TL;DR
- FFXIV features eight distinct crafting classes (Disciples of the Hand) with unique recipes and tools
- Crafters can repair gear beyond 100% durability and specialize in different equipment types
- One character can master all crafting professions and share gear sets across disciplines
- Dark Matter is essential for repairs with tiered requirements based on equipment level
- Proper tool management and understanding repair mechanics saves significant gil over time
While crafting represents a cornerstone mechanic across MMOs, Final Fantasy XIV elevates this system through remarkable depth and specialization. The game transforms simple item creation into a sophisticated profession system that demands strategic thinking and careful resource management.
This comprehensive guide eliminates the initial complexity by providing structured explanations of all essential crafting concepts, perfect for newcomers seeking to establish their crafting foundation.

At its essence, crafting in Eorzea mirrors real-world creation processes—transforming raw materials into finished products through specific recipes and specialized skills. What sets FFXIV apart is the sheer diversity of craftable items: from combat-enhancing consumables and powerful gear to decorative housing items and valuable accessories, all achievable through a single character’s progression.
One of crafting’s most valuable secondary benefits is equipment maintenance. Skilled crafters can not only restore durability but actually enhance it beyond the standard 100% threshold. When repairing gear at high durability points (like 99%), the repair boosts durability to 199%, dramatically extending equipment lifespan between maintenance sessions.
Each crafting discipline specializes in maintaining specific equipment categories: Weavers handle cloth armor and light gear, Goldsmiths maintain accessories and certain weapons, while Armorers focus on heavy protective equipment. Always check gear descriptions for specific repair requirements before attempting maintenance.
Successful repairs require Dark Matter—a consumable resource with tiered quality levels. Higher-level equipment demands correspondingly advanced Dark Matter grades, making proper material selection crucial for effective equipment preservation.
FFXIV’s crafting ecosystem comprises eight distinct professions collectively known as Disciples of the Hand (DoH). While each class utilizes unique tools and accesses specialized recipes, they share equipment sets across disciplines. This means maintaining multiple crafting professions at similar level ranges requires only tool swaps rather than complete gear overhauls.
Common beginner mistakes include neglecting cross-class skills, underestimating material costs, and failing to utilize proper rotations. Avoid these pitfalls by studying optimal crafting macros and understanding quality/progress mechanics before undertaking complex recipes.
For efficient progression, focus on daily Grand Company turn-ins and custom delivery quests. These provide substantial experience bonuses while teaching fundamental crafting concepts through practical application.
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Action Checklist
- Unlock all eight Disciples of the Hand by visiting their respective guilds in starting cities
- Acquire appropriate grade Dark Matter matching your equipment level for repairs
- Complete daily Grand Company supply missions for accelerated leveling
- Study repair requirements on gear before attempting maintenance to ensure using correct crafting class
- Implement gear set sharing strategy by maintaining similar level ranges across crafting professions
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