FF14 Cosmo Explorer Leveling Guide: Best Routes

As you dive into Final Fantasy XIV's Patch 7.2 and explore the new Cosmo Explorer content, you're probably eager to level up your Gatherers and Crafters quickly. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the most of Cosmo Explorer for leveling, with practical tips, efficient routes, and insights into avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, we've got you covered with strategies to streamline your leveling journey. For more in-game guides and exclusive gear, bookmark our website and check out more FF14 news - you won't be disappointed!

Introduced in patch 7.2, Cosmo Explorer is a new way to level up Gatherers and Crafters through mission-based quests on distant planets. It's designed to be fast-paced and engaging, with the potential for an 'explosive' leveling rate, especially for Gatherers up to level 50. However, efficiency depends on preparation and understanding the nuances of the system. Here's how to approach it with confidence.

To maximize your leveling efficiency, keep these three critical points in mind:

Gear updates are non-negotiable Gear is the backbone of success in Cosmo Explorer. For gatherers, updating gear every 5 levels ensures you can hit Gold evaluations on missions, which yield the most experience. Without the right gear, you risk failing missions and wasting time and effort. Crafters face similar challenges, although they can sometimes get by with slightly outdated gear. Stock up on gear for your desired level range before you begin to avoid interruptions.

Gatherers burn through GP (Gathering Points) quickly due to skill usage. Cordials, especially Hi-Cordials (which can be exchanged for scripts), are essential to keep your GP up. Aim for at least 50 Cordials to sustain long levelling sessions. Although costly, the investment will pay off with faster mission completion and potential Gil rewards from high-value mission rewards.

Upon arriving at a planet, pick up the Cosmo Tool for your class. This special tool is required to obtain research data that will strengthen your tool and increase your mission performance. Forgetting this step will stall your progress, so make it your first priority.

Cosmo Explorer shines for gatherers (miners, botanists, and fishers) from levels 10 to 50. Missions take about 1-1.5 minutes to complete, providing fast leveling. Here's how it works:

Miners and Botanists: Select a mission, travel to the location and complete the tasks (such as collecting specific items). Use your skills strategically to secure gold ratings. With the right equipment, you can reach level 50 in about an hour.

Fishers: Cosmo Explorer is solid for fishermen of all levels, but it competes with alternatives such as Ocean Fishing or Diadem. If you prefer Cosmo's fast-paced style, stick with it for consistent gains.

Pro Tip: Swap to the strongest gear available each time you level up to maintain efficiency. If you find gear-swapping tedious, Diadem leveling is a slower but gil-rich alternative, taking around 2.5 hours to reach level 50 without gear-swapping.

Post-50, Cosmo Explorer's efficiency drops slightly for gatherers. Here's a hybrid approach:

Miners and Botanists: Switch to the Diadem for a mix of leveling and collecting. The collectables provide a lot of experience, and the variety keeps things interesting. Fully upgrade your gear at level 55 to access higher level collectables. Be careful at level 90 - experience from collectables drops dramatically, so focus on leveling missions instead.

Fishers: Cosmo Explorer remains viable, but Diadem or Levequest deliveries (using cheap marketboard fish) can be faster. If you enjoy fishing, try targeting Levequest fish yourself for a rewarding experience.

Crafters can level to 50 in Cosmo Explorer with ease, as missions don't require movement and are tuned for manual skill use (no macros needed). Gold ratings are available with basic equipment updates, making it a great place for beginners to learn the basics of crafting. However, Ishgard Restoration (Firmament) leveling is often more efficient, especially for players who prefer a more relaxed pace.

After level 50, Cosmo Explorer's crafting efficiency tanks compared to Firmament. Focus on crafting level 40 items in Ishgard for massive experience gains. At level 61, follow the established Firmament routes (see the Community Guides for details) to reach level 100. If you enjoy Cosmo's hands-on crafting or want rewards such as mounts and emotes, return to it at level 70 with full scrip gear, which reduces the need for frequent updates.

Cosmo Explorer's fast, mission-driven pace suits players who want quick results and don't mind gear management. For a more laid-back experience, Firmament and Diadem offer steady progression with less upkeep, often earning Gil as a bonus. Fishermen have the most flexibility, with Levequests, Ocean Fishing and Cosmo all viable depending on your mood. Experiment to find what clicks - whether it's the hustle and bustle of Cosmo or the chill vibes of Diadem.

For gatherers, it's the fastest up to level 50 if you update gear. For crafters, Ishgard Restoration is generally more efficient, especially after level 50.

Updating every 5 levels is ideal for collectors to ensure gold ratings. Crafters can sometimes skip updates but still benefit from gear updates.

Bring at least 50 Cordials (Hi-Cordials if possible) to maintain GP for gathering missions.

Yes, it's decent at all levels, but the Diadem or Levelling quests may be quicker depending on market board prices or your fishing preferences.

Stick to Firmament for crafting - it is more efficient and less gear intensive, with similar or better experience rewards.

Cosmo Explorer offers a thrilling way to level in FF14, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. By preparing your gear, stocking up on Cordials and choosing the right routes, you can make it work for your playstyle. For more FF14 tips and gear recommendations, keep an eye on MMOJUGG for the latest updates. Happy leveling!