TL;DR
- Empyrean Weapons are 14 high-performance weapons obtained through the Trial of the Magians quest series
- Begin at Ru’lude Gardens and progress through multiple stages requiring specific NM kills and item collection
- Heavy Metal Plates (1500) and Rift materials (60) represent the most challenging acquisition phases
- Strategic farming through Voidwatch, Ambuscade, and market purchases accelerates completion
- Weapon Skills unlock during progression and level 119 upgrades become available after completion
Following our previous coverage of Mythic Weapons in FFXI, we now delve into the comprehensive process of constructing Empyrean Weapons, representing the next tier in Final Fantasy XI’s legendary armaments progression.
Empyrean Weapons, alternatively known as “Full Magian Weapons,” comprise 14 distinct high-damage, low-delay armaments—one for every weapon category excluding throwing weapons. These exceptional items are exclusively obtainable through completion of the “Trial of the Magians” quest sequence, demanding extensive farming of materials dropped from numerous Notorious Monsters (NMs) throughout Vana’diel.
Your Empyrean Weapon journey commences at Ru’lude Gardens (H-8), where you’ll encounter a distinctive Splintery Chest containing the initial weapon selection.

Select any weapon displayed on the first page that aligns with your desired weapon type, thereby establishing your foundation weapon. Subsequently, trade this base weapon to the adjacent Moogle, who will then guide you through the intricate upgrade pathway.




Each Empyrean Weapon follows a unique upgrade trajectory, though occasional overlaps occur where different weapons require identical NM eliminations or item collections. The initial six trials demand systematic elimination of specific Notorious Monsters, each requiring multiple successful encounters.
Critical strategy: Eliminate placeholder creatures to trigger NM spawns, ensuring your trial weapon remains equipped during combat to register progress. Proper positioning within experience point range when the target creature falls is essential for credit acquisition.
Following completion of designated enemy eliminations, advance to confront three formidable Voidwalker NMs, representing a significant difficulty escalation.
Progress next to Vision of Abyssea zones, where you’ll target weapon-specific NMs to accumulate 50 required item drops. Subsequently transition to Abyssea Scar zones for identical collection tasks involving different NMs. Upon scar zone completion, your weapon’s associated Weapon Skill becomes accessible.
Advance to Heroes of Abyssea NM engagements, now requiring 75 collected items. Achievement of this milestone elevates your weapon to level 90 status.
The subsequent phase presents the most substantial challenge: acquiring 1500 Heavy Metal Plates through three primary acquisition methods.
Voidwatch engagements offer plate acquisition through NM defeats, providing either individual plates from reward chests or pouches containing 10-25 plates—insufficient quantities given the massive requirement.
Ambuscade represents the most reliable source, permitting monthly acquisition of at least 100 plates through accumulated points. Additionally, Gallantry provides 50 plates quarterly, supplementing standard Hallmark rewards.
Market procurement through Auction House and player Bazaars completes the acquisition triad, though market fluctuations can significantly impact costs.
Implement all three methods simultaneously: maximize Ambuscade contributions, generate supplementary FFXI currency, and accumulate available market purchases to accelerate completion.
Post-plate completion elevates your weapon to level 95. The final ascent to level 99 necessitates trading either 60 Riftcinder or Riftdross based on weapon classification.
Rift materials mirror Heavy Metal Plate acquisition pathways through different Voidwatch NMs. Ambuscade provides 3 of each material monthly, with Gallantry offering 2 additional units during overlapping reward periods.
Expert recommendation: defer market purchases initially, as natural accumulation through activities often reduces required expenditures. Many veterans discover surplus materials that can be converted back into plates through market transactions.
Upon successful completion, congratulations! Your Empyrean Weapon now reaches its maximum level 99 potential. Immediately proceed to Oboro to initiate the upgrade process advancing your weapon to contemporary level 119 standards.
This comprehensive guide synthesizes community knowledge and veteran expertise to streamline your Empyrean Weapon creation journey.
Action Checklist
- Visit Ru’lude Gardens (H-8) and select base weapon from Splintery Chest
- Complete initial six NM trial sequences with weapon equipped
- Eliminate three Voidwalker NMs to advance progression
- Farm 50 items in Abyssea Vision zones, then 50 in Scar zones
- Collect 75 Heroes of Abyssea items to reach level 90
- Acquire 1500 Heavy Metal Plates through combined methods
- Gather 60 Riftcinder or Riftdross for final upgrade
- Visit Oboro to upgrade your level 99 Empyrean Weapon to 119
No reproduction without permission:GameCDjnh » How to Build an Empyrean Weapon in FFXI Complete guide to crafting powerful Empyrean Weapons in FFXI with expert strategies and time-saving tips
