FFXIV Gear Gallery: Dragoon's ARR relic weapon, all stages

The Dragoon in his natural state.

If you love a good grind, the ARR relics are for you. They're worth the effort, too. ARR relics are iconic and have some of the best models and glows of any expansion's relics.

Dragoon's relic Gae Bolg shows up early on in the MSQ. It's the weapon used by our favorite Azure Dragoon when we first meet him.

Estinen.

So what are you waiting for, brother-in-arms? Go and claim your spear of legend.

Here are all 9 stages of the relic, from start to finish.

Unfinished Gae Bolg

The unpainted base version.

Gae Bolg

Our relic base. No glow yet, but I think it looks great on its own. This is Estinien's weapon model when we first meet him.

Gae Bolg Zenith

The only glow available for the base relic. It's a good one though. I especially like how the model of the weapon is still well-defined through the glow.

Gae Bolg Atma

Base color version two.

Gae Bolg Animus

This glow has some well-done particle effects. Nice colors, too.

Gae Bolg Novus

This glow is thick and murky. I like it on the BLM weapon a lot, but it's not my first choice for Gae Bolg.

Gae Bolg Nexus

Definitely a creative glow choice. The rings look runic to me. I would associate them more with a caster weapon.

Longinus

We get a whole new base model for these last two steps.

Longinus Zeta

I would probably use this for my main glamour choice if Gae Bolg wasn't so awesome. It has a Nidhogg feel to it. I also think the subtle rings at the blade's base look good. Plus it spins and makes a click sound when you unsheath it.

My main Dragoon glamour

I usually use Gae Bolg Zenith or Gae Bolg Animus with the Drachen armor set dyed with Currant purple. Like other AF gear in general, it's not dyeable by default and must be unlocked by acquiring specific items.

Since Viera cannot wear most headgear, I am sadly locked out of the helmet. Instead, I use the Mythril Mesail, which can be bought on the Market Board for just a few thousand gil.

Using the Mythril Mesail instead of the Drachen Helmet. Hats for Viera!!!

The replicas of earlier stages aren't available until you finish the whole weapon, so be prepared for a long journey to unlock them. Good luck and happy hunting!

For an overview of my favorite Caster relics, check out this article.