By: Peter, Content Writer at playtechzone.com
Greetings, fellow adventurers and disciples of the land! The Diadem has returned to FFXIV in Patch 5.21, offering gatherers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Ishgard Restoration and reap valuable rewards. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of this instanced zone, providing you with the knowledge to maximize your gathering efficiency and contribute to the Firmament’s revival.
What is the Diadem and Why Should You Care?
The Diadem is a sprawling network of floating islands teeming with valuable resources and fearsome creatures. Unlike traditional gathering locations, the Diadem presents a dynamic environment with shifting weather patterns and unique gathering mechanics.
Here’s why you should be excited:
- Contribute to the Ishgard Restoration: The materials you gather in the Diadem directly contribute to the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the Firmament, earning you valuable Skybuilders’ Scrips.
- Efficient Gathering: The Diadem offers a concentrated source of high-level gathering nodes, allowing you to quickly amass large quantities of materials.
- Unique Gathering Mechanics: The Aetheromatic Auger adds a layer of strategy, enabling you to harvest specific materials from the Diadem’s monstrous inhabitants.
- Leveling Made Easy: The abundance of nodes makes the Diadem a viable option for leveling your gatherers, offering a streamlined alternative to traditional methods.
Unlocking the Diadem: Your Journey Begins
Before you can embark on your gathering expedition, you’ll need to unlock access to the Diadem.
Follow these steps:
- Complete “Litany of Peace”: This questline from Patch 3.3 marks the beginning of the Ishgard Restoration efforts.
- Accept “Towards the Firmament”: Head to The Jeweled Crozier in Ishgard and accept this quest from the nearby poster.
- Journey to the Firmament: Follow the questline until you gain access to the Firmament, a bustling hub of reconstruction activity.
- Speak with Aurvael: Locate Aurvael at the left-most tent upon entering the Firmament. He’ll provide you with the necessary information and grant access to the Diadem.
Navigating the Diadem: A World Adrift
The Diadem’s layout can be disorienting at first, but mastering its navigation is crucial for efficient gathering.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Flight: Unlike its previous iterations, the Diadem now allows for flying mounts from the moment you enter, significantly speeding up travel.
- Harnessing the Twisters: Strategically placed twisters around the islands can propel you to other locations much faster than flying, offering a unique mode of fast travel.
Weather is Your Friend (and Foe): Umbral Nodes and You
The Diadem’s weather system plays a pivotal role in the availability of specific gathering materials. Every 20 minutes, the weather shifts to one of four Umbral variations, each lasting for 10 minutes.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Umbral Flare: Spawns Umbral Flarestone (Miners) at (x13, y9).
- Umbral Tempest: Spawns Umbral Galewood Log (Botanists) at (x9, y30).
- Umbral Levin: Spawns Umbral Levinshard (Miners) at (x34, y13).
- Umbral Duststorm: Spawns Umbral Eathcap (Botanists) at (x29, y33).
Important Note: Currently, there is no known way to influence or predict the weather cycle in the Diadem.
Beyond the Umbral: Gathering From Nodes
While Umbral nodes offer valuable materials, the Diadem is home to a vast array of other gathering nodes, each containing a set of five potential items.
Key Points:
- Node Variety: Each gathering class has access to five different item sets per node type, ensuring a diverse pool of materials.
- Randomized Drops: The specific items within a node are randomized, requiring you to gather from multiple nodes to find what you need.
Pro Tip: Before heading into the Diadem, check the market board to identify high-demand materials and prioritize your gathering efforts accordingly.
The Aetheromatic Auger: Your Weaponized Gathering Tool
The Aetheromatic Auger is a unique tool provided to gatherers upon entering the Diadem. This powerful cannon charges as you gather, allowing you to unleash a devastating blast on the Diadem’s monstrous inhabitants.
Here’s how it works:
- Charge Accumulation: Each swing of your gathering tool contributes to the Auger’s charge meter, with a full charge requiring approximately 40 swings.
- Targeted Harvesting: Each monster drops specific materials when defeated with the Auger, enabling you to target specific items for crafting or selling.
Pro Tip: For efficient Auger farming, locate monster camps on the lower gray islands. These areas offer a higher concentration of monsters, maximizing your charge usage.
Fishing in the Diadem: Reeling in Scrips
Fishing in the Diadem follows a different approach compared to traditional gathering.
Here’s the gist:
- Designated Fishing Holes: Four primary fishing locations offer access to a variety of fish, each awarding a different amount of Skybuilders’ Scrips.
- Umbral Influence: Similar to gathering nodes, Umbral weather conditions introduce unique fish to each fishing hole.
Pro Tip: Refer to community resources like the comprehensive fishing spreadsheet by Reddit user CuriousBlackMage for detailed information on fishing locations, bait requirements, and Umbral fish availability.
Leveling Your Gatherers in the Diadem: A Streamlined Approach
While maximizing your Diadem profits requires maxed-out gathering classes, the zone offers a viable alternative for leveling your gatherers.
Here’s why:
- Abundant Nodes: The sheer number of gathering nodes allows for consistent experience gain, eliminating the need for extensive travel or levequest grinding.
- Simplified Experience: The Diadem’s streamlined environment provides a more predictable and less overwhelming leveling experience compared to traditional methods.
Rewards and Riches: Reaping the Benefits of Your Labor
Your efforts in the Diadem will be generously rewarded with valuable resources and currency.
Here’s what you can earn:
- Skybuilders’ Scrips: These scrips can be exchanged for a variety of rewards from the Scrip Exchange vendor in the Firmament, including crafting materials, housing items, and even a unique hairstyle.
- Gil: Many of the materials gathered in the Diadem are in high demand by crafters, allowing you to sell them on the market board for a tidy profit.
- Crafting Materials: The gathered materials can be used to craft various items, including those used in the Ishgard Restoration efforts.
Conclusion: Your Legacy in the Firmament Awaits
The Diadem offers a unique and rewarding experience for gatherers of all levels. Whether you’re seeking to contribute to the Ishgard Restoration, amass a fortune in gil, or simply level your gathering classes, the Diadem provides ample opportunities for success.
Remember:
- Stay informed about market trends to maximize your profits.
- Utilize the Aetheromatic Auger strategically to target specific materials.
- Experiment with different gathering routes and techniques to find what works best for you.
Now, go forth and gather, adventurer! The Firmament awaits your contributions.
Additional Resources:
- FFXIV Gathering Guide: https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Category:Gathering
- Teamcraft (Crafting Calculator): https://ffxivteamcraft.com/
- The Balance (FFXIV Discord Community): https://thebalance.today/
