Vipers were well off in the glam department, having started their run with a nice gritty set, and ending with an epic long coat. However, there’s so much more out there to play around with.
With Ninja having been the only one able to use scouting gear until now, it means a lot of gorgeous pieces have gone underused. Now is the time to shine a light on some of these lesser known designs.
If you’re looking to try something outside of the quest given gear, then I’ve compiled a few ideas for inspiration that’ll paralyse people like venom when they look your way.
Cryptlurker’s Scouting Set
How to Acquire: Exchanged for Allagan Tomestones of Poetics in Shadowbringers hub cities.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: No
If you’ve been saving up the tomestones, then you’re liable to be swapping to using this gear over your job starting set upon unlocking Viper. It’s a great thing then that the aesthetic is fitting, if not better, on the swap. All of the sets in this theme are quite reminiscent of the kind of outfits you’d find in something like Assassin’s Creed, in the best way possible.
This one especially features an intricate, fancy coat with a tricorne hat and mask combo. Elegant swirls are carved or stitched into various parts of the outfit, stuffed with ruffles on the neck and sleeves then strapped down with leather and metal plating. A pair of longswords on the back would only further play into that highway robber assassin style.
Rathalos M/F Set
How to Acquire: Exchanged for Rathalos Scales, or Rathalos Scales+ acquired from the normal and extreme duty ‘The Great Hunt’.
Dyeable: Yes (augmented version only)
Tradeable: No
Since our Vipers are meant to be hunters of great beasts, what better way to show that by donning yourself in the skin of one. During the post-Stormblood round up, Final Fantasy XIV collaborated with the Monster Hunter game series, in which the former introduced a trial that featured one of their signature monsters; Rathalos. Through battling and descaling this dragon, you can turn its hide into a trophy outfit.
The male and female versions do alter significantly. The first is a full length coat with small dragon wing accessories on the back, and the latter is more of a short dress style suit of armour, with little wings on the shoulder pads. Both versions are accessorised with big boots, gloves and a neat headband.
Manusya Scouting Set
How to Acquire: Loot drop from level 81 dungeon ‘Tower of Zot’.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: No
Perhaps not the most expected choice, but this set provides some creativity to suit the role. The first thing the eye draws are the masks. Eye covering and sporting horns, it goes for a more wild fighter look that’s further supported by the metal claws of the gauntlets.
Aside from the armour of the boots, it all otherwise has a loose, free flowing design to it. Short, thin layers of fabric make up the rest, which would be perfect for the Viper style of combat that requires a lot of swift, twisting movement. A great example of balancing flexibility and protection in one slick package.
YoRHa Type-53 Scouting Set
How to Acquire: Loot drop from the level 80 alliance raid ‘Puppets Bunker’.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: No
The alliance raid series crossover with the Nier franchise was not the best known for its storyline, but the raids were fantastic amounts of fun and provided us with some quintessentially final fantasy style outfits.
Though they’re all good, I’m selecting this one to display for good reasons, and by good reasons I mainly mean that leather poncho style coat. It’s just simple and effective, loose fitting for quick movement, not understated by the other pieces, and the hood adds both an air of mystery and a sleek silhouette.
Neo Kingdom Scouting Set
How to Acquire: Exchanged for Allagan Tomestones of Aesthetics in Solution Nine.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: No
Especially in line with the current expansion, perhaps you’re looking to return to your adventuring roots. Though only accessible after completing said journey, this beautiful outfit is waiting for the most seasoned of players.
The coat is multipurpose; both fashionable and practical. Adorned with embellishments, belts, paddings and straps to hold your extra bags, underneath is a ruffled chest piece and filled out by boots, gloves and fantastically fancy hat.
Survival Set
How to Acquire: Different pieces can be crafted by level 60 Weavers or Leatherworkers with access to Master III recipes.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: Yes
No cowboy glam is quite as classic or as accessible as this. It’s simple, but effective. There’s two variations that differ only slightly in the cargo trouser length and the shirt details. Otherwise, it’s a pretty standard set finished off with sturdy boots and, most importantly, a proper western Stetson. When dyed, the colours come out clearly so you can adjust to your exact style. It's a perfect fit for the setting of Dawntrail, the origin of Vipers themselves.
Griffin Leather Scouting Set
How to Acquire: Can be crafted by level 60 Leatherworkers with access to Master III recipes.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: Yes
I don’t know if it’s just me who saw the initial trailer and immediately thought ‘pirates!’. But if you are like me then perhaps you’ll be wanting to look at something like this to dress yourself in. This set is so pure in its seafaring scoundrel aesthetic.
Don the captain’s hat, throw on the long coat decorated in sashes and gold, grab your cutlasses and get on that ship to Tural like the oceanic royal you are. The open chest designs are a nice bonus, since you’ll be working up a sweat in the sun, and on the admirers around you.
Light–heavy Scouting Set
How to Acquire: Trade in loot drops from AAC Light-heavyweight duties.
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: No
Another set introduced more recently, you can cut yourself on the edge you’ll be decked out in. It flaunts a few features of alternative styles, from punks, to industrial goths and a little bit of anime villain.
The outfit consists of a long open chest coat to flaunt that chest, heavy boots, sturdy trousers with a sick cross pattern and a complimentary hood. Every single piece is lined with tiny spikes. Now, you can become your own environmental hazard in the arenas of the Arcadion.
Magitek Set
How to Acquire: Purchase on the Mogstation
Dyeable: Yes
Tradeable: No
If you’re looking for something more modern, either to fit in around certain zones or just to bring the combat art into the current era, look to magitek inspired creations. This sleek set is similar to the tactical sets you’ll find in the wolves den, but with its own spin on the design.
Layered underneath with comfortable materials, the jacket and leg guards are athletic inspired, donning zips and straps. Little fashionable additions included chain wrap gloves, zig zag laced trainers and a pair of high-tech headphones to get in the zone whilst fighting.
Ghost Thief Set
How to Acquire: Loot drop from level 60 dungeons ‘Pharos Sirius (Hard)’ and ‘Saint Mocianne’s Arboretum’
Dyeable: No
Tradeable: No
All of the job gear in the ghost set are brilliant, but the scouting gear is one of the best from those and deserves to be shown off more. It may not be dyeable, but with its black base and purple and gold highlights, it’s sleek and easily styled.
The outfit itself consists of trousers, boots, a ruffled yet roguish coat tied with a purple cloth to add style, all topped with a hat and mask combo. It gives off gentlemen thieves and Princess Bride. This is stunning look if that style of polite duellist is what you like.
