Hey there, fellow Warrior of Light! Are you ready to dive into the world of Final Fantasy XIV and snag yourself one of the most stylish and sought-after gear sets in the game – the Vanguard Set? This sleek, cyberpunk-inspired attire is not just for looks; it offers impressive stats for endgame content, making it a truly desirable acquisition. So, grab your weapons, because we're about to embark on a journey to claim this fantastic gear!
The Coveted Vanguard Set: A Brief Overview
The Vanguard Set is a high-level gear set introduced with the Dawntrail expansion, known for its distinct futuristic and paramilitary aesthetic. It's designed to provide substantial stat boosts, making it ideal for players looking to optimize their combat effectiveness while simultaneously making a strong fashion statement. Whether you're a tank looking for sturdy plate, a healer seeking elegant robes, or a DPS craving that edgy look, there's a Vanguard Set for your role!
Step 1: Are You Ready for the Vanguard Challenge?
Before we even think about stepping foot into the dungeon that holds the Vanguard Set, let's make sure you're properly prepared. Are you geared up and leveled sufficiently to take on a challenge?
Sub-heading: Checking Your Prerequisites
- Dawntrail Expansion: The Vanguard Set is part of the Dawntrail expansion content. This means you must own and have access to Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail.
- Level Requirement: You'll need at least Level 97 on a combat job to unlock and enter the Vanguard Dungeon. While you can enter at Level 97, it's generally recommended to be closer to Level 98 or higher for a smoother experience, as you will be synced down to Level 98 upon entry.
- Main Scenario Quest Progression: The Vanguard Dungeon is unlocked through the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ). Specifically, you'll gain access to it as part of the quest titled "All Aboard". Make sure you've progressed far enough in the Dawntrail storyline to reach this point.
- Role Familiarity: The Vanguard Dungeon is a standard 4-player dungeon. This means you'll be entering with a Tank, a Healer, and two DPS. Be comfortable with your chosen role and its responsibilities. If you're new to a role, consider practicing in earlier dungeons or with Trust/Duty Support NPCs first.
Step 2: Unlocking the Vanguard Dungeon
The key to the Vanguard Set lies within the Vanguard Dungeon itself. This isn't a side quest or a raid you stumble upon; it's intricately woven into the fabric of the Dawntrail MSQ.
Sub-heading: Following the Main Scenario
- Continue Your Dawntrail Journey: As mentioned, the Vanguard Dungeon is unlocked during the Dawntrail Main Scenario Quest "All Aboard." Simply keep playing through the story, enjoying the narrative and new areas.
- Location: The dungeon itself is located in Shaaloani. You'll naturally be led to its entrance as part of the "All Aboard" quest. Don't worry about searching for it; the game will guide you.
- Duty Finder Access: Once unlocked, the Vanguard Dungeon will be accessible via your Duty Finder (Ctrl+U by default). This is the primary way you'll queue up for the dungeon.
Step 3: Conquering the Vanguard Dungeon
This is where the real work begins! The Vanguard Dungeon is not a cakewalk; it requires teamwork, understanding of mechanics, and proper execution.
Sub-heading: Dungeon Mechanics and Boss Strategies
The Vanguard Dungeon features three main boss encounters, each with unique mechanics you'll need to learn and adapt to. While specific strategies can evolve with patches and player meta, here's a general overview of what to expect:
- Trash Mobs:
- Be prepared for challenging trash pulls. Some mobs, like the Leptocyons, can hit quite hard, especially on the tank.
- Proper mitigation from the tank and consistent healing are crucial.
- Watch out for specific AoE attacks from mobs like the Aerostat's "Incendiary Ring" (a donut AoE).
- Boss 1: Vanguard Commander R8
- This boss often rides a futuristic motorcycle, leading to dynamic movement-based mechanics.
- Electrowave: A predictable party-wide AoE. Healers, be ready to top up the party.
- Enhanced Mobility: The Commander will dash across the arena, cleaving a portion with its "wingblade." Observe the telegraph carefully and move to the safe zones. This often involves standing in the opposite direction of the dash and moving into the path once the initial cleave is done.
- Dispatch: This ability summons adds that perform various AoE patterns based on the Commander's orders (e.g., "Commence firing" for line AoEs, "Aerial bombardment" for expanding circles). Prioritize dodging these as they appear.
- Boss 2: Protector
- This boss is characterized by numerous AoE patterns and environmental hazards.
- Electrowave: Another party-wide magical attack.
- Search and Destroy: Turrets will spawn and unleash a barrage of AoEs (lines, circles). This is a pure dodging phase – stay mobile!
- Fulminous Fence: Walls will appear in the arena. Avoid touching them as they can inflict Paralysis.
- Battery Circuit: The boss will spin with conal AoEs, and additional circles will appear. You'll need to rotate with the boss while avoiding the fences and new AoEs.
- Motion Sensor: Inflicts "Acceleration Bomb," requiring you to stop moving when the debuff expires. This often occurs in conjunction with other line AoEs, so find a safe spot and stand still.
- Final Boss: Zander the Snakeskinner
- Zander has two phases, regenerating to full HP and gaining new abilities after being defeated the first time.
- Electrothermia: Party-wide magic damage, often accompanied by dangerous arena edges.
- Soulbane Saber: Zander faces a direction and performs a line AoE, which then causes half the arena to explode. Identify the safe half and move quickly.
- Syntheslither (Phase 2): Zander will move along a marked path, creating a zigzag of swords. He will cleave in front of him along this path. Position yourself within the "concave" part of the wiggly path, on the opposite side of the centerline from the curving path, to avoid the cleaves.
- Shade Shot: A tank buster that requires strong mitigation from the tank.
Sub-heading: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
- Communication: While not always necessary in Duty Finder, if you're struggling, don't hesitate to use chat to call out mechanics or ask for clarification.
- Role Synergy: Tanks should manage aggro and use their defensive cooldowns effectively. Healers need to keep the party alive through consistent healing and emergency heals. DPS should focus on maximizing their damage while also executing mechanics.
- Learning Curve: Don't be discouraged if you wipe a few times. This is new content, and everyone is learning. Observe the telegraphs, understand what went wrong, and adjust your strategy.
Step 4: Looting Your Vanguard Set Pieces
The rewarding part! The Vanguard Set pieces are acquired directly from the Vanguard Dungeon.
Sub-heading: The RNG Grind (or Blessing!)
- Dungeon Drops: Each run of the Vanguard Dungeon has a chance to drop pieces of the Vanguard Set. The loot is role-specific, meaning you'll only see gear for your current job's role (e.g., a Paladin will see Vanguard Fending gear).
- Item Level: The Vanguard gear drops at Item Level 672, making it excellent starting gear for Dawntrail endgame content.
- Full Set vs. Individual Pieces: You'll need to complete the dungeon multiple times to acquire the entire Vanguard Set for your desired role. It's entirely up to the RNG gods how quickly you get all the pieces you need. Some runs you might get multiple pieces, others none!
- Glamour Options: The Vanguard Set is dyeable! Once you obtain the pieces, you can dye them to match your personal aesthetic and create stunning glamour plates. This is often a huge motivator for farming the set.
Step 5: The Glamour Game!
Once you have your Vanguard Set, the true endgame of Final Fantasy XIV begins: glamour!
Sub-heading: Showcasing Your Style
- Glamour Dresser: Store your Vanguard Set pieces in your Glamour Dresser in any Inn Room or your Grand Company barracks. This frees up inventory space and allows you to easily apply the appearance to other gear.
- Glamour Plates: Create Glamour Plates with your Vanguard Set. You can mix and match pieces, dye them different colors, and truly make the set your own.
- Dyeing: Experiment with different dyes to achieve unique looks. The cyberpunk aesthetic of the Vanguard Set lends itself well to various color schemes, from dark and edgy to vibrant and futuristic.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about the Vanguard Set, with quick answers:
How to Unlock the Vanguard Dungeon?
You unlock the Vanguard Dungeon by progressing through the Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Main Scenario Quest "All Aboard."
How to Level Up for the Vanguard Dungeon?
You need to be at least Level 97. The fastest ways to level up are by continuing the MSQ, doing daily roulettes, FATEs, side quests, and deep dungeons.
How to Get Vanguard Set for Specific Roles?
The Vanguard Dungeon drops loot specific to your current job's role (e.g., Fending for Tanks, Maiming for Dragoons/Reapers, Striking for Monks/Samurai/Vipers, Aiming for Bards/Machinists/Dancers, Scouting for Ninjas, Healing for Healers, Casting for Casters). Simply run the dungeon on the job you want the gear for.
How to Dye the Vanguard Set?
Once you obtain a Vanguard Set piece, right-click it in your inventory or Glamour Dresser and select "Dye" to apply a dye. You'll need dye items, which can be purchased from vendors, the Market Board, or crafted.
How to Get All Pieces of the Vanguard Set?
You must repeatedly run the Vanguard Dungeon, as the pieces drop randomly from the bosses. There's no guarantee of getting a specific piece in one run.
How to Improve My Chances of Getting Vanguard Drops?
There's no in-game mechanic to directly increase Vanguard drop rates. It's purely RNG. However, running the dungeon with a full party of friends or Free Company members can make runs faster, leading to more attempts.
How to Use the Vanguard Set for Glamour?
Place the Vanguard Set pieces in your Glamour Dresser (found in any Inn Room). Then, create a Glamour Plate and assign the Vanguard pieces to it. Apply the Glamour Plate to your current gear to change its appearance.
How to Get the Vanguard Weapons?
Vanguard weapons also drop from the Vanguard Dungeon, following the same RNG mechanics as the armor pieces.
How to Solo the Vanguard Dungeon?
The Vanguard Dungeon is designed for a 4-player party. While extremely high-item level players in future patches might be able to solo it, it's not feasible for most players at the intended level. You can, however, use the Duty Support system to run it with NPC companions if you prefer not to use the Duty Finder with other players.
How to Sell Vanguard Set Pieces?
Vanguard Set pieces obtained from the dungeon are typically Untradable and Undyeable (before being placed in the Glamour Dresser for dyeing). This means you cannot sell them on the Market Board or trade them to other players. If you obtain duplicate pieces you don't need, you can typically Desynthesize them for crafting materials or simply sell them to a vendor for a small amount of Gil.