FFXIV Relic Weapons Guide (Fastest, Easiest & Best Relics Ranked)
Relic weapons in FFXIV are long-term progression systems that evolve basic weapons into powerful endgame gear. Each expansion introduces a unique relic system with different mechanics, grind length, and difficulty.
This guide compares every relic weapon system so you can quickly determine:
- Which relic is the fastest to complete
- Which relic is the easiest to farm
- Which relic requires the longest grind
- Where to start each relic questline
Fastest Relic Weapons in FFXIV
| Category | Best Relic | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Easiest | Manderville Weapons | Tomestone-based progression with minimal grind |
| Fastest Modern Relic | Phantom Weapons | Flexible farming through multiple content types |
| Balanced Grind | Resistance Weapons | Multiple viable farming paths |
| Longest Grind | Zodiac Weapons | Heavy multi-stage progression with RNG elements |
This comparison gives a quick overview of which relic system fits your playstyle and available time.
Relic Weapon Systems by Expansion
A Realm Reborn — Zodiac Weapons
The original relic system featuring one of the longest and most complex upgrade paths in the game.
- Heavy dungeon and FATE grinding
- Crafted item requirements
- Multiple upgrade stages
Heavensward — Anima Weapons
A more structured relic system focused on repeatable farming and tomestone progression.
- Dungeon and trial farming
- Aetheric density grinding
- Tomestone materials
Stormblood — Eureka Weapons
A unique relic system tied to large-scale exploration zones and cooperative gameplay.
- Separate leveling system
- Notorious Monster events
- Large group content
Shadowbringers — Resistance Weapons
A flexible relic system tied to Bozja battlefield content and large-scale encounters.
- Multiple progression routes
- Raid-based upgrades
- Battlefield farming
Endwalker — Manderville Weapons
The easiest relic system in FFXIV, focused almost entirely on tomestone farming.
- Fast completion time
- No RNG grind
- Highly accessible
View Manderville Weapons Guide
Dawntrail — Phantom Weapons
The newest relic system combining FATE farming, roulettes, and flexible progression systems.
- Multi-content progression
- Scalable farming routes
- Modern relic design
Relic Armor Systems
Some expansions also include relic armor sets tied to their progression systems.
| Expansion | Armor System | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Stormblood | Eureka Armor | View Guide |
| Shadowbringers | Resistance Armor | View Guide |
| Dawntrail | Arcanaut Armor | View Guide |
Relic System Comparison
| Expansion | Weapon | Content Type | Grind Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Realm Reborn | Zodiac | Dungeons, FATEs | Very Long |
| Heavensward | Anima | Dungeons, Tomestones | Long |
| Stormblood | Eureka | Exploration Zones | Very Long |
| Shadowbringers | Resistance | Bozja Content | Long |
| Endwalker | Manderville | Tomestones | Short |
| Dawntrail | Phantom | Mixed Content | Medium |
Choosing the Right Relic
Each relic system is designed for a different type of player:
- Want the fastest relic? Choose Manderville Weapons
- Want modern flexible farming? Choose Phantom Weapons
- Want large-scale content? Choose Eureka or Resistance
- Want a long-term grind? Choose Zodiac Weapons
