Heading into any newexpansion ofFinal Fantasy XIV, players start looking to level up their characters andDawntrailis no different. Whether you’re picking up one of the new Jobs, or are finally able to level old ones again like me, there’s some ways to boost that EXP gain.

It can be hard to figure out the best ways to get EXP boosts, and everybody has their own ideas about how to do it. Don’t worry, as someone with extensive experience level capping every Job, I’ve got some tips.

Eating food in Final Fantasy XIV

You’re never at your best when you’re hungry, so make sure to eat

All foods, regardless of quality or the amount of effort they take to craft, grant a universal EXP boost of 3% for 30 minutes. Foods also offer stat boosts, which differ depending on the type of food you choose to eat.

If you’re solely in this for the EXP boost, which you most likely are if you’re reading this, then your best bet is to stock up on low-cost (or low crafting effort) foods. Some good options are:

A selection of meals available on the Marketboard in Final Fantasy XIV

If you’re planning to purchase these foods from the Marketboard, make sure to stock up beforeDawntrailgoes live, as prices are likely to get a boost of their own.

Don’t forget about FC Actions

Depending on which type of Job or class you’re trying to update, there’s a corresponding FC Action to help increase the amount of EXP you earn:

If you’re the leader of your own FC, verify to stock up on these and activate the appropriate one every day. If you’re not the leader of your FC, now might be a good time to remind the leader that these will be necessary.

Free Company Actions in Final Fantasy XIV

Make use of EXP boosting accessories, depending on your level

There’s a few different accessories which can help to boost the amount of EXP you earn, most of which are pre-order bonuses for different expansions. So if you’ve got these items sitting in storage somewhere, it might be worth bringing them out and dusting them off.

Which one you need depends on what your current level is:

Azeyma’s Earring in Final Fantasy XIV

Sanctuaries are for more than changing Glamours

When logging out of Final Fantasy XIV, always make sure to do so in a Sanctuary. In other words, make sure to teleport to an Aetheryte and log out there. You’ll know that you’re in a sanctuary thanks to a crescent moon appearing under your EXP bar.

Doing so will grant you the ‘Rested’ EXP buff, which will gradually accrue a 50% bonus when killing monsters, crafting or gathering. This effect can stack on top of other EXP boosting buffs.

The Limsa Lominsa Aetheryte in Final Fantasy XIV

Manuals can be your best friend

If you’re trying to level up Gathering or Crafting classes, I cannot overstate enough how important Engineering and Survival Manuals are. These Manuals will boost your EXP gain by 150% or 75%, depending on what level you are, so you really should make use of these.

Company-issue Engineering Manual II in Final Fantasy XIV

Ancient Idol in PEAK

PEAK Mesa biome

A character dressed as a pirate standing in front of a flying ship in disney dreamlight valley

A bunch of characters battling bugs in Fortnite