Final Fantasy XIV hasn’t stayed at the top of the MMORPG charts for a decade by standing still. Whether battling, crafting, or gathering, it has continued introducing systems to keep players returning. It’s always hard to make gathering skills interesting, but I enjoy it in FF14 thanks to ideas such as Levequests and the Treasure system, which gives those concentrating more on crafting and gathering a chance at finding some really nice items. Here we’ll talk about how to unlock Treasure Hunts in Final Fantasy XIV and how Timeworn Maps, the Dig action, and more work.
How do you unlock Treasure Hunts in Final Fantasy XIV?
To unlock Treasure Hunts in Final Fantasy XIV, you must complete a Treasures and Tribulations quest. It is a level 36 quest acquired fromNPC H’loonhinEastern La Noscea(X21.0, Y21.0). The quest itself walks you through the basics of treasure hunts and unlocks two new actions,DecipherandDig. There are no class or job restrictions on either of the new actions.
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After starting Treasures and Tribulations, you’ll need to speak to theDiligent Digger. He can be found a little way south of where you pick up the quest inRaincatcher Gully(X20.0, Y25.0). He then sends you north to speak to a would-be treasure hunter,Ealdwine, east ofCamp Bronze Lake(33.9, 24.7). He’ll ask you to open aShabby Casketa few feet away, triggering an attack from two pairs of mobs (levels 32 and 36). Once dealt with, you’re able to take the Treasure and return it to Ealdwine. As your reward, you’ll get4275XP, plus theDecipher and Dig actions.
How to get Timeworn Maps for Treasure Hunts
Timeworn Mapsare a rare random drop that can be found when gathering. You can find them as aBotanist,Fisher, orMiner, as long as the gathering node islevel 40 or above. If playing as a Fisher, you’ll either need to have theSnaggingaction orSalvageaction (if Spearfishing) active to have a chance of finding any Timeworn Maps.
I found that when Mining, for example, the Timeworn Map will show in thelist of possible resources to mineon the node, so as with other rare finds, you’ll need to be sharp to spot, select, and mine it. Once collected, it will appearin your Inventory as a bottle, with the map tucked inside (see above).
Note that a player can only get one map from gathering (of any kind) every 18 hours. However, as long as a map hasn’t been deciphered, it can be bought and sold, and there isno time limiton thenumber of maps you can decipher.
How to Decipher a Timeworn Map and then dig for Treasure
Once you have a map, you can use theDecipher actionon it. You’ll find Decipher in the General section of theActions and Traits menu,and it can either be used directly from there or from your quick bars, as with other actions.
Doing so will reveal thelocation of a Treasureby turning the map into aTreasure Map. While you can have multiple Timeworn Maps, you can only haveone Treasure Map at a time. A Treasure Map can either be discarded or disappear once youfind the Hidden Cache.
Examining the Treasure Map in your Inventory will bring up aMap Window,giving you arough locationfor the Treasure. While you can only have one Treasure Map at a time, it won’t time out, so you can take your time with it.Once it is a Treasure Map,it willmove to the Key Items sectionof your Inventory.
Cross-reference this with your area map to find the exact location, and use the Dig action once there. This can be a little tricky, but once I spot it, I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner. If you’re in the right spot, aChest will spawn.
As in the quest, using the Chest will attract one or more mobs to defend it. You’ll have a limited time to defeat the mobs and then claim the Chest. These battles can be challenging, so be well prepared (don’t turn up in your crafting gear!). You’ll want anadventure level roughly equivalent to the map quality(see below).
Types of Treasure Chest Rewards
Treasure Chest rewards can vary widely and will, of course, also be dependent on level.EXPandGilare common rewards, alongsideaetherial gear,Allagan Tomestones,crafting ingredients,elemental items, housing items,medicine,minions, and more. Perhaps the best finds, though, areUnhidden Maps, as these lead to even better Treasure in another Chest location.
All Treasure Map grades and levels
If you intend to buy maps outside your current level, remember that you’ll be facing mobs around the map level once you open the Chest, so don’t be too ambitious.
Maps in Bold above that are marked with an asterisk (*) arerecommended for large groups, not individuals.
For more on Final Fantasy XIV, check outHow to change the UI theme in Final Fantasy XIVandHow to get the Sil’dihn Throne mount in FFXIVhere at Pro Game Guides.
