Ask the Devs: Synthesis in FF14
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Published on 10-29-2010 02:50 AM
Today, the FFXIV devs have once again taken the time to answer more questions regarding in-game synthesis.
Synthesis
The questions regarding unstable elements as only been speculation up to now. With this week's installment of Ask the Devs, we finally have some long-deserved answers.
Originally Posted by
Square Enix
Q. What happens exactly when the harnessed element of a synthesis attempt becomes unstable?
A. When an element of a synthesis becomes unstable, the following effects take place respectively:
- Lightning: Progress greatly reduced
- Wind: Durability consumption greatly increased
- Fire: Quality greatly reduced
- Ice: Progress reduced, chance of aetherial sparks reduced
- Earth: Durability consumption increased, chance of aetherial sparks increased
- Water: Quality reduced, chance of aetherial sparks increased
Q. What steps can I take to ensure that the element of my synthesis does not become unstable?
A. The element has a chance of becoming unstable whenever any step of the synthesis process ends in failure. It is at its most susceptible when the glowing light representing the craft is colored, and is at its most stable when this light is white. Additionally, the chances of an element becoming unstable increase as a synthesis attempt nears completion. Naturally, the element which becomes unstable is determined by the type of crystal or shard being used.
Until now, FFXIV players only knew how to Assign Attributes as a Battle Discipline in FFXIV. Now there are more answers surrounding the Crafting Attributes, too.
Originally Posted by
Square Enix
Q. What do the crafter-related attributes Craftsmanship, Magic Craftsmanhip, and Control each do?
A. Among recipes in the game, there are those for which the rate of progress and chance of success are increased by higher Craftsmanship, and those for which they are determined by Magic Craftsmanship. Control helps to reduce the occurrence of aetherial sparking (see below), and exerts its influence over both types of recipes just mentioned.
All recipes, however, have set attribute requirements. Attempting a recipe with attributes below those required will result in lessened progress and quality, even for successful actions.
Only SE would make it so sparks fly around during bad syntheses in every craft (weaving never looked so intense in real life). While the results associated when sparks appear have generally been rather dismal, I wasn't 100% on its meaning until right now.
Originally Posted by
Square Enix
Q. There are sparks flying out of my synthesis. What is going on?
A. The phenomenon known as "aetherial sparking" indicates strain on the synthesis materials. When your synthesis emits aetherial sparks, you will suffer the following repercussions:
- Reduced chances of success
- Increased durability consumption from excessive element destabilization
- Increased durability consumption during Touch Up
The results of actions taken during synthesis determine the degree of aetherial sparking. The more dramatic the sparks become, the more dramatic the above repercussions will be. These negative effects are even further enhanced during Rapid Synthesis. Only certain crafter-related abilities serve to curb aetherial sparking. Craft with caution!
Overall, this was a short and sweet installment of Ask the Devs - I really wish SE would get right and straight to the point like this more often. That being said, I wish you greater luck in all your syntheses from now on.
