The acquisition of Bicolor Gemstones represents one of the most lucrative and strategically significant currency systems in the Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail expansions of Final Fantasy XIV. Unlike standard currencies that are spent immediately, Bicolor Gemstones function as a long-term investment, unlocked through the Shared FATE system. For the discerning player seeking to optimize resource management, mount speed, and aesthetic customization, understanding the precise mechanics of unlocking, earning, and spending these gemstones is paramount. The path to accessing the Gemstone Traders in Eulmore and the Crystarium is not merely about reaching a location; it is a structured progression tied directly to player engagement with the world's dynamic events.
The foundation of this system lies in the Shared FATE interface. This menu, accessible via the Travel section of the main menu, tracks the number of FATEs (Find Something and Take Everyone) completed with a maximum rating, commonly referred to as a "Gold Medal" completion. The progression is not linear across all zones; it is zonal. Each expansion zone operates under its own rank threshold, meaning a player must engage with the specific regions of Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail to unlock the full potential of the currency. The system is designed to encourage continued engagement even after reaching the level cap, offering a compelling reason for players to return to the open world to clear FATEs repeatedly.
The unlocking mechanism for the Gemstone Traders themselves is intimately tied to the rank system within the Shared FATE structure. In the Shadowbringers expansion, the system is designed with a clear hierarchy of access. The base rank (Rank 1) is unlocked by default upon entering the expansion's zones. However, the true value of the currency is realized only when the player advances to higher ranks. The progression requirements are distinct: reaching Rank 2 requires the completion of six FATEs with a gold medal rating. Advancing to Rank 3, which serves as the highest tier in this specific expansion, demands the completion of 60 FATEs. For players who aim for the absolute maximum utility, the data indicates that a total of 66 FATEs must be completed to reach the maximum rank in a given zone.
This zonal rank system creates a dynamic ecosystem where the "Gemstone Trader" is not a static vendor present from the moment the zone is accessible. The vendors, including those located in Eulmore and the Crystarium, only fully unlock their inventory as the player climbs the Shared FATE ranks. At Rank 3, the vendor inventory expands significantly to include high-value items such as barding for mounts and orchestrion rolls, which are essential for players seeking to customize their gameplay experience. This mechanic ensures that the currency is not just a commodity but a marker of dedication to the zone's ecosystem.
The Geographical Distribution of Gemstone Traders
To effectively utilize Bicolor Gemstones, a player must know exactly where the traders are located. The distribution of these NPCs is vast, spanning three major expansion zones, each with specific coordinates and vendor names. This geographical spread ensures that players can access the currency exchange system regardless of which expansion content they are currently focusing on.
In the Shadowbringers expansion, the network of vendors is extensive. The Crystarium, a central hub for the expansion, houses the vendor named Gramsol, located at coordinates x11, y14. This location serves as a primary hub for players exploring the new storyline and mechanics. However, the network extends far beyond the Crystarium. In the southern regions, the vendor Pedronille can be found in Eulmore at coordinates x11, y12. This location is particularly strategic as it is situated near the aetheryte, making it easily accessible for players traversing the zone.
Further into the Shadowbringers zones, vendors are dispersed across the landscape to serve players in specific environments. In Kholusia, Zumutt operates at x11.8, y8.9. In Amh Araeng, Halden is located at x10.6, y17.1. The vendor Siulmet in Lakeland is found at x35.5, y20.6, while Sul Lad serves Il Mheg at x16, y31. The Rak'tika Greatwood features Nacille at x28, y18, and the Tempest zone has Goushs Ooan at x33, y18. This widespread distribution ensures that players can trade gemstones without needing to travel excessively long distances, facilitating efficient resource management.
The system continues seamlessly into the Endwalker expansion. Here, the vendor network includes Faezbroes in Labyrinthos (x29.9, y12.9), Mahveydah in Thavnair (x25.8, y34.6), and Zawawa in Garlemald (x12.9, y30.0). The list continues with Tradingway in Mare Lamentorum (x21.8, y12.2), Aisara in Elpis (x24.4, y23.4), N-1499 in Ultima Thule (x30.8, y28.0), Gadfrid in Old Sharlayan (x12.7, y10.4), and Sajareen in Radz-at-Han (x11.1, y10.2).
The most recent expansion, Dawntrail, introduces its own unique set of traders. These include Tepli in Urqopacha (x27.5, y11.7), Kunuhali in Kozama'uka (x17.4, y11.0), Rral Wuruq in Yak T'el (x13.8, y12.7), Mitepe in Shaaloani (x28.6, y30.8), Toashana in Heritage Found (x16.3, y9.6), Clerk PX-0029 in Living Memory (x22.0, y37.5), Kajeel Ja in Tuliyollal (x12.8, y13.0), and Beryl in Solution Nine (x8.4, y14.0). This extensive list of locations highlights the scale of the economy, ensuring that players can access the gemstone market from virtually any corner of the game's world.
Strategic Acquisition: The Shared FATE Mechanism
The core mechanic driving the Bicolor Gemstone economy is the Shared FATE system. This system is not merely about completing quests; it is about completing them with excellence. To earn gemstones efficiently, players must aim for the highest possible rating, known as a "Gold Medal." This rating is achieved by completing a FATE quickly and without taking damage, or by meeting specific time and quality constraints.
The ranking system acts as a gatekeeper for the currency's utility. While Rank 1 is available by default, the real value unlocks at Rank 2 and Rank 3. The progression is steep, requiring 6 FATEs for Rank 2 and 60 FATEs for Rank 3 in the Shadowbringers zones. This design forces players to engage deeply with the open-world content. The system is also cumulative; a player can work across multiple zones to build their rank. However, the rank is specific to each zone, meaning a player must repeat the process for Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail separately.
A critical strategic insight for maximizing gemstone acquisition involves the "Twist of Fate" buff. This buff, when saved and applied to a large-scale boss FATE, yields a significantly higher number of gemstones than standard FATE completions. This mechanism rewards players who plan their playthroughs strategically. By saving the buff for high-value targets, players can optimize their gemstone yield per hour of gameplay. This is particularly relevant for players who have reached the level cap but wish to continue earning currency for barding, minions, or other vendor goods.
The process of unlocking the vendors themselves is tied directly to this rank progression. A player cannot access the full inventory of the Gemstone Trader in Eulmore or the Crystarium until they have advanced their Shared FATE rank. The vendors remain locked or limited in their offerings until the player has proven their dedication through the completion of a specific number of gold-medal FATEs. This creates a feedback loop where the more a player engages with the world events, the more valuable the currency becomes, and the more items become available for purchase.
The interface for monitoring this progress is the Shared FATE menu. Accessible via the Travel section of the main menu, this interface displays the player's current rank and the number of FATEs completed with the highest rating. This transparency allows players to plan their grinding sessions efficiently. Knowing exactly how many FATEs remain to reach Rank 3 enables players to strategize their time, ensuring they reach the unlocking point for the most valuable vendor goods.
Unlocking the Eulmore and Crystarium Hubs
The Crystarium and Eulmore serve as central hubs for the Shadowbringers expansion, acting as the primary locations for players seeking to exchange Bicolor Gemstones. The Crystarium, with its vendor Gramsol, is a nexus of activity. Located at coordinates x11, y14, this vendor becomes fully functional as the player progresses through the Shared FATE ranks. The Crystarium is not just a location for trading; it is often the site where main scenario quests intersect with the currency system.
Eulmore, located at coordinates x11, y12, hosts the vendor Pedronille. This location is strategically placed southwest of the aetheryte, making it a convenient stop for players moving through the zone. The unlocking of the vendor's inventory is contingent upon the player reaching Rank 3 in the Shared FATE system. Once this rank is achieved, the vendor's stock expands to include crafting materials, riding maps, Triple Triad Cards, housing items, and minions. This expansion of inventory is the primary reward for the effort put into completing 60 FATEs.
The unlocking process for these specific vendors is tied to the broader narrative and mechanical progression of the expansion. The first expert dungeon in Shadowbringers is unlocked as part of the main scenario questline, but the subsequent expert dungeons and extreme trials require specific quest triggers. The "By The Time You Hear This" quest, available after clearing the main scenario, unlocks one expert dungeon. Another requires a trip to Eulmore and the Southeast Derelicts aetheryte, following a specific quest path. The extreme modes for trial fights are also unlocked in the Crystarium, accessible via the map once the zone is entered. This integration ensures that the vendor unlocks are not isolated events but are part of the player's journey through the storyline.
The attunement to the Eulmore aetheryte is a crucial step. It is unlocked during a portion of the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ), but the exact timing is intentionally delayed. Players are advised not to expect to hit the aetheryte until a significant time has passed after first visiting the city. This delay is a narrative device to ensure players engage with the zone's content progressively. The "Light of Inspiration" quest, a level 79 quest, requires the completion of at least one role quest line. This quest is the final level 79 quest in the main scenario and necessitates having a job at level 80 to finish the role quest. Upon completion, the NPC offers level 80 job-specific gear for each job that has cleared its role quest line. This integration of gear, quests, and currency trading creates a cohesive ecosystem where every action has a tangible reward.
The vendor in Eulmore, Pedronille, becomes fully operational only after the player has reached Rank 3 in the Shared FATE system. This rank requires 60 completed FATEs. The vendor in the Crystarium, Gramsol, follows a similar pattern. The unlocking of these vendors is not automatic upon entering the zone; it is a direct result of the player's dedication to the FATE system. This design ensures that the currency is valuable only to those who invest time and effort, maintaining the economic balance of the game.
Economic Utility: What Can You Buy?
The true value of the Bicolor Gemstone system lies in the items available for exchange. Once the vendor is unlocked via the Shared FATE rank system, a wide array of goods becomes available. These items span functional upgrades, aesthetic customizations, and collectibles.
At Rank 3, the vendor inventory expands significantly. The primary goods include barding for mounts, which allows players to customize the appearance of their mounts, and orchestrion rolls, which enable players to set background music in their personal housing. These items are highly sought after by players who value personalization. Additionally, the vendors sell Triple Triad Cards, which are used for a popular card game within the game world, providing entertainment and potential prizes. Housing items are also available, allowing players to decorate their in-game homes. Minions, small companions that follow the player, are another key commodity.
The exchange system is designed to reward long-term engagement. The items are not just cosmetic; they provide tangible gameplay benefits, such as increased mount speed through riding maps. In the Shadowbringers expansion, there is only one speed increase for the zones, which is not granted via the main scenario questline. This limitation makes the purchase of riding maps from the Gemstone Trader a necessary step for players wishing to optimize their travel speed across the open world.
The availability of these items is contingent on the player's rank. At Rank 1, the vendor offers a limited selection. As the player progresses to Rank 2 and Rank 3, the inventory grows to include the most valuable items like barding and orchestrion rolls. This tiered access ensures that players are motivated to continue completing FATEs even after reaching the level cap. The system acts as a long-term goal for players, providing a sense of achievement and utility.
The exchange rates are also a factor. The amount of gemstones required for each item varies, with higher-rank items demanding more currency. This creates a challenge for players to accumulate the necessary gems through efficient FATE completion. The strategic use of the "Twist of Fate" buff on large-scale boss FATEs can significantly increase the yield, making the grinding process more efficient for players aiming to purchase the most expensive items.
Strategic Optimization for the Dedicated Player
For the player seeking to maximize their return on investment in the Bicolor Gemstone system, strategic planning is essential. The key lies in understanding the interplay between the Shared FATE rank, the vendor locations, and the item availability. The goal is not just to collect the currency, but to unlock the full potential of the vendors in Eulmore and the Crystarium.
The first step is to identify the target zone. Since each expansion (Shadowbringers, Endwalker, Dawntrail) has its own rank system, the player should focus on one zone at a time. Completing 60 FATEs with gold medals in a single zone is the primary objective to reach Rank 3. This unlocks the full vendor inventory in that specific zone's hub, such as the Crystarium or Eulmore.
The second step is to optimize FATE completion. Players should save the "Twist of Fate" buff for large-scale boss FATEs, as these yield significantly more gemstones. This strategy maximizes the currency gain per FATE. Additionally, players should monitor their progress via the Shared FATE interface to ensure they are on track to reach the required completion counts.
The third step is to prioritize purchases. Barding and orchestrion rolls are high-value items that require significant gemstone accumulation. Players should prioritize these purchases once Rank 3 is reached. The riding maps are also a critical purchase for players who spend extensive time traveling across the zone. By strategically planning their FATE runs and saving buffs, players can efficiently accumulate the necessary currency.
The integration of the vendor system with the main scenario and role quests further enhances the strategic depth. The "Light of Inspiration" quest, for example, requires a level 80 job to complete. This ensures that the player has reached the level cap and has cleared the role quests, aligning the vendor unlocks with the player's overall progression. The vendors in Eulmore and the Crystarium thus serve as a convergence point for narrative progression and economic reward.
The system also encourages continued engagement after reaching the level cap. Since the rank system is zonal, players can return to any expansion's zones to grind FATEs and accumulate gemstones. This provides a sustainable end-game activity for players who have finished the main storyline. The availability of new mounts, minions, and housing items ensures that there is always a goal to strive for.
In conclusion, the Bicolor Gemstone system in Final Fantasy XIV is a sophisticated mechanic that rewards player dedication. By understanding the unlocking requirements for the vendors in Eulmore and the Crystarium, and by strategically managing FATE completions, players can maximize their returns. The system is designed to be a long-term pursuit, offering a rich array of rewards that enhance both gameplay and aesthetics.
Conclusion
The journey to unlock and utilize the Gemstone Traders in Eulmore and the Crystarium is a testament to the depth of Final Fantasy XIV's economy. It is not a passive process; it requires active engagement with the Shared FATE system. The path to Rank 3, the threshold for full vendor access, demands the completion of 60 gold-medal FATEs in each zone. This effort is rewarded with a diverse inventory including barding, orchestrion rolls, and riding maps.
The strategic value of the Bicolor Gemstones lies in their ability to transform the open-world experience. By saving the "Twist of Fate" buff for high-yield FATEs, players can optimize their earnings. The widespread network of vendors across Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail ensures that the currency is accessible wherever the player chooses to grind. The integration of these vendors with the main scenario and role questlines creates a cohesive ecosystem where every action contributes to the player's progression.
For the dedicated player, the Gemstone Trader is not just a shop; it is a gateway to the full potential of the game's customization and utility systems. By understanding the mechanics of the Shared FATE ranks and the specific locations of the vendors, players can efficiently navigate this system. The unlocking of the Eulmore and Crystarium vendors is a milestone that signifies a player's mastery of the zone's content.