Unlocking Endwalker Artifact Gear in FFXIV

Final Fantasy XIV’s Endwalker expansion introduced powerful **artifact gear** sets for every combat job at item level 560, offering both strong stats and iconic designs perfect for glamour collections. These sets become available near the expansion’s level cap and require specific story progress to access. This guide details every step, from prerequisites to full customization options like dyeing.

Prerequisites for Accessing Artifact Gear

To begin acquiring Endwalker artifact gear, players must meet foundational requirements tied to progression in the expansion’s storyline and job leveling.

• Reach **level 89** on at least one combat job, such as tank, healer, melee DPS, or ranged DPS. This is one level shy of Endwalker’s 90 cap, allowing early access during late-game quests.
• Complete the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) **”A Bold Decision,”** which becomes available from Tataru in Old Sharlayan. This quest triggers a cutscene and unlocks gear acquisition without delving into major spoilers.

Once these are fulfilled, artifact gear for your current job is granted automatically upon quest completion. Switching jobs later requires visiting a vendor for additional sets. Note that limited jobs like Blue Mage do not receive dedicated artifact gear, as they fall outside standard progression systems.

Finding the Artifact Gear Vendor

The primary hub for Endwalker gear is **Old Sharlayan**, a key zone unlocked through the MSQ. Look for **Varsarudh** (sometimes referred to as Versaroot in community discussions), located among a cluster of merchants near the main aetheryte.

Interact with Varsarudh after the “A Bold Decision” quest to open a menu displaying artifact armor for all eligible jobs. Each piece—head, body, hands, legs, and feet—is provided free of charge at iLvl 560, syncing perfectly with endgame content just below the absolute pinnacle of Moonward Armor at iLvl 570.

For other jobs, simply swap to the desired class before speaking to the vendor—no additional quests needed beyond the initial unlock.

Role Quests: The Key to Customization

Endwalker’s artifact gear starts undyeable, a deliberate gate to encourage deeper engagement with job-specific narratives. **Role quests** in **Radz-at-Han** must be completed to enable dyeing, mirroring Shadowbringers’ system but expanded into five distinct lines.

Radz-at-Han unlocks naturally during the MSQ and serves as the central zone for these quests. Depending on your job’s role, you’ll tackle one of the following paths:

• Tank Role Quests: Focused on defensive strategies and frontline duties.
• Healer Role Quests: Emphasizing restoration and support mechanics.
• Melee DPS Role Quests: Highlighting close-combat prowess.
• Ranged DPS Role Quests: Covering physical and magical distance attacks.
• Magical DPS Role Quests: Dedicated to caster jobs like Black Mage or Summoner.

Each line culminates in unlocking dyeing for your role’s artifact gear. Complete the chain with your job equipped to apply the unlock universally across matching roles.

How to Unlock Dyeing Mechanics

Dyeing transforms artifact gear from functional equipment into personalized glamours. Beyond role quests, players need the base dyeing system active—a feature available since A Realm Reborn.

For newcomers, initiate dyeing by visiting **Swyrgeim** in **Western Thanalan** at (X:12.6, Y:14.3). Purchase orange juice from the nearby vendor and hand it over to unlock the feature globally.

With role quests done, return to Varsarudh or designated glamour vendors. Artifact pieces now accept dyes, allowing color swaps while preserving stats for endgame use.

Gear Stats and Endgame Viability

Endwalker artifact gear provides **iLvl 560** stats, making it immediately relevant for synced duties and a solid bridge to higher tiers. Key attributes include role-optimized substats like Critical Hit, Direct Hit, or Piety, tailored to each job’s playstyle.

While outpaced by iLvl 570 Moonward sets from tomestones, artifact gear excels in accessibility and aesthetics. Meld materia to push performance further before upgrading.

Job-Specific Artifact Highlights

Each Endwalker’s 19 combat jobs (excluding Blue Mage) receives a unique set evoking classic JRPG designs. Examples include:

• Sage: Scholarly robes with barrier motifs.
• Reaper: Dark, scythe-wielding ensembles.
• Samurai: Ornate armor blending Eastern aesthetics.

These sets scale stats to level 90 upon capping, ensuring full potency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Players may encounter hurdles:

• Gear not appearing? Verify level 89+ and MSQ completion. Swap jobs if needed.
• Dyeing locked? Finish role quests in Radz-at-Han.
• Blue Mage exclusion: Intentional; use general glamour options instead.

Maximizing Artifact Gear in Progression

Beyond acquisition, integrate artifact gear into your toolkit:

• Glamour Priority: Collect sets for every job for infinite style options.
• Melding Guide: Prioritize main stat (Strength/Dexterity/Intelligence/Mind), then Crit/SS.
• Upgrade Path:

  Trade for tomestones post-gear cap.

As expansions evolve, iLvl 560 becomes entry-level, but the glamour value endures.

FAQs

Do I need level 90 to use artifact gear?

No, it’s obtainable at 89, with full stats at 90.

Where exactly is Varsarudh?

In Old Sharlayan, amid merchant clusters by the aetheryte.

Can all jobs dye their gear immediately?

Role quests required first.

Is Blue Mage included?

No, as a limited job.

How does artifact compare to raid gear?

Slightly lower iLvl but free and job-themed.

Advanced Tips for Collectors

For completionists, track role quest progress via the journal. Use glamour dressers for storage. Community resources like Lodestone blogs confirm vendor details.