Armorer Overview
ARM
Job
Limsa
Guild
Miner
Gatherer
BSM
Best Pair
Last Updated: Dawntrail (Patch 7.3+)
What Armorer Makes
Armorer crafts heavy armor, shields, and crafting tools:
- Plate armor — Helmets, cuirasses, gauntlets, greaves for tanks
- Shields — Paladin exclusive, but always in demand
- Crafting tools — Frying pans (CUL), alembics (ALC), mortars (ALC)
- Components — Metal plates, rings, and rivets for other crafters
Prerequisites
- Level Miner first — Keep MIN 5-10 levels ahead of ARM
- Stock shards — Fire Shards and Ice Shards are your primary crystals
- Combat class 20+ — For some mob drops
- Highly Recommended: Level Blacksmith — 95% material overlap!
Synergy Jobs
| Job | Relationship | Key Materials Exchanged |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksmith (BSM) | Perfect pair (95% overlap) | All metal ingots, rivets, plates |
| Miner (MIN) | Primary gatherer | All ores, sand, gemstones |
| Leatherworker (LTW) | Component exchange | Leather straps, linings |
| Weaver (WVR) | Component exchange | Cloth padding, lining |
| Goldsmith (GSM) | Component exchange | Decorative elements, clasps |
Why Pair with Blacksmith?
ARM and BSM share nearly all materials. Level them together to:
- Gather once, craft twice
- Make ingots on one job, use on both
- Double your leveling efficiency
- See the BSM+ARM Hybrid Guide for details
Gear Priorities
| Stat | Purpose | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsmanship | Progress per action | High (meet recipe requirements) |
| Control | Quality per action | High (for HQ crafts) |
| CP | Crafting Points for abilities | Medium-High |
Tip: All crafters share left-side gear. Level multiple crafters to maximize gear investment.
Leveling Methods Comparison
| Method | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmic Exploration | Very Fast | Free (materials provided) | 10-100, all levels |
| Ishgard Restoration | Fast | Free (Diadem gathering) | 20-80 |
| Wachumeqimeqi | Very Fast | Free (special recipes) | 91-100 |
| Traditional Crafting | Medium | Gathering time | Learning recipes |
| Levequests | Medium | Leve allowances | Targeted leveling |
| GC Turn-ins | Daily boost | Variable | Daily supplement |
Key Abilities
| Ability | Level | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Synthesis | 1 | Base progress action |
| Basic Touch | 5 | Base quality action |
| Master's Mend | 7 | Restore durability |
| Byregot's Blessing | 50 | Massive quality finisher |
| Careful Synthesis | 62 | 100% success progress |
| Manipulation | 65 | Durability restoration over time |
Armorer: Levels 1-30
Pair with Blacksmith — 95% material overlap means double efficiency!
Getting Started
- Visit the Armorer Guild in Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks (X:10.2, Y:15.0)
- Complete "Way of the Armorer" to unlock the class
- Equip a doming hammer to switch to ARM
- Start with Bronze Ingots and Bronze Plates — your foundation
Essential Miner Materials
| Material | MIN Level | Location | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Ore | 1+ | Western Thanalan | Bronze Ingot base |
| Tin Ore | 5+ | Western Thanalan | Bronze Ingot alloy |
| Zinc Ore | 10+ | Western Thanalan | Brass Ingot |
| Iron Ore | 15+ | Western Thanalan | Iron/Steel crafting |
| Silver Ore | 20+ | Central Thanalan | Decorative items |
| Mythril Ore | 25+ | Eastern Thanalan | Mythril gear (30+) |
Crafting Progression
Levels 1-10: Bronze Era
- Bronze Ingot (Copper Ore + Tin Ore) — Make 50+, shared with BSM
- Bronze Plate — ARM-specific component
- Bronze Barbut, Bronze Chainmail — Early tank gear
- Bronze Hoplon — GLD shield
Levels 10-20: Iron Age
- Iron Ingot (Iron Ore x3) — Make 100+, shared with BSM
- Iron Plate, Iron Rings — Components
- Iron Scale Mail, Iron Barbut — Tank armor
- Iron Skillet — CUL tool (great for selling)
Levels 20-30: Steel Era
- Steel Ingot (Iron Ore x2 + Bomb Ash) — Requires mob drop
- Steel Plate — Mid-tier component
- Steel Cuirass, Steel Gauntlets — Tank progression
- Steel Frypan — Popular CUL tool
Mob Drops Needed
| Material | Source | Location | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bomb Ash | Bomb enemies | Western Thanalan | Steel Ingot |
| Fleece | Sheep/Aldgoats | Central Shroud | Padding for armor |
Alternative: Cosmic Exploration
Available at level 10+. Self-contained leveling with all materials provided!
- No gathering required
- Special recipes for massive XP
- Works all the way to 100
Levequests (1-30)
| Level Range | Location | Recommended Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | Limsa Lominsa | Bronze Plate, Bronze armor |
| 10-15 | Limsa / Ul'dah | Iron Plate, Iron armor |
| 15-20 | Ul'dah | Iron Scale Mail, shields |
| 20-25 | Quarrymill | Steel Plate, Steel armor |
| 25-30 | Quarrymill | Mythril preparation |
Profit Opportunities (1-30)
| Item | Level | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Plate | 3 | Moderate | Other crafters need components |
| Iron Skillet | 14 | Good | CUL tool, constant demand |
| Steel Frypan | 23 | Good | Upgraded CUL tool |
| Alembic | 14 | Moderate | ALC tool |
| Bronze/Iron Shields | Various | Low-Moderate | PLD leveling gear |
Best profit strategy 1-30: Crafting tools (skillets, frypans, alembics) sell well because CUL and ALC players need them. Ingots from BSM also count since you're likely leveling both.
Armorer: Levels 30-50
Mythril and Darksteel era. Consider Ishgard Restoration at level 20+!
Key Materials (30-50)
| Material | ARM Level | MIN Level | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mythril Ore | 30+ | 30+ | Eastern/Southern Thanalan |
| Electrum Ore | 35+ | 35+ | Eastern Thanalan |
| Darksteel Ore | 40+ | 40+ | Coerthas Central Highlands |
| Cobalt Ore | 45+ | 45+ | Mor Dhona, Northern Thanalan |
Crafting Progression
Levels 30-40: Mythril Mastery
- Mythril Ingot — Foundation for mid-game (shared with BSM)
- Mythril Plate — ARM-specific component
- Mythril Cuirass, Mythril Gauntlets — Tank armor
- Mythril Hoplon — PLD shield upgrade
Levels 40-50: Darksteel & Cobalt
- Darksteel Ingot — High-demand ARR endgame material
- Darksteel Plate — Premium armor component
- Cobalt Ingot/Plate — Pre-HW progression
- Heavy Darksteel armor — Tank best-in-slot pre-50
Ishgard Restoration (Recommended)
If you've unlocked the Firmament (requires completing Heavensward), this is the fastest method:
- Gather materials in the Diadem (free!)
- Craft Skybuilders' items for massive XP
- Works from level 20-80
- Earn Skybuilders' Scrips for rewards
GC Turn-ins
Check your Grand Company daily for ARM requests. Starred items give 2x XP!
- Turn in HQ for bonus XP
- Often requests armor pieces you can craft easily
- Free seals and XP every day
Beast Tribes
No crafter beast tribes available until 50. Focus on other methods for now.
Levequests (30-50)
| Level Range | Location | Best Items |
|---|---|---|
| 30-35 | Costa del Sol | Mythril Plate, Mythril armor |
| 35-40 | Coerthas (Observatorium) | Electrum items, shields |
| 40-45 | Mor Dhona | Darksteel armor, tools |
| 45-50 | Mor Dhona | Cobalt items |
Cross-class Components
| Component | Source | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Straps | LTW | Armor attachment |
| Linen/Cotton Cloth | WVR | Armor padding |
| Rivets | BSM | Armor assembly |
| Rings/Clasps | GSM | Decorative elements |
Profit Opportunities (30-50)
| Item | Level | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mythril Plate | 30 | High | Component for many recipes |
| Darksteel Plate | 44 | Very High | Endgame ARR crafting |
| Mythril Frypan | 33 | Good | CUL tool upgrade |
| Mythril Alembic | 32 | Good | ALC tool upgrade |
| Darksteel Shields (HQ) | 44+ | Moderate | Glamour/PLD leveling |
Best profit strategy 30-50: Darksteel plates and crafting tools remain in demand. HQ frying pans and alembics sell consistently to CUL/ALC players.
Armorer: Levels 50-70
Expansion content! Beast tribes and Ishgard Restoration make leveling faster.
Heavensward Materials (50-60)
| Material | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mythrite Ore | 51+ | Coerthas Western Highlands |
| Titanium Ore | 54+ | The Churning Mists |
| Hardsilver Ore | 56+ | The Dravanian Forelands |
| Adamantite Ore | 58+ | Azys Lla |
Crafting Progression (50-60)
- Mythrite Ingot/Plate — HW starting material
- Titanium Ingot/Plate — Mid-HW progression
- Adamantite Ingot/Plate — HW endgame material
- Heavy armor and shields for DRK introduction
Stormblood Materials (60-70)
| Material | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Koppranickel Ore | 62+ | The Ruby Sea |
| Palladium Ore | 64+ | Yanxia |
| Molybdenum Ore | 66+ | The Azim Steppe |
| Chromite Ore | 68+ | The Lochs |
Crafting Progression (60-70)
- Koppranickel Ingot/Plate — SB starting material
- Molybdenum Ingot/Plate — Mid-SB progression
- Chromite Ingot/Plate — SB endgame material
- Tank armor for all four tank jobs
Ishgard Restoration (Best Method)
Still the fastest method through level 80:
- Grade 2 materials (50-60)
- Grade 3 materials (60-70)
- All materials free from Diadem
- Massive XP per craft
Beast Tribes
| Tribe | Level Range | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moogles | 50-60 | The Churning Mists | Requires HW MSQ progress |
| Namazu | 60-70 | The Azim Steppe | Requires SB MSQ progress |
Custom Deliveries
Weekly turn-ins for massive XP:
- Zhloe Aliapoh (Idyllshire) — First available at 55
- M'naago (Rhalgr's Reach) — SB content
Collectables
Unlock via "Inscrutable Tastes" in Mor Dhona at level 50:
- Craft collectable versions of items
- Turn in for XP and Scrips
- Scrips buy gear and materials
Profit Opportunities (50-70)
| Item | Level | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adamantite Plate | 58 | High | Used in glamour and crafting |
| Titanium Plate | 54 | Moderate | Mid-tier component |
| Chromite Plate | 68 | Moderate | SB endgame crafting |
| HW/SB Frying Pans (HQ) | Various | Good | CUL always needs tools |
| DRK Shields (glamour) | 50+ | Niche | Some unique designs |
Best profit strategy 50-70: Crafting tools continue to be steady sellers. Adamantite and Chromite plates for other crafters' recipes.
Armorer: Levels 70-90
Shadowbringers and Endwalker content. Beast tribes continue!
Shadowbringers Materials (70-80)
| Material | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarven Mythril Ore | 72+ | Lakeland |
| Titanbronze Ore | 74+ | Il Mheg |
| Dwarven Cotton | 76+ | Kholusia (BTN) |
| Manasilver Ore | 78+ | The Tempest |
Crafting Progression (70-80)
- Dwarven Mythril Plate — ShB starting material
- Titanbronze Plate — Mid-ShB progression
- Manasilver Plate — ShB endgame material
- Gunbreaker armor (new tank job)
Endwalker Materials (80-90)
| Material | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pewter Ore | 82+ | Labyrinthos |
| Mythrite Sand | 84+ | Thavnair |
| Chondrite | 86+ | Garlemald |
| Ilmenite Ore | 88+ | Ultima Thule |
Crafting Progression (80-90)
- Pewter Plate — EW starting material
- Chondrite — Mid-EW progression
- Ilmenite Plate — EW endgame material
- Tank armor for all jobs
Ishgard Restoration (To Level 80)
Final stretch of Ishgard Restoration:
- Grade 4 materials (70-80)
- Expert recipes for maximum XP
- Complete Ishgardian restoration achievements
Beast Tribes
| Tribe | Level Range | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarves | 70-80 | Kholusia | ShB crafter/gatherer tribe |
| Loporrits | 80-90 | Mare Lamentorum | EW crafter/gatherer tribe |
Custom Deliveries
- Kai-Shirr (Eulmore) — ShB deliveries
- Ehll Tou (Firmament) — Ishgard Restoration
- Ameliance (Old Sharlayan) — EW deliveries
Profit Opportunities (70-90)
| Item | Level | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manasilver Plate | 78 | Moderate | ShB endgame crafting |
| Titanbronze Plate | 74 | Moderate | Mid-tier component |
| Ilmenite Plate | 88 | Moderate | EW endgame material |
| GNB Shields (glamour) | 70+ | Niche | New job = some interest |
| Crafting tools (HQ) | Various | Good | Frying pans, alembics |
Best profit strategy 70-90: Endgame plates and crafting tools. The market fluctuates with raid patches.
Armorer: Levels 90-100
Dawntrail content! Wachumeqimeqi and Cosmic Exploration are fastest.
Dawntrail Materials (90-100)
| Material | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Turali Bismuth Ore | 91+ | Urqopacha |
| Fine Silver Ore | 93+ | Kozama'uka |
| Volcano Ore | 95+ | Yak T'el |
| Ra'Kaznar Ore | 98+ | Shaaloani |
| Sungilt Ore | 100 | Living Memory |
Crafting Progression
- Turali Bismuth Plate — DT starting material
- Fine Silver Plate — Early DT progression
- Volcano Plate — Mid-DT material
- Ra'Kaznar Plate — Pre-endgame material
- Sungilt Plate — DT endgame (level 100)
Wachumeqimeqi (Best Method 91-100)
Dawntrail's special crafting delivery system:
- Located in Solution Nine
- Special recipes with provided materials
- Massive XP per delivery
- No gathering required!
Cosmic Exploration
Alternative leveling method:
- Self-contained content
- All materials provided
- Works from 10-100
- Good for all crafters simultaneously
Beast Tribes
| Tribe | Level Range | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Yok Huy | 90-100 | Kozama'uka |
Levequests (90-100)
| Level Range | Location | Best Items |
|---|---|---|
| 90-94 | Tuliyollal | Bismuth items |
| 94-98 | Solution Nine | Fine Silver, Volcano items |
| 98-100 | Solution Nine | Ra'Kaznar items (huge XP) |
Level 100 Endgame
Once you reach 100:
- Master Recipes — Buy with Orange Scrips
- Endgame gear crafting — Raid armor for tanks
- Pentamelded crafting gear — For high-end recipes
- Orange Scrip gear — Best-in-slot for crafting
Profit Opportunities (90-100)
| Item | Level | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ra'Kaznar Plate | 98 | Very High | Pre-endgame material |
| Sungilt Plate | 100 | Very High | Endgame crafting essential |
| Endgame tank armor (HQ) | 100 | High | All four tanks need gear |
| Endgame shields (HQ) | 100 | Moderate | PLD only but steady |
| Crafting tools (HQ) | 100 | Good | CUL/ALC always need upgrades |
Endgame Profit Strategies
- Patch releases: New raid tiers mean massive tank armor demand
- Crafted armor: Best-in-slot before savage drops
- Four tank jobs: PLD, WAR, DRK, GNB all need ARM products
- Shields: PLD-only but consistent demand
- Crafting tools: Frying pans and alembics always sell
Best profit strategy 90-100: At patch launch, tank armor commands premium prices. Sungilt Plates sell to other crafters. Crafting tools have steady year-round demand regardless of content.