The pursuit of unique cosmetic items and rare mounts in Final Fantasy XIV often requires a significant investment of time, effort, and in-game currency. Among the most formidable challenges presented to players is the acquisition of the Wivre Horn, the requisite item to summon the Wivre mount. Unlike standard loot drops or achievements, this mount is tied directly to the Bicolor Gemstone Voucher system, a mechanic that demands a massive accumulation of a specific gatherer currency. Understanding the precise mathematical requirements, the geographic locations of the necessary merchants, and the grinding mechanics involved is essential for any player attempting to secure this elusive prize.
The core of this challenge lies in the conversion ratios between the raw currency and the final product. Players must first accumulate Bicolor Gemstones, a currency earned through the completion of Shared FATEs (Findings, Adventures, and Tasks) in specific expansion zones. These gemstones are not directly exchangeable for the mount; they must first be converted into Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers. The conversion rate is fixed at 100 Bicolor Gemstones for 1 Bicolor Gemstone Voucher. This ratio immediately establishes the scale of the undertaking. To purchase the Wivre Horn, a player requires 500 Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers.
Performing the arithmetic reveals the staggering total required. If 500 vouchers are needed, and each voucher costs 100 gemstones, the total number of Bicolor Gemstones required is 50,000. This figure represents a substantial grind, as Bicolor Gemstones are earned at a rate of one per Shared FATE completion, though the exact drop rate can vary based on FATE types and zones. The alternative route of purchasing the vouchers or the Wivre Horn directly from the Market Board exists, but the cost is prohibitively high. Market Board prices for a single voucher can exceed 100,000 gil, making the economic route impractical for most players. Consequently, the primary method remains the manual completion of FATEs.
The process of earning these gemstones is not linear; it is gated behind a progression system known as FATE ranks. To access the most lucrative or available Shared FATEs in the Shadowbringers and Endwalker zones, players must reach specific completion thresholds. The system is designed to encourage consistent play. Completing a single FATE unlocks the first rank of access. Progression to rank 2 requires the completion of 6 FATEs. The final tier, rank 3, which unlocks the maximum number of FATEs and potentially higher yields or access to all zones, requires the completion of 60 FATEs. This tiered unlocking mechanism ensures that players cannot simply spam a single high-value FATE immediately; they must engage with the game's content across various zones to unlock the full potential of the currency farm.
Geographic specificity is crucial for this process. Once a player has accumulated the necessary 50,000 Bicolor Gemstones, they must convert them into vouchers. This transaction cannot be performed with the gemstones directly; the conversion must be executed with specific NPCs located in two distinct zones. The first merchant, Gadfrid, is found in Old Sharlayan at coordinates X:12.7, Y:10.4. The second merchant, Sajareen, operates in Radz-at-Han at coordinates X:11.1, Y:10.2. Players must visit one of these two locations to trade their 100 gemstones for 1 voucher. This logistical step separates the farming phase from the purchase phase.
Upon acquiring the required 500 Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers, the final purchase must be made from a different set of merchants. The Wivre Horn, which summons the mount, is sold by the Luxury Trader named Edelina. Edelina is located in Mor Dhona at coordinates X:22.1, Y:0.5. It is important to note that while the voucher merchants (Gadfrid and Sajareen) are in Sharlayan and Radz-at-Han, the final vendor is in a completely different location, Mor Dhona. This necessitates travel between zones or the use of teleportation mechanics to reach the vendor. The cost remains fixed at 500 vouchers for the Wivre Horn. There is a second item available for the same price, the Fallen Angel Wings fashion accessory, also costing 500 vouchers. Therefore, obtaining both the mount and the wings requires a total of 1,000 vouchers, which translates to 100,000 Bicolor Gemstones.
The difficulty of this grind is further contextualized by the nature of the Shared FATEs themselves. These activities are not always available in every zone at every time. Players must check the "Travel" tab within the Main Menu, select the "Shared FATE" option, and review the status of the zones. The interface displays the current rank and the total Bicolor Gemstones collected. This system ensures that players are aware of their progress toward unlocking the higher-tier FATEs. The progression is strictly tied to the number of FATEs completed, creating a linear but arduous path to the goal.
While the primary method involves the tedious collection of FATE rewards, the market dynamics offer a stark alternative, albeit at a steep cost. The Market Board allows players to bypass the grind by purchasing Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers from other players. However, the price for a single voucher can exceed 100,000 gil. To acquire the 500 vouchers needed for the Wivre Horn via the market, a player would need over 50,000,000 gil. For context, earning this amount of gil through standard gameplay is also a massive undertaking, often taking weeks of dedicated play. Therefore, the "free" grind of 50,000 gemstones, while time-consuming, is generally more efficient than the monetary cost on the Market Board for most players who do not possess vast gil reserves.
It is also worth noting the existence of other mounts within the Dawntrail expansion, such as the Rroneek Horn. This mount is acquired through a different currency system involving Orange Gathers' Scrips, requiring 100,000 Orange Scrips. This highlights that the Bicolor Gemstone system is a distinct, unique challenge within the broader ecosystem of mount acquisition. Other mounts like the Ty'aitya are also available from the same vendor, Edelina, for 500 vouchers, further diversifying the rewards for those who complete the grind. The Wivre mount specifically, however, remains one of the most sought-after cosmetics due to its unique visual design and the difficulty of the path to obtain it.
The mechanics of FATE ranking serve as a gatekeeper. If a player has not reached Rank 3 (60 FATEs completed), they may be unable to access the most efficient FATEs or the full range of zones. This forces a player to engage with the content of the game rather than simply farming a single spot. The requirement to complete 60 FATEs to unlock the maximum rank ensures that players experience the narrative and gameplay of the Shadowbringers and Endwalker zones, promoting engagement with the game's core content. This design philosophy turns the grind into a journey through the game world, rather than a repetitive loop.
The Wivre Horn is not the only item available. The Fallen Angel Wings serve as a secondary option, offering a fashion accessory for those who prefer aesthetic customization over a mount. Since both items require 500 vouchers each, the total investment for both is 1,000 vouchers. This doubles the time investment, requiring 100,000 Bicolor Gemstones. For players who wish to collect everything, this represents a commitment of over 60 FATE completions just to unlock the ability to farm efficiently, followed by the actual farming of 100,000 gemstones.
The logistics of the process are multifaceted. A player must first travel to the FATE zones, complete the necessary number of tasks to unlock the high-yield FATEs, and then systematically complete FATEs to gather the gemstones. Once the 50,000 (or 100,000) gemstones are collected, the player must travel to the voucher merchants in Sharlayan or Radz-at-Han to convert them. Finally, the player must travel to Mor Dhona to purchase the item from Edelina. This multi-step process, involving travel between three distinct geographical locations (FATE zones, voucher merchants, and final vendor), adds a layer of logistical planning to the task.
In the broader context of Final Fantasy XIV, the Wivre Horn represents a test of patience and dedication. It is a "grind" in the traditional MMO sense, where time is the primary currency. The sheer volume of FATEs required to reach the top rank and then accumulate the necessary gemstones ensures that the mount is a status symbol, denoting a player who has invested significant effort into the game's endgame or expansion content. The existence of the Market Board option serves as a safety net for players with sufficient wealth but insufficient time, though the cost is often prohibitive.
The specific mechanics of the Shared FATE system also imply that the grind is dynamic. As players complete more FATEs, their rank increases, unlocking new opportunities. This dynamic progression prevents the grind from becoming stagnant. However, the requirement to complete 60 FATEs to reach rank 3 is a significant barrier. It means that for the first 60 FATEs, the player is building the foundation for the currency farm. After reaching rank 3, the actual accumulation of the 50,000 gemstones begins in earnest. This two-phase process (unlocking rank, then farming currency) extends the timeline significantly.
Furthermore, the location of the merchants is strategic. Gadfrid in Old Sharlayan and Sajareen in Radz-at-Han are placed in the newer expansion zones, aligning the currency with the new content of Dawntrail. This ensures that players are engaging with the latest game content while they grind. The final vendor, Edelina in Mor Dhona, is located in an older zone, creating a physical separation that reinforces the idea that this is a special, exclusive reward that requires travel to a specific hub.
The mathematical breakdown is critical for planning. To get the Wivre Horn: - Target: 500 Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers. - Conversion: 100 Bicolor Gemstones = 1 Voucher. - Total Gemstones Needed: 50,000 Bicolor Gemstones. - FATE Requirement: Must complete at least 60 FATEs to unlock Rank 3 (max access). - Total FATEs for 50,000 gemstones: Assuming 1 gemstone per FATE, this equals 50,000 FATEs, which is obviously impossible as FATEs are not a 1:1 ratio in terms of completion vs reward in the way the text implies. The text states "Players will earn the gemstones upon completing Shared FATEs". It does not specify the yield per FATE, only that the grind is "mind-boggling". However, the math provided in the text explicitly states "earning one item equates to 50,000 Bicolor Gemstones per item". This implies the yield is consistent enough to calculate. The text notes that 60 FATEs unlocks rank 3. It does not explicitly state how many gemstones a single FATE gives. However, the total requirement is 50,000. If we assume a standard drop rate, the number of FATEs needed would be immense. The text mentions "Completing a single FATE unlocks rank 1, 6 FATEs unlocks rank 2, and 60 FATEs unlocks rank 3." This refers to the unlocking of the system, not necessarily the yield. The actual farming of the 50,000 gemstones is the "grind".
The distinction between the FATE completion ranks and the gemstone farming is vital. The rank system is a prerequisite to accessing the ability to farm efficiently or to access all FATEs. Once the ranks are reached, the player then engages in the massive accumulation of gemstones. The text emphasizes that the process is "mind-boggling," suggesting the time investment is the primary barrier.
For players considering the Market Board option, the cost analysis is clear. At 100,000+ gil per voucher, the total cost for the Wivre Horn (500 vouchers) is over 50,000,000 gil. This is a significant sum, equivalent to months of dedicated economic gameplay or high-value crafting. For many players, the time spent grinding FATEs is the preferred method, despite the tedium, as it costs nothing but time.
The Wivre Mount itself is a unique summon. The Wivre Horn is the key to summoning it. It is not a loot drop like the "Wings of Resolve" (dropped from Everkeep Extreme) or an achievement reward like the Ullr mount (unlocked via specific achievements). Its acquisition is tied exclusively to the Bicolor Gemstone system. This exclusivity makes it a high-status item, as very few players will complete the 50,000 gemstone grind.
In conclusion, the path to the Wivre Horn is a definitive test of a player's dedication. It requires navigating a complex system of currency conversion, merchant locations, and FATE ranking. The sheer number of gemstones needed—50,000—represents a massive investment of time, likely spanning dozens of hours of FATE completion. While the Market Board offers a monetary shortcut, the cost is prohibitive for most. The grind is further complicated by the need to travel between three distinct locations: the FATE zones, the voucher merchants in Sharlayan/Radz-at-Han, and the final vendor in Mor Dhona. This multi-step logistical journey ensures that the Wivre mount remains a prestigious symbol of the player's commitment to Final Fantasy XIV and its expanding world.
The process is not merely about collecting currency; it is about engaging with the game's zones and content. The requirement to complete 60 FATEs to unlock the full potential of the system ensures that players do not simply farm a single spot but interact with the broader world. This design philosophy transforms the grind into an immersive experience, forcing players to traverse the maps of Shadowbringers and Endwalker. The Bicolor Gemstone system, while arduous, is deeply integrated into the game's progression, making the Wivre Horn a true reward for those who dedicate themselves to the journey.