sell to NPCs for gil.
  • Unity objectives to earn Unity Accolades.
    • If desired, exchange Accolades for Prize Powder and sell it to NPCs for gil.
  • Monthly objectives to earn Deeds of Heroism, which can eventually be exchanged for rewards including a powerful healer Trust, Monberaux.
  • Vana'versary objectives when available for additional rewards.

• Sparks of Eminence vendors should provide adequate leveling equipment.
  • Conquest Points can also be used for equipment, particularly the Warp Ring if you haven't completed the Tutorial Quest.
  • See Equipment Progression for additional ways to obtain level-appropriate equipment.

Optional Activities

Equipment Progression

The following are not necessary for leveling, but provide additional ways to experience FFXI's historical equipment progression:

• FFXIclopedia — Older job and equipment guides, while outdated for modern play, can be useful for finding level-appropriate equipment from earlier eras of the game.
• FFXIAH Power Search — Search for equipment by level and job.
• Crafting and the Auction House.
• Treasure Chests and Treasure Caskets.
• Records of Eminence first-time completion rewards.
• Side quests.
• Notorious Monsters, such as Leaping Lizzy, Valkurm Emperor, and Argus (Lv 1–99).
• Battle Content (Lv 20–99).
• Race Specific Equipment (Lv 27–87).
• Artifact Armor (Lv 40–60).
• High Notorious Monsters (Lv 50–75).
• Relic Armor (Lv 70–75).
• Empyrean Armor (Lv 75–80).

Partying & Combat

• Although traditional leveling parties are less common than they once were, partying with other players can be a fun way to quest, level or skill up, progress through dungeons, complete battlefields, and learn FFXI's combat systems.
  • Trusts can fill remaining party slots when playing with smaller groups.
• Weapon Skills, Job Abilities, and Magic are three basic types of combat abilities.
• Combat Skills and Magic Skills increase through weapon and magic use.
  • Higher Combat Skill generally increases accuracy and unlocks additional Weapon Skills.
  • Higher Magic Skill generally improves the effectiveness and accuracy of the associated magic.
• Skillchains and Magic Bursts allow players to coordinate attacks for additional damage.
  • Skillchain Calculator can be useful for planning Skillchains while progressing through the older level caps.
  • Flippantry provides a more comprehensive Skillchain calculator for Lv 99 play.
• In parties containing both players and Trusts, one player can form the party and then pass party leadership to the player summoning Trusts to avoid Trust summoning cooldown issues.

Miscellaneous Activities

Numerous activities outside the main story and level progression that can be explored whenever they become available:

• Repeat Login Campaigns offer rotating rewards for logging in regularly.
• BG-Wiki's Crafts, Hobbies, & Gameplay section provides links to various activities and game systems worth exploring.
• Side quests and side storylines can be completed independently of the main story.
• Mandragora Mania is a minigame with its own rewards. Save vouchers and keys for future games.
• Gobbie Mystery Box provides daily opportunities for random rewards.

Lv 1–30

• Progress through Rhapsodies of Vana'diel Missions 1-1 through 1-7.
  • This provides an 80% reduction in teleport costs, making it worthwhile even when following the story out of order.
  • Unlocks Subjobs with Gilgamesh's introductory letter after RoV 1-4, or otherwise from either Elder Memories or The Old Lady quests.
• Travel to Jeuno.
  • Chocobo license and Mount quests can be completed at Lv 20.
  • Race Specific Equipment from The Goblin Tailor quest can be pursued. Chest Keys can be purchased from a Curio Moogle after RoV 1-6 or dropped from mobs in their respective dungeons. Otherwise, RSE becomes purchasable from the Curio Moogle after RoV 1-11.
  • The Kazham Airship Pass can be obtained at Lv 20. Chest Keys can be purchased from a Curio Moogle after RoV 1-6 or dropped from mobs in their respective dungeons.
  • Pick up the Nexus Cape inside Tenshodo Headquarters in Lower Jeuno with Tenshodo Membership.
  • Traverser stones can begin accumulating at Lv 30.
• Unlock Advanced Jobs at Lv 30.
• Battle content includes BCNMs, Eco-Warrior, Expeditionary Force, Garrison, and PvP Ballista and Brenner.
• Consider Nation Ranks 1 through 3 while using a Lv 1 subjob or alternate job.
  • If in Windurst, the Star Onion Brigade quests can be completed alongside nation missions.
  • Nation Mission 2-3 was historically intended for approximately Lv 25.
• Chains of Promathia can begin at Lv 25-30. It can be completed on an alternate job alongside the main missions, continuing through Lv 75 or after Rise of the Zilart.
• Assault and Mog Locker may also be unlocked early after completing The Road to Aht Urhgan. Coffer Keys can be purchased from a Curio Moogle after RoV 1-11 or dropped from mobs in their respective dungeons.
• Travel to the Wings of the Goddess cities if desired, although this reveals story locations before their main story is reached.
• Seekers of Adoulin progression can also be started early, including the Mog Garden, for its time-gated systems.

Lv 30–50

• Nation Rank 4 is appropriate around Lv 30–40.
• Nation Rank 5 is appropriate around Lv 40–50.
• Artifact Weapon quests become available at Lv 40.
• BSNMs, Expeditionary Force, Garrison, and PvP Ballista and Brenner have additional level ranges.
• Assault belongs to Treasures of Aht Urhgan, although some Assault missions can be started at Lv 50.

Lv 50–60

• Nation Rank 6 and 7 can be completed around Lv 60.
• Limit Break quests must be completed at Lv 50 and every five levels thereafter to continue leveling.
• Artifact Armor quests award armor at two-level intervals from Lv 52–60.
• Lv 60 versions of BCNMs, Assault, Garrison, PvP Ballista and Brenner are available.
• Avatar Quests can be fought at Lv 60 if desired.
• Lv 50–55 battle content includes the historically nicknamed "Baby" HNMs around Jeuno.

Lv 60–75

• Nation Rank 8 and Rise of the Zilart Missions 1 through 7 fit approximately into Lv 60–65.
• Complete Rise of the Zilart Missions 8 through 15 around Lv 65–70.
• Nation Rank 9 and 10 around Lv 70-75.
• At Lv 75, speak with a Voidwatch Officer to begin accumulating Voidstones.
• Rise of the Zilart adds KSNMs, Sky, Dynamis, new HNMs, and Relic Armor.
• Besieged, Campaign Ops, and Campaign Battle become useful options for leveling around Lv 60-75.
• Uncapped Assault, Expeditionary Force, and PvP Ballista and Brenner can be attempted at Lv 75.
• Waking the Beast can also be fought at Lv 75.

Lv 30–75 Redux: Chains of Promathia

Chains of Promathia overlaps the other expansion storylines and is particularly well suited to being completed on a subjob or alternate job. It added:

• ENMs.
• Sea.
• Limbus (Original no longer available, now IL119+).
• The Wyrm HNMs: Jormungand, Tiamat, Vrtra.

Expansion	Level Range	Mission
	Lv 25-30	Chapter 1
	Lv 30-40	Chapter 2 and 3
	Lv 40-50	Chapter 4 and 5
	Lv 50-60	Chapter 6
	Lv 60-70	Chapter 7
	Lv 70-75	Chapter 8
		Epilogue to RoZ and CoP

Lv 75

Most content in this section was designed for the Lv 75 cap, although some can be accessed earlier for gear, with Besieged, Campaign Ops, and Campaign Battle also providing opportunities for leveling.

Treasures of Aht Urhgan

• Treasures of Aht Urhgan Missions.
• Assault (Lv 50+).
• Besieged (Lv 60+).
• ISNMs.
• Zeni.
• Einherjar.
• Salvage.
• Nyzul Isle Investigation.
• Treasures of Aht Urhgan HNMs.
• Near Eastern Beastmen Overlords.

Wings of the Goddess

• Wings of the Goddess Missions 1–38.
• Campaign Ops and Campaign Battle (Lv 60+).
• ANNMs.
• Stronghold Invasions.
• Voidwalkers.
• Walk of Echoes.
• Moblin Maze Mongers.
• Shadowreign Beastmen Overlords.

Add-on Scenarios

The three non-Abyssea add-on scenarios were released during Wings of the Goddess. Although they begin below Lv 75, their level requirements quickly ramp up to the Lv 75 cap.

• A Crystalline Prophecy (Lv 30–75).
• A Moogle Kupo d'Etat (Lv 40–75).
• A Shantotto Ascension (Lv 50–75).

Lv 75–99

Abyssea accompanies the increases to the level cap from Lv 75 through Lv 90. Wings of the Goddess continues through its remaining missions during this period.

Expansion		Level Range	Mission
		Lv 75–80	Nation Quests 11 and 12 Vision of Abyssea Walk of Echoes 1 to 7
		Lv 80-85	Missions 39 to 44 Scars of Abyssea Empyrean Armor
		Lv 85-90	Missions 45 to Epilogue Heroes of Abyssea
	Post Abyssea Content	Lv 90	Voidwatch Chapter I
		Lv 95	Walk of Echoes 8 to 11 Voidwatch Chapter II
		Lv 99	Walk of Echoes 12+ Voidwatch Chapter III+
		Lv 99+	All Missions

Lv 99 and Beyond

At Lv 99, the focus shifts to Item Level 119 and modern endgame progression from Seekers of Adoulin going forward. Rhapsodies of Vana'diel can be completed alongside Seekers of Adoulin, if not already pursued earlier. See the Fresh 99 Guide and the Endgame Progression Guide for a full list of Lv 99+ content.

Reference: Expansion Order by Level

This table describes the levels at which expansion storyline missions were originally intended for.

Expansion	Level Range	Mission
	Lv 1-10	Rank 1
	Lv 10-25	Rank 2
	Lv 20-30	Rank 3
	Lv 30-40	Rank 4
	Lv 40-50	Rank 5
	Lv 60	Rank 6 and 7
	Lv 60-65	Rank 8
	Lv 65-70	Rank 9
	Lv 70-75	Rank 10
	Lv 60	Missions 1 to 3
	Lv 60-65	Missions 4 to 7
	Lv 65-70	Missions 8 to 15
	Lv 70-75	Missions 16 and 17
	Lv 25-30	Chapter 1
	Lv 30-40	Chapter 2 and 3
	Lv 40-50	Chapter 4 and 5
	Lv 50-60	Chapter 6
	Lv 60-70	Chapter 7
	Lv 70-75	Chapter 8
		Epilogue to RoZ and CoP
		All Missions
		Missions 1 to 38
	Lv 30-75	All Missions
	Lv 40-75	All Missions
	Lv 50-75	All Missions
	Lv 75-80	Nation Quests 11 and 12 Vision of Abyssea
	Lv 80-85	Missions 39 to 44 Scars of Abyssea
	Lv 85-90	Missions 45 to Epilogue Heroes of Abyssea
	Lv 99+	All Missions
	Occurs Roughly After:	Chapter 1-1 to 1-6
		Chapter 1-7 to 1-11
		Chapter 1-12 to 1-18
		Chapter 2-1 to 2-6
		Chapter 2-7 to 2-13
		Chapter 2-14 to 2-41
		Chapter 3 to Epilogue
	Lv 99+	All Missions

Reference: Battle Content by Level

These tables describe the levels at which battle content were originally intended for.

HNMs

High Notorious Monsters are particularly difficult Notorious Monsters that historically required a full party or entire alliance(s) to defeat. At Item Level 119, they are soloable.

• HNMs are overworld NMs and therefore generally uncapped.
• Some HNMs respawn after a window of 21 or more hours up to several Earth days, while others require a specific item or pop condition.
  • See the Notorious Monster Systems table for systems containing elaborate pop HNMs.
• Some were designed for alliances, grant unique titles, have rage timers, and drop (historically) desirable equipment.

Note: Level information is included as a reference and should not be treated as a difficulty recommendation.

Expansion	HNM	Party/Alliance Level Range
	King Arthro Serket Roc Simurgh Lumber Jack	Lv 50-60
	Overlord Bakgodek Tzee Xicu the Manifest Za'Dha Adamantking	Lv 70-75
	Capricious Cassie Lord of Onzozo Cemetery Cherry Voluptuous Vivian King Vinegarroon Cactrot Rapido	Lv 65-70
	Adamantoise, Aspidochelone Behemoth, King Behemoth Fafnir, Nidhogg	Lv 70-75
	Jormungand Tiamat Vrtra Xolotl	Lv 70-75
	Cerberus Hydra Khimaira	Lv 75
	Gurfurlur the Menacing Medusa Gulool Ja Ja
	Sandworm Dark Ixion Zirnitra	Lv 75+

Lv 20+

Level	Eco-Warrior	BSNMs	Expeditionary Force	Avatar Quests	Garrison	ENMs	Assault	Ballista & Brenner
Players	1	1-3/6	4-18	1-6/18	1-18	1-3/18	1–6	Up to 72
20		✓		✓	✓
25	✓
30		✓	✓		✓	✓		✓
40		✓	✓		✓	✓		✓
50		✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓
60		✓		⚠✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
70			⚠✓				✓
75				⚠✓	⚠✓	✓		⚠✓
Expansion								PvP

✓ = Intended level.
⚠ = Uncapped content. Attempt before the relevant Limit Break, if desired.

Lv 60+

Content	Expansion	Players	Lv 60	Lv 70	Lv 75
Battlefields
KSNMs		1-6/18			⚠✓
Divine Might		1-18			⚠✓
Ouryu Cometh The Wyrmking Descends		1-18			⚠✓
ISNMs		1-6	✓		⚠✓
Mercenary Camp		1-6	✓
Ashu Talif Assault		1-6			⚠✓
ANNMs		1–18	✓	✓	⚠✓
Offense / Defense
Besieged (May scale up to IL119+)		1–18+			⚠
Campaign Ops		1–18+			⚠✓
Campaign Battle		1–18+			⚠✓
Notorious Monster Systems
Sky		1-18+			⚠✓
Sea		1-18+			⚠✓
Zeni		1-18+			⚠✓
Stronghold Invasion		1-18			⚠✓
Voidwalker		1-18			⚠✓
Large-Scale / Zone Content
Dynamis		1–18			⚠✓
Limbus (Original no longer available, now IL119+)		1-18			⚠
Einherjar		1–36			⚠✓
Salvage		1–18			⚠✓
Nyzul Isle Investigation		1-6			⚠✓
Moblin Maze Mongers		1-6			⚠✓

✓ = Intended level.
⚠ = Uncapped content. Attempt before the relevant Limit Break, if desired.

Lv 80+

Expansion	Content	Players	Lv 80	Lv 90	Lv 95	Lv 99
	Salvage (Level 99)	1-18				⚠✓
	Nyzul Isle Uncharted Area Survey	1-6				⚠✓
	Walk of Echoes	1–36	⚠✓ Tiers 1–7		⚠✓ Tiers 8–11	⚠✓ Tiers 12+
	KCNMs	1–3/6		⚠✓ Kindred	⚠✓ High Kindred	⚠✓ Sacred Kindred
	Voidwatch	1–18		⚠✓ Chapter I	⚠✓ Chapter II	⚠✓ Chapter III+
	Provenance	1–18				⚠✓
	Meeble Burrows	1–6				⚠✓

✓ = Intended level.
⚠ = Uncapped content. Attempt before the relevant Limit Break, if desired.