Introduction
The world of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is known for its vast landscapes, intricate lore, and immersive gameplay. One of the unique features introduced in the Heavensward expansion is the ability to fly in various zones. To unlock this ability, players must attune to all the Aether Currents in a particular zone. Among the many zones, the Dravanian Hinterlands is one that poses a significant challenge for players, especially when it comes to locating the elusive fourth Aether Current.
This article will guide you through the process of finding the fourth Aether Current in the Dravanian Hinterlands. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a new player, this guide aims to make your quest a little easier.
Understanding Aether Currents
Before diving into the specifics of the Dravanian Hinterlands, it’s essential to understand what Aether Currents are and why they are crucial in FFXIV.
Aether Currents are invisible points of energy scattered across different zones in Heavensward and later expansions. Players must attune to these currents to gain the ability to fly in that zone. The process involves both exploration and completing certain quests. Each zone has a specific number of field Aether Currents (which are found in the environment) and quest Aether Currents (which are rewarded upon completing specific quests).
Flying is not just a convenience in FFXIV; it’s a necessity. Some areas are difficult to access on foot, and flying allows for faster travel and easier exploration. Additionally, some quests require players to reach high or isolated locations, making flight indispensable.
The Dravanian Hinterlands: An Overview
The Dravanian Hinterlands is a sprawling zone located to the west of Ishgard. It’s known for its lush greenery, ancient ruins, and the iconic settlement of Idyllshire. The zone is steeped in history, being the home of the Sharlayan scholars before they abandoned it during the events leading up to the Calamity.
Navigating the Dravanian Hinterlands can be tricky due to its varied terrain, which includes dense forests, crumbling ruins, and winding rivers. The Aether Currents in this zone are spread out across these different landscapes, with some being easier to find than others.
The fourth Aether Current, in particular, has baffled many players due to its hidden location and the effort required to reach it. This guide will focus on helping you locate this specific current, along with providing general tips for finding all Aether Currents in the Dravanian Hinterlands.
Locating the Fourth Aether Current
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: finding the fourth Aether Current in the Dravanian Hinterlands. This Aether Current is one of the field currents, meaning it is located somewhere in the environment rather than being tied to a quest.
Step 1: Starting at Idyllshire
Begin your journey in Idyllshire, the main hub of the Dravanian Hinterlands. Idyllshire is located in the northeastern part of the zone and serves as a central location for various quests and activities. From here, you’ll want to head towards the southwestern part of the map, where the Mourning Widow area is located.
Step 2: Navigating the Terrain
As you make your way southwest, you’ll notice that the terrain starts to change. The Mourning Widow area is characterized by steep cliffs and narrow pathways, making navigation a bit challenging. Be prepared to engage in combat, as there are hostile creatures in the area.
Look for a series of ledges and inclines that lead upwards. The path to the fourth Aether Current involves some careful maneuvering, so take your time to ensure you don’t miss any important turns.
Step 3: Reaching the Plateau
After navigating the cliffs, you’ll eventually reach a small plateau. This area overlooks the lower parts of the Mourning Widow and provides a good vantage point of the surrounding landscape. The fourth Aether Current is located on this plateau, tucked away in a small alcove.
Approach the Aether Current and attune to it. This will add it to your collection and bring you one step closer to unlocking flight in the Dravanian Hinterlands.
Step 4: Confirming Your Progress
After attuning to the fourth Aether Current, it’s essential to check your progress. Use your Aether Compass to see how many Aether Currents you’ve collected and how many are left. If you’re still missing any, refer to the map and your compass to track them down.
Aether Currents in the Dravanian Hinterlands: A Complete List
For a more comprehensive approach, here is a table summarizing the locations and methods to obtain all the Aether Currents in the Dravanian Hinterlands. This will help you ensure that you have found every current in the zone.
| Aether Current | Type | Location | Coordinates | Notes |
| First Aether Current | Field | Near the Thaliak River | X: 28.7, Y: 19.6 | Located along the riverbank. |
| Second Aether Current | Field | Inside Great Gubal Library | X: 17.8, Y: 22.2 | Found on the second floor. |
| Third Aether Current | Field | West of The Collectors’ Quarter | X: 13.6, Y: 30.2 | On a high ledge. |
| Fourth Aether Current | Field | On the plateau near the Mourning Widow | X: 9.3, Y: 33.1 | The elusive one, hidden in an alcove. |
| Fifth Aether Current | Field | North of Saint Mocianne’s Arboretum | X: 30.2, Y: 36.8 | Near the edge of the Arboretum. |
| Sixth Aether Current | Field | Near the Statue of Thaliak | X: 25.6, Y: 26.4 | Hidden behind the statue. |
| Seventh Aether Current | Field | Close to the Path of Knowing | X: 20.1, Y: 31.7 | Located near a broken bridge. |
| Eighth Aether Current | Field | South of The Makers’ Quarter | X: 16.3, Y: 26.9 | On a high cliff, requires careful navigation. |
| Ninth Aether Current | Field | In the Answering Quarter | X: 11.7, Y: 27.3 | Hidden inside a building. |
| Tenth Aether Current | Field | Near The Habisphere Control Room | X: 8.1, Y: 29.7 | Found at the base of the control room. |
Quest-Based Aether Currents in the Dravanian Hinterlands
In addition to the field-based Aether Currents, there are also quest-based currents that you can obtain by completing specific quests in the Dravanian Hinterlands. These quests are typically marked with a special icon that indicates they will reward an Aether Current upon completion.
Here’s a list of the quest-based Aether Currents:
| Quest Name | Location | Coordinates | Notes |
| A Curious Tale | Given by Moghan in Idyllshire | X: 19.8, Y: 31.5 | Completes after investigating the ruins. |
| An Answer to the Mystery | Given by Mogok near the Collectors’ Quarter | X: 13.2, Y: 29.9 | Requires defeating enemies in the area. |
| A Plan for the Future | Given by Mogek in The Answering Quarter | X: 11.5, Y: 27.1 | Requires collecting items from the zone. |
| Truths Untold | Given by Moguk in The Answering Quarter | X: 11.2, Y: 27.7 | Involves finding lost documents. |
| History Repeating | Given by Mogwul in The Makers’ Quarter | X: 16.7, Y: 26.3 | Requires a boss fight to complete. |
Tips for Finding Aether Currents
Finding Aether Currents can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes much more manageable. Here are some tips to help you in your quest:
- Use Your Aether Compass: The Aether Compass is an essential tool for locating Aether Currents. It gives you the direction and distance to the nearest Aether Current, making it much easier to find them.
- Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Aether Currents are often hidden in hard-to-reach places. Don’t be afraid to explore every part of the map, even areas that seem inaccessible at first.
- Complete All Quests: Some Aether Currents are tied to quests, so make sure you complete all available quests in the zone. Pay attention to quest icons that indicate a reward of an Aether Current.
- Be Patient: Finding Aether Currents can be time-consuming, especially in zones with difficult terrain like the Dravanian Hinterlands. Take your time and enjoy the exploration process.
Conclusion
Unlocking the ability to fly in the Dravanian Hinterlands is a rewarding experience that makes exploring this beautiful zone much easier. The fourth Aether Current, located on a hidden plateau near the Mourning Widow, is one of the more challenging currents to find, but with the guidance provided in this article, you should be able to locate it without too much trouble. By following the steps outlined here and using the Aether Compass effectively, you’ll be able to attune to all the Aether Currents in the Dravanian Hinterlands and enjoy the freedom of flight. Whether you’re completing quests, exploring hidden areas, or simply enjoying the scenery, flying in FFXIV opens up a whole new level of gameplay.
