FFXIV Occult Crescent Guide: How to Unlock, Survey Point Locations

If you’re diving into patch 7.25 of Final Fantasy XIV, chances are you’ve already heard whispers about the Occult Crescent—Dawntrail’s newest field operation, and honestly, one of the most ambitious pieces of content in the expansion. Whether you’re chasing relic weapon progress, gunning for rare loot, or just looking to farm some knowledge XP, the Occult Crescent is going to be your home for a while.

But don’t worry—this guide has your back. Below, we’ll walk through how to unlock the Occult Crescent, where to find those elusive survey point locations, and what you should know to avoid getting face-planted by a knowledge level 20 monster while you’re still trying to find your bearings.

Need a boost getting ready for the Crescent grind? We recommend PVPBank if you’re looking to buy FFXIV gil without jumping through hoops. It’s a solid option to get your gear and materia sorted fast.

Alright, let’s get into it.

What is the Occult Crescent in FFXIV?

So, what exactly is the Occult Crescent in Final Fantasy XIV? In short: it’s the new field operation for the Dawntrail expansion, dropping in patch 7.25. Think of it as the spiritual successor to zones like Eureka and Bozja, but with a fresh twist and a much more dynamic gameplay loop.

Unlike traditional zones, your character doesn’t progress through regular levels here. Instead, you’ll level up your Knowledge Rank, which determines your power inside the instance. Higher knowledge means you hit harder, survive longer, and generally don’t get smacked around by every monster you run past.

But be warned—if you die and return to base, you’ll lose Knowledge EXP (and potentially drop a level). That risk-reward loop makes the Occult Crescent feel tense, chaotic, and seriously rewarding when you make smart plays.

---

How to Unlock the Occult Crescent in FFXIV

To even step foot into the Occult Crescent, here’s what you’ll need:

• At least one combat job at level 100

• Completion of the main story quest “Dawntrail”

Once those boxes are ticked, head to Tuliyollal and speak with the Expedition Messenger to pick up the quest “One Last Hurrah”. From there, you’ll begin the journey into this vast, instanced battlefield.

You’ll unlock the area gradually as you progress through the quest chain. Just follow the markers, soak up the lore, and you’ll be rolling deep into the Crescent in no time.

How to Find Survey Point Locations in Occult Crescent

Now let’s talk about the meat of this guide—survey point locations. These glowing spots scattered around the Occult Crescent are essential for progressing key quests like:

• “A Ruined Land”

• “Common Thread”

• “Past and Crescent”

Completing these quests is more than just checking a box—they’re a requirement for unlocking the massive 48-player dungeon, The Forked Tower.

Where Are the Survey Points?

The game doesn’t do you many favors here. Survey points are not marked clearly on your map unless you're on the specific quest. And even then, you might miss them if you’re not looking closely.

Here are some quick pointers to help you find them:

• South Horn area contains most of the required survey points.

• One hidden survey point is located in the Phantom Village, up the stairs on the west side. This one isn’t marked on most maps, so be sure to scout it out manually.

• These points glow subtly, so pay attention to environmental cues like sparkling lights or odd-looking rubble.

We recommend knocking out the quests in this order:

1. “A Ruined Land” - unlocks the initial stretch of the Crescent and teaches you how survey points work.

2. “Common Thread” - digs deeper into the lore and requires more exploration.

3. “Past and Crescent” - unlocks The Forked Tower, which is basically the final reward for your efforts.

These survey points are just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need to complete critical encounters and other side quests to fill out your Occult Records, which track your full progress in the zone.

Tips for Surviving the Occult Crescent

Let’s be honest—your first few hours in the Occult Crescent might be rough. If you’re not prepared, you’ll die a lot. Like, a lot. But it doesn’t have to be a total wipe-fest. Here are some survival tips from someone who’s been through it:

1. Unlock Aethernet ASAP

Unlike Eureka or Bozja, you can freely unlock teleport points here without needing to hit certain levels. Run around and grab these early so you can fast-travel to critical encounters or escape sketchy fights quickly.

2. Understand Knowledge-Based Combat

Combat here is scaled to your Knowledge Rank. Getting jumped by a level 15 enemy when you're still at rank 2 is instant death. Avoid fights until your knowledge catches up.

3. Join a Party

Running solo is possible, but joining a group is so much better. Just toss a “lfg” into shout chat and see who bites. Or make your own party if things are slow.

4. Look Out for Critical Encounters

Blue FATE icons mean Critical Encounters are spawning. These are chaotic, large-scale fights that offer tons of knowledge XP and rare loot. Be inside the big circle when it starts or you’ll be locked out.

5. Use Phantom Jobs

You’ll unlock special Phantom Jobs that give you extra abilities—think of them as mini-subclasses. Use them! They can turn the tide in tough fights. Some are free; others must be unlocked via currency or drops.

Rewards: Why Bother with the Occult Crescent?

Let’s be real—this isn’t just busywork. The Occult Crescent offers some sweet rewards:

• Access to The Forked Tower, a 48-player dungeon with unique loot

• Materials and currency used for Dawntrail relic weapons

• Cosmetics, mounts, and Phantom Job unlocks

• Tons of gil and XP from FATEs and encounters

It’s content that pays off the more you engage with it.

Final Thoughts: Is the Occult Crescent Worth It?

Absolutely. The FFXIV Occult Crescent is some of the most compelling content we’ve seen in a field op since Eureka launched. It’s got the chaotic group fights, the solo exploration, the questing, and a loot loop that actually feels rewarding.

Just remember to pace yourself. Don’t be afraid of the deaths, keep grinding that knowledge level, and enjoy the process. You’re not the only one figuring things out—and half the fun is learning as you go.

Whether you’re in it for the gear, the lore, or just something new to do while waiting for raid reset, the Occult Crescent is a wild ride worth taking.