So you’ve just defeated The Ultima Weapon and finished the main story of A Realm Reborn. Congratulations!

You’ve saved Eorzea, become a hero, and proven yourself worthy of the name Warrior of Light. Now, you’re probably looking at your quest log and wondering, “What’s next?” The answer is simple: a whole lot of story.

The journey from the end of the base A Realm Reborn (Patch 2.0) to the beginning of the Heavensward expansion is notoriously long. In fact, many players refer to this stretch as the “Post-ARR slog.” But don’t let that scare you off! This part of the game, while lengthy, is crucial for setting up the narrative for Heavensward and beyond. It introduces key characters, deepens the lore, and builds the political tension that culminates in the first major expansion.

This guide will break down the essential steps to get you from the climax of A Realm Reborn to the icy, dragon-haunted spires of Ishgard.

Step 1: The Core of A Realm Reborn (Patch 2.0)

You’ve already done this part! This is the main scenario that takes you from a newly arrived adventurer to the hero who vanquishes the Garlean Empire’s most fearsome weapon. The final quests in this arc are:

• Operation Archon
• A Hero in Need
• Hearts on Fire
• The Black Wolf’s Ultimatum
• The Ultimate Weapon

Upon completion, you will be level 50 and officially finished with the A Realm Reborn base story.

Step 2: The Seventh Astral Era Quests (Patches 2.1 – 2.55)

This is the main event—the long chain of quests that bridge the gap between ARR and Heavensward. There are roughly 80-100 quests in this series, but they are broken down into several major patches, each with its own story arc.

Key things to remember during this section:

• Follow the Meteor: Your main scenario quest (MSQ) is always marked with a burning meteor icon in your quest log. This is the only quest you need to focus on to progress the story. You can safely ignore most side quests unless they have a blue quest icon with a plus sign, as these often unlock new features or content.
• The Dungeons and Trials: The story will naturally guide you through a series of dungeons and trials that are required for progression. Make sure you have the level and gear to complete these. The rewards from the MSQ will usually keep you well-equipped.
• The Crystal Tower Alliance Raids: This is a crucial, non-optional part of the progression. Sometime during the Patch 2.1 questline, you will unlock a series of quests to complete the Crystal Tower 24-man raids:
  • The Labyrinth of the Ancients
  • Syrcus Tower
  • The World of Darkness You must complete all three of these raids to continue to Heavensward. They’re often run by players of all levels, so don’t worry about finding a group.

A Quick Overview of the Quest Arcs:

• A Realm Awoken (Patch 2.1): This arc deals with the aftermath of the Garlean invasion. You’ll work with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to address the ongoing threat of the Primals and delve into the mystery of the Ascians. This is where the quest to unlock the Crystal Tower raids begins.
• Through the Maelstrom (Patch 2.2): The story picks up the pace as you confront new threats and deepen your understanding of the world’s lore. This patch features a couple of memorable trials and more political intrigue.
• Defenders of Eorzea (Patch 2.3): The conflict with the Sahagin and the Leviathan Primal takes center stage. You’ll also see more of the growing tensions between the city-states.
• Dreams of Ice (Patch 2.4): This is where the story truly begins to set the stage for Heavensward. You’ll travel to the frozen lands of Coerthas and meet key characters who will become central to the next expansion.
• Before the Fall (Patches 2.5 & 2.55): The final, and perhaps most epic, stretch of quests in A Realm Reborn. This two-part finale brings all the political and personal conflicts to a head in a series of shocking events that directly lead into the beginning of Heavensward. This is widely regarded as one of the best story moments in the game.

Step 3: Unlocking Heavensward

Once you have completed the final quest of the “Before the Fall” arc, “Before the Dawn,” you are officially ready for Heavensward. You will be prompted to speak to Alphinaud, who will offer you the first quest of the expansion, “Coming to Ishgard.”

It’s important to note that you must have the Heavensward expansion purchased and registered to your account to accept this quest. The new jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist) become available to you once you have completed this first quest and have arrived in Ishgard.

The journey from the end of ARR to Heavensward is a significant one, but it is well worth the effort. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a much deeper appreciation for the world of Hydaelyn and a true understanding of the stakes involved in the war between man and dragon. So grab a cup of tea, enjoy the story, and prepare for a new adventure. The city of Ishgard awaits!