FFXIV Armorsmith Leveling Guide L1 to 80 | 5.3 ShB Updated

Shadowbringers Updated! “How bad can it be?” Armorer power leveling to 80! ARM Levequest Items comparisons and value moves per tier!

ARM Leveling Guide 70-80

MIN & BTN Leveling Guides updated. Other notes...

Botanist Leveling to 90, as well as Miner Leveling to 90 are updated for the Endwalker tier. Older tiers needs some fixing, although I modernized what I could quickly – I placed the important notes on the top of the aforementioned guides reflecting the major things that you need to take note of.

I will post a personal update soon, for those that are curious…

ShB 5.3 UPDATED! Dwarf Beast Tribe and Ehll Tou

Recent Update Log

5.3 Updates

  • Dwarf Beast Tribe quests added in ShB tier as a notable EXP source.
  • Ehll Tou added as Custom Delivery client option.

Previous updates

  • Kai Shirr added as Custom Delivery client option in ShB tier.
  • L70 to L80 section essentially revamped: New Skills & Rotations! 5.2ish was a clusterF. Skills changed TWICE in a short span of time. All is well now!
  • L70+ Gear recommendation:  Yellow Scrip gear is now recommended, for a number of reasons (Mainly, barely need stats for 70 to 80 leveling)

Like the plates you’re makin – you’re back for another round of pounding huh? Well, no time to waste! Armorer 70 to 80 here we go!

ARM Leveling Guide – Navigation: [0-15] | [15-35] | [35-50]
[50-60] | [60-64] | [64-70] | [70-80]

L70 to L80 DoH Beast Tribe quests: Dwarf

5.3 introduced the Dwarf Beast Tribe, which is a very welcome form of “free and easy” EXP, while getting some cool cosmetic items to boot.

Unlocking Dwarf Beast Tribe

Here’s some basics on how to unlock Dwarf Beast Tribe.

  • Location: Lakeland (9, 13)
  • Quest Name: It’s Dwarfin’ Time
  • NPC: Affable Townsdwarf
  • L70+ Disciple of the Hand

Other unlocking requirements pretty much sum up to “the blue dwarf quests in this area”. Formally, it requires “Ronitt to the Rescue”, which requires “Wright for the Job” and “Learning to Lali-Ho”, and so on. If you can’t see the quest, then knock out the blue quests around the area.

I place this Beast Tribe reminder very far up this guide not only because it’s a mid-patch addition, but also because it’s such a help to push past the dreaded “Dead Zone”. It remains a great source of EXP at any point until you that to hit L80!


Armorsmith L70 to L71 – The Deadzone

The first level of any new tier is a little brutal – and hard for me to account for since everyone has different stats coming in. The deadzone is caused by having subpar gear, and how it affects your possible activities to get past it. Fixing up your gear – getting Scrip gear – should be your highest priority at L70, as it will help ALL YOUR CRAFTERS push past the deadzone, and this gear is GOOD UNTIL LEVEL 80!

Suit up - Get Scrip gear ASAP

As mentioned above. It is SUPER VALUE to get this gear as it’s useful to you up until leveling to 80, and usable by all classes. Do Custom Deliveries to get scrip!

L70 Gear Update

SlotItem

Notes

Main HandKing-tier MainhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
Off HandKing-tier OffhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HeadHandking’s TurbanBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BodyHandking’s DoubletBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HandsHandking’s GlovesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BeltHandking’s Tool BeltBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
LegsHandking’s BottomsBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BootsHandking’s ShoesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
EarringHandking’s EarringOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
NeckHandking’s NecklaceOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
WristHandking’s ArmillaeOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values

At least for the deadzone, I calculated a need of 1630 Craftsmanship, 1513 Control and at least 365 CP. 

L70 to 71 Deadzone Rotation 80 Durability

This rotation needs 365 CP – buy Handking accessories (or any cheap ones) and/or food buffs to reach that. It’s meant to accomodate all sorts of people entering the SHB tier (with likely lower CP). Feel free to upgrade this rotation if you have more stats.

Macro P1: “MSan L70/368C/80D A”

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/echo Macro A done. Better than nothing, Mahiko San! <se.1>

Macro P2: “MSan L70/368C/80D B”

/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Basic Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Basic Synthesis” <wait.3>

/echo Crafting done! Mahiko San, srsly, a six synth!? <se.3>

While ugly, it gets around 80% HQ given the average times Hasty Touch will miss. With 1 HQ material, it becomes ALMOST 100%

L70 to 71 Deadzone Rotation 40 Durability

This rotation needs 361 CP – buy Handking accessories (or any cheap ones) and/or food buffs to reach that. It’s meant to accomodate all sorts of people entering the SHB tier (with likely lower CP). Feel free to upgrade this rotation if you have more stats.

Macro P1: “MSan L70/361C/40D A”

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/echo Macro A done. Thank you Mahiko San! <se.1>

Macro P2: “MSan L70/361C/40D B”

/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo Crafting done! Mahiko San, I am forever your slave! <se.3>

This one is weirdly OK. Hovers at roughly 80% HQ given the average times Hasty Touch will miss. With 1 HQ material, it becomes 100%

Rotation Notes

As you can see, the amount of synthesis you need here is brutal – the debuff for trying L71 as L70 is huge. It’s called the deadzone for a reason.

Also, these contain the anti-poor RNG Tricks of the Trade – which prevents your Byregot from landing on poor at all times.

The rotations are somewhat long, 2-button, and not even 100% – but that’s the nature of the deadzone for you! Let’s get out of it ASAP!

TLDR: Updating your gear is key to getting out of the deadzone, and when you do – you can use this rotation to help push out of it.

Beating the Deadzone: Sources of EXP

Here we outline the practical (or hopefully practical) sources of EXP to help muscle through this tough stretch. While many of these do not require the scrip gear mentioned above (Custom Deliveries, and easier tier GC Submissions), they will certainly help with some other activities (IE Grinding, making your own levequest items).

CUSTOM DELIVERIES!!!

Custom Deliveries.

Ok, this is valuetown right here and one of the prime methods to get out of the deadzone – BUT IT RESETS WEEKLY, so choose wisely. Personally, I didn’t use this on any class above 71 until all were 71 or more. You also get large amounts of scrip to update your gear with!

5.3 update: Ehll Tou from The Firmament joins Kai Shirr from Eulmore, as both the L70+ ShB Custom Delivery clients, so they’re your best option for maximum rewards at this point. Try to use all your allowances between them if you’re leveling 70 to 80.

You have 12 deliveries a week spread between:

  • Kai Shirr in Eulmore
  • Ehll Tou in The Firmament
  • Zhloe Alpaioh and Adkiragh in Idyllshire
  • Mnaago in Rhalgr’s Reach
  • Kurenai in Ruby Sea

Note that these 12 allowances are shared between ALL DOH/DOL classes.

Daily GC Submission

From here, and into the untold ages to come, the aily GC Submission is VALUE. It’s, on average, worth more than the usual levequest. The starred entries are too massive to even describe.

Even if you can’t make these yourselves, check the MB for deals, or buy them straight up NQ from NPC’s if you’re desperate.

To check these, click CTRL+U (default) > Next Mission Allowance.

Levequests!?

Levequests are, of course, the main method of EXP gain as always – If you upgraded your gear, and use the rotation above (IDEALLY WITH 1 HQ MATERIAL TO PUSH FOR 100%) you can pretty reliably make them yourself.

One trick is to grind on 40 Durability “ingots”, and
use the HQ’s for your 80 Durability crafts!

If you’re lazy or don’t have the gear – you’re either forced to buy from the MB or NPC’s. This feels really bad, and if you’re on a budget this is not the way to go. Hopefully you find some good deals!

If you CAN make stuff then the deadzone ain’t so dead after all

Grinding

Use Revised Engineering Manuals!

Can be pretty okay, honestly! You don’t need to hit HQ! Just get the best quality you can on any “ingot type” craft, for future use on levequest items or your stockpile.

In the case of Armorsmith L70, you can try out Deepgold Nugget, and Deepgold Ingot.

One trick is to grind on 40 Durability “ingots”, and
use the HQ’s for your 80 Durability crafts!

and finally one more source of EXP worth mentioning in its own segment…

Unlock Crystarium Deliveries “Class Quests”

This is a new thing (not to be confused with custom deliveries), that acts as a shared class quest between certain classes. In the case of Armorsmith, shares with Blacksmith and Goldsmith in the Facet of Forging.

UnlockingHow does it Work?

It’s a 2 quest process to unlock this.

  • 1st Quest: The Crystalline Mean (L70) – Area: The Crystarium
  • Requires: MSQ “The Crystarium’s Resolve (L72)”.
  • 2nd Quest: Iola, Forgemaster (L70) – Area: The Crystarium
  • Requires: The Crystalline Mean (the 1st quest listed above)

You can submit SIX ITEMS PER TIER PER FACET – shared between your facetmates. So try to save them up to burst through shitty tiers.

After six submissions your esteem goes up, and they’re gonna ask for a new set of six items at L73, 75, and 78.

In the case of ARM 70, I’d suggest simply splitting it up between the shared classes, meaning 2/3 each for ARM and GSM.

Armorsmith L70 Levequests

I’ll put the levequest table here, but I’ll repeat it in the next segment with complete discussion (I’ll put a basic recommendation here) – since not all L70 crafters will be able to reliably make it themselves…

ARM 70 Levequests

Again, discussion for these is in the next major segment, L71.

Level 70 Armorsmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestShielding the RealmTime to FryA Head of Demand
Item1Deepgold Kite Shield1Deepgold Rail Frypan1Deepgold Helm of Fending
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components2Deepgold Nugget3Deepgold Nugget2Deepgold Nugget
1Stonegold Nugget1White Oak Lumber1Bright Linen Cloth
1Oroshigane Ingot1Oroshigane Ingot
EXP155612417784281556124
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?4668372
Gil320032003200

Hopefully the Deadzone wont stress you out too much. There’s quite a few ways to push past it, but it definitely is one of the more difficult parts of leveling in a new tier, Shadowbringers to L80 is no exception.

Collectables: Be on the lookout!

While Armorsmith isn’t exactly the class associated with great collectable items, it’s never bad to always be aware that these may offer a different leveling path for you day to day. Who knows, right? Don’t Ignore ’em!


Armorsmith L71 to 72

A lot goes on in this level so bear with me even if it’s a bit lengthy. A majority of your setup ALL THE WAY UNTIL L80 ARM happens here so it’s worth it. Most noteworthy are a stat-check or gear update, and a new rotation that works very well until L80!

ARM L71 GEAR UPDATE

This gear update is similar to the L70 one. You need to get all the L70 Scrip armor, and as many accessories as you need to reach the CP requirements (370~).

Scrip Gear

This is merely a copy of the L70 gear update. If you didn’t update or incompletely updated your gear at L70, then you MUST do it now. Of course, if you have any gear that beats this – go for that instead.

 

Mainhand and Body are MANDATORY – the rest can be substituted for L71 crafted if you like (more notes in the next tab)

L70 / L71 Gear Update
SlotItemNotes
Main HandKing-tier MainhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
Off HandKing-tier OffhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HeadHandking’s TurbanBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BodyHandking’s DoubletBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HandsHandking’s GlovesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BeltHandking’s Tool BeltBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
LegsHandking’s BottomsBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BootsHandking’s ShoesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
EarringHandking’s EarringOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
NeckHandking’s NecklaceOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
WristHandking’s ArmillaeOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values

The mandatory CP values are around 370, the other stats aren’t so strict.

No Scrip for Scrip Gear?

Then simply substitute any crafted L71 gear in their place. Generally speaking not all pieces are equal – you definitely prefer scrip in some places. Some pieces have better crafted (accessories) but are largely unnecessary. Consider these only if you’re short on scrip. 

TLDR: Only get and meld crafted L71 gear IF YOU HAVE NO SCRIP, Or rather spend GIL instead of scrip.

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t consider:

L71 Crafted Gear VS Scrip?
SlotBetter TypeNotes
Main HandSCRIPScrip gears stats are too far ahead
Off HandEITHER C>SEqual stats, crafted has a slot but meh.
HeadEITHER S>CMelded crafted only edges above, but not really worth
BodySCRIPScrip gears stats are too far ahead
HandsEITHER S>CMelded crafted only edges above, but not really worth
BeltEITHER S>COnly get crafted if you really have no scrip.
LegsEITHER S>COnly get crafted if you really have no scrip.
BootsEITHER S>COnly get crafted if you really have no scrip.
EarringEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
NeckEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
WristEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
RingEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
RingEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.

Scrip Mainhand and body are mandatory – everything else just depends on what resource you’d rather spend. For most people I’d imagine that’s scrip (instead of shelling out gil)…

ARM L71 ROTATION UPDATE: 80 DURABILITY

The “L71 Mahiko San Synthesis: God’s Touch ™ – 80 Durability” is a ONE BUTTON macro (so it’s thankfully short), while being ABSOLUTE TRUE 100% (baits poor procs with Tricks of the Trade) while also being BUFFLESS.

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates & Notes

Macro P1: “MSan 365C/L71/80D”

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Basic Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>

Mahiko Sans “God’s Touch” ™ 80 Durability Success Rate
Recipe L71Recipe L72Recipe L73Recipe L74Recipe L75
DoH L71100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L72100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

Even if you somehow could make L76+ recipes – this still 100%’s it.

This rotation works from L71, crafting the most difficult possible recipe you can craft at this point (L75). You unlock more recipes at 75 but that’s a different story.

Again, being a ONE BUTTON, TRUE 100%, and BUFFLESS macro is something I’m proud of, and great news for you. 

ARM L71 ROTATION UPDATE: 40 DURABILITY

The “Mahiko San Synthesis: God’s Touch ™ – 40 Durability” Shares many similarities to its 80 Durability counterpart. True 100% success, while being another One Button Macro, and also BUFFLESS. It’s a 364CP rotation – so it’s quite light still.

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates & Notes

Macro Name: MSan L71/364C/40D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Basic Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>

Mahiko Sans “God’s Touch” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
Recipe L71Recipe L72Recipe L73Recipe L74Recipe L75
DoH L71100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L72100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

Even if you somehow could make L78 recipes – this still 100%’s it.

Again, being a ONE BUTTON, TRUE 100%, and BUFFLESS and works up to the maximum level of recipe you can craft for now. What’s not to like!?

Armorsmith L70 Levequests

Level 70 Armorsmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestShielding the RealmTime to FryA Head of Demand
Item1Deepgold Kite Shield1Deepgold Rail Frypan1Deepgold Helm of Fending
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components2Deepgold Nugget3Deepgold Nugget2Deepgold Nugget
1Stonegold Nugget1White Oak Lumber1Bright Linen Cloth
1Oroshigane Ingot1Oroshigane Ingot
EXP155612417784281556124
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?4668372
Gil320032003200
ARM L70 Levequest Discussion

Deepgold Kite Shield – Oroshigane Ingot is an RNG-priced material. Not a bad leve, though.

Deepgold Rail Frypan – USUALLY the better single. Totally depends on that Oroshigane Ingot. This is more stable, I feel, and gives more EXP. I really like this leve, even if it was a single.

Deepgold Helm of Fending – Felt really bad. Oroshigane Ingot, PLUS A COMPLETED CLOTH for less EXP/Item? That’s a no from me, dawg.

What to do in this tier?

Grind on a lot of Deepgold Nugget. Since Blacksmith has a “PDO LEVE” for Deepgold Nugget, grinding them on Armorer makes much more sense (since you have an “easy out” of this tier as BSM).

From there, you only have two choices:

  • Dry on leves and in a hurry? Do the triple (Deepgold Helm of Fending).
  • Not in a hurry, or lots of leves? Do the single (Deepgold Rail Frypan).
  • THE SINGLE FELT A LOT BETTER.

Remember your “extraneous sources of EXP”, like daily GC submits and whatnot – they really help push you past this tier.

Armorsmith L72 to 74

There’s a rotation upgrade at 73, which I talk about below the levequest discussion.

Armorsmith L72 Levequests

Level 72 Armorsmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestScheduled MaintenanceHedging BetsWrapped Knuckles
Item1Deepgold Ingot1Deepgold Surcoat of Maiming1Deepgold Gloves of Fending
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components4Stonegold Ore2Deepgold Ingot2Deepgold Ingot
1Copper Ore1Iridescent Silk1Green Glider Leather
1Green Glider Leather1Silk Thread
1Electrum Ingot
EXP52289022222821830115
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?5490345
Gil170434083408
ARM 72 Levequest Discussion

Deepgold Ingot – A PDO Leve (Great if Poor, Desperate, or Overcapped on leves!). They serve a purpose and are a great fallback for when you yourself are PDO.

Deepgold Surcoat of Maiming – This one isn’t so bad! It gives the best EXP/ITEM so far, but likely more costly than the previous tiers frypan.

Deepgold Gloves of Fending – Ah, this levequest felt amazing. Silk Thread is semi-RNG, so hopefully it’s cheap for you when you read this.

L73 Rotation Upgrade (40 & 80 DUR)

These rotations are TECHNICALLY optional. But they are SHORTER – saves time.  More importantly completes virtually any item 100% HQ until leveling to 80 (read notes for specifics). There’s no point to hold off upgrading rotation now… It’s also rated for higher L76 / L78 items.

L73 80 Durability Rotation update

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates and Notes

Macro Name: MSan L73/367C/80D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Standard Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac Groundwork <wait.3>
/ac Groundwork <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo DONE! 13 Steps? Why thanks, Mahiko San <se.2>

For 80 Durability, this rotation is what you’ll be using until L80.

Mahiko Sans “L73 Divine Creation” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
DoH L73DoH L74DoH L75DoH L76
Recipe L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L76100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L77100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L78100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L79100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

Well, this is the end of the road. True 100% success rate, only 13 Steps, and will cover your butt for EVERYTHING EXCEPT LEVEL 80 CRAFTS – of which are largely irrelevant for leveling.

L73 40 Durability Rotation update

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates and Notes

Macro Name: MSan L73/352C/40D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac Groundwork <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo DONE! Thanks Mahiko San, 13 Steps only! <se.2>

Mahiko Sans “L73 Divine Creation” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
DoH L73DoH L74DoH L75DoH L76
Recipe L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L76100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L77100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L78100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

This rotation obliterates any 40 durability item you will encounter during your leveling process while being only 13 steps, having true 100% success rate. Not bad.

If you need more CP, remember to just buy as many scrip accessories as you need, or craft as many L71 right-sides and meld as you need. It’s very easy to reach these CP values, and you can easily choose your path to obtain it.

What to do in this tier?

Make Deepgold Ingots ON YOUR BLACKSMITH. Don’t bother grinding them on your Armorer. Then, after you have a small pile…

  • If Silk Thread is readily available and cheap, do the triple (Deepgold Gloves of Fending). Compare costs to Iridescent Silk + Electrum Ingot. The TRIPLE is amazing. The only factor that would stop me from doing the triple is absurdly priced Silk Threat.
  • If Silk Thread is not available, then this tiers single is still good (Deepgold Surcoat of Maiming)
  • PDO? Submit Deepgold Ingots.

There’s a new facet quest at L73, and I remember piling all the EXP to BSM.

Armorsmith L74 to 76

Armorsmith L74 Levequests

Level 74 Armorsmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestA New RegularCatching an EarfulThe Proper Precautions
Item1Bluespirit Gauntlets of Fending1Bluespirit Headgear of Casting1Bluespirit Alembic
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components2Bluespirit Tile2Bluespirit Tile3Bluespirit Tile
1Atrociraptor Leather1Atrociraptor Leather1Manasilver Nugget
1Rose Gold Nugget1Pixie Floss
1Grade 1 Vitality Alkahest1Grade 1 Intelligence Alkahest
EXP253928228214252257140
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?6771420
Gil361336133616
ARM 74 Levequest Discussion

Bluespirit Gauntlets of Fending – Likely the worst of the bunch. Rose Gold Nugget is RNG, and it gives lesser EXP than the other single.

Bluespirit Headgear of Casting – Not a bad single leve. While the EXP isn’t huge compared to the previous tiers single, it’s viable. At least you have options going forward.

Bluespirit Alembic – Amazing triple. Probably the best thus far, and gives relatively great EXP.

What to do in this tier?

Make a stockpile of Bluespirit Tiles with your ARM (avoid grinding it with BSM, as they have the PDO leve for it). After that you have the usual options.

Triple levequests (Bluespirit Alembic) is overall the best move. Even the previous tiers triple (Deepgold Gloves of Fending) isn’t bad. Both of these levequests can be extremely cost-effective.

If you’re on a budget, this tiers single levequest (Bluespirit Headgear of Casting) gives great bang for buck. Make sure you’re a little healthy on leves if you wanna proceed this way.

Lastly, if life is kicking you into the dirt, there’s always the good ‘ol PDO levequest of Deepgold Ingot from last tier…

L75 unlocks a new facet quest, of which giving the EXP to ARM or GSM felt good in this tier, while BSM didn’t need any help.

Armorsmith L76 to 78

Start it off with a truly optional rotation update…

L76 Rotation Update *40 DUR Only*

I have a very minor rotation update for L76 40 DUR that simply reduces it to 12 steps. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t switch, but i’ll throw it out there anyway

Rotation Macro

Macro Name: MSan L76/347C/40D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Basic Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo Craft finished <se.2>

Notes and Success Rates

I don’t think I need to put it, but here it is anyway…

Mahiko Sans “L73 Deific Speed” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
DoH L76DoH L777DoH L78DoH L79
Recipe L76100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L77100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L78100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L79100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

12 Steps. True 100%. You’ve seen the quality I aspire to in previous rotations and this is no different.

Armorsmith L76 Levequests

Level 76 Armorsmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestNo ScopeSigned, Shield, DeliveredA Budding Business
Item1Titanbronze Ingot1Titanbronze Tower Shield1Titanbronze Tassets of Striking
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components4Titancopper Ore2Titanbronze Ingot2Titanbronze Ingot
1Titanium Ore1Titanbronze Nugget1Dhalmel Leather
1Manasilver Nugget1Grade 1 Strength Alkahest
EXP103428536199973619997
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?10859991
Gil191238243824
ARM 76 Levequest Discussion

Titanbronze Ingot – PDO leve of this tier. Never bad.

Titanbronze Tower Shield – While not bad in and of itself, it’s simply outclassed by this tiers triple. It’s the best single thus far (with the previous tiers only upside being possible price), but ultimately meaningless as this tiers triple destroys it in almost every respect.

Titanbronze Tassets of Striking – Simply the best levequest up to this point.

What to do in this tier?

Make Titanbronze Ingots with your BSM, for the reasons outlined in previous tiers. After that there are simply 2 options: “This tiers triple, or SOMETHING ELSE”.

It’s that simple. Either you do this tiers triple Titanbronze Tassets of Striking, or you do whatever else feels like good value to you. It’s hard to imagine, given how great this tiers triple felt.

New facet quest at 78 – all EXP from that went to GSM as ARM and BSM felt good enough up to here.

Armorsmith L78 to 80

You’re at the last stretch! Keep going!

Armorsmith L78 Levequests

Level 78 Armorsmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestOne Foot ForwardTrial and ErrorJoined at the Waist
Item1Dwarven Mythril Shoes of Maiming1Dwarven Mythril Chainmail of Fending1Dwarven Mythril Plate Belt of Casting
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components2Dwarven Mythril Ingot2Dwarven Mythril Ingot2Dwarven Mythril Ingot
1Sea Swallow Leather1Sea Swallow Leather1Dwarven Mythril Nugget
1Bright Linen Yarn1Dwarven Cotton1Grade 1 Intelligence Alkahest
1Grade 1 Strength Alkahest2Halgai Mane
1Rubber1Bright Linen Yarn
2Grade 1 Vitality Alkahest
EXP467857088067204403360
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?13210080
Gil403240324032
ARM 78 Levequest Discussion

Dwarven Mythril Shoes of Maiming – cost effective, but I struggle to think of a scenario wherein I would use this levequest over the others.

Dwarven Mythril Chainmail of Fending – I LOVE THIS LEVE! It has one of the most absurd EXP/ITEM ratios. Possibly my favorite levequest for ARM in Shadowbringers.

Dwarven Mythril Plate Belt of Casting – an AMAZING levequest in its own right. Solid value and solid EXP. Can’t go wrong with this either.

What to do in this tier?

Make a bunch of Dwarven Mythril Ingots first. Doesn’t matter if you do it with ARM or BSM.

From here, I personally went with Dwarven Mythril Chainmail of Fending. The EXP on this is simply godlike. I don’t mind the “Extra mats”. The sheer EXP per submission is staggering, and it isn’t even that expensive to make.

I would only recommend the triple Dwarven Mythril Plate Belt of Casting if you’re bone dry on leves. These are relatively cheap to make, so honestly this is a completely viable choice too.

With that being said, your journey to ARM 80 should soon come to a close!

L80+ Armorsmith, What next?

Congratulations! Well, that’s it for the Shadowbringers tier. I have yet to decide if I will revive the end-game guides, lets see. But for now enjoy your L80 Armorer and go level your other classes!!!

ARM Leveling Guide – Navigation: [0-15] | [15-35] | [35-50]
[50-60] | [60-64] | [64-70] | [70-80]


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16 thoughts on “FFXIV Armorsmith Leveling Guide L1 to 80 | 5.3 ShB Updated”

  1. Regarding the Lvl 76 Macro Update: I think I’ll stick to the L74 Macro as the little update is too unreliably for lower recipies than L76 if you follow the gearing update at Lvl 71. It finishes the craft before the quality step is finished.
    Otherwise many many thanks and much love tou you creating and sharing all these wonderful leveling guides for DoH/DoL. It’s a huge boost for me. <3

  2. Just wanted to throw it out there that you can buy the Titanium Tassets of Fending from Zundu Sell-It in Sea of Clouds for 11,008 gil, just in case you have the extra cash on hand to throw at it rather than have to deal with all the crafting.

  3. For me, it seems the best way to get 56-60 is by doin collectible’s.

    Titanium nuggets are 100k a turnin, wich translates the same as the leve’s more or less.

    Leveled GSM the same way, and u can go up really quickly provided u have the materials.

    Also, if you fail to achieve 250 collectible..your still able to turn them in as a leve.

  4. I’ve hit 56 on armorer yesterday and got to 58 today in about 3 hours. Since I have a miner so I’ve spent an hour gathering all mats and grind on Titanium Nuggets for collectible turn in and use commercial scrolls to boost exp, with rested exp, I net about 33K per nugget. So for 20 nuggets turn in I got roughly 2.9mil exp, it didn’t take that long imo. From 56-60 you would need about 12mil exp so it comes down to 80-90 nuggets, not to mention if you’re doing Moogle beast tribe and daily GC, it will fasten up the process.

  5. Hi,
    Armorer is my second skill im (serious) leveling. Since my GSM is maxed out i used the Mythril ingot leve from the 35-40 tier all the way to lvl 45 or so since its easy-peasy to HQ them as lvl 60 GSM. Fastest way to get past those lvls IMO

  6. Well between lv25-30 you don’t recommend to do leve Heavy Iron Flanchard but I disagree with you. I could make HQ Heavy Iron Flanchard at lv26 which I get another 100% exp extra when I turn in (55k in 1 allowance). Consider allowance are based on time I recommend to use it wisely.

    It cost more materials and money to make but if you stockpiled iron ingots (HQ) and Aldgoat leather it’s worth the exp based on allowance. I recommend this is the fastest way to reach lv30.

    But overall I love your site!!

    1. Yep courier is a good choice if you’re short on leves. As a general rule people who swim in leves wouldn’t mind the speed of singles.

    1. If leves are SCARCE to you, then it’s not recommended. Doing the crafting log + GC scroll EXP should bring you up. However, as stated above, the “courier + reverse courier” would be the most leve-efficient choice.

  7. Not sure if it’s changed but the Level 50 Armorer turn in quest is a Cobalt Haubergeon with a Heaven’s Eye Materia III.

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