FFXIV Patch 7.21: Cosmic Exploration Upgrades

Welcome to the lunar frontier of Final Fantasy XIV's Cosmic Exploration, introduced in Patch 7.21 as part of the Dawntrail expansion. This multiplayer lifestyle content invites crafters and gatherers to join the Loporrits in exploring the moon's surface, with the ultimate goal of building a spaceship launch station. From base upgrades to level 100 Cosmic Tools, there's a universe of opportunity waiting for you. If you're hooked on FFXIV's crafting and gathering scene, be sure to bookmark our page for more guides and check out our store for gear to help you on your cosmic journey!

To kick things off, head to Old Sharlayan (X:12.6, Y:13.6) and pick up the feature quest A Cosmic Homecoming from Namingway. You'll need to be a Disciple of the Hand or Land at level 10 or above and have completed the Endwalker main scenario quest. Once unlocked, travel to Sinus Ardorum via the Drivingway in Mare Lamentorum (X:21,9, Y:13,2). This zone is server-specific, with progress tied to your home server, and zones may split into instances based on population—no duty time limits here!

Cosmic Exploration unfolds across 16 stages of lunar base development, but as of April 28, 2025, most servers are only at stage four or five. Early upgrades, such as landing pads and worker housing, focus on aesthetics, but pave the way for functional additions. For example, stage three introduced the Cosmoliner, a fast travel system with stations all over Sinus Ardorum, making navigation a breeze compared to the mount-free zone.

Mech Hangar Beta (Stage 6): Expands facilities, possibly for mech-related missions.

Cosmo Liners (Northwestern and Southeastern Radii): These shortcuts reduce travel time to gathering nodes, a lifesaver for relic tool grinders.

Gleam Slope and Piercing Way Tunnel: The location of the Gleam Slope is unclear (possibly near the Gleam Rift), but the Piercing Way Tunnel in the southwest radius reveals rare ores and allagan remnants, hinting at new materials or missions.

Natier Lift (Northeast): This massive lift opens up an underground area of mushrooms and ethereal falls, probably near a rock formation in the north-east. It's a prime location for new collection nodes.

Lunar Hapopouloolis: A meteorite-safe zone that could house an Aetheryte teleport, streamlining travel.

To Eternity and Beyond: The final stage reveals a spaceship for future planetary adventures, with new planets planned for future Dawntrail patches.

Cosmic Tools, the level 100 relic tool series, are a core draw for crafters and gatherers. Starting at level 10, these tools are upgraded through research data gained from Stellar Missions, Mech Ops and Cosmic Exploration Projects (FATEs). The current Cosmic Tools match the Everseeker stats, sparking speculation of a possible 1.0 upgrade. The discovery of rare ores and allagan remnants in the Piercing Way tunnel fuels this theory - could these resources unlock a final upgrade? Stay active in missions to gather research data and be prepared for surprises.

Gameplay Mechanics: Missions and Mech Ops

Cosmic Exploration emphasizes multiplayer activities, akin to Ishgardian Restoration. Here's a breakdown:

Stellar Missions: Accessed via the Exotablet, these levelequest style tasks involve gathering materials. They're quest-synced for levels 10-100, with difficulty spiking at level 100, and require high-quality end-game gear and material melding for maximum rewards. Provisional and Critical missions offer higher rewards, but have time or weather restrictions.

Mech Ops: These FATE-like events take place every 20 minutes and challenge players to destroy objects using special mech actions. You can participate as a pilot (requires a 1,000 Lunar Credit application) or as ground support. Pilots earn Big Bang Tickets for Cosmic Fortunes, while Ground Support receives a currency bonus for 20 missions.

Cosmic Exploration Projects (FATEs): Server-wide milestones trigger these interactive FATEs, which drive zone development. They offer experience, gil and cosmocredits, but must be completed within 40 minutes or face an 8-hour cooldown.

No mounts? No problem. The Cosmoliner, Stellar Sprint (a 50% speed boost with no cooldown) and Stellar Return (a teleport to the Rainbow Crystal at Base Camp) will keep you moving. The Exotablet interface tracks currency (Cosmocredits and Lunar Credits), missions and zone progress via the Infrastructure Index, which also logs cutscenes for each milestone.

Cosmic Exploration showers players with rewards:

Currency: Cosmocredits can be used to buy equipment and furniture from Mesouaidonque (X:21.8, Y:21.8), while Lunar Credits can be used to fund pilot applications and Cosmic Fortunes.

Stellar Successes: Daily and one-time goals yield currency and research data, similar to the Challenge Log.

Cosmic Fortunes: A roulette-style game for prizes such as colours, emotes and the High Mobility Vacuum Suit Mount.

Star Contributor Awards: Top contributors earn holograms and visual effects for 14 days, with no FOMO associated with permanent rankings.

Notable Items: Expect Adventurer Plates, vibrant colours (such as Neon Pink), emotes such as Rage, Facewear, the Loparasol accessory, and mounts such as the Vacuum Suit.

Optimize Travel: Use the Cosmoliner and Stellar Sprint to zip around. Wait for the north-west and south-east Cosmo Liners to make it easier to collect relic tools.

Maximize Missions: Aim for gold ranks on Stellar missions and prioritise Critical missions during Red Alerts for bonus rewards.

Mech Ops Strategy: As ground support, drop items on field scanners before reaching 90% completion to avoid missing contribution points. Pilots should target clusters of items for efficiency.

Track progress: Check the Infrastructure Index and Cosmic Exploration Report page to monitor server milestones and plan FATE participation.

Explore the Northeast: Visit NPCs near the northeastern rock formation for hints about the Natier Lift and new areas.

Cosmic Exploration in FFXIV Patch 7.21 blends multiplayer crafting, gathering, and exploration into a lunar adventure with big potential. From base upgrades to Cosmic Tools and tantalizing hints of new content, there's plenty to keep you busy. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more guides as we soar through Dawntrail's cosmic saga!