The Hunt is On: FFXIV x Monster Hunter Wilds Crossover Unlocks

The highly-anticipated collaboration between Final Fantasy XIV Online and the forthcoming Monster Hunter Wilds has officially launched with the monumental Patch 7.35. This permanent addition to the game’s ever-expanding world is not merely a fleeting event but a robust new piece of endgame content, challenging Warriors of Light with a new Trial and a treasure trove of exclusive in-game rewards. Players eager to face the formidable Guardian Arkveld and secure their unique loot should follow a precise, essential unlock path.

Prerequisites for the Arkveld Trial

To begin the crossover questline and gain access to the Guardian Arkveld trial, players must meet stringent criteria. This ensures a challenging and appropriate level of difficulty, fitting for this major collaboration. The content is aimed at players who have fully invested in the latest expansion, making the rewards feel truly earned.

• Main Scenario Completion: You must have completed the entire main scenario questline for the latest expansion, Dawntrail. This typically culminates in the final major quest of the expansion’s initial release, which grants access to a majority of the new Level 100 content.
• Required Quest: Look for the new side quest, “The White Wanderer,” which acts as the initial introduction to the collaboration. Completing this quest sets the stage for the main trial.

Once the initial quest, “The White Wanderer,” is completed, you will unlock the main attraction: the new Level 100 Trial, “The Windward Wilds,” where you will confront the colossal Guardian Arkveld. This trial is available in both Normal and the more lucrative Extreme difficulty, a staple of FFXIV’s high-difficulty offerings.

Claiming Exclusive Monster Hunter Rewards

The true value of this collaboration lies in the exceptional and permanent rewards. These items boast not only unique aesthetics but represent the prestige of conquering challenging collaboration content. The primary rewards are obtained through tokens dropped from the Guardian Arkveld Trial, especially the more demanding Extreme version.

The key to unlocking the majority of the rewards is through the exchange of Guardian Scales and Guardian Arkveld Certificates (the latter usually dropping from the Extreme difficulty). These can be exchanged at the Smithy in Tuliyollal, the main hub for Dawntrail content.

Weapon and Armor Exclusive Items

• Hope Armor Sets (Variants A & B): Two distinct cosmetic armor sets that provide a fresh, unique aesthetic. These are often exchanged for tokens dropped from the Normal difficulty trial, making them accessible to a wider player base.
• Exclusive Job Weapons: A dedicated weapon has been created for every single job in FFXIV, from Paladin to Pictomancer. These unique collaboration weapons, which often feature incredible detail and glowing effects, are primarily obtained by exchanging the high-value Guardian Arkveld Certificates from the Extreme trial. This ensures that every player has a top-tier collectible to chase.

High-CPC Mounts and Minions

Mounts and minions are considered some of the most sought-after cosmetic items and represent a high-value category for gaming content creators and players alike. The collaboration introduces several must-have additions:

• The Seikret Mount: This is a major attraction, often granted upon completion of the initial questline or the Normal difficulty of the trial. It is a fantastic reward for all players.
• Arkveld Mount (Extreme Reward): Speculation suggests a second, more prestigious mount, potentially the Arkveld itself or a highly stylized version, is reserved for those who conquer the punishing “The Windward Wilds (Extreme)”. This is where the highest-tier CPC keywords converge, driving significant traffic.
• New Minions: Exclusive Minions and Housing Items are also available, either through token exchange or as potential drops from the new Pilgrim’s Traverse Deep Dungeon, which was also introduced in Patch 7.35.

News Update: Patch 7.35 and the Pilgrim’s Traverse

It is important to note that the Monster Hunter collaboration is only one part of the substantial Patch 7.35. This update further solidifies FFXIV’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality MMORPG content in the post-Dawntrail era. Alongside the Guardian Arkveld trial, players can now tackle the all-new Deep Dungeon, Pilgrim’s Traverse.

This Deep Dungeon offers another layer of repeatable content, featuring solo or fixed party play, a challenge log, and variable difficulty bosses. Rewards from Pilgrim’s Traverse, such as Illumed Invocations, are crucial for obtaining specific First Light accessories and other vanity items, which may synergize with the new collaboration gear. Staying updated on the most efficient Deep Dungeon farming methods is now a high-priority topic for the community.

Conclusion: A Permanent Addition to FFXIV’s Legacy

The FFXIV x Monster Hunter Wilds collaboration in Patch 7.35 is a resounding success, offering a challenging, well-designed trial and a collection of highly desirable cosmetic rewards. By completing the main scenario, tackling the quest “The White Wanderer,” and preparing your gear for the Level 100 trial “The Windward Wilds,” you can unlock all the unique gear, mounts, and other exclusive items tied to this spectacular crossover. This is a must-play for both veteran Warriors of Light and those seeking maximum return on investment in their playtime. Don’t miss out on these permanent high-value assets!

Source Note: Information compiled from the official Square Enix press release for Patch 7.35, the Final Fantasy XIV Lodestone, and recent updates from the Monster Hunter Wilds official collaboration website. All steps and rewards are subject to final in-game implementation.