Where to unlock all optional dungeons in FFXIV

Final Fantasy 14 has lots of dungeons to clear with a party, and a big chunk of them (especially from earlier on in the game) are optional. You won’t unlock these as you complete the main scenario quests as you do with the other dungeons. Instead, you’ll need to seek out specific NPCs and complete certain side quests to unlock these.

These dungeons are not to be confused with Variant Dungeons, like Aloalo Island, which are separate types of content. Here’s where to unlock all optional dungeons in FFXIV.

[Ed. note: This guide has been updated with the two Dawntrail optional dungeons and may contain spoilers to NPC names, quest names, and dungeon names at the very bottom of this page.]

Optional dungeons in FFXIV and High-level Dungeons roulette, explained

Unlocking at least two of any of the level 50-90 dungeons in the list below will also unlock the High-level Dungeons roulette. While most players don’t waste their time with running that roulette, it can still be useful if you’re desperate for tomes and EXP.

You don’t really need to do any of these, unless you want specific rewards, like minions, orchestrion rolls, or Triple Triad cards. (Even so, the minions and orchestrion rolls can be purchased via the marketboard if you don’t feel like grinding out a dungeon multiple times.)

A bulk of these early dungeons are also required to make your A Realm Reborn Zodiac relic weapon and your Heavensward Anima relic weapon.

Where to unlock all optional dungeons in FFXIV

Most of the dungeons can be unlocked after completing the main story of each expansion, though some have specific requirements. You’ll need to seek out the usual blue quest markers with a plus sign on it, which will indicate that there’s content locked behind that side quest.

Image: Square Enix via Polygon

Below you can see a complete list of all the optional dungeons in FFXIV, along with the side quest needed to unlock them, where to find the NPCs, and other prerequisites they may have.

If you’re just starting out in the massive world of Final Fantasy 14, we have tons of guides to help you. We have a beginner’s guide to get you started, along with guides detailing when you’ll get your mount and which Grand Company you should join.

If you’re starting but are feeling overwhelmed, we have guides to help with picking a job and a guide that explains how long it may take to catch up to current content in FFXIV.

We also have guides on side content, like ocean fishing, relic weapons, and Island Sanctuary, for those who want to take a break from it all.