Relic Weapon (equipment)

Relic weapons are a class of high-rank weapons found in both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. They are considered to be ideal for their type and level.

Final Fantasy XI
Relic Weapons are sixteen weapons in Final Fantasy XI obtainable through a series of weapon upgrades. They are lauded as legendary weapons that were once used by war heroes during the Great Crystal War twenty years prior to present day Vana'diel.

Relic Weapons are the first of three legendary sets of weapons to be introduced in Final Fantasy XI. All Relic Weapons were added to the game in the Rise of the Zilart expansion pack, with the sole exception of Aegis, which was added in Chains of Promathia.

Strictly speaking, not all Relic Weapons are actual weapons, as the set includes a wind instrument and a shield as well. The rest of the weapons each belong to a different weapon type and come with their own unique weapon skills. Each weapon would produce a different special effect for its wielder, known as an aftermath, when the unique weapon skill was used for the weapon. Also, in addition to their stated effects, all Relic weapons come with the hidden effect of occasionally dealing triple damage.

To obtain the weapons, players must venture into Dynamis and obtain the base relic weapons, and subsequently upgrade the weapons through various stages by paying ancient currency, as well as other special items obtained from Dynamis, to the Goblin Switchstix.

The initial level of a Relic Weapon is 75, but various Magian Trials may be undertaken to improve the weapons, capable of being upgraded like the Empyrean Weapons to a final, elevated Level 99 Afterglow version. The afterglow of all Relic Weapons is a radiant gold.

Final Fantasy XIV
Relic weapons are the best weapons in the game. They are obtained through the quest "A Relic Reborn". Although the quest can be initiated and the required items for it can be sought after, the weapons themselves will not see release until future patches, most likely 1.23b. Until then, the exact requirements to obtain them are not certain.

After accumulating 25,000 Grand Company Seals, a player can purchase a Soiled Promissory Note. This will allow them to obtain Primal Seals by defeating bosses in Hamlet Defense and accumulating enough points. After obtaining three of each seal (Inferno Seal, Vortex Seal, and Tremor Seal), the player will also need to acquire the class-exclusive weapon of their choice and have it melded with two of a specific Materia type. As double-melding is far from guaranteed, adventurers can expect to deplete their gil on the expenses for Materia and class-exclusive weapons.

It should be noted that while the class-exclusive weapons can only be worn by Classes (Pugilist, Marauder, Thaumaturge, etc), the relics are apparently only usable by Jobs (Monk, Warrior, Black Mage). It is unclear how this will work, as a character is required to have a weapon equipped at all times, and switching between Class and Job would normally remove any equipment that isn't wearable in the player's new state.