Patch 5.4

In patch 5.4, 4-star grade materials are Silver Beech Lumber (CRP), Duraluminum Ingot (BSM/ARM), Solstice Ingot (GSM), Thylacoleo Leather (LTW), Saffron Cloth (WVR), and the various flavors of Grade 4 Alkahests (ALC). As with many past endgame materials, these are 35 durability. Please see this segment of the macros section for a rotation that will achieve 100% HQ from 0 quality. Stats used and theoretical minimums are listed with the rotation.

Although the 35 durability rotation achieves 100% HQ, it is not necessary. Every craft that uses these materials also requires standard grade materials, such as Dwarven Mythril Ingot and Dwarven Cotton Cloth that can be crafted HQ much easier, faster, and without consumables. That along with the prevalence of HQ Levinstrike Aethersand is sufficient to bridge the quality requirement without needing HQ 4-star grade materials if you use the 70 durability rotation listed in the macros section. A quick 35 durability NQ rotation is provided in the macros section. You should still use the 35 durablity 100% HQ rotation if you are macro crafting without a break before Byregot's Blessing and want to "poor proof" your craft.

As for Tinctures and Food, the goal is to avoid using the HQ White Scrip materials, such as Chicken Thighs used in Smoked Chicken. This rotation requires only 6546 starting quality for HQ. For tinctures, that can be covered by HQ Levinstrike Aethersand. For most food, you need any three HQ materials, such two HQ Frantoio Oil (or equivalent) and one other HQ material.

Specialists have an advantage and can reduce the three HQ requirement for food down to two. The quality requirement is reduced from 6546 to 6056. The following calculations assume the two HQ materials are the crafted material, such as Frantoio Oil. Food alone is sufficient for most food crafts, but Smoked Chicken is the sole exception in that the crafted material will only get you to 5998 starting quality. You need to bridge that gap with Control Syrup/Tea, activate the FC Buff "In Control II", or just use another HQ material. See the table below for quality calculations.

Note: all calculations for both 35 and 70 durability crafts assume you are using these rotations and these melds. See the video below for a demonstration.

Leveling section is under construction!

Useful websites
Garland Tools
FFXIV Teamcraft
FFXIV Wiki
FFXIV Gamer Escape

Rotations on FFXIV Teamcraft
5.4 80**** 70 Durability 84% HQ
5.4 80**** 35 Durability 100% HQ
5.4 80**** 35 Durability NQ

Garland Crafting Lists
SHB Relic Crafting
Aesthete's Crafting Gear
Fending (PLD/WAR/DRK/GNB)
Striking (SAM/MNK)
Maiming (DRG)
Scouting (NIN)
Aiming (BRD/MCH/DNC)
Casting (RDM/BLM/SMN)
Healing (WHM/AST/SCH)
Note: weapons are not included in the crafting lists except for DRG and NIN, but are included separately. Drag whichever weapon(s) into the list you want. The Aesthete's link includes individual lists for Tools, Gear, and Both.