Another Mount Gulg: The Main Scenario Progression Gate

Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4, Into the Mist, includes the mandatory main scenario quest (MSQ) dungeon, Another Mount Gulg. As is standard for even-numbered patches, this dungeon serves as a gate for progression, requiring all players to complete it to continue the ongoing story of the Dawntrail expansion. It is a four-player instance designed for a standard light party (1 Tank, 1 Healer, 2 DPS).

Another Mount Gulg is a redesigned, narrative-focused revisit of the classic Mount Gulg location, featuring new trash pull compositions and three unique boss encounters. The dungeon rewards gear with an Item Level (iLvl) of 685, which is crucial for filling minor gear gaps for players preparing for the Savage raid tier or maximizing their casual progression. Additionally, running this dungeon is the most efficient way to acquire the new Allagan Tomestones of Mnemonics, which are capped weekly and necessary for purchasing the highest iLvl Tomestone gear.

Community Reception: Routine Acceptance and Speed Concerns

The introduction of the new MSQ dungeon is a routine event in FFXIV, and the community’s reaction reflects this sense of normalcy.

  • Acceptance of the Grind: The majority of players on forums and social media treat the new dungeon as a necessary step. The prevailing sentiment is one of routine acceptance: “It’s a new dungeon, run it for the Tomestones.” The gear rewards are acknowledged as important for casual players and for statics looking to hit the optimal threshold for the Savage raid’s first week. The new environment and boss mechanics are usually met with positive remarks for their visual design and narrative integration.
  • Speedrun and Optimization Debate: However, a consistent source of contention revolves around the dungeon’s speed and efficiency. High-end players immediately analyze the optimal routes and trash pull compositions. If the pulls are deemed too small or if boss mechanics include excessive invulnerability phases, the community often criticizes the dungeon for being “slow” or “inefficient” for farming the weekly Tomestone cap. In the early days of Patch 7.4, the speed of Another Mount Gulg was under heavy scrutiny, as players quickly determined if it was the fastest option for their daily Expert Roulette.

Essential for Progression and Economy

The importance of Another Mount Gulg extends beyond the MSQ. As the primary source for the highest non-Savage gear and the weekly-capped Tomestones, it becomes an essential daily activity for nearly all max-level players.

This constant demand has a predictable ripple effect on the in-game economy. The constant stream of Tomestones allows players to purchase the highest iLvl crafted materials, which in turn fuels the market for battle items and gear used by the entire raiding community. For non-raiders, the dungeon provides a clear and straightforward path to maximizing their item level and preparing for the next major content drop.

The dungeon is positioned as a foundational piece of Patch 7.4, successfully tying together narrative progression, gear acquisition, and economic sustainability in the typical FFXIV fashion.