WHM Equipment Guide

If you want to know how to equip your WHM while playing FFXI, I wrote up this separate guide.  I wrote a little comment on some possible equipment in the general FAQ, but that does not cover everything.

There are 3 types of players when it comes to equipment - ones that want the bare necessaries, ones that are modest in equipment, and ones that want the very best.  The person with bare necessaries only want the cheap equipment or budget equipment.  The one that is modest in equipment try to shop within a budget, but will allow certain gear that cost some gil.  The ones that want the very best will often invest in overrated, very pricey equipment.

I have listed the equipment for certain level ranges.  Note that regardless of the type of player, you will notice that equipment seldom changes after level 40.

Level 1 (usually solo)

There is little difference in gear at level 1.  The ones with bare necessaries may upgrade as they get the money if they know where to look.

Level 10 (usually a mix of solo and party)

There will still be some soloing but at this point you will be invited to parties a lot.  There is little difference in gear.  The ones that barely invest in equipment will find out real fast that their gear simply won't cut it and they'll be forced to upgrade at some point.

Level 20

Chances are that the person with bare necessaries have found out that low level equipment and poor equipment does not cut it in Valkrum, and has found out that Saintly Rings and Onyx Earrings are rather inexpensive.  The modest player have upgraded the earrings at least, and chose the Priest's Robe instead of the expensive Baron's Saio.

Level 30

At level 30, you will find the modest player will have some extra money and will done some upgrades in equipment obtained at earlier levels.  Almost every white mage I have encountered has used the Seer's Tunic by the time they hit level 29, including the ones that only want the bare necessaries.  Some will have gear for farming purposes at this point as they get treasure hunter trait if they sub thief starting at level 30.  Magician's Earring is only useful if you sub summoner.

Level 40

some minor changes, noticeably the earrings and the rings.  New hairpins are available as well.  The player with basic equipment will likely add the rest of the seer's set, but you will very seldom see this player past level 38 though.

Level 50

note there is little change between level 40 and 50 unless you want the very best.  The major change is the farming equipment.  Between level 50-60 is where the biggest change comes for everyone.

Level 60

This is where the major change happens for everyone.  Everyone can do their AF quests and expect all the WHM that can do so get this done.  The very rich will likely invest in Enhancing Mantle and Healing Staff which can cost millions of gil.  Its very much expected that everyone gets the Light and Dark Staff if possible.  They will last you a long time.  Some of the ones with very big pocketbooks may sport Vermillion Cloak at some point.

Level 70

No major changes although the very best would have to earn their stuff through HNM fights than buying them.  The most important thing to get ready for is Maat for Shattering Stars BCNM.  The equipment is geared towards evasion and defense bonus, as you will need it.  Keep in mind what you use in Maat fight won't likely be used in any other situation, so you can get by with borrowing some of the gear.  Thanks to some of the new updates, the price of Noble's Tunic has dropped to the point that you don't have to be in a HNM linkshell in order to get it (it starts at 10M in price).

Level 75

The very best will likely be sporting end-game gear if they haven't already.  Some of them require drops from Notorious Monsters in order to obtain and items that require really deep pocketbooks.