FFXIV Blacksmith Leveling Guide L1 to 80 | 5.3 ShB Updated

Shadowbringers UPDATED! Blacksmith power leveling to 80! BSM Levequest Items comparisons and value moves per tier!

BSM Leveling Guide 70-80

MIN & BTN Leveling Guides updated. Other notes...

Botanist Leveling to 90, as well as Miner Leveling to 90 are updated for the Endwalker tier. Older tiers needs some fixing, although I modernized what I could quickly – I placed the important notes on the top of the aforementioned guides reflecting the major things that you need to take note of.

I will post a personal update soon, for those that are curious…

ShB 5.3 UPDATED! Dwarf Beast Tribe and Ehll Tou

Recent Update Log

5.3 Updates

  • Dwarf Beast Tribe quests added in ShB tier as a notable EXP source.
  • Ehll Tou added as Custom Delivery client option.

Previous updates

  • Kai Shirr added as Custom Delivery client option in ShB tier.
  • L70 to L80 section essentially revamped: New Skills & Rotations! 5.2ish was a clusterF. Skills changed TWICE in a short span of time. All is well now!
  • L70+ Gear recommendation:  Yellow Scrip gear is now recommended, for a number of reasons (Mainly, barely need stats for 70 to 80 leveling)

Ah, so you’re finally here. No use dilly dallying – it’s time to get your BSM up to 80!

Blacksmith Leveling- Navigation: [0-15] | [15-35] | [35-50]
[5o-60] | [60-64] | [64-70] | [70-80]

L70 to L80 DoH Beast Tribe quests: Dwarf

5.3 introduced the Dwarf Beast Tribe, which is a very welcome form of “free and easy” EXP, while getting some cool cosmetic items to boot.

Unlocking Dwarf Beast Tribe

Here’s some basics on how to unlock Dwarf Beast Tribe.

  • Location: Lakeland (9, 13)
  • Quest Name: It’s Dwarfin’ Time
  • NPC: Affable Townsdwarf
  • L70+ Disciple of the Hand

Other unlocking requirements pretty much sum up to “the blue dwarf quests in this area”. Formally, it requires “Ronitt to the Rescue”, which requires “Wright for the Job” and “Learning to Lali-Ho”, and so on. If you can’t see the quest, then knock out the blue quests around the area.

I place this Beast Tribe reminder very far up this guide not only because it’s a mid-patch addition, but also because it’s such a help to push past the dreaded “Dead Zone”. It remains a great source of EXP at any point until you that to hit L80!


Blacksmith L70 to L71 – The Deadzone

The first level of any new tier is a little brutal – and hard for me to account for since everyone has different stats coming in. The deadzone is caused by having subpar gear, and how it affects your possible activities to get past it. Fixing up your gear – getting Scrip gear – should be your highest priority at L70, as it will help ALL YOUR CRAFTERS push past the deadzone, and this gear is GOOD UNTIL LEVEL 80!

Suit up - Get Scrip gear ASAP

As mentioned above. It is SUPER VALUE to get this gear as it’s useful to you up until leveling to 80, and usable by all classes. Do Custom Deliveries to get scrip!

L70 BSM Gear Update
SlotItem

Notes

Main HandKing-tier MainhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
Off HandKing-tier OffhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HeadHandking’s TurbanBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BodyHandking’s DoubletBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HandsHandking’s GlovesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BeltHandking’s Tool BeltBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
LegsHandking’s BottomsBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BootsHandking’s ShoesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
EarringHandking’s EarringOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
NeckHandking’s NecklaceOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
WristHandking’s ArmillaeOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values

At least for the deadzone, I calculated a need of 1630 Craftsmanship, 1513 Control and at least 365 CP. 

L70 to 71 Deadzone Rotation 80 Durability

This rotation needs 365 CP – buy Handking accessories (or any cheap ones) and/or food buffs to reach that. It’s meant to accomodate all sorts of people entering the SHB tier (with likely lower CP). Feel free to upgrade this rotation if you have more stats.

Macro P1: “MSan L70/368C/80D A”

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/echo Macro A done. Better than nothing, Mahiko San! <se.1>

Macro P2: “MSan L70/368C/80D B”

/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Basic Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Basic Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo Crafting done! Mahiko San, srsly, a six synth!? <se.3>

While ugly, it gets around 80% HQ given the average times Hasty Touch will miss. With 1 HQ material, it becomes ALMOST 100%

L70 to 71 Deadzone Rotation 40 Durability

This rotation needs 361 CP – buy Handking accessories (or any cheap ones) and/or food buffs to reach that. It’s meant to accomodate all sorts of people entering the SHB tier (with likely lower CP). Feel free to upgrade this rotation if you have more stats.

Macro P1: “MSan L70/361C/40D A”

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Hasty Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/echo Macro A done. Thank you Mahiko San! <se.1>

Macro P2: “MSan L70/361C/40D B”

/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo Crafting done! Mahiko San, I am forever your slave! <se.3>

This one is weirdly OK. Hovers at roughly 80% HQ given the average times Hasty Touch will miss. With 1 HQ material, it becomes 100%

Rotation Notes

As you can see, the amount of synthesis you need here is brutal – the debuff for trying L71 as L70 is huge. It’s called the deadzone for a reason.

Also, these contain the anti-poor RNG Tricks of the Trade – which prevents your Byregot from landing on poor at all times.

The rotations are somewhat long, 2-button, and not even 100% – but that’s the nature of the deadzone for you! Let’s get out of it ASAP!

TLDR: Updating your gear is key to getting out of the deadzone, and when you do – you can use this rotation to help push out of it.

Beating the Deadzone: Sources of EXP

Here we outline the practical (or hopefully practical) sources of EXP to help muscle through this tough stretch. While many of these do not require the scrip gear mentioned above (Custom Deliveries, and easier tier GC Submissions), they will certainly help with some other activities (IE Grinding, making your own levequest items).

CUSTOM DELIVERIES!!!

Custom Deliveries.

Ok, this is valuetown right here and one of the prime methods to get out of the deadzone – BUT IT RESETS WEEKLY, so choose wisely. Personally, I didn’t use this on any class above 71 until all were 71 or more. You also get large amounts of scrip to update your gear with!

5.3 update: Ehll Tou from The Firmament joins Kai Shirr from Eulmore, as both the L70+ ShB Custom Delivery clients, so they’re your best option for maximum rewards at this point. Try to use all your allowances between them if you’re leveling 70 to 80.

You have 12 deliveries a week spread between:

  • Kai Shirr in Eulmore
  • Ehll Tou in The Firmament
  • Zhloe Alpaioh and Adkiragh in Idyllshire
  • Mnaago in Rhalgr’s Reach
  • Kurenai in Ruby Sea

Note that these 12 allowances are shared between ALL DOH/DOL classes.

Daily GC Submission

From here, and into the untold ages to come, the daily GC submission is VALUE. It’s, on average, worth more than the usual levequest. The starred entries are too massive to even describe.

Even if you can’t make these yourselves, check the MB for deals, or buy them straight up NQ from NPC’s if you’re desperate.

To check these, click CTRL+U (default) > Next Mission Allowance.

Levequests!?

Levequests are, of course, the main method of EXP gain as always – If you upgraded your gear, and use the rotation above (IDEALLY WITH 1 HQ MATERIAL TO PUSH FOR 100%) you can pretty reliably make them yourself.

One trick is to grind on 40 Durability “ingots”, and
use the HQ’s for your 80 Durability crafts!

If you’re lazy or don’t have the gear – you’re either forced to buy from the MB or NPC’s. This feels really bad, and if you’re on a budget this is not the way to go. Hopefully, you find some good deals!

If you CAN make stuff then the deadzone ain’t so dead after all

Grinding

Use Revised Engineering Manuals!

Can be pretty okay, honestly! You don’t need to hit HQ! Just get the best quality you can on any “ingot type” craft, for future use on levequest items or your stockpile.

In the case of Blacksmith L70, you can try out Deepgold Nugget

One trick is to grind on 40 Durability “ingots”, and
use the HQ’s for your 80 Durability crafts!

And finally one more source of EXP worth mentioning in its own segment…

Unlock Crystarium Deliveries “Class Quests”

This is a new thing (not to be confused with custom deliveries), that acts as a shared class quest between certain classes. In the case of Blacksmith,  shares with Armorer and Goldsmith in the Facet of Forging.

UnlockingHow does it Work?

It’s a 2 quest process to unlock this.

  • 1st Quest: The Crystalline Mean (L70)Area: The Crystarium
  • Requires: MSQ “The Crystarium’s Resolve (L72)”.
  • 2nd Quest: Iola, Forgemaster (L70) Area: The Crystarium
  • Requires: The Crystalline Mean (the 1st quest listed above)

You can submit SIX ITEMS PER TIER PER FACET – shared between your facetmates. So try to save them up to burst through shitty tiers.

After six submissions your esteem goes up, and they’re gonna ask for a new set of six items at L73, 75, and 78.

In the case of BSM 70, I’d suggest simply splitting it up between the shared classes, meaning 2/3 each for Armorer and Goldsmith – to help get out of the Dead Zone.

Blacksmith L70 Levequests

I’ll put the levequest table here, but I’ll repeat it in the next segment with complete discussion (I’ll put a basic recommendation here) – since not all L70 crafters will be able to reliably make it themselves…

BSM 70 Levequests

Again, discussion for these is in the next major segment, L71.

Level 70 Blacksmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestThe Gold ExperienceFire SaleHere Comes the Hammer
Item1Deepgold Nugget1Deepgold Gunblade1Deepgold Sledgehammer
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components4Truegold Sand2Deepgold Nugget2Deepgold Nugget
1Copper Ore1Stonegold Nugget1White Oak Lumber
2Oroshigane Ingot
EXP55575817784281333821
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?4001463
Gil160032003200

Blacksmith L71 to 72

A lot goes on in this level so bear with me even if it’s a bit lengthy. A majority of your setup ALL THE WAY UNTIL L80 BSM happens here so it’s worth it. Most noteworthy are a stat-check or gear update and a new rotation that works very well until L80!

BSM L71 GEAR UPDATE

This gear update is similar to the L70 one. You need to get all the L70 Scrip armor, and as many accessories as you need to reach the CP requirements (370~).

Scrip Gear

This is merely a copy of the L70 gear update. If you didn’t update or incompletely updated your gear at L70, then you MUST do it now. Of course, if you have any gear that beats this – go for that instead.

Mainhand and Body are MANDATORY – the rest can be substituted for L71 crafted if you like (more notes in the next tab)

L70 / L71 Gear Update

SlotItem

Notes

Main HandKing-tier MainhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
Off HandKing-tier OffhandBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HeadHandking’s TurbanBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BodyHandking’s DoubletBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
HandsHandking’s GlovesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BeltHandking’s Tool BeltBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
LegsHandking’s BottomsBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
BootsHandking’s ShoesBest L70 Scrip gear – mandatory
EarringHandking’s EarringOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
NeckHandking’s NecklaceOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
WristHandking’s ArmillaeOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values
RingHandking’s RingOptional, Only get enough to reach CP values

The mandatory CP values are around 370, the other stats aren’t so strict.

No Scrip for Scrip Gear?

Then simply substitute any crafted L71 gear in their place. Generally speaking not all pieces are equal – you definitely prefer scrip in some places. Some pieces have better crafted (accessories) but are largely unnecessary. Consider these only if you’re short on scrip. 

TLDR: Only get and meld crafted L71 gear IF YOU HAVE NO SCRIP,
Or rather spend GIL instead of scrip.

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t consider:

L71 Crafted Gear VS Scrip?

SlotBetter Type

Notes

Main HandSCRIPScrip gears stats are too far ahead
Off HandEITHER C>SEqual stats, crafted has a slot but meh.
HeadEITHER S>CMelded crafted only edges above, but not really worth
BodySCRIPScrip gears stats are too far ahead
HandsEITHER S>CMelded crafted only edges above, but not really worth
BeltEITHER S>COnly get crafted if you really have no scrip.
LegsEITHER S>COnly get crafted if you really have no scrip.
BootsEITHER S>COnly get crafted if you really have no scrip.
EarringEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
NeckEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
WristEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
RingEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.
RingEITHER C>SCrafted blasts scrip – but the extra stats don’t really matter.

Scrip Mainhand and body are mandatory – everything else just depends on what resource you’d rather spend. For most people I’d imagine that’s scrip (instead of shelling out gil)…

BSM L71 ROTATION UPDATE: 80 DURABILITY

The “L71 Mahiko San Synthesis: God’s Touch ™ – 80 Durability” is a ONE BUTTON macro (so it’s thankfully short), while being ABSOLUTE TRUE 100% (baits poor procs with Tricks of the Trade) while also being BUFFLESS.

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates & Notes

Macro P1: “MSan 365C/L71/80D”

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Basic Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>

Mahiko Sans “God’s Touch” ™ 80 Durability Success Rate
Recipe L71Recipe L72Recipe L73Recipe L74Recipe L75
DoH L71100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L72100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

Even if you somehow could make L76+ recipes – this still 100%’s it.

This rotation works from L71, crafting the most difficult possible recipe you can craft at this point (L75). You unlock more recipes at 75 but that’s a different story.

Again, being a ONE BUTTON, TRUE 100%, and BUFFLESS macro is something I’m proud of, and great news for you. 

BSM L71 ROTATION UPDATE: 40 DURABILITY

The “Mahiko San Synthesis: God’s Touch ™ – 40 Durability” Shares many similarities to its 80 Durability counterpart. True 100% success, while being another One Button Macro, and also BUFFLESS. It’s a 364CP rotation – so it’s quite light still.

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates & Notes

Macro Name: MSan L71/364C/40D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Basic Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac Observe <wait.3>
/ac “Focused Synthesis” <wait.3>

Mahiko Sans “God’s Touch” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
Recipe L71Recipe L72Recipe L73Recipe L74Recipe L75
DoH L71100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L72100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
DoH L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

Even if you somehow could make L78 recipes – this still 100%’s it.

Again, being a ONE BUTTON, TRUE 100%, and BUFFLESS and works up to the maximum level of recipe you can craft for now. What’s not to like!?

Blacksmith L70 Levequests

Level 70 Blacksmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestThe Gold ExperienceFire SaleHere Comes the Hammer
Item1Deepgold Nugget1Deepgold Gunblade1Deepgold Sledgehammer
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components4Truegold Sand2Deepgold Nugget2Deepgold Nugget
1Copper Ore1Stonegold Nugget1White Oak Lumber
2Oroshigane Ingot
EXP55575817784281333821
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?4001463
Gil160032003200
BSM L70 Levequest Discussion

Deepgold Nugget – PDO leve meaning it’s great when you’re POOR, DESPERATE, or OVERCAPPED ON LEVES. They serve a purpose.

Deepgold Gunblade – Highest EXP per item, but I highly doubt it’s worth losing levequests over. The pricing can be affected by RNG as Oroshigane Ingot isn’t exactly commonplace.

Deepgold Sledgehammer – Easily the best, or most stable, levequest in this tier. Light on the mats – and it’s a triple!

Deepgold Sledgehammer > Deepgold Nugget >>Deepgold Gunblade

What to do in this tier?

I grinded Deepgold Nuggets WITH MY ARMORER, since BSM has a decent triple, and a PDO levequest for the Nugget anyway. You have lots of options with BSM to progress so try to help out your other classes.

Blacksmith L72 to 74

There’s a rotation upgrade at 73, which I talk about below the levequest discussion.

BSM L72 Levequests

Level 72 Blacksmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestHeavy HitterSelective LoggingEnlistment Highs
Item1Deepgold Knuckles1Deepgold Axe1Deepgold Sword
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components3Deepgold Ingot3Deepgold Ingot2Deepgold Ingot
1Stonegold Ingot1Stonegold Ingot1Stonegold Ingot
1Electrum Ingot1Dark Chestnut Lumber1Cobalt Ingot
1Beetle Glue1Cobalt Ingot1Beetle Glue
1Beetle Glue
EXP222228225731691754433
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?5263299
Gil340834083408
BSM 72 Levequest Discussion

Beetle Glue (and other old world materials) heavily influence the RNG pricing of this tier.

Deepgold Knuckles / Deepgold Axe – Nearly identical mats, with the latter using +1 Dark Chestnut Lumber for +600k~ EXP. If that’s worth it to you, go for the Axe. Overall, while they give good EXP/ITEM, they aren’t particularly exciting unless the random mats are cheap.

Deepgold Sword – Easiest to make from the bunch, but the lessened EXP makes me not like this one so much…

L73 Rotation Upgrade (40 & 80 DUR)

These rotations are TECHNICALLY optional. But they are SHORTER – saves time.  More importantly completes virtually any item 100% HQ until leveling to 80 (read notes for specifics). There’s no point to hold off upgrading rotation now… It’s also rated for higher L76 / L78 items.

L73 80 Durability Rotation UPDATE

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates and Notes

Macro Name: MSan L73/367C/80D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Standard Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac Groundwork <wait.3>
/ac Groundwork <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo DONE! 13 Steps? Why thanks, Mahiko San <se.2>

For 80 Durability, this rotation is what you’ll be using until L80.

Mahiko Sans “L73 Divine Creation” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
DoH L73DoH L74DoH L75DoH L76
Recipe L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L76100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L77100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L78100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L79100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

Well, this is the end of the road. True 100% success rate, only 13 Steps, and will cover your butt for EVERYTHING EXCEPT LEVEL 80 CRAFTS – of which are largely irrelevant for leveling.

L73 40 Durability Rotation UPDATE

Rotation MacroSuccess Rates and Notes

Macro Name: MSan L73/352C/40D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Prudent Touch” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Preparatory Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac Veneration <wait.2>
/ac Groundwork <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo DONE! Thanks Mahiko San, 13 Steps only! <se.2>

Mahiko Sans “L73 Divine Creation” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
DoH L73DoH L74DoH L75DoH L76
Recipe L73100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L74100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L75100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L76100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L77100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L78100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

This rotation obliterates any 40 durability item you will encounter during your leveling process while being only 13 steps, having true 100% success rate. Not bad.

If you need more CP, remember to just buy as many Scrip accessories as you need, or craft as many L71 right-sides and meld as you need. It’s very easy to reach these CP values, and you can easily choose your path to obtain it.

What to do in this tier?

Keeping our Armorer counterpart in mind, you can grind more than your fair share of Deepgold Ingots with BSM – as ARM has a PDO levequest for it!

The levequests in this tier didn’t feel too great for me. I can’t really tell you why. It all depends on how much Deepgold Ingots you plan to make (with or without Armorer).

Overall, I wouldn’t blame you if you went back to submitting the last tiers items, namely Deepgold Sledgehammer.

A new facet quest appears at 73 – and I PILED ALL THE EXP TO BSM.

Blacksmith L74 to 76

Blacksmith L74 Levequests

Level 74 Blacksmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestInstruments of DistractionHalfhearted EffortNip It in the Bud
Item1Bluespirit Tile1Bluespirit Halfheart Saw1Bluespirit Scythe
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components4Bluespirit Ore3Bluespirit Tile2Bluespirit Tile
1Stiperstone1White Ash Lumber1White Ash Lumber
1Hard Mudstone Whetstone
EXP70535728214282821428
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?8464284
Gil180836163616
BSM 74 Levequest Discussion

Bluespirit Tile – Good ‘ol PDO leve. The exp is rather decent too.

Bluespirit Halfheart Saw – It “could have been great”, as it’s amazing compared to anything we’ve had before, but…

Bluespirit Scythe – Is simply the best levequest for BSM UP TO THIS POINT. It felt really good submitting these! This levequest invalidated the Halfheart Saw one – they give the same EXP with similar mats, so always take the triple in this case!

Bluespirit Scythe > Bluespirit Tile Bluespirit >>> Halfheart Saw 

What to do in this tier?

Make Bluespirit Tiles, preferably as ARM. Why? We have the PDO levequest fallback with BSM for them. Also, since this tier for BSM felt good – Turning in Bluespirit Scythe felt like cheating.

A new facet quest appears at 75, and I avoided giving any of the EXP to BSM. This one should goes to ARM > GSM.

Blacksmith L76 to 78

Start it off with a truly optional rotation update…

L76 Rotation Update *40 DUR Only*

I have a very minor rotation update for L76 40 DURthat simply reduces it to 12 steps. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t switch, but i’ll throw it out there anyway

Rotation Macro

Macro Name: MSan L76/347C/40D

/ac Reflect <wait.3>
/ac Manipulation <wait.2>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac “Delicate Synthesis” <wait.3>
/ac Innovation <wait.2>
/ac “Basic Touch” <wait.3>
/ac “Tricks of the Trade” <wait.3>
/ac “Great Strides” <wait.2>
/ac “Byregot’s Blessing” <wait.3>
/ac “Careful Synthesis” <wait.3>
/echo Craft finished <se.2>

Notes and Success Rates

I don’t think I need to put it, but here it is anyway…

Mahiko Sans “L73 Deific Speed” ™ 40 Durability Success Rate
DoH L76DoH L777DoH L78DoH L79
Recipe L76100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L77100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L78100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ
Recipe L79100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ100% HQ

12 Steps. True 100%. You’ve seen the quality I aspire to in previous rotations and this is no different.

Blacksmith L76 Levequests

Level 76 Blacksmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestDodge Once, Cut TwiceIdol HandsCooking for the Future
Item1Titanbronze Daggers1Titanbronze Chakrams1Titanbronze Culinary Knife
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components2Titanbronze Ingot2Titanbronze Ingot2Titanbronze Ingot
1Triplite2Titanbronze Nugget1Sandteak Lumber
1Amphiptere Leather1Titanium Nugget1Tuff Whetstone
1Starch Glue1Starch Glue
1Tuff Whetstone
EXP361999542781762632724
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?7898172
Gil382438243824
BSM 76 Levequest Discussion

Titanbronze Daggers – Somehow terrible… Triplite, Amphiptere and the Glue price are way too volatile. Check your server… might be lucky.

Titanbronze Chakrams – If you really wanted to do a single levequest, this is it. Ultimate EXP/Item up to this point! Not a bad choice if you want the most bang for your buck. Titanium Nugget can be a little tricky though…

Titanbronze Culinary Knife – Weirdly enough, BLUESPIRIT SCYTHE TRIPLE LEVE GIVES MORE EXP. So unless these mats are cheaper… this leve is oddly useless… I don’t know if this is intended or not, given the material discrepancy…

!!! Bluespirit Scythe (Previous tier triple, default recommendation)
> Titanbronze Chakrams (If you want singles)
> Titanbronze Chakrams (If bluespirit scythe mats expensive)
>>>>> Titanbronze Daggers (RNG, feelsbadman)

What to do in this tier?

Making Titanbronze Ingot with BSM is legit, as ARM has it as a fallback PDO option (you’re familiar with the cycle by now). Now, for the levequests…

Titanbronze Chakrams can be a hassle, but may prove to be the highest EXP/Cost levequest available to you – if you don’t need to save leves.

However, if conserving leves, you simply continue with your Bluespirit Scythe submissions unless the mats are considerably more expensive than making the Titanbronze Culinary Knives.

Blacksmith L78 to 80

You’re at the last stretch! Keep going!

Blacksmith L78 Levequests

Level 78 Blacksmith Levequests Comparison
LevequestBae BladeUnder the Fool MoonKeeping Loyalty
Item1Dwarven Mythril Uchigatana1Dwarven Mythril Pistol1Dwarven Mythril File
RECIPERECIPERECIPE
Components2Dwarven Mythril Ingot1Dwarven Mythril Ingot2
Dwarven Myhtril Ingot
1Dwarven Mythril Nugget1Dwarven Mythril Nugget1Dwarven Cotton
1Stonegold Nugget1Lignum Vitae Lumber
1Tuff Whetstone1Starch Glue
1Crimson Firesand
EXP467857046785701871428
Leve TypeSingleSingleTriple
Triple EXP?5614284
Gil403240324032
BSM 78 Levequest Discussion

Dwarven Mythril Pistol – Seemed painful compared to Uchigatana. Starch Glue and Crimson Firesand can be random. But if this works out better for you, good.

Dwarven Mythril Uchigatana  – I liked this GREATLY over pistol (and overall… Single leves can be pretty good COST/EXP/LEVE wise).

Dwarven Myhtril File – Pathetic EXP and Dwarven Cotton can be a PAIN if you make it yourself. The slight bump to EXP compared to either single simply isn’t worth it. This leve oddly SUCKS.

Dwarven Mythril Uchigatana  >= Dwarven Mythril Pistol >>>>> Dwarven Myhtril File

What to do in this tier?

Weirdly, I didn’t use previous tier triples. I spammed the Dwarven Mythril Uchigatana levequest. As long as you’re not bone dry on leves, singles can be pretty good (Blasphemy, right!?). If the Pistol mats are cheaper go for that. This tiers triple leve is “easy to make” but don’t be fooled… that EXP is atrocious.

But you’re free to use any of the previous tier “viable” levequests if you choose – though beating the value I felt submitting the samurai swords is gonna be hard to beat.

For the L78 Facet Quest, I dumped all the EXP on GSM. BSM and ARM didn’t feel bad at this point.

L80+ Blacksmith, What next?

Congratulations! Well, that’s it for the Shadowbringers tier. I have yet to decide if I will revive the end-game guides, lets see. But for now enjoy your L80 Blacksmith and go level your other classes!!!

Blacksmith Leveling- Navigation[0-15] | [15-35] | [35-50]
[5o-60] | [60-64] | [64-70] | [70-80]


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22 thoughts on “FFXIV Blacksmith Leveling Guide L1 to 80 | 5.3 ShB Updated”

  1. I’m so disappointed this website isn’t working anymore.. I get 403 errors on every guide and as a returning player that used to use this site religiously…. I sad now.

  2. The 68 leves aren’t correct. Knock on wood, for the molybdenum ball-pien hammer, is NOT a triple Leve quest. it’s only a single. if there is a triple here I believe it would most likely be the Fire for hire, the molybdenum rimfire. I did find the knock on wood to be faster and better since I leveled the gatherers, but it does spend more leves

  3. If anybody is having trouble with the L62 80DUR 379CP rotation because they lack the required CP, changing the second Steady Hand II to a Steady Hand saves 3 CP (in fact everyone should do that, because you hit 100% either way) and omitting it altogether saves 25 CP and only changes the Basic Touch and Byregot’s Blessing to 90%, which is still totally reliable. Doing this changes the CP requirement for the rotation to 354 from 379, which is a huge jump for low-geared crafters. Also, once you hit L63, Rapid Synthesis III with Steady Hand II should replace Careful Synthesis III in most cases (IMO). Especially if you cross-class Tricks of the Trade for the extra 20 CP ticks every once in a while, considering, once Comfort Zone falls off, there’s no reason to want to use unnecessary steps.

  4. Am I crazy or does the level 60, 40 dur rotation just not work? Let me know if I’m wrong but:
    Comfort Zone = 40
    Inner Quiet = 40
    Waste Not = 40
    Steady Hand II = 40
    Hasty Touch II = 35
    Hasty Touch II = 30
    Hasty Touch II = 25
    Hasty Touch II = 15
    Hasty Touch II = 5 (i assume this was left out by accident, because there’s absolutely no reason to go all the way to 40 in this rotation as opposed to 35)
    Master’s Mend = 35
    Steady Hand II = 35
    Great Strides = 35
    Innovation = 35
    Basic Touch = 25
    Great Strides = 25
    (there’s a space here, I don’t know what for)
    Byregot’s Brow = 15
    Ingenuity II = 15
    Careful Synthesis II = 5
    Careful Synthesis II = 0
    Careful Synthesis II = ???
    Again, leave a reply if I messed it up somewhere, but I’m pretty sure this just doesn’t work. Unless of course the space before Byregot’s Brow is supposed to be Master’s Mend or Waste Not or something, in which case, that makes much more sense, but requires a ton of CP to pull off. I’m sitting at 342 CP and if I use waste not there (which is the only way I’ve gotten it to work) i can’t even use Byregot’s Brow afterwards cause I’m left with 6-9 CP.

    1. Hmm i put many notes there that this rotation should be edited depending on your stats- lemme fix it up in such a way that it will “almost surely not fail”

      1. Well how good is 342 at this point for someone who’s a tiny bit behind on gear? Seems like I just end up a tiny bit off. Also, is it Waste Not that’s being used there to squeeze out the 3 CS2s?

  5. Nice guide but there is an error with your Lv60 40 DUR macros. As is it leaves you at -15/40 DUR which means you can only do two careful synthesis at the end and have to complete any further is impossible
    HT -35/40
    HT – 30/40
    HT- 25/40 W?N wears here
    HT – 15/40
    HT – 5/40
    MM – 35/40
    BT – 25/40
    Byregots – 15/40
    CSII – 5/40
    CSII – -5/40
    CSII – -15/40

    1. Ah, I forgot to put a note on this one… This one is meant to be “changed” depending if you are able to snag the progress in 2xCSII, I forgot to put that caveat. I guess the safer call is to edit the rotation to accommodate 3xCSIII instead (better for weaker crafters). The final BT (or the 5th HT) is what’s causing the error, and should be omitted for crafters that need the CSIII – I forgot to mention it!

  6. Oh Cobalt File leve… I wish I knew where you were. Alas I shall have to content my self with another leve.

  7. First off, great series of guides. They have really helped out a lot.

    Wanted to point out for BSM 56+: Titanium Nugget is a potential collectible item with a starting collectability of 2500 to start. it gives 103680 exp and 10 blue scrip (starting) making it hands down the best way to level from that point on as nothing can compare to its value, or at least, nothing that I can see (since you always need nuggets for something).

  8. I’m confused. You say that using levequests at 0-15 isn’t recommended, but then you go on to tell how to use them without really addressing what to do instead. Nothing here that describes what recipes are the best “bang for the buck” so to speak, in order to power level out over 15. Am I missing something here?

    1. I doomed myself with that line didn’t I? haha. The shopping list method is the most LEVE EFFICIENT (since you don’t use any). Courier Reverse Courier might be FASTEST and most BRAINLESS (but uses a bit of leves). This honestly depends on how rich you are with leves. I will be fixing all of the DOH leveling guides up to the new standard – it just so happens BSM is one of the “not yet fixed” ones. (CHeck out weaver).

    1. Have you checked in Red Rooster Stead? The Levequest “The Unkindest Cut” (NOT FROM LIMSA) involves submitting Bronze Saw for roughly 860 EXP and 94 gil as the reward. Kindly double check if it exists or not, because I see it.

  9. I will, however, I am putting this edit and other “general” fixes to older guides when heavensward comes out to see if there are any new things to consider while leveling up.

    1. Ever thought of making a master list?
      What I am saying is if someone wanted to level -everything- in one go. Much of crafting uses parts made from other jobs… so if you wanted to lv it all in one shot you could say go out, gather x amount of this this and this, craft x of this from this job, use it to craft this from this job. This job and this job make the same things, craft x from this job and y from this job (I.E. smithing and armoror can both make bars/rivits of the same kind) next lvs go gather x of this this and this etc etc etc.

      It just be something I’d love to see. I maxed my gathering out first and stockpiled a buncha stuff but having a proper means to lv everything else together be nice instead of having to pause and check the market, or scan though my craft log to see what makes this item I need, or if I even know it yet, or going out and gathering even more. Just sit back and have everything and go.

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