In the expansive world of Final Fantasy XIV Online (FFXIV), players can engage in a wide variety of activities, from epic raids to crafting, exploring vast landscapes, and completing quests. However, one of the most entertaining and rewarding activities is visiting The Manderville Gold Saucer, the in-game casino where players can participate in mini-games, gamble with in-game currency, and earn exclusive rewards.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about getting to the Gold Saucer casino in Final Fantasy XIV, the types of activities and rewards available, and how to make the most of your time in this unique gaming hub.
What Is the Gold Saucer in FFXIV?
The Gold Saucer is a vast amusement park and casino in FFXIV where players can engage in a variety of mini-games, competitions, and events. The casino offers multiple ways to earn Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP), the currency used within the casino to purchase exclusive rewards, such as cosmetic items, mounts, minions, and emotes.
The Gold Saucer is inspired by a similar location from Final Fantasy VII, one of the most iconic entries in the Final Fantasy series. In FFXIV, the Gold Saucer serves as a place where players can relax from combat-heavy gameplay and enjoy a more casual, social experience.
Getting to the Gold Saucer: Unlocking Access
To reach the Gold Saucer in FFXIV, you must first complete a short questline that grants you access to this special area. Players can unlock the Gold Saucer as early as level 15, making it accessible to newer players in the game.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Gold Saucer
- Reach Level 15: Ensure that your character has reached at least level 15 in any combat class.
- Complete the Main Scenario Quest: You must have progressed far enough in the Main Scenario Quests to unlock airship travel. This is typically unlocked after completing the quest “The Gridanian Envoy,” “The Ul’dahn Envoy,” or “The Lominsan Envoy,” depending on your starting city.
- Begin the Unlocking Quest: Once you’ve unlocked airship travel, head to Ul’dah. In Ul’dah – Steps of Nald, speak to the NPC Well-Heeled Youth at coordinates (X: 9.6, Y: 9.0). This NPC will give you the quest “It Could Happen to You,” which unlocks access to the Gold Saucer.
- Complete the Quest: Follow the quest objectives, which will require you to travel to the Gold Saucer via airship from the Ul’dah airship landing. Once you arrive, speak to the attendant NPCs to complete the quest and officially unlock the Gold Saucer.
After completing the quest, you’ll be able to return to the Gold Saucer at any time by using the airship from major cities or by teleporting using the Aetheryte network once you attune to the Gold Saucer’s Aetheryte.
Navigating the Gold Saucer: What to Do Once You Arrive
Once you’ve unlocked the Gold Saucer and entered for the first time, you’ll be greeted with a wide range of activities, mini-games, and events. The main currency used in the Gold Saucer is Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP), which you can earn by participating in games and events. MGP is used to purchase various rewards, including cosmetic items, mounts, minions, and even furniture for your player housing.
Earning MGP: The Core Currency of the Casino
There are many ways to earn MGP in the Gold Saucer. Some methods require skill and strategy, while others rely on luck. Below are the key activities you can participate in to earn MGP:
- Mini-Games: Scattered throughout the Gold Saucer are various mini-games, such as Monster Toss, The Moogle’s Paw, and Cuff-a-Cur, where players can earn small amounts of MGP. These mini-games are quick, fun, and provide a steady source of points if played consistently.
- GATEs (Gold Saucer Active Time Events): GATEs are special timed events that take place within the Gold Saucer at set intervals. These events include challenges like Leap of Faith, a platforming event where players jump across obstacles to reach the finish line, or Any Way the Wind Blows, where players must avoid getting blown off the stage by random wind gusts. GATEs offer substantial MGP rewards to players who participate and perform well.
- Triple Triad: Triple Triad is a popular card game originally introduced in Final Fantasy VIII. In the Gold Saucer, players can collect and play cards in Triple Triad matches against NPCs and other players. Winning matches can earn you MGP, and collecting more powerful cards can improve your chances of winning future matches.
- Chocobo Racing: Players can breed, train, and race chocobos in the Gold Saucer’s chocobo racing events. Winning races and training your chocobo can earn you large amounts of MGP. Chocobo racing is one of the more in-depth activities available in the Gold Saucer, as it involves strategy in managing your chocobo’s stats and abilities.
- Cactpot: The Gold Saucer offers two types of Cactpot lottery games: the Mini Cactpot and the Jumbo Cactpot. The Mini Cactpot is a daily scratchcard game where players can win MGP based on the numbers they uncover. The Jumbo Cactpot is a weekly lottery where players purchase tickets and win MGP based on matching the winning numbers.
| Activity | MGP Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-Games | Low | Quick, casual play |
| GATEs | Medium to high | Time-based events |
| Triple Triad | Medium | Card game fans |
| Chocobo Racing | High | Strategic gameplay |
| Mini Cactpot | Low to medium | Daily lottery |
| Jumbo Cactpot | Very high | Weekly lottery |
Rewards in the Gold Saucer: What Can You Get?
The Gold Saucer offers a wide array of exclusive rewards that can be purchased with MGP. These rewards include everything from mounts and minions to special emotes, hairstyles, and glamour items. Some of the most sought-after rewards include:
- Exclusive Mounts: The Gold Saucer offers unique mounts that can only be purchased with MGP, such as the Fenrir mount or the Adamantoise mount. These mounts require a significant amount of MGP but are highly coveted by collectors.
- Minions: Players can collect cute and rare minions, such as the Senor Sabotender minion, which are only available in the Gold Saucer.
- Cosmetic Items: The Gold Saucer offers a variety of cosmetic items, including hairstyles, glamour outfits, and furniture for player housing. These items allow you to customize your character’s appearance or decorate your personal space.
- Special Emotes: Some emotes, such as the Ball Dance and Manderville Dance, can only be obtained through the Gold Saucer, adding fun new ways to interact with other players.
| Reward Type | Cost (MGP) | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Fenrir Mount | 1,000,000 MGP | High |
| Adamantoise Mount | 200,000 MGP | Medium |
| Hairstyles | 14,000 – 30,000 MGP | Low to medium |
| Minions | 10,000 – 30,000 MGP | Medium |
| Furniture | Varies | Medium to high |
Events and Seasonal Activities
The Gold Saucer also plays host to several seasonal events throughout the year, such as the Make It Rain Campaign, which typically occurs annually. During this event, players can earn increased MGP from activities and access limited-time rewards. It’s an excellent opportunity to boost your MGP balance and grab exclusive items that are only available during the event.
Maximizing Your Time in the Gold Saucer
To make the most of your time in the Gold Saucer, consider the following tips:
- Participate in Daily and Weekly Activities: Make sure to play the Mini Cactpot daily and the Jumbo Cactpot weekly for a chance at big MGP wins.
- Join GATEs: These timed events offer excellent MGP rewards and are a fun way to engage with other players.
- Play to Your Strengths: Focus on the activities you enjoy most, whether that’s Triple Triad, chocobo racing, or mini-games. The Gold Saucer has something for everyone, so find the activities that you excel at and maximize your MGP earnings.
By following these steps and exploring everything the Gold Saucer has to offer, you’ll be well on your way to earning MGP and enjoying the exciting world of FFXIV’s in-game casino.