The economy of Final Fantasy XIV has long been driven by the pursuit of rare materials, but the introduction of the Bicolor Gemstone system in the Dawntrail expansion has fundamentally altered how players engage with regional economies. Unlike traditional currencies, Bicolor Gemstones function as a specialized trading medium directly tied to the completion of Shared FATEs (Finding Alliances Through Events) across the game's newest and previous expansion zones. This system creates a direct correlation between player activity in specific regions and the ability to acquire high-value items from specialized NPC merchants. Understanding the mechanics of ranking up, locating these traders, and identifying the most valuable purchases is essential for any serious player looking to maximize their returns on time invested.
The core of this system lies in the Shared FATE mechanic, which rewards players with Bicolor Gemstones upon completing specific quests in Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail zones. However, the true power of this currency is not in its mere acquisition, but in the tiered unlocking of vendor inventory. Players must strategically complete FATEs to increase their "Shared FATE" rank within a specific zone. As the rank increases, the associated Gemstone Trader unlocks a broader array of goods, ranging from cosmetic framing kits and housing items to critical crafting materials and Triple Triad Cards. This creates a progression curve where early game activity yields limited rewards, while dedicated players who grind through the maximum number of FATEs gain access to the most exclusive wares.
The Shared FATE Progression System and Rank Mechanics
The foundation of the Bicolor Gemstone economy is the Shared FATE log, which tracks the number of FATEs completed with a "gold" or maximum rating. This system is not merely about quantity; it is about quality. Only FATEs completed with the highest possible rating contribute meaningfully to the rank progression. The system is designed to encourage players to engage with the narrative and challenge of each quest rather than simply rushing through them.
In the context of the Dawntrail expansion, the ranking system has been expanded to four distinct levels, a departure from the three-rank system seen in previous expansions like Shadowbringers and Endwalker. This expansion of the ranking structure allows for a more granular unlocking of items. The progression requires a cumulative number of completed FATEs to advance.
The specific requirements for reaching the maximum rank vary slightly depending on the expansion, but the general principle remains consistent: more FATEs equal higher rank and better rewards. For the Shadowbringers and Endwalker zones, the maximum rank (Rank 3) requires completing 60 FATEs. In contrast, the Dawntrail zones introduce a fourth rank, requiring a total of 66 FATEs completed with a gold rating to reach the pinnacle of the system. This higher ceiling in Dawntrail suggests a deeper, more complex reward structure for players who commit to the full cycle of content.
The progression tiers are structured as follows for the various zones:
Shadowbringers and Endwalker Ranks: - Rank 1: Unlocked by default. - Rank 2: Requires 6 completed FATEs. - Rank 3: Requires 60 completed FATEs. - Maximum Rank: Rank 3.
Dawntrail Ranks: - Rank 1: Unlocked by default. - Rank 2: Requires 6 completed FATEs. - Rank 3: Requires 20 completed FATEs. - Rank 4: Requires 40 completed FATEs (Note: Some sources suggest Rank 4 requires 66 total FATEs for the ultimate tier, indicating a cumulative total).
To check current progress, players must navigate to the "Travel" menu and open the "Shared FATE" log. This interface displays the current rank and the number of FATEs completed for each specific region. The log serves as the primary tool for planning which zones to target and how much grinding remains before unlocking the highest-tier items.
Strategic Location of Bicolor Gemstone Traders
Efficiency in this system relies heavily on knowing exactly where to find the merchants. Each region in Final Fantasy XIV has a designated Bicolor Gemstone Trader, and their locations are fixed coordinates within the game world. These NPCs are the exclusive gatekeepers of the premium items available for purchase.
For the Shadowbringers expansion, the traders are distributed across the various zones of the First and Twisted Liege regions. The specific locations include:
Shadowbringers Trader Locations: - Kholusia: Zumutt at coordinates (x11.8, y8.9). - Amh Araeng: Halden at coordinates (x10.6, y17.1). - Lakeland: Siulmet at coordinates (x35.5, y20.6). - Il Mheg: Sul Lad at coordinates (x16, y31). - The Rak'tika Greatwood: Nacille at coordinates (x28, y18). - The Tempest: Goushs Ooan at coordinates (x33, y18). - The Crystarium: Gramsol at coordinates (x11, y14). - Eulmore: Pedronille at coordinates (x11, y12).
Moving to the Endwalker expansion, the traders are situated in the Thavnair and Garlemald regions, as well as the floating islands of the Thavnair zone and the crystalline structures of the Crystarium.
Endwalker Trader Locations: - Labyrinthos: Faezbroes at coordinates (x29.9, y12.9). - Thavnair: Mahveydah at coordinates (x25.8, y34.6). - Garlemald: Zawawa at coordinates (x12.9, y30.0). - Mare Lamentorum: Tradingway at coordinates (x21.8, y12.2). - Elpis: Aisara at coordinates (x24.4, y23.4). - Ultima Thule: N-1499 at coordinates (x30.8, y28.0). - Old Sharlayan: Gadfrid at coordinates (x12.7, y10.4).
In the new Dawntrail expansion, the system introduces specific merchants in the regions of Solution Nine and Tuliyollal. However, these vendors do not appear immediately. They remain locked until the player has achieved the maximum rank (Rank 4) in all other zones. This mechanic forces players to engage with the entire content loop before accessing the final tier of exclusive rewards. The requirement to reach Rank 4 in every zone acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only the most dedicated players can access the premium items available at these specific merchants.
Optimal Purchasing Strategy and Item Analysis
Once players have unlocked the necessary ranks, the critical question becomes: what is the best use of the currency? The inventory of the Bicolor Gemstone Traders is vast, but not all items hold equal value. Strategic purchasing is key to maximizing the utility of the time invested in FATE completion.
The consensus among experienced players and guides is that the highest priority for purchases should be the Turali Bicolor Gemstone Voucher. This item serves as a multiplier for the economy, allowing players to convert their gems into a more flexible form of currency or exchange them for other valuable assets. The voucher costs 100 Bicolor Gemstones in both Solution Nine and Tuliyollal vendors.
Beyond the voucher, the inventory includes a mix of cosmetic and utility items. These can be categorized by their utility:
High-Value Items (Recommended): - Framing Kits: These are essential for players interested in photography and framing. In Solution Nine, the "Bright Solution Framer's Kit" and "Dark Solution Framer's Kit" are available for 600 gems each. Similarly, Tuliyollal offers "Golden Dawn Framer's Kit" and "Crimson Dawn Framer's Kit" for the same price. These kits allow for the creation of custom frames, a popular pastime for players looking to showcase their achievements. - Orchestration Rolls: These items are crucial for musicians and composers. The "Bygone Serenity Orchestration Roll" (450 gems), "Starless Night Orchestration Roll" (450 gems), and "Morrow's Might Orchestration Roll" (450 gems) provide unique musical compositions that are difficult to obtain elsewhere. - Housing Items: While less universally useful than vouchers or framing kits, items like the "Tuliyollan Table Lamp" (150 gems) and "Vending Machine Nine" (150 gems) offer aesthetic value for personal housing spaces.
Secondary Items: - Triple Triad Cards: These are collectible trading cards that are often sought after by collectors. - Mount Speed Maps: These riding maps increase mount speed within specific zones, offering a tangible gameplay benefit that can save time during exploration. - Cahciua Card: Available for 300 gems, this card is a collectible that adds to the player's inventory of trading cards.
The "Neon Parasol" in Solution Nine (500 gems) is another cosmetic item that provides visual flair, though its utility is strictly aesthetic. The "Lamppost" item, available for 150 gems, serves a similar decorative purpose.
Efficiency Optimization: Flying and FATE Farming
The mechanics of the Bicolor Gemstone system are heavily influenced by the player's movement capabilities within a zone. A critical strategy for maximizing efficiency is to unlock the ability to fly in a zone before beginning the FATE farming process. Flying significantly reduces the time spent traversing the map between FATE spawn points, allowing players to complete the required number of FATEs much faster.
The process of reaching the maximum rank is not a linear grind of simply doing FATEs; it is a race against the time it takes to travel. If a player attempts to farm FATEs on foot in a zone where flight is not yet unlocked, the time investment skyrockets. Therefore, the optimal workflow involves: 1. Unlocking flight in the specific zone. 2. Navigating to the FATEs using aerial mobility. 3. Completing FATEs with a gold rating to increment the Shared FATE rank. 4. Checking the Shared FATE log to confirm progress. 5. Visiting the specific Trader once the rank is sufficient.
This approach ensures that the player is not wasting time on inefficient travel. The ability to fly is a prerequisite for high-efficiency grinding. Without flight, the time required to reach Rank 4 (requiring 66 total FATEs) becomes prohibitively long.
The distinction between the different expansions' requirements is vital for planning. While Shadowbringers and Endwalker cap at 60 FATEs for Rank 3, Dawntrail pushes the limit to 66 FATEs for Rank 4. This increase in difficulty for the new expansion implies that the rewards in Dawntrail are significantly more exclusive, justifying the additional effort. The "Turali Bicolor Gemstone Voucher" remains the constant high-value target across all zones, acting as the most efficient use of the currency.
The Ultimate Goal: Solution Nine and Tuliyollal Unlocking
The climax of the Bicolor Gemstone economy is the unlocking of the traders in Solution Nine and Tuliyollal. These are not accessible until the player has achieved Rank 4 in all other zones. This creates a "gate" mechanic: players must fully engage with the content of the previous expansions (Shadowbringers and Endwalker) and the new Dawntrail zones before they can access these specific merchants.
Once unlocked, these vendors offer the highest tier of items. The inventory includes the Turali Bicolor Gemstone Voucher, various orchestration rolls, and framing kits specific to the Dawntrail aesthetic. The "Neon Parasol" and "Vending Machine Nine" are unique to the Solution Nine vendor, while the "Tuliyollan Table Lamp" and "Golden/Crimson Dawn Framer's Kits" are exclusive to the Tuliyollal vendor.
This structure ensures that the most valuable items are reserved for players who have demonstrated mastery of the game's content. It is a reward for thoroughness. The requirement to reach Rank 4 in every zone acts as a final test of dedication. Players who skip zones or fail to complete the full 66 FATEs will never unlock these vendors, missing out on the exclusive framing kits and vouchers.
Synthesis of the Bicolor Gemstone Economy
The Bicolor Gemstone system in Final Fantasy XIV is a complex ecosystem that rewards strategic play and dedication. It transforms the act of completing FATEs from a simple currency generator into a progression system that gates access to premium content. The interplay between the Shared FATE log, the specific rank requirements, and the location of traders creates a structured path for players to follow.
The key to success lies in understanding the hierarchy of ranks. Rank 1 is free, but ranks 2, 3, and 4 require a cumulative number of FATEs. The jump from 6 to 20, and then to 40 or 60, creates distinct milestones. The final step to Rank 4 in Dawntrail (66 FATEs) is the ultimate challenge, unlocking the final tier of vendors.
The economic value of the items for sale must be weighed against the effort required. The Turali Bicolor Gemstone Voucher is the most efficient purchase, as it likely converts to other in-game currencies or items. Framing kits and orchestration rolls offer high utility for players focused on roleplay, photography, and music creation.
In summary, the path to mastery involves: - Unlocking flight in each zone to minimize travel time. - Completing FATEs with gold ratings to advance the Shared FATE rank. - Monitoring the Shared FATE log to track progress. - Reaching Rank 4 in all zones to unlock the Solution Nine and Tuliyollal vendors. - Prioritizing the purchase of Turali Vouchers and high-value framing kits.
This system effectively gamifies the process of exploration and quest completion, turning routine content into a rewarding economic loop. The specific locations of the traders, the varying rank requirements, and the diverse inventory of goods all contribute to a deep and engaging player experience that encourages thorough engagement with the game's world.
Conclusion
The Bicolor Gemstone system represents a sophisticated layer of the Final Fantasy XIV economy, particularly within the Dawntrail expansion. By tying currency earnings directly to the completion of high-quality FATEs and linking vendor access to cumulative rank achievements, the game rewards players who invest time in exploring and mastering the content. The requirement to reach Rank 4 across all zones serves as a significant milestone, unlocking exclusive vendors in Solution Nine and Tuliyollal. For players aiming to maximize their returns, the strategy is clear: unlock flight, grind FATEs for gold ratings, monitor the Shared FATE log, and prioritize the purchase of Turali Bicolor Gemstone Vouchers and exclusive framing kits. This system ensures that the most valuable rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate comprehensive engagement with the game's diverse regions.