FFXIV Aether Currents Guide: Unlock Flying in Every Zone

Flying mounts in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) aren’t just a fancy cosmetic—they’re a game-changer. From traversing the jagged cliffs of Heavensward to gliding across the open skies of Endwalker zones, flying drastically reduces travel time, makes gathering nodes accessible, and opens up a world of exploration you simply can’t experience on foot. But there’s a catch: you can’t fly anywhere until you attune to all the Aether Currents in a given region.

If you’ve been grinding hunts, main scenario quests (MSQs), or trying to reach elusive treasure chests, you know how frustrating it can be to navigate a huge map without flight. This FFXIV Aether Currents guide will walk you through exactly how to unlock flying, track your progress, and efficiently collect every current in each expansion zone. Plus, if you’re looking to accelerate your progress, services like PvPBank FFXIV gil can help you get mounts and in-game resources faster.

What Are Aether Currents in FFXIV?

Aether Currents are invisible nodes of aether scattered throughout each zone. You must attune to every one of them before your flying mounts will work in that area. They appear as swirling green wind currents when near, or as quest rewards in certain locations.

Each expansion zone features:

Field-based currents – These require exploring the map and finding the currents manually.
Quest-based currents – These are automatically attuned when you complete specific quests, usually marked with a blue plus icon or tied to the main storyline.

Until you’ve collected every Aether Current in a zone, flying remains disabled. This system was introduced in Heavensward and remains consistent through Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and newer expansions like Dawntrail.

Using the Aether Compass to Find Currents

The key tool for tracking down Aether Currents is the Aether Compass. Without it, finding currents can turn into hours of wandering aimlessly across each region.

How to Obtain the Aether Compass

You get the Aether Compass by completing the level 50 Heavensward quest Divine Intervention. This quest also unlocks the Aether Currents menu and flying mechanics.

How to Use the Aether Compass

1. Open your Duty Menu → Collections → Aether Compass.
2. Assign the compass to your hotbar for easy access.
3. Click it to reveal the direction and distance to the nearest unseen current.

This method works across all zones and is especially useful in larger maps like those in Endwalker, where some zones feature up to 15 currents.

How Many Aether Currents Per Zone

The number of currents you need to unlock flight varies slightly depending on the expansion:

Heavensward through Shadowbringers:

• Field Currents: 4 per zone
• Quest Currents: 5 per zone

Endwalker and Dawntrail zones:

• Field Currents: 10 per zone
• Quest Currents: 5 per zone

Check your progress under Main Menu → Travel → Aether Currents.

• Blank diamonds: Field currents you haven’t attuned to yet
• Green diamonds: Attuned field currents
• Red diamonds: Quest-locked currents

Keeping an eye on this tracker prevents wasted time and helps plan your route efficiently.

Tips for Efficient Aether Current Collection

Collecting every current can feel like a grind, but veteran players have developed strategies to make the process faster and more enjoyable.

1. Prioritize Quest-Based Currents

Quest-based currents are automatically attuned once you complete the associated quest. Focusing on these first prevents unnecessary running around the map. Main scenario quests often cover one or more currents naturally.

2. Use the Aether Compass Efficiently

Always follow the compass instead of wandering. Click on it and watch the distance indicator decrease to zero to quickly locate the next current.

3. Combine With Main Scenario Progression

Sometimes the final Aether Current in a region is locked behind the MSQ. By continuing the story, you can unlock flight sooner than you might expect.

4. Plan Your Route

In large zones, mapping a route to hit all field currents in one run can save time. Check the current’s location on your map, then move from one to the next in a logical order.

5. Don’t Skip Exploration

While you’re hunting currents, you may stumble upon treasure chests, gathering nodes, or hidden areas. Flying unlocks not only helps with movement but also ensures you can reach these high-reward locations later.

Why Unlocking Flying Matters

Flying isn’t just about looking cool in the sky. Once unlocked, it:

• Cuts down travel time dramatically
• Makes treasure hunting more efficient
• Helps gather materials for crafting and leveling
• Simplifies completing hunting logs and side quests

With flying, you can plan your routes, explore high mountains, or glide over dangerous enemies. Essentially, it transforms exploration in FFXIV from tedious to enjoyable.

How Aether Currents Improve Gameplay

Flying impacts almost every aspect of your gameplay:

• Exploration: High cliffs, waterfalls, and secret locations become accessible
• Farming: Nodes, chests, and collectibles are easier to reach
• Efficiency: Completing daily hunts, side quests, or treasure maps takes less time
• Endgame Content: Certain raid or dungeon entrances are easier to scout with flight

For players aiming to optimize progression, collecting currents early is key.

Using FFXIV Gil to Boost Your Progress

Sometimes, grinding every quest and field current can be slow. Trusted providers like PvPBank offer FFXIV gil services, helping you acquire mounts, resources, and gear faster. While this doesn’t replace exploration, it can significantly cut down repetitive grinding and make unlocking flight a smoother process.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Aether Currents is essential for any serious FFXIV player. Whether you’re progressing through Endwalker, starting Dawntrail, or revisiting old zones like Heavensward, understanding how to efficiently locate and attune currents will save hours of gameplay and make your adventures far more rewarding.

Use the Aether Compass, prioritize quest-based currents, and check your progress in the Aether Currents tracker. Combining these techniques with a well-planned route ensures you unlock flying quickly and get the most out of your FFXIV journey.

Flying unlocks the skies above Eorzea, and once you’ve mastered it, there’s no looking back.

Aether Currents FAQ

Q: What are Aether Currents in FFXIV?
A: Aether Currents are invisible nodes scattered across each zone. You must attune to them before your flying mounts can be used there. Some currents are found in the field, others are rewarded through quests.

Q: How do I find Aether Currents?
A: Use the Aether Compass, obtained after completing the Heavensward quest Divine Intervention. It shows the direction and distance to the nearest current.

Q: How many Aether Currents do I need per zone?
A: Older expansions typically require 4 field currents and 5 quest-based currents. Endwalker and newer zones usually require 10 field currents and 5 quest-based currents.

Q: Do quest currents automatically attune?
A: Yes. Completing the associated quest automatically unlocks the current.

Q: Why is unlocking flying important?
A: Flying reduces travel time, improves farming efficiency, and makes exploring high or inaccessible areas much easier.

Q: Can I speed up progress using FFXIV gil?
A: Yes. Services like PvPBank provide FFXIV gil, mounts, and in-game resources to help unlock flying and progress faster.