FFXIV Patch 7.31 Relic Weapon Guide

With FFXIV Patch 7.31, a new step (or rather, three steps) of the relic weapon journey has been added. Meoni shared a guide on his YouTube channel, breaking down each stage in detail, explaining where to go, what items you'll need, and how best to approach the grind. Let's dive in.

Step 1 – Keeping the Old Ways Alive

You can unlock this stage in Phantom Village if you've completed the earlier relic weapon phases, including the tombstone phase from the 7.2 series.

For this step, you'll be tasked with gathering several items for GeroltIn Phantom VillageGather the Step 1 items for himHand them in to unlock the next phase in Phantom Village. These requirements are a clear throwback to A Realm Reborn-era relic grinds, including vendor purchases, crafted items, and a gemstone item.

Required Items

• Dark Matter Alpha, Beta, and GammaCrafted items, HQ required (NQ will fail)Crafting needs masterwork XII unlockedOr buy them directly from the Market Board – crafted items (HQ required).
• Rroneek GlueSold by Goplu, an independent merchantNear the Bayside Bevy in TuliyollalCosts 300,000 gil – purchased from Goplu, an independent merchant near the Bayside Bevy in Tuliyollal, for 300,000 gil of FF14.
• Ut'ohmu SideriteThe gemstone item for Step 1From gemstone traders in Yak T'el600 bicolor gemstones, earned through FATEs – available from gemstone traders in Yak T'el for 600 bicolor gemstones (earned through FATEs).

Crafting Notes

• To make the Dark Matter items, you'll need masterwork XII unlocked. This can be obtained with scrips from Solution Nine or bought off the Market Board.
• Alternatively, you can skip crafting and buy everything directly from the Market Board (though expect inflated prices early on).

Once you've collected all items, hand them to Gerolt to complete this nostalgic step and unlock the next phase.

Step 2 – The Aetherwell Stage

This stage is essentially a light farming phase, similar to older relic steps but streamlined. You'll need to fill four AetherwellsFour to fill in Step 2Each requires 10,000 Aether from a specific categoryEach category grants a large bonus once per day by running different types of content.

Aetherwell Requirements

Each well requires 10,000 Aether from a specific category:

• High-Level Dungeons (Lv. 50–90 dungeons)
• Alliance Raids (all 24-player raids)
• Trials (via Trial Roulette)
• Normal Raids (via Raid Roulette)

Bonuses and Reset

• Each category grants a large bonus once per day (resetting at your server's daily reset).
• Outside of the daily bonus, the Aether gain is much smaller, making farming inefficient.

Example Aether Gains for One Day

While you can spam content, the daily bonus is by far the most efficient method. For sanity's sake, most players should avoid grinding beyond the bonus.

Step 3 – Tombstones of Heliometry

The third stage, unlocked after completing the Aetherwells, will require 1,500 Tombstones of Heliometry. Rumor has it that this step rewards a new glowy version of the current relic models—adding a glow effect rather than a completely new design.

Final Thoughts

While opinions are mixed (some dislike the Aether grind disparity between roulettes, others appreciate the daily-structured approach), overall, this feels more approachable than past relic grinds like the infamous Atma stage.

If you're aiming for your relic weapon, take it slow—do your dailies, gather your items, and before long, you'll have a shiny new glow to show for it.

FAQ

How do you unlock the Patch 7.31 relic weapon steps?

You can unlock the first stage in Phantom Village if you've completed the earlier relic weapon phases, including the tombstone phase from the 7.2 series. Handing Gerolt the Step 1 items unlocks the Aetherwell stage, and completing the Aetherwells unlocks the third stage.

What items do you need for Keeping the Old Ways Alive?

Dark Matter Alpha, Beta, and Gamma (crafted, HQ required), Rroneek Glue (300,000 gil from Goplu, an independent merchant near the Bayside Bevy in Tuliyollal) and Ut'ohmu Siderite (600 bicolor gemstones from gemstone traders in Yak T'el). The bicolor gemstones are earned through FATEs.

How do you craft Dark Matter Alpha, Beta, and Gamma?

You'll need masterwork XII unlocked, which can be obtained with scrips from Solution Nine or bought off the Market Board. Be sure to craft High Quality (HQ) versions, as NQ will fail. Alternatively, you can skip crafting and buy everything directly from the Market Board, though expect inflated prices early on.

How much Aether does each Aetherwell need?

Each of the four Aetherwells requires 10,000 Aether from a specific category: High-Level Dungeons (Lv. 50–90 dungeons), Alliance Raids (all 24-player raids), Trials (via Trial Roulette) and Normal Raids (via Raid Roulette).

What is the most efficient way to fill the Aetherwells?

The daily bonus is by far the most efficient method: each category grants a large bonus once per day, resetting at your server's daily reset, and outside of it the Aether gain is much smaller. Log in daily, complete all four roulettes and log out, and the grind will complete steadily in a couple of weeks.

What does the third step of the Patch 7.31 relic require?

The third stage, unlocked after completing the Aetherwells, requires 1,500 Tombstones of Heliometry. Rumor has it that this step rewards a new glowy version of the current relic models, adding a glow effect rather than a completely new design.