Opinions vary on when Final Fantasy 14 goes from good to great, but most folks agree that the change occurs during the events of Heavensward at the latest. But Heavensward is also when the concept of aether currents is introduced, and its first zone, the Coerthas Western Highlands, is the first place you'll see them in.
New players who have completed the main scenario quests in A Realm Reborn — and automatically unlocking flight in all its zones as a result — may find the aether current system a bit surprising. This has been a thing ever since Heavensward launched back in 2015, and the system holds true through Endwalker (and potentially beyond).
It's handy to know where to look for these, especially since some are tied to searching the field while others are provided through quests. Let this guide be your, well, guide, as you work toward the chance to fly here in the Western Highlands.
And in case you've read differently elsewhere, please note that with the arrival of Endwalker, there has been a reduction in field-based aether currents from ten to four. This article reflects that change, omitting the six currents that no longer exist.
Coerthas Western Highlands Aether Current Locations
Aether Currents Found On the Map
| Aether Current Co-ordinates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (X:30.6, Y:33.7) | Road to Falcon's Nest |
| 2 | (X:31.5, 11.8) | Atop a house |
| 3 | (X:9.3, Y:15.0) | - |
| 4 | (X:15.8, Y:22.3) | - |
Aether Currents Obtained Via Quests
| Quest Name | Quest Level | Quest Location | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Bridge Over Frozen Water | 50 | (X:32.4, Y:35.8) | Becomes available upon completing the main scenario quest 'Disclosure'. |
| B | For All the Nights to Come | 51 | (X:16.9, Y:22.8) | Becomes available upon completing the main scenario quest 'Sounding Out the Amphitheatre'. |
| C | Baby Steps | 51 | (X:16.7, Y:22.8) | Becomes available upon completing the main scenario quest 'Sounding Out the Amphitheatre'. |
| D | Protecting What's Important | 51 | (X:16.5, Y:22.5) | Becomes available upon completing the main scenario quest 'Camp of the Convictors'. |
| E | Purple Flame, Purple Flame | 51 | (X:16.4, Y:22.4) | Becomes available upon completing the main scenario quest 'Camp of the Convictors'. |
