FFXIV Cosmic Exploration: One Week In Review

A week into Final Fantasy XIV's Cosmic Exploration, introduced in Patch 7.21, and the stars are shining bright for crafters and gatherers. This multiplayer-focused content, set in the moon's Sinus Ardorum, has brought a new twist to relic tool grinding and community-driven gameplay. Whether you're just starting out or deep into the cosmic grind, this review offers personal insights, progress updates, and practical tips to help you get the most out of this stellar adventure. Want to dive into the crafting and gathering of FFXIV? Bookmark our site for more guides and check out our store for exclusive in-game goodies!

Cosmic Exploration's standout feature is its Cosmic Tools, the level 100 relic series starting at level 10. Unlike previous relic grinds, upgrading these tools feels forgiving and accessible. Missions provide all the materials, eliminating the stress of gathering crystals or wasting resources on failed crafts. Simply select a mission via the Exotablet, craft or gather, and collect research data to fill a progress bar. Once full, visit Searchingway to upgrade your tool—no equipping required until it matches your gear's stats.

The passive progression of the system is a game changer. Completing one tool boosts research for others, so focusing on a single profession (such as Alchemist or Miner) first is a smart strategy. For leveling, missions are quest-synced, providing a viable path from level 10 to 100. Although slower than leveling quests or the Firmament, the free materials make it a cost-effective compromise. New players can jump in without needing high-quality marketboard gear—just grab vendor gear from Mesouaidonque (X:21.8, Y:21.8) at level milestones (20, 30, 40, etc.).

Stellar Missions are the driving force behind the replayability of Cosmic Exploration, offering Normal, Provisional and Critical tasks. Normal missions are tiered, with higher difficulty unlocked through gold ranks. Provisional missions, such as time- or weather-restricted A-rank missions, reward high Cosmic Class points - perfect for chasing achievements like the 500,000-point Starfinder mount. Critical missions during Red Alerts (every four hours) are a gold mine of cosmic credits, especially for gathering and fishing.

Time-Restricted Missions: Available in four-hour windows, these A-rank missions (unlocked at level 100) give bonus research points. Track them using macros or community tools such as the Cosmic Timer.

Weather-Restricted Missions: Use resources like Neco's weather tracker for Sinus Ardorum to catch Umbil Wind or Moon Dust conditions. These missions offer up to 500 points per minute, ideal for Star Contributor rankings or class point grinds.

Crafting Ease: Crafters can spam missions back-to-back for faster progression. Read the objectives carefully to maximise your score (e.g. trigger Gatherer's Boon for Gathering missions).

Mech Ops, spawning every 20 minutes, are FATE-like events where players destroy objects as pilots or ground support. Pilots earn Big Bang Tickets for Cosmic Fortunes, while Ground Supporters receive a 20-mission Cosmocredit buff. Red Alerts, with their critical missions, are a high point for lunar credit farming and class points, offering longevity despite their repetitive nature.

The cooperative vibe—working with others to build spaceships and expand the Cosmoliner—feels like the heart of an MMO. Server-wide milestones, like Brinhildr's sixth log upgrade, unlock new fast-travel stations, enhancing the zone's accessibility. While mounts are unlikely, the Cosmoliner and Stellar Sprint (a 50% speed boost) will make navigation easier.

The rewards of Cosmic Exploration are a treasure trove. Spend cosmocredits on dyes (Neon Pink, Metallic Ruby Red), emotes, facewear, and the Cosmosuit glamour. Lunar credits fuel Cosmic Fortunes, with tradable prizes like the High Mobility Vacuum Suit mount. Achievements, such as 50,000 or 500,000 class points, offer titles (such as Temper of Stars) and Flex-compatible mounts for long-term grinders.

For Patch 7.3 prep, stock up on crafter materia with cosmocredits. With three more planets planned, the depth of content suggests that Square Enix is just getting started, promising new missions and rewards in future patches.

While crafting shines, gathering—especially fishing—has its frustrations. The lack of GP regeneration between nodes slows the pace of missions, forcing you to wait 2-4 minutes. Fishing's RNG can be daunting, but community resources such as The Fisherman's Horizon document (linked in the Community Guides) clarify fish species and mission objectives, turning a chore into a rewarding grind. One possible solution? Boost GP regeneration via Cosmic Tools or update cordials to restore 600–800 GP, aligning with modern 1,000 GP caps.

This content nails the balance of accessibility and depth. New players can start at level 10, while veterans can tackle A-rank missions and Star Contributor rankings. The community-driven goals, forgiving crafting, and varied rewards make it a standout addition to FFXIV. With more planets on the horizon, the anticipation for future patches is sky-high.

Yes, it's a cost-effective option with free materials, though slower than Levequests. Use vendor gear to keep up with leveling requirements.

Use Neco's Sinus Ardorum weather tracker to catch Umbil Wind or Moon Dust conditions for high-score missions.

Absolutely. They're great for lunar credits, cosmocredits, and class points, especially during gathering missions.

Yes, completing one tool will boost research for others, speeding up subsequent upgrades.

Limited GP regeneration between nodes slows down Gathering missions. Community guides can help optimise fishing and other tasks.

Cosmic Exploration blends community spirit, rewarding grinds, and accessible gameplay into a stellar FFXIV experience. Whether you're crafting relics or chasing titles, there's something for everyone. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more tips and updates as we explore the cosmos together!