Unlocking Argos Mount in FFXIV

The world of Eorzea in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is vast, and traversing it becomes far more enjoyable with a diverse collection of mounts. Among the most sought-after additions from the Endwalker expansion is the Argos mount, a striking celestial steed that symbolizes a player’s dedication to the main storyline. This guide delves deep into acquiring Argos, explores its significance, and provides broader insights into FFXIV’s mount ecosystem to help you build an impressive stable.

Understanding the Argos Mount’s Origins and Appeal

Argos stands out with its ethereal design, featuring flowing mane and cosmic hues that evoke the expansion’s themes of journey and transcendence. Introduced in Endwalker, this mount isn’t hidden behind complex raids or rare drops—it’s a reward for perseverance through the main scenario quest (MSQ). Players who complete the entire Endwalker storyline receive the Argos Horn, the key item needed to summon it. This accessibility makes Argos a milestone achievement, often marking the end of one of FFXIV’s most emotionally charged chapters.

Beyond aesthetics, Argos offers practical benefits like terrestrial and flying movement speeds, essential for efficient travel across zones like Old Sharlayan and the moon’s surface. Its music roll, “Roads Less Traveled,” adds an immersive audio layer during rides, enhancing the fantasy experience.

Step-by-Step Journey to Claiming Argos

Securing Argos requires progressing through Endwalker’s MSQ, a narrative arc spanning dozens of quests. Here’s a breakdown:

• Prerequisites: Finish the Shadowbringers MSQ to unlock Endwalker. Ensure your character is at least level 80, though quests scale appropriately.
• Key Progression Points: Start in Radz-at-Han or Limsa Lominsa, following quests like “Dawntrail’s Shadow” leading into Endwalker’s core story. Expect 80-100 hours of playtime for newcomers.
• Milestones: Notable quests include trials against major antagonists and alliances with Sharlayan scholars. Patience is key during cutscene-heavy sections.
• Final Reward: The quest “Endwalker” culminates in obtaining the Argos Horn from your inventory or a quest giver. Use it to register the mount.

Pro Tip: Use the Duty Support system for solo play, allowing NPCs to fill party roles in duties.

Why Endwalker’s MSQ is Worth the Grind for Argos

The path to Argos isn’t just about the mount; it’s a narrative triumph. Endwalker explores themes of hope amid despair, with twists involving ancient entities and interdimensional threats. Completing it unlocks flying in new zones, new jobs like Sage and Reaper, and access to high-end content.

Expanding Your Mount Collection: Strategies and Alternatives

While Argos is MSQ-locked, FFXIV boasts over 200 mounts. Diversify with these categories:

MSQ Mounts Like Argos

Several mounts tie directly to story beats. Examples include:

• Alpaca: Complete Dawntrail MSQ.
• Magitek Armor: Finish A Realm Reborn’s “The Ultimate Weapon.”
• Yol: Stormblood’s “In the Footsteps of Bardam the Brave.”

Raid and Trial Drops

For thrill-seekers, savage raids yield exclusives:

• Model O: Alphascape 4.0 (Savage).
• Lynx of Eternal Darkness: The Minstrel’s Ballad: Hydaelyn’s Call.
• Wings of Ruin: Worqor Lar Dor (Extreme).

Store and Achievement Mounts

Some require real-money or in-game grinds:

• Sleipnir: Mog Station purchase.
• Kirin: Collect six specific horse mounts then quest.
• Automatoise: Trade 3,200 Sacks of Nuts in Tuliyollal.

Achievement hunters can snag Gilded Magitek Armor (500 commendations) or Parade Chocobo (3,000).

Advanced Tips for Efficient Mount Hunting

Maximize your collection with these tactics:

1. Weekly Activities: Farm Faux Leaves for Construct VI-S or Wondrous Tails for certificates.
2. MGP Grinding: Gold Saucer events for mounts like Adamantoise (200,000 MGP).
3. Group Play: Join Free Companies for raid clears; use Party Finder for extremes.
4. Alt Characters: MSQ progress is account-wide post-first completion, speeding alts.
5. Patch Watching: New expansions like Dawntrail add mounts—stay updated via Lodestone.

Track progress with tools like the in-game mount list or community spreadsheets.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Players often hit walls:

• Burnout: Break MSQ into daily sessions; side quests for variety.
• Duty Fails: Practice normals before savages; watch guides.
• RNG Drops: Persist—e.g., Nightmare from extreme trials.

Comparing Argos to Other Endwalker Mounts

Future Mounts and Expansions

Post-Endwalker, Dawntrail introduced Ark (Collector’s Edition) and others. Expect more in upcoming patches, potentially tying to new MSQs or events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get Argos on multiple characters?

Yes, MSQ completion unlocks it account-wide after the first run.

Does Argos fly?

Yes, supports both ground and air movement.

What’s the fastest way to Argos?

Rush MSQ with Duty Support; skip side content.

Are there alternatives if I skip Endwalker?

No, Argos is exclusive to that MSQ.

How long is Endwalker MSQ?

80-100 hours for first-timers; less with experience.