TL;DR
- Complete Main Scenario Quests to unlock essential game features and content access
- Prepare appropriate gear sets: scouting for Viper and casting for Pictomancer
- Optimize Wondrous Tails timing to gain significant EXP boosts during early leveling
- Utilize Second Chance Points strategically to complete sticker books efficiently
- Combine daily Frontline and Beast Tribe activities for consistent experience gains
With the FFXIV Dawntrail expansion approaching rapidly, players need effective strategies to prepare for leveling the new Viper and Pictomancer jobs. This comprehensive guide, inspired by Desperius’s expert analysis, provides actionable preparation methods to accelerate your progression from day one.
Complete MSQ
Ensuring your Main Scenario Quests are fully completed is absolutely critical before Dawntrail’s launch. These narrative-driven missions not only advance the core storyline but progressively unlock fundamental gameplay systems including airship transportation, Grand Company membership, personal Chocobo mounts, and access to new regions. More importantly, MSQ completion grants entry to essential dungeons and trials that become vital for efficient leveling. Many players underestimate how much time they’ll save by having all content unlocked before tackling new job leveling.
Gear
Regardless of your chosen leveling approach, having appropriate equipment prepared in advance significantly accelerates early progression. For Pictomancer, prioritize collecting casting gear, while Viper requires scouting armor sets. Although initial weapons for these jobs won’t be available until you unlock them, having complete armor sets ready provides a substantial head start. Consider using Allagan Tomestones of Poetics to acquire high-quality level 50, 60, 70, and 80 gear from vendors in Mor Dhona or Eulmore.
Wondrous Tails
Wondrous Tails represents a powerful weekly activity accessible upon reaching level 60 in Idyllshire. Players receive a sticker book containing multiple slots to be filled by completing specific duties listed on the accompanying page. This system provides one of the most time-efficient experience gains available in FFXIV.

The system incorporates strategic depth through Second Chance Points, earned by assisting players through dungeons, raids, or trials they haven’t previously completed. These points allow you to reattempt challenges for additional stickers, significantly increasing completion probability. Upon submitting a fully stamped book to Khloe Aliapoh, you receive experience equivalent to approximately half your current level, scaling effectively regardless of your progression stage.
For optimal Dawntrail preparation, target the reset on June 18th to acquire a fresh book. Complete all nine sticker slots but resist the temptation to immediately claim your reward. Instead, hold the completed book until the following week’s reset on June 25th, then immediately obtain another book. This strategic timing allows you to retain both books until Early Access begins on June 28th. Execute this sequence: begin your new job quest, redeem the first completed book for massive early EXP, immediately collect the second book from Khloe, then complete it using quick tasks like the King Moggle Mog trial. Utilize Second Chance Points to efficiently finish the second book, effectively gaining nearly a full level within minutes. Remember that completed books also reward Allagan Tomestone of Poetics, valuable for gearing your new job.
Complement your primary leveling strategies with daily Frontline engagements, which provide substantial experience rewards regardless of victory or defeat. Additionally, prioritize Arkasodara Beast Tribe dailies—these quick missions typically require only about five minutes to complete yet grant experience comparable to an entire dungeon run. While limited to once daily, their exceptional time-to-EXP ratio makes them invaluable for consistent progression. These methods combined create a comprehensive preparation framework that will dramatically reduce your leveling time when Dawntrail arrives.
Action Checklist
- Verify Main Scenario Quest completion through quest journal
- Acquire full scouting gear set for Viper and casting set for Pictomancer
- Complete Wondrous Tails book during June 18th week but don’t redeem
- Obtain second Wondrous Tails book on June 25th
- Redeem first book immediately after unlocking new job on June 28th
- Complete second book using quick trials and Second Chance Points
No reproduction without permission:GameCDjnh » FFXIV Dawntrail Viper & Pictomancer Leveling – Do These Now Essential preparation strategies for leveling Viper and Pictomancer in FFXIV Dawntrail expansion
