TL;DR
- Flying mounts provide 200% speed boost but only work in Heavensward zones after aether current completion
- Each zone requires finding 5 field aether currents and completing 5 quest-based currents
- Use the Aether Compass from your Travel menu to locate missing currents efficiently
- Main Scenario Quest progression is mandatory before you can begin collecting aether currents
- All mounts share identical speed stats, with flying capability unlocked zone-by-zone
The revolutionary flying mount system debuted during the 2014 London Fan Festival, transforming aerial navigation throughout Heavensward’s expansive regions. These airborne companions enable unprecedented freedom of movement, allowing you to soar above terrain obstacles and explore vertical spaces previously inaccessible. Your trusted ground mounts, including the beloved Company Chocobo, gain full flight capabilities once properly unlocked.
Flight operations remain geographically restricted to Heavensward territories like Ishgard and Coerthas Western Highlands. While airborne, your mount accelerates to 200% of standard ground speed, dramatically reducing travel time across vast zones. When grounded, these versatile mounts maintain normal 100% movement velocity comparable to traditional land-based options.
Strategic advantage: Flying not only saves time but provides tactical benefits for gathering nodes, sightseeing logs, and avoiding hostile mobs in dangerous territories.
Unlocking aerial capabilities requires systematic completion of each zone’s aether current network. This intricate system demands attunement to localized energy streams that empower mount flight mechanics. Monitor your progression through the Aether Currents interface located in the Travel section of your main menu.
Two distinct current types govern flight authorization: environmental currents scattered throughout the landscape and narrative currents earned through side quest completion. Field currents typically hide in elevated locations, behind obstacles, or within secluded areas that reward thorough exploration.
The Aether Compass becomes your essential navigation tool, emitting directional pulses that intensify as you approach undiscovered currents. Pro tip: Activate the compass while mounted to maintain movement speed during your search patterns.
Common mistake: Players often overlook quest-based currents, which won’t appear on your compass but are equally mandatory for flight activation.
Flight authorization follows a structured progression path beginning with Main Scenario Quest advancement. You cannot access aether currents until reaching specific narrative milestones within each Heavensward territory.
Zone completion strategy: Focus on one region at a time rather than scattering efforts across multiple areas. Average completion time per zone ranges from 45-90 minutes depending on exploration efficiency and quest availability.
Should you misplace your Aether Compass, visit Gibrillont at the Forgotten Knight tavern in Ishgard for a replacement. This safety net ensures you never remain permanently locked out of progression due to inventory mishaps.
Advanced technique: Complete all available side quests in a zone first, as many reward the quest-based currents needed for flight authorization.
Once fully attuned to a zone’s aether currents, activate flight by pressing the jump command while mounted. This seamless transition between ground and air mobility requires no additional keybinds or interface adjustments.
Surprising compatibility: Numerous mounts from A Realm Reborn (Version 2.0) unexpectedly gain flight capabilities in Heavensward, expanding your aerial options beyond expectations.
Navigation mastery: Maintain altitude during long flights to avoid unnecessary descent and re-ascent cycles. When navigating mountainous terrain, approach from higher elevations to conserve momentum and maintain optimal speed.
For comprehensive gameplay guidance beyond mounts, explore our Complete Guide covering broader MMO mechanics and progression systems.
Mounts fundamentally enhance Eorzean exploration by significantly accelerating travel speeds. After obtaining your first mount, assign it to your action bar through simple drag-and-drop functionality for instant accessibility.
The inaugural Company Chocobo becomes available around level 20 upon Grand Company enlistment during main story progression. Additional mounts unlock through diverse achievement thresholds, seasonal events, and optional content completion.
l Mount accessibility begins at level 20 through main storyline advancement and Grand Company integration.
l Uniform velocity standards apply across all mounts, eliminating statistical advantages between common and rare acquisitions.
For specialized combat preparation, our Weapons Unlock guide provides detailed armament progression strategies.
Action Checklist
- Progress Main Scenario Quest to Heavensward content access
- Collect Aether Compass from quest reward or Gibrillont if lost
- Systematically locate 5 field currents per zone using compass navigation
- Complete 5 side quests per zone to unlock quest-based currents
- Activate flight with jump command while mounted in completed zones
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