FFXIV Pilgrim’s Traverse Unlock Guide
Many returning players hit patch 7.35 and immediately ask the same question: why is Pilgrim’s Traverse still locked? The answer is that Square Enix tucked the deep dungeon behind both an MSQ checkpoint and an extra side quest, so here is the shortest path to unlock it.
Pilgrim’s Traverse Unlock Requirements
To unlock Pilgrim’s Traverse, you need to accept Pilgrimage of Light from the Bright-Eyed Child.
Before that quest appears, you must complete:
- Buried Memory
- Safekeeping
Once those are done, Pilgrimage of Light opens the deep dungeon in patch 7.35.
Where to Enter Pilgrim’s Traverse
The entrance NPC is Vanthau in Il Mheg at X:29.9, Y:6.0.
That is also where you:
- enter with a matched party
- enter with a fixed party
- check your high scores
- later queue into related Pilgrim’s Traverse options
If you want to enter with a fixed party, all members need to be in Il Mheg before the party leader talks to Vanthau.
Why Stone 30 Matters
For most players, the real goal is not just unlocking the dungeon. It is reaching Stone 30.
That is the first big breakpoint because:
- it completes Pilgrim’s Progress III
- it unlocks the follow-up quest Faerie Tale
- it lets you start new save files from Stone 21
If you plan to gear through the dungeon, pair this guide with the Pilgrim’s Traverse weapon rewards guide.
What You Get While Climbing
Pilgrim’s Traverse rewards scale by checkpoint, but the most important progression breakpoints are:
- Stone 10
- Stone 20
- Stone 30: unlocks Faerie Tale
- Stone 100: completes Pilgrim’s Progress VI
If you enter below level cap, the dungeon also gives experience, which makes the first 30 stones especially efficient for alt jobs.
Best First Goal
If you are new to the dungeon, do not obsess over leaderboards on day one. Your clean first target is:
- Unlock the duty.
- Learn the first 20 stones safely.
- Clear to Stone 30.
- Decide whether you are farming weapons or pushing higher floors.
That route gets you into the content fast without wasting time on prep that only matters for deep 70+ pushes.
Final Tip
Pilgrim’s Traverse is one of those FFXIV systems that feels confusing only until the unlock is done. Clear Buried Memory, finish Safekeeping, pick up Pilgrimage of Light, and head to Vanthau in Il Mheg. After that, your real grind starts at Stone 30.
