TL;DR
- Anima Weapons are Heavensward’s level 60 relic weapons requiring three sequential quest steps
- Zeta weapon owners can skip the initial ATMA crystal farming stage entirely
- Dungeon completion requires specific gear equipped only upon dungeon exit
- The final stage involves collecting four complex items through extensive grinding
- Multi-class progression allows simultaneous work on different weapon quest stages
Following the Final Fantasy XIV Patch 3.15 release, the most sought-after equipment remains the Anima Weapon series. These legendary arms represent the pinnacle of Heavensward content, continuing the tradition of challenging relic weapon questlines established in earlier expansions. Much like their predecessors from version 2.0, obtaining these powerful weapons demands significant dedication and strategic planning. If you’re uncertain about the acquisition process, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every phase systematically.
Anima Weapons serve as the level 60 Relic Weapons specifically designed for the Heavensward expansion. Introduced in the 3.15 update, these quests don’t mandate completion of previous Zodiac Weapon chains, though veterans with Zeta weapons gain substantial advantages. The progression system features cross-class benefits, meaning any Zeta weapon ownership accelerates your initial Anima progression regardless of job alignment. For instance, possessing a Warrior Zeta weapon provides benefits when pursuing the Dark Knight Anima weapon, demonstrating the flexible nature of these bonuses.
Your journey begins in Idylshire, where you’ll initiate the three-part quest sequence. Each relic follows the same progression path, but the system accommodates simultaneous multi-weapon advancement. You could theoretically start the initial quest on your Paladin while completing the final stage on your Warrior simultaneously. This flexible approach allows players to maximize efficiency across multiple jobs. The structured approach ensures methodical progression while maintaining engagement throughout the lengthy process.
The sequential nature of these quests creates a natural pacing mechanism, preventing players from becoming overwhelmed by the sheer scale of requirements. Understanding this framework early helps manage expectations and plan your time investment effectively across the various stages of weapon development.
The initial phase demands gathering 18 ATMA crystals from FATE encounters across Heavensward’s new territories, requiring three crystals from each designated zone. Veterans can completely bypass this stage by presenting their completed Zeta relic weapon, saving dozens of hours of grinding. You may complete FATEs using any class, making this an excellent opportunity to level alternate jobs while progressing your main weapon.

Strategic FATE farming involves monitoring active FATEs across multiple zones simultaneously and prioritizing gold-rated completions for improved drop rates. Many players underestimate the time commitment here—expect 8-15 hours of focused farming without Zeta skip, depending on RNG factors. Group coordination can significantly reduce completion time through efficient zone coverage and rapid FATE clearing.
This stage mandates clearing ten specific dungeons with your developing relic equipped. The first six instances can be completed unsynced, requiring only that you have the weapon equipped upon dungeon completion. The required dungeons include: Snowcloak, Sastasha (Hard), The Sunken Temple of Qarn (Hard), Keeper of the Lake, Wanderer’s Palace (Hard), Amdapor Keep (Hard), Dusk Vigil, Sohm Al, The Aery, and The Vault. For detailed strategies on these challenging dungeons, consult our comprehensive Class Guide for optimal role performance.
Players possessing Zeta weapons will find subsequent steps considerably easier. Without this advantage, the crystal collection phase becomes particularly demanding due to the random nature of FATE spawning and crystal drop mechanics. This variability can extend completion time significantly, often requiring 10-20 hours of dedicated farming. Many veterans recommend combining this grind with daily roulettes and challenge log completions for efficiency.

The concluding phase represents the most extensive commitment, requiring collection of four distinct items for master smith Gerolt. Each component demands trading various materials acquired through multiple gameplay systems, with transactions handled by Cristina in Revenant’s Toll. Both primary and secondary tokens remain mandatory for progression, typically consuming 15-25 hours based on preparation and resource management.
This stage heavily utilizes crafting, gathering, and tomestone systems, making it beneficial to have multiple disciplines leveled. Proper planning and resource stockpiling beforehand can reduce completion time by 30-40%. Consult our Weapons Unlock guide for additional weapon progression strategies that complement this final phase.
For players struggling with the extensive time commitment, professional power leveling services offer alternative completion paths. These services can be particularly valuable for time-constrained players who still wish to experience endgame content. However, many veterans recommend attempting the questline personally first to fully appreciate the achievement and learn valuable gameplay mechanics along the way.
Common mistakes include underestimating time requirements, inefficient FATE routing, and poor resource allocation. Our Complete Guide provides additional optimization frameworks applicable to various gaming scenarios. The Anima Weapon represents not just statistical superiority but symbolic dedication to mastering Heavensward’s challenges.
Beyond their combat prowess, these weapons embody the commitment of dedicated Final Fantasy XIV enthusiasts. While the journey proves extensive, the satisfaction of wielding these legendary arms justifies the investment for serious players pursuing complete Heavensward mastery.
Action Checklist
- Travel to Idylshire and accept the initial quest from the designated NPC
- Farm 18 ATMA crystals from Heavensward FATEs or skip with Zeta weapon
- Complete 10 specified dungeons with relic equipped upon exit
- Collect 4 final items through trading with Cristina in Revenant’s Toll
- Return to Gerolt with all components to receive your completed Anima Weapon
No reproduction without permission:GameCDjnh » How to Get the New Level 60 Relic Weapons, the Anima Weapons Complete guide to obtaining Final Fantasy XIV's Anima Weapons with expert strategies and time-saving tips
