In Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), the Crystal Tower raid is a pivotal part of the game's storyline, and unlocking it is a significant milestone for players looking to experience some of the most iconic and challenging content in the Final Fantasy XIV Gil game. With its connection to the classic Final Fantasy series and the storyline elements from A Realm Reborn, the Crystal Tower offers an epic adventure that rewards players with high-quality loot, exciting mechanics, and a deep dive into the lore.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to unlock the Crystal Tower raid, including its requirements, steps, story connections, and some helpful tips to make your journey smoother.
What is the Crystal Tower?
The Crystal Tower is a 3-part alliance raid series that was introduced in Patch 2.1 of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. This raid connects deeply to the lore of Eorzea, particularly the ancient Allagan Empire, and is considered one of the most iconic raids in the game due to its grand scale, unique challenges, and its homage to Final Fantasy III (the original game's Crystal Tower dungeon).
In terms of gameplay, Crystal Tower is an Alliance Raid, meaning that you will be joining with other players (typically 24 players in total) to defeat bosses, solve puzzles, and face challenging encounters. The rewards from this raid can be quite valuable, particularly in terms of gear, Tomestones, and achievement points. Additionally, the Crystal Tower is tied to some major aspects of the storyline in A Realm Reborn, providing players with a deeper connection to the game's plot and the overarching Final Fantasy XIV lore.
Pre-Requisite Requirements
Before you can access the Crystal Tower, you need to meet some specific criteria. These requirements are based on your level, story progression, and patch content. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary prerequisites:
1. Level Requirement
The Crystal Tower raid requires players to be level 50. Since the content was introduced in the early patches of A Realm Reborn, the raid is intended for characters that have completed the main A Realm Reborn storylines and are eligible for endgame content.
Minimum Level: 50
If you haven’t yet reached level 50, you’ll need to complete the main storyline up to that point. This includes the majority of quests in the Main Scenario Quests (MSQ) in the A Realm Reborn story. Once you’ve reached level 50, you will be able to start the journey to unlock the Crystal Tower.
2. Main Scenario Quest Progression
Before accessing the Crystal Tower, you need to have progressed far enough in the Main Scenario Questline (MSQ). Specifically, you must complete the quest titled "The Ultimate Weapon," which is the final quest of A Realm Reborn's main story. This will unlock the post-expansion content, including the ability to enter the Crystal Tower.
Required MSQ: Complete "The Ultimate Weapon" in A Realm Reborn.
The Ultimate Weapon is a significant story milestone that marks the final steps in the initial A Realm Reborn storyline, culminating in a battle against the Ultima Weapon.
Once you complete this quest, you will be directed to begin the journey to unlock the Crystal Tower.
How to Unlock the Crystal Tower
Now that you meet the level and progression requirements, it’s time to begin the process of unlocking the Crystal Tower raid itself. Follow these steps carefully to gain access:
Step 1: Head to Mor Dhona
The Crystal Tower raid is unlocked by speaking to an NPC in Mor Dhona, an area located in the central part of Eorzea, just east of Ul'dah. You will find the NPC Dr. Zaius near the Castrum Meridianum area in Mor Dhona. He will give you the quest to unlock the raid and is the gateway to the Crystal Tower.
NPC Name: Dr. Zaius
Location: Mor Dhona (Coordinates: X: 22.4, Y: 6.5)
Once you speak to Dr. Zaius, he will offer the quest titled "The Crystal Tower", which is the initial step in unlocking the raid. This quest will guide you to the tower itself and explain the significance of the Crystal Tower in the lore of Eorzea.
Step 2: Begin the Quest – "The Crystal Tower"
Dr. Zaius will explain that the Crystal Tower is a relic from an ancient time, and that its mysterious nature has drawn the attention of powerful forces. You’ll need to buy Final Fantasy XIV Gil follow the questline, which will lead you through a series of steps to prepare for the upcoming raids. At this stage, you’ll be tasked with gathering an alliance and venturing to the Crystal Tower to face its trials.
Quest Given by: Dr. Zaius
Quest Title: "The Crystal Tower"