Leveling a gathering class like Botanist in Final Fantasy XIV can feel overwhelming at first, especially for new players or those switching from combat-focused roles. However, there are streamlined ways to make the leveling process smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re preparing to craft high-level gear or simply want to gather rare materials, speeding up your Botanist leveling will save time and unlock profitable opportunities. With the right approach, tools, and a little planning, you can go from level 1 to 90 faster than you think.
Starting Out: Levels 120
Use Your Survival Manual and Rested EXP
Before doing anything, activate your Survival Manual and ensure you’re logging out in a sanctuary to get rested EXP. These bonuses stack and provide a significant boost to your gathering experience. Survival Manuals can be obtained from your Grand Company or levequests rewards.
Focus on Logging Near Gridania
For early levels, the best way to level Botanist is by simply gathering in areas like the Central Shroud or East Shroud. Stick to low-level items like:
- Maple Logs
- Ash Logs
- Mistletoe
Gathering large quantities of these items while under the effect of experience bonuses will help you breeze through the first 20 levels.
Don’t Ignore Class Quests
Your Botanist Guild in Gridania will give you class quests every five levels. These quests not only provide great EXP but also teach you new abilities that make gathering faster and more efficient.
Mid-Game Speed: Levels 2050
Use Levequests Strategically
Levequests become one of the quickest ways to level Botanist once you reach level 20. Head to the Adventurers’ Guild in Gridania or Quarrymill to pick up Botanist fieldcraft leves such as:
- Logistical Nightmare
- Trunk and Disorderly
Choose the ones that give the most EXP per item or that can be completed quickly. Don’t forget to turn in high-quality (HQ) items when possible they give double the EXP.
Unlock New Nodes for Better Yield
As you level up, make sure you visit new zones like South Shroud, Upper La Noscea, or Eastern Thanalan. Higher-level nodes not only grant more experience but also allow you to collect materials required for class quests and leves.
Gear Up Regularly
Upgrade your Botanist gear every 10 levels or whenever you feel your gathering rate dropping. Vendors in Gridania and Market Boards offer decent upgrades, and Grand Companies also sell useful gathering sets. Better gear means higher chances of success and increased item yield.
Efficient Leveling: Levels 5070
Collectibles and the Collectable Appraiser
Once you hit level 50, Collectables become an essential part of leveling. Speak to the Collectable Appraiser in Mor Dhona to start turning in Collectable items for huge experience rewards. Enable Collector’s Glove before gathering to access Collectable items from certain nodes.
Use the Firmament in Ishgard (Level 60+)
The Diadem is a special instanced zone accessible via the Firmament in Ishgard. It’s designed specifically for gatherers and is one of the fastest ways to level from 60 to 80. Inside, you can freely gather and even get Skybuilders’ Scrips to buy gear or items. The constant respawn of gathering nodes makes it ideal for rapid EXP farming.
Make Use of Scrip Turn-Ins
In addition to experience, you will start earning White and Yellow Gatherers’ Scrips from turn-ins. These can be used to buy powerful gear or materials that make gathering smoother and faster, further speeding up your leveling progress.
Endgame Leveling: Levels 7090
Follow the Crystarium Deliveries (Level 7080)
When you hit level 70, visit the Crystarium and start doing Crystarium Deliveries. These act as levequest-like tasks that reward massive EXP and gear tokens. Each delivery can be completed once per week and is extremely time-efficient.
Focus on Collectables in Shadowbringers and Endwalker Zones
Shadowbringers (level 7080) and Endwalker (level 8090) zones offer Collectable turn-ins with high EXP rewards. Prioritize nodes that drop Collectables and check your timers using the Gathering Log or online tools to optimize your route. Notable zones include:
- Il Mheg
- The Rak’tika Greatwood
- Labyrinthos
- Elpis
Use Hi-Cordial and Aetherial Reduction
For high-level nodes, especially timed ones, use Hi-Cordials to maintain your GP (Gathering Points). These items allow you to use powerful abilities like Wise to the World or Bountiful Yield II without waiting. If you find too many items, convert them using Aetherial Reduction for valuable crystals and materials.
Bonus Tips for Speed Leveling
Macro Your Gathering Abilities
To save time during long gathering sessions, create simple macros for your gathering rotations. For example:
/ac 'Collector's Glove' /ac 'Sharp Vision II' /ac 'Bountiful Yield' /ac 'Ageless Words'
This minimizes clicking and helps automate the process, making large gathering runs more efficient.
Use the Challenge Log
Your Challenge Log provides EXP bonuses for performing various tasks weekly, including gathering 100 items. Always complete these early in your leveling journey to benefit from the bonus EXP.
Stay in Gathering Gearsets
Keep your Botanist gear organized in a dedicated gearset. Switching between combat and gathering classes without a proper gearset wastes time and causes inventory issues.
Combine Botanist with Miner
If you want to level two gatherers at once, alternate Botanist and Miner while doing leves or Diadem runs. Both share many of the same systems, and doubling your gathering classes will double your efficiency.
Best EXP Sources by Level Range
- Levels 120: Logging near Gridania, Survival Manuals
- Levels 2050: Levequests, Class Quests
- Levels 5060: Collectables, Appraisers
- Levels 6070: Diadem (Firmament), Skybuilders’ Scrips
- Levels 7080: Crystarium Deliveries
- Levels 8090: Collectables in Endwalker zones
Leveling Botanist in FFXIV doesn’t have to be a slow or complicated grind. With the right combination of gathering routes, levequests, Collectables, and Diadem runs, you can reach level 90 faster than expected. The quickest way to level Botanist is to focus on activities that offer the highest EXP per time spent, such as levequests in the early game and Collectables or Diadem gathering in later levels. Don’t forget to upgrade your gear regularly, use macros, and take advantage of bonus EXP items to make the journey efficient and rewarding. Once you reach the cap, you’ll be ready to gather high-end materials for crafting, selling, or completing your endgame goals.