The newest addition to Final Fantasy XIV, titled Cosmic Exploration, launches with update 7.21 today, April 22, 2025. This exciting new “lifestyle content” allows players to collaborate in developing various planetary surfaces, starting with the Moon, under the guidance of the Loporrits. Future updates will introduce more planets, enhancing the cosmic adventure.
Similar to previous content like the Ishgardian Restoration and Island Sanctuary, Cosmic Exploration is designed primarily for crafters and gatherers. However, it draws closer parallels to the Ishgardian Restoration due to its multiplayer focus. As someone who missed out on the Ishgardian Restoration, I’m eager to engage with Cosmic Exploration.
Getting Started with Cosmic Exploration in Final Fantasy XIV
To embark on your Cosmic Exploration, players must have at least a crafter or gatherer at level 10 and successfully complete the Main Scenario Quest “Endwalker”. For many seasoned players, this should be straightforward, though newcomers may find the completion of “Endwalker”a bit challenging. Nevertheless, dedication will see you through.
After meeting these requirements, head over to Old Sharlayan at coordinates (12.6, 13.6) and speak with Namingway. He will assign you the introductory quest A Cosmic Homecoming, which will initiate your journey. Additional quests will be introduced subsequently:
- Passion, Thy Name is Ardorum (Searchingway, 20.4, 20.0 – Sinus Ardorum)
- A Manager’s Patience (Mumukko, 21.6, 21.1 – Sinus Ardorum)
- A Manager’s Persistence (Mumukko, 21.6, 21.1 – Sinus Ardorum)
Activities Available in Cosmic Exploration Mode
The Cosmic Exploration content is tailored for crafters and gatherers, but it’s essential to recognize that players can only access Cosmic Exploration zones within their home server. Currently, the primary zone is Sinus Ardorum, with more locations set to be added in future updates.
Using the Exotablet (located in the UI on the left side), players can manage their missions and keep track of their Cosmic Exploration currency. This convenient tool streamlines the process of accepting missions.
A dedicated Cosmic Exploration inventory is also available, which is a welcome feature for players whose main inventories are often overcrowded. The Infrastructure Index will display the current status of your Cosmic Exploration endeavors in Final Fantasy XIV. Additionally, an enhanced, permanent sprint option streamlines movement within these areas.
Within Cosmic Exploration, a range of missions await players. Stellar Missions focus on gathering essential materials and can be initiated via the Exotablet. Completing these missions progresses your Cosmic Exploration and unlocks further challenges, with rankings set as Gold, Silver, and Bronze based on your performance.
All missions in this mode are Quest Synced, providing rewards and experience points based on your current level. There are also Provisional Missions, which can be categorized as Sequential and Weather-restricted/Time-restricted missions.
Sequential missions become available for five minutes after achieving a Gold Rank in specific Stellar Missions, while Weather/Time-restricted missions are limited to certain conditions at specific times throughout the day. During a Red Alert, players can also participate in Critical Missions, yielding even more significant rewards for completing tasks aligned with the specified class.
Occasionally, players can engage in large-scale Mech Ops missions. By spending Lunar Credits, you can apply for a pilot position and participate in these exhilarating missions as either a Mech Pilot or Ground Support member. If not selected to pilot, your application will be returned, increasing your odds of selection in future missions. Piloting is the only way to navigate these areas on a mount!
Lastly, players will have the opportunity to take part in Cosmic Exploration Projects, which are significant multiplayer missions initiated upon reaching specific milestones. Players will notice a timer displayed at the top of the screen, and upon expiration, the project will commence. To participate, select “Join FATE” in the designated area on your map. This mode stands out as an ideal space for gathering and crafting within Final Fantasy XIV, and it’s where I plan to complete my objectives. As new features unfold, players will be able to unlock Cosmic Tools in this section of the game.
Rewards in Final Fantasy XIV’s Cosmic Exploration
Two primary currencies are crucial within Cosmic Exploration: Cosmocredits and Lunar Credits. Cosmocredits are primarily utilized for acquiring gear, furnishings, and various collectibles, while Lunar Credits can be spent on Mech Op pilot applications and Cosmic Fortune roulette draws.
Cosmic Fortunes allow players to spin for various prizes, accessible at Orbitingway (Sinus Ardorum – 21.8, 21.1). Each roulette offers distinct rewards, with a special roulette available for those who earned tickets by piloting in Mech Ops. Below is a breakdown of the available Cosmocredits rewards:
Armor (Costs Indicated in Cosmocredits)
- Star Crew Jacket: 8400
- Star Crew Gloves: 4800
- Star Crew Trousers: 7200
- Star Crew Boots: 4800
Miscellaneous Items (Costs Indicated in Cosmocredits)
- The Faces We Wear – Reading Glasses: 6000
- Ballroom Etiquette: Bearing Insult: 9600
- Cosmic Exploration Framer’s Kit: 6000
- Hey, Cid! Orchestrion Roll: 6000
- The Airship Orchestrion Roll: 6000
- Stellar Lamppost: 3000
- Cosmochair: 3000
- Various Dyes: 600 each (multiple colors)
- Gatherer’s and Craftsman’s Materia XI and XII: 450-900 each, depending on the grade
Players will also earn Star Contributor Awards based on their performance in Cosmic Exploration, which resets daily. At the conclusion of each ranking period, top scorers are recognized with various in-game honors:
- A hologram of the player will be displayed in Sinus Ardorum (X:21.1 Y:21.1) after achieving specific progress.
- The player’s name will feature on the starward standings stela located in Sinus Ardorum.
- A visual effect will manifest for recognized players in Cosmic Exploration zones, which can be toggled off if undesired.
Star Contributors are unable to receive this recognition again within a 14-day period, ensuring balanced competition and reducing any fear of missing out that players felt during the Ishgardian Restoration. While I don’t intend to be overly competitive, I appreciate this system’s potential to highlight dedicated players.