The release of the Dawntrail expansion for Final Fantasy XIV introduces players to Tural, a vibrant new continent located across the ocean to the west of Eorzea. Within this expansive new landmass, six distinct zones offer unique ecosystems, quests, and resources, but one economic system stands out as the primary driver of player progression and reward acquisition: the Bicolor Gemstone economy. This currency is not merely a transactional tool but a central mechanic tied to the Shared FATE system, serving as the gateway to exclusive mounts, minions, and collectibles. Understanding the nuances of earning, ranking, and spending these gemstones is essential for any player aiming to optimize their experience in Dawntrail. Unlike previous expansions, Dawntrail has refined the Bicolor Gemstone system, introducing four distinct ranks for each merchant, creating a more structured path to unlocking the full inventory of rewards.
The core mechanic revolves around FATEs (Forgotten Area Tasks), which are dynamic group activities scattered throughout the new zones. As players complete these tasks, they accumulate Bicolor Gemstones. However, the rate of accumulation is not linear; it is heavily dependent on the player's "Shared FATE Rank" within a specific zone. To maximize efficiency, players must understand the correlation between the number of FATEs completed and the subsequent increase in rank, which in turn unlocks higher-value items from local merchants. This guide provides an exhaustive analysis of the farming strategies, merchant locations, item catalogs, and the specific requirements for acquiring the highly sought-after Ty'aitya mount and other exclusive content.
The Mechanics of the Shared FATE System and Gemstone Accumulation
The foundation of the Bicolor Gemstone economy in Dawntrail is the Shared FATE system. This system mirrors structures seen in previous expansions like Shadowbringers and Endwalker, yet it possesses unique characteristics tailored to the new continent of Tural. In this expansion, the currency is earned by participating in FATEs. However, the efficiency of this earning potential is strictly gated by the player's reputation rank with the local merchant.
To maximize the accumulation of Bicolor Gemstones, a player must progress through four distinct ranks. The progression is not automatic; it requires a specific volume of FATE completions within each of the six new zones. The system is designed to reward consistent engagement. As the rank increases, the merchant's inventory unlocks, revealing more valuable items. The ranking thresholds are quantifiable and consistent across the expansion's zones.
The following table details the exact number of FATEs required to reach each rank in the Shared FATE system for Dawntrail:
| Rank | Number of FATES Required |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1-6 |
| 2 | 20 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 | 66 |
Reaching Rank 4 is the ultimate goal for players, as this is when the most exclusive and expensive items become available. Furthermore, the system includes a "Shared FATES Log" located in the Travel Menu. Players can access the final page of this log to monitor their current progress toward the next rank for each specific zone. This transparency allows for strategic planning, ensuring that a player does not waste time on FATEs in a zone where they have already maximized their rank, or conversely, identify which zones still require grinding.
Beyond simple completion, the rate of Bicolor Gemstone earnings can be significantly accelerated through specific in-game modifiers. Standard FATEs typically grant a base amount of gemstones, often cited as 14 Bicolor Gemstones per task. However, the expansion introduces mechanisms to boost this yield. One critical method involves World Boss FATEs. Completing a World Boss FATE, such as the Ttokrrone, yields a massive payout of 100 Bicolor Gemstones in a single completion, drastically reducing the time required to farm currency.
Another significant efficiency boost comes from random encounters. During certain FATEs, rare enemies known as Forlorn Maidens or The Forlorn may appear. These entities are not merely obstacles but multipliers. Defeating these rare foes before finishing the primary FATE task increases both the experience gained and the Bicolor Gemstone reward. This mechanic suggests that a strategic approach to FATE completion—specifically prioritizing zones with high spawn rates of these rare enemies—can cut down the grinding time considerably.
Furthermore, the Dawntrail expansion has altered the landscape of currency earning. While Bicolor Gemstones are not a new currency in Final Fantasy XIV, the methods of acquisition and the structure of merchant inventories have evolved. The introduction of four ranks per merchant adds a layer of progression that was less defined in prior expansions. To fully utilize this system, players must engage with the FATEs in each of the six new zones of Tural. These zones are: Urqopacha, Kozama'uka, Yak T'el, Shaaloani, Living Memory, Heritage Found, Solution Nine, and Tuliyollal. Note that the last two zones, Solution Nine and Tuliyollal, are locked until all other zones have been raised to Rank 4. This creates a sequential progression path where players must fully clear the initial zones to unlock the advanced content in the final two zones.
Strategic planning is also essential regarding mobility. While it may be tempting to begin farming FATEs immediately, efficiency is maximized by unlocking flying in the zone first. The ability to fly allows players to traverse the map quickly, reducing the time spent traveling between FATE locations. Since FATEs are scattered, and the goal is to complete a high volume of tasks to reach Rank 4, flight capability is a prerequisite for optimal farming runs.
Merchant Locations and Inventory Breakdown by Zone
The economic ecosystem of Dawntrail is decentralized, with a unique Bicolor Gemstone trader located in each of the new zones. These merchants are identifiable on the map via a specific Bicolor Gemstone icon. Each trader has a distinct inventory that reflects the theme of their specific zone, offering unique materials, mounts, minions, and other collectibles. Understanding the location and specific wares of each merchant is crucial for targeted farming and spending.
The following table outlines the specific NPC names, their coordinates, the region, and the closest Aetheryte for easy navigation:
| NPC Name | Region | Coordinates | Closest Aetheryte |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tepli | Urqopacha | X:27.5, Y:11.7 | Wachunpelo |
| Kunuhali | Kozama'uka | X:17.4, Y:11.0 | Ok'hanu |
| Rral Wuruq | Yak T'el | X:13.8, Y:12.7 | Iq Br'aax |
| Mitepe | Shaaloani | X:28.6, Y:12.7 | Hhusatahwi |
| Toashana | Heritage Found | X:16.3, Y:9.6 | N/A (Specific location) |
| Beryl | Solution Nine | X:8.4, Y:14.0 | N/A |
| Kajeel Ja | Tuliyollal | X:12.8, Y:13.0 | N/A |
| Clerk PX-0029 | Living Memory | X:22.0, Y:37.5 | N/A |
Urqopacha: Tepli
Located in the Urqopacha region, Tepli is the merchant for this zone. The inventory is tiered by rank. - Rank 1 Items: Silver Lobo Hide (3 gemstones), Alpaca Fillet (3 gemstones), Megamaguey Pineapple (3 gemstones). - Rank 2 Items: Urqopacha Riding Map (90 gemstones). - Rank 3 Items: Pelupelu Partition (150 gemstones). - Rank 4 Items: Windswept Echoes Orchestrion Roll (450 gemstones), Alpaca Cria (700 gemstones).
Kozama'uka: Kunuhali
In the Kozama'uka zone, Kunuhali offers items relevant to the swamp and jungle environment. - Rank 1 Items: Hammerhead Crocodile Skin (3), Swampmonk Thigh (3), Poison Frog Secretions (3), Lesser Apollyon Shell (3). - Rank 2 Items: Kozama'uka Riding Map (90). - Rank 3 Items: Inuykatumu Bed (150). - Rank 4 Items: Of Glittering Wings Orchestrion Roll (450), Stuffed Flag (150).
Yak T'el: Rral Wuruq
Rral Wuruq serves the Yak T'el zone, offering items that reflect the region's fauna and resources. - Rank 1 Items: Br'aax Hide (3), Branchbearer Fruit (3), Ty'aitya Wingblade (3). - Rank 2 Items: Yak T'el Riding Map (90). - Rank 3 Items: Yak T'el Scale Tree (150). - Rank 4 Items: Emerald under Sapphire Orchestrion Roll (450), Ilyikty'i (700).
Shaaloani: Mitepe
Mitepe in Shaaloani provides a mix of crafting materials and unique furniture. - Rank 1 Items: Rroneek Fleece (3), Rroneek Chuck (3), Nopalitender Tuna (3), Tumbleclaw Weeds (3). - Rank 2 Items: Shaaloani Riding Map (90). - Rank 3 Items: Assortment of Strewn Bottles (150). - Rank 4 Items: Ceruleum Smoke (450).
Living Memory: Clerk PX-0029
Living Memory features a unique merchant, Clerk PX-0029, located at coordinates X:22.0, Y:37.5. This zone is highlighted as an ideal farming location due to short travel distances and high FATE accessibility. Players aiming to farm gemstones daily often select this zone to maximize their output, targeting 1500 to 2000 gemstones per day during weekdays.
Solution Nine and Tuliyollal: Beryl and Kajeel Ja
These two zones are locked until the player reaches Rank 4 in all other zones. Once unlocked, Beryl in Solution Nine and Kajeel Ja in Tuliyollal offer the final tier of rewards. These include exclusive minions such as the Ilyikty'i Minion and the Alpaca Cria Minion, as well as unique framing kits and orchestrion rolls that cannot be obtained elsewhere.
Strategic Acquisition of the Ty'aitya Mount and Voucher System
One of the most coveted rewards in the Dawntrail expansion is the Ty'aitya mount. This mount is not purchased directly with Bicolor Gemstones but through an intermediate currency known as Turali Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers. This two-step process adds complexity to the acquisition path, requiring players to first accumulate a substantial number of vouchers to purchase the Ty'aitya Whistle, the item required to summon the mount.
The economics of this transaction are steep. The Ty'aitya Whistle costs 500 Turali Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers. Given the conversion rate, acquiring these vouchers necessitates a massive accumulation of raw Bicolor Gemstones. Specifically, players must earn 50,000 Bicolor Gemstones to obtain the necessary 500 vouchers. Since standard FATEs grant only 14 gemstones, the time investment is significant.
To mitigate this grind, the Dawntrail update introduced new earning mechanics. World Boss FATEs, such as the Ttokrrone, provide a single payout of 100 Bicolor Gemstones. This is a seven-fold increase over standard FATEs. Additionally, the random spawn of Forlorn Maidens or The Forlorn acts as a multiplier. Defeating these rare entities before completing the FATE task significantly boosts the gemstone yield. This mechanic transforms the farming process from a passive completion task into an active hunt for rare targets.
Once the player has accumulated the required 500 Turali Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers, the final step is to visit the vendor in Mor Dhona. The redemption takes place at Edelina, located in Rowena's House of Splendors, north of the Aetheryte in Mor Dhona (Coordinates: X:22.1, Y:4.9). Edelina is the exclusive merchant for the Ty'aitya Whistle. This location serves as the final destination for players who have successfully navigated the grueling grind of the Tural region.
Priority Purchases: Minions, Framing Kits, and Orchestrion Rolls
While the Ty'aitya mount is a major goal, the Bicolor Gemstone economy supports a wide array of other valuable items. For players who wish to prioritize their spending, certain items offer better value or exclusivity. The most valuable purchases are generally those that are not obtainable by other means, such as through market board transactions or other in-game methods.
Key items to prioritize include:
- Minions: The Ilyikty'i Minion and the Alpaca Cria Minion are exclusive to specific merchants in Solution Nine and Tuliyollal. These are not available for purchase on the market board, making them high-priority targets for players with excess currency.
- Framing Kits: The Dark Solution Framer's Kit, Bright Solution Framer's Kit, Golden Dawn Framer's Kit, and Crimson Dawn Framer's Kit are essential for players interested in customizing their avatar's presentation. These kits allow for unique visual customization that is otherwise unavailable.
- Orchestrion Rolls: Items such as the Windswept Echoes Orchestrion Roll (Urqopacha), Of Glittering Wings Orchestrion Roll (Kozama'uka), Emerald under Sapphire Orchestrion Roll (Yak T'el), and Ceruleum Smoke (Shaaloani) are highly sought after for players who enjoy music and environmental customization.
- Glamour Prisms and Dispellers: Bicolor Gemstones remain a viable source for Glamour Prisms and Glamour Dispellers. These can be purchased from various Shadowbringer Bicolor Gemstone Merchants. This provides a secondary utility for the currency beyond Dawntrail specific items.
- Crafting Materials: Players can also acquire Dawntrail Crafting Materials and mob drops. These materials are useful for building glamour items or can be sold on the Market Board for extra Gil, providing a path to monetize the currency if the player chooses not to spend it on cosmetic items.
The strategic choice of purchases often depends on the player's specific goals. For those interested in fashion and presentation, the framing kits and minions are the top priorities. For those looking to complete their collection, the orchestrion rolls and unique mounts like the Ty'aitya are the ultimate goals. It is also worth noting that while Tomestones of Comedy and Causality were previously used in earlier expansions, they are discontinued heading into Dawntrail, making Bicolor Gemstones the sole currency for the new content.
Optimizing the Farming Process: Living Memory and Zone Efficiency
The efficiency of acquiring Bicolor Gemstones is heavily dependent on the choice of zone. While all zones contribute to the overall progress, some are more efficient than others. The zone of Living Memory has been identified by players as the ideal location for daily farming runs. This zone offers two primary advantages: short traveling distances between FATEs and high accessibility to FATE locations.
A successful farming strategy involves targeting Living Memory for daily accumulation. Players have reported achieving a daily yield of 1500 to 2000 Bicolor Gemstones on weekdays by focusing their efforts there. The compact nature of the zone reduces the time spent moving between tasks, allowing for a higher density of completions per hour.
However, efficiency is not solely dependent on the zone layout. As previously noted, the presence of rare enemies like the Forlorn Maidens or The Forlorn can drastically alter the yield. Therefore, the optimal strategy involves a hybrid approach: utilize zones like Living Memory for volume, but remain vigilant for rare spawns in any zone to capitalize on the multipliers.
Furthermore, the progression of the Shared FATE Rank is a critical factor. Players should not attempt to farm in a zone where they have already reached Rank 4, as the returns on additional FATEs diminish in value since the inventory is fully unlocked. The focus should shift to zones where the rank is not yet maxed out. This ensures that every FATE completion contributes to unlocking new items, rather than merely accumulating currency that has limited utility once the inventory is open.
The interconnectivity of the zones is also vital. Since unlocking Solution Nine and Tuliyollal requires maxing out all other zones, players must adopt a systematic approach. They must clear FATEs in Urqopacha, Kozama'uka, Yak T'el, Shaaloani, and Heritage Found to reach Rank 4 before gaining access to the final two zones. This creates a natural progression path that prevents players from attempting to bypass the grind.
Conclusion
The Bicolor Gemstone system in Final Fantasy XIV's Dawntrail expansion represents a sophisticated economic layer that rewards dedication, strategic planning, and mastery of the Shared FATE system. By understanding the specific ranking thresholds, merchant locations, and item catalogs, players can efficiently navigate the new continent of Tural. The path to the exclusive Ty'aitya mount and other high-value items requires a significant time investment, but strategic use of World Boss FATEs and rare enemy spawns can mitigate the grind. Whether the goal is to collect the Ty'aitya mount, acquire exclusive minions, or secure unique framing kits, the Bicolor Gemstone economy offers a rich tapestry of rewards that enhance the Dawntrail experience. Through diligent farming in optimized zones like Living Memory and careful management of the Shared FATE ranks, players can unlock the full potential of this new economic system.