All FFXIV Relic Weapons Ranked by Difficulty

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Which Relic Grind Is the Hardest?

Relic weapons are one of the most iconic long-term progression systems in Final Fantasy XIV. Each expansion introduces its own relic weapon series, asking players to complete a variety of challenges ranging from dungeon farming and large-scale battlefield content to exploration zones and tomestone grinding.

While every relic weapon line eventually becomes easier as expansions progress, some relic systems remain significantly more demanding than others.

This guide ranks every relic weapon series in Final Fantasy XIV based on overall difficulty, time investment, and mechanical complexity.

Relic Weapons Ranked by Difficulty

Rank Relic System Expansion Difficulty
1 Zodiac Weapons A Realm Reborn Extremely Hard
2 Eureka Weapons Stormblood Very Hard
3 Resistance Weapons Shadowbringers Hard
4 Anima Weapons Heavensward Moderate
5 Phantom Weapons Dawntrail Moderate
6 Manderville Weapons Endwalker Easy

These rankings consider:

  • Total grind time

  • Content difficulty

  • RNG elements

  • Required group content

  • Overall complexity of the upgrade chain

1 — Zodiac Weapons (A Realm Reborn)

The Hardest Relic Weapon Grind

The Zodiac weapon chain from A Realm Reborn remains the most demanding relic progression in the game’s history.

Players must complete a lengthy sequence of upgrade stages involving dungeon farming, FATE grinding, crafted item turn-ins, and rare drop materials.

Key challenges include:

  • Extensive FATE grinding across multiple zones

  • Dungeon farming requirements

  • Crafted material turn-ins

  • Random drop acquisition stages

Completing a full Zodiac Zeta weapon requires a massive time investment compared to most other relic systems.

Related guide:
Zodiac Weapons Guide

2 — Eureka Weapons (Stormblood)

Exploration Zone Relic Grind

Stormblood relic weapons are obtained through the Eureka expedition zones, a large exploration system with its own progression mechanics.

Unlike traditional relic systems, Eureka progression requires leveling an elemental rank while fighting enemies and defeating powerful Notorious Monsters.

Key challenges include:

  • Separate leveling system

  • Cooperative boss events

  • Large-scale grinding in multiple zones

  • Significant time investment

Final stage: Eureka Physeos Weapon

Related guide:
Eureka Weapons Guide

3 — Resistance Weapons (Shadowbringers)

Bozja Battlefield Progression

Resistance weapons are tied to the Bozjan Southern Front battlefield system introduced in Shadowbringers.

Players progress through large-scale battlefield encounters, raids, and memory farming systems.

Key challenges include:

  • Participation in battlefield campaigns

  • Delubrum Reginae raid requirements

  • Memory farming stages

  • Multiple progression routes

Final stage: Blade’s Weapon

Related guide:
Resistance Weapons Guide

4 — Anima Weapons (Heavensward)

A Balanced Relic Grind

The Anima weapon system refined many of the frustrations found in the Zodiac relic chain.

While still requiring a significant time investment, the system focuses on repeatable dungeon runs and resource farming rather than heavy RNG mechanics.

Key characteristics include:

  • Dungeon farming

  • Tomestone materials

  • Aetheric density grinding

Final stage: Anima Lux Weapon

Related guide:
Anima Weapons Guide

5 — Phantom Weapons (Dawntrail)

Modern Relic Progression

The Phantom weapon system introduced in Dawntrail uses a mix of exploration content, FATE farming, crafting materials, and tomestone exchanges.

While the system includes multiple upgrade stages, the required activities are generally accessible to most players.

Key activities include:

  • FATE farming in Occult Crescent regions

  • Daily roulettes

  • crafting materials

  • relic currency exchanges

Final stage: Phantom Weapon Obscurum

Related guide:
Phantom Weapons Guide

6 — Manderville Weapons (Endwalker)

The Easiest Relic System

Manderville weapons are widely considered the easiest relic weapons to obtain in Final Fantasy XIV.

Unlike previous relic chains, Manderville progression relies primarily on collecting Allagan Tomestones rather than completing complex farming content.

Key characteristics include:

  • simple tomestone collection

  • minimal RNG mechanics

  • no large-scale battlefield requirements

This streamlined system allows players to complete a relic weapon significantly faster than previous expansions.

Related guide:
Manderville Weapons Guide

Choosing the Right Relic Weapon to Farm

Every relic weapon system offers a different type of gameplay experience.

Players who enjoy long exploration grinds may prefer Eureka or Bozja, while those seeking a faster relic completion may favor Manderville weapons.

For players looking to experience the most iconic relic journey in the game, the Zodiac weapon chain remains one of the most memorable challenges in Final Fantasy XIV.

Related Relic Guides

Explore the full relic archive:

  • Zodiac Weapons

  • Anima Weapons

  • Eureka Weapons

  • Resistance Weapons

  • Manderville Weapons

  • Phantom Weapons

Armor progression systems:

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