Hey guys! If you're deep into Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), you know how much there is to manage. From crafting and gathering to managing your retainers, it can feel like a second job! But did you know that the FFXIV Companion App can make things a whole lot easier? Let's dive into one of its coolest features: ventures.

Understanding Ventures

Ventures, at their core, are tasks you send your retainers on to gather items, explore areas, or even bring back unique finds. Think of it as delegating responsibilities to your loyal assistants! With the FFXIV Companion App, you can manage these ventures remotely, meaning you can keep the gil flowing and your inventory stocked even when you're away from your console or PC. This is super handy for those of us who have busy lives but still want to stay on top of our FFXIV game.

What are Retainers?

First things first, let's talk about retainers. Retainers are basically your personal assistants in Eorzea. You can hire them at any of the three main city-states (Ul'dah, Gridania, and Limsa Lominsa) once you reach level 17 and complete the initial main story quests. Each character can hire up to two retainers initially, and you can unlock more as you progress through the game. Retainers hold your items, sell them on the market board, and, most importantly for our discussion, undertake ventures.

Your retainers have levels and classes, just like your player character. Their level determines the types of ventures they can undertake, and their class (e.g., Miner, Botanist, Fisher, or combat classes) dictates what they can gather or do. To maximize the effectiveness of your ventures, you'll want to gear up your retainers with appropriate equipment. The better their gear, the higher their chances of success and the better the rewards they bring back.

Types of Ventures

Ventures come in various flavors, each offering different rewards and requiring different levels of retainer proficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

• Gathering Ventures: These are perfect for gathering materials. Your retainer will venture out to collect specific items, such as ore, herbs, or fish, depending on their class. These are essential for crafters who need a steady supply of materials.
• Hunting Ventures: If your retainer is a combat class (e.g., Gladiator, Marauder, Archer, Lancer, Pugilist, Rogue), they can undertake hunting ventures. They’ll go out and defeat specific monsters, bringing back items dropped by those enemies. This is great for obtaining crafting materials that come from monster drops.
• Exploration Ventures: These are longer ventures that send your retainer out to explore a specific area. They have a chance to bring back rare or unique items, including furniture, minions, and even gear. Exploration ventures are a bit of a gamble, but the potential rewards can be well worth the wait.
• Quick Ventures: These are shorter, randomized ventures that offer a bit of everything. Your retainer might bring back crafting materials, gil, or even rare items. Quick ventures are a good way to keep your retainers busy and earn some extra income on the side.

How to Access Ventures via the Companion App

The FFXIV Companion App makes managing ventures incredibly convenient. Here’s how you can access and manage your retainers' ventures through the app:

1. Download and Install: First, download the FFXIV Companion App from your device’s app store (available on both iOS and Android).
2. Log In: Log in using your Square Enix account credentials. Make sure it's the same account you use to play FFXIV.
3. Navigate to Retainers: Once logged in, navigate to the “Retainers” section. Here, you’ll see a list of all your hired retainers.
4. Select a Retainer: Tap on the retainer you want to manage.
5. View Available Ventures: You'll see the available ventures for that retainer, based on their level and class.
6. Choose a Venture: Select the venture you want your retainer to undertake.
7. Confirm and Send: Confirm your selection and send your retainer on their way!

Benefits of Using the Companion App for Ventures

Using the FFXIV Companion App to manage ventures has several advantages:

• Convenience: Manage your retainers from anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re on your lunch break or waiting for an appointment, you can keep your retainers working.
• Efficiency: Keep your retainers constantly gathering and earning you gil. No more wasted time with idle retainers!
• Remote Management: Check on your retainers' progress, change their ventures, and collect rewards without needing to log into the game.
• Market Board Access: The app also allows you to manage your retainers' market board listings, making it a one-stop-shop for all your retainer needs.

Optimizing Your Ventures

To really make the most of your ventures, here are some tips and tricks to optimize your strategy:

Gear Up Your Retainers

Equipping your retainers with the best gear possible is crucial. The higher their item level, the better their chances of success and the higher the quality of the items they bring back. Keep an eye on the market board for affordable gear, or craft it yourself if you have the necessary crafting classes leveled.

Match Ventures to Retainer Class

Make sure you're sending your retainers on ventures that match their class. A Miner should be sent on mining ventures, a Botanist on botany ventures, and so on. Sending them on appropriate ventures ensures they can gather the right items efficiently.

Pay Attention to Venture Level

Ventures have level requirements. Sending a low-level retainer on a high-level venture will likely result in failure. Always check the recommended level and ensure your retainer meets or exceeds it.

Utilize Quick Ventures Strategically

Quick Ventures can be a great way to earn some extra gil and obtain random items. While they're not as targeted as other ventures, they can sometimes bring back rare or valuable items. Use them to fill in the gaps when you don't have specific gathering needs.

Check Venture Conditions

Some ventures have specific conditions that can affect the outcome. For example, certain exploration ventures might have higher success rates during specific times of day or in certain weather conditions. Pay attention to these details to maximize your chances of success.

Regularly Collect Rewards

Don't let your retainers' inventories fill up! Regularly collect the rewards from their ventures to keep them working. A full inventory means they can't bring back any more items until you clear it out.

Maximizing Gil with Ventures

Ventures can be a significant source of income in FFXIV. Here’s how to maximize your gil earnings:

Target High-Demand Items

Research the market board to identify items that are in high demand. If you notice that a particular crafting material is selling for a good price, focus on sending your retainers on ventures that gather that item.

Sell Rare Finds

Exploration ventures can sometimes yield rare and valuable items, such as minions, furniture, or even rare crafting materials. These items can often be sold for a significant profit on the market board. Keep an eye out for these treasures!

Craft and Sell

Use the materials gathered by your retainers to craft items that are in demand. Crafting and selling items can often yield a higher profit than selling the raw materials. This requires leveling your crafting classes, but the investment can be well worth it.

Utilize Market Board Data

Pay attention to market board trends and adjust your venture strategy accordingly. If the price of a particular item drops, switch to gathering something else that is in higher demand. Staying flexible and adapting to market conditions is key to maximizing your gil earnings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best strategies, you might encounter some issues with ventures. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Retainer Fails Ventures

If your retainer is consistently failing ventures, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons:

• Low Gear: Ensure your retainer is equipped with appropriate gear for their level.
• Low Level: The retainer's level may be too low for the venture. Choose ventures that match their level.
• Incorrect Class: Make sure you're sending the retainer on ventures that align with their class (e.g., sending a Miner on a mining venture).

Inventory Full

If your retainer’s inventory is full, they won’t be able to bring back any more items. Clear out their inventory regularly to keep them working.

App Connectivity Issues

If you’re having trouble connecting to the FFXIV Companion App, try the following:

• Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Restart the App: Close and reopen the app.
• Update the App: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app.
• Check Server Status: The FFXIV servers might be experiencing issues. Check the official FFXIV website or social media channels for updates.

Conclusion

Managing ventures with the FFXIV Companion App is a game-changer for any serious FFXIV player. It offers convenience, efficiency, and the ability to keep your retainers working even when you're away from the game. By optimizing your strategies, gearing up your retainers, and staying informed about market trends, you can maximize your gil earnings and keep your inventory stocked. So, go ahead and take advantage of this powerful tool to enhance your FFXIV experience. Happy venturing!