Final Fantasy 14: Best Monk Relic Weapons

Highlights

Monks in Final Fantasy 14 can obtain and upgrade their exclusive Relic Weapons, such as the Kaiser Knuckles Zeta and Sultan's Fists, for better buffs and bonuses throughout the game.
The appearance of the Relic Weapons is an important factor for Monk players, with the weapons showcasing unique designs and styles that vary depending on the level range.
The Manderville Knuckles and Mandervillous Fists are among the most powerful weapons available for Monks, boasting large boosts to Strength and Vitality, and offering stylish and impressive designs that enhance the endgame fashion for players.

Serving as one of the first release Jobs in Final Fantasy 14, players can enjoy their experience as Monks if they love fast-paced combat that's up close and personal. Thanks to their Monk Arms, a Monk can easily secure the advantage once they’re able to get a few punches and kicks in their opponent’s direction. With Dawntrail releasing in 2024, fans of the Monk may want to race towards the endgame to prepare for the expansion’s new content. To do this process more efficiently, a player’s Monk may want to grab some of the MMO’s more coveted Relic Weapons.

Final Fantasy: 7 Best Dressed Protagonists In The Series

Final Fantasy is known for its interesting and flashy character designs, and these protagonists prove it with their incredible outfits.

Available starting at Level 50, a Monk can get their Job’s exclusive Relic Weapons and slowly upgrade them over time. Every 10 levels, Monks can switch Relic Weapons, providing them with better buffs and bonuses throughout their journey to the endgame. While Relic Weapons vary in both level and stats, certain Monk Relic Weapons become iconic for their appearance and stats, specifically for particular level ranges. Here are some of the best of a Monk’s Relic Weapon options.

10 Kaiser Knuckles Zeta

Level 50, Highest Tier

Physical Damage	66	Strength	55
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	59
Auto-Attack	58.08	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.64	-	-

For a Monk in Final Fantasy 14, the Kaiser Knuckles Zeta easily make a mark as impressive first Relic Weapons. Being a Level 50 armament, their middling Strength and Vitality boosts seem so-so in terms of stats. However, it’s in their appearance as fist armaments that can make them worthwhile for the martial fighter.

When acquired, the Kaiser Knuckles Zeta have a hand grip that resembles that of a push dagger before extending into an iron body with multiple protrusions. The bodies themselves glow with red symbols etched onto them, and upon activation, will release red-hot energy that resembles magma. As a result, the Kaiser Knuckles seem to have blades protruding from the side and five on the front, like an extension of a monstrous claw.

9 Sultan’s Fists

Level 60, Early Tier

Physical Damage	76	Strength	88
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	90
Auto-Attack	64.85	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

Stats-wise, the Sultan’s Fists offer average Strength and Vitality bonuses with customizable substats, complete with Physical Damage that isn’t as potent as other weapons. However, for Relic Weapons for the Monk, the Sultan’s Fists can become reliable companions in a player’s mid-game playthrough.

Their appearance is also where these weapons shine in Final Fantasy 14 gameplay, as they offers pristine take on a fist weapon. The weapons themselves are a pair of dark gauntlets with a metallic circular base on the dorsal part of the palm. This extends to a thin side blade, as well as a fan-like extension that end in claws. Concept-wise, the weapon resembles Indian tiger claws, where a grip also extends to metallic claws for deadly slash attacks.

8 Nyepels Lux

Level 60, Highest Tier

Physical Damage	80	Strength	100
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	104
Auto-Attack	68.26	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

When one thinks of a fist-fighter like a Monk in Final Fantasy 14, it’s not implausible to think of characters with gigantic fists for weapons. This is exactly what the Nyepels Lux embody, as their early-game Physical Damage stats with decent Strength and Vitality are easily overshadowed by their impressive appearance.

Final Fantasy: 5 Underrated Bosses

Boss fights in Final Fantasy games are always a spectacle, but these bosses don't get the respect they deserve for how great their fights are.

When worn, the Nyepels Lux resemble oversized Roman caestus encompassing the entirety of the Monk’s arms. The middle part of the Nyepels Lux have a green orb bordered by ornamental circular patterns, The end of the caestus have spiked protrusions, possibly meant to enhance attacks. When activated, the weapons glow with green energy that forms a wing-like symbol.

7 Sudarshana Chakra Pagos +1

Level 70, Early Tier

Physical Damage	89	Strength	135
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	139
Auto-Attack	75.94	Determination	94
Delay	2.56	Skill Speed	134

Sometimes, a martial artist doesn’t need complicated weapons to showcase their power. Such is the case of the Sudarshana Chakra Pagos +1, which at first glance don’t look like weapons that tout decent bonuses to Strength, Vitality, Determination, and even Skill Speed. Resembling traditional gauntlets rather than fist weapons, these are certainly one of the more mundane-looking Final Fantasy armaments out there.

However, their ordinary appearance does pave the way for stylistic options for players. The weapons themselves resemble a pair of gloves with red wraps that end on an elbow covering made of tiger fur. The gloves are held together by thick ornate bracelets, as well as metallic dorsal plates that extend to slightly-spiked knuckles.

6 Hydatos Knuckles

Level 70, Mid Tier

Physical Damage	91	Strength	144
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	152
Auto-Attack	77.65	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

Players who want a more stylish look to their Monk in the Final Fantasy MMO may appreciate the Hydatos Knuckles. Their middling stat boosts for Strength and Vitality are offset with customizable substats, and their slightly faster Auto-Attack and higher Physical Damage make them decent mid-game weapons.

Unlike the more colorful Elemental Knuckles, the Hydatos Knuckles have a more appreciably sleek look. They have a base in the form of black gauntlets outfitted with ornate extra designs, such as swirling metallic details on the forearm as well as metallic hand bases that connect to plated knuckles and fingertips.

5 Dumuzis Physeos

Level 70, Highest Tier

Physical Damage	93	Strength	150
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	162
Auto-Attack	79.36	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

Although the katar is likely popularized in mainstream gaming by the Assassin in Diablo 2, some counterparts such as the Dumuzis Physeos do add an ornate flair to their martial artist wielders. Stats-wise, their decent bonuses to Strength and Vitality alongside an average Physical Damage boost make them worthwhile as mid-game Relic Weapons. However, their appearance also give them more of a sophisticated flair.

The 5 Most Cynical Final Fantasy Characters

While most Final Fantasy teams have a virtuous member, they also usually include a cynic; a character whose belief in good has long since expired.

At their base, the Dumuzis Physeos resemble a kadar insofar as they have a grip and an extended blade. However, the weapons have a hand guard, as well as twisting side protrusions that can seem like blades of their own. The weapons make a mark among Monk Arms with their decorative appearance, something that is made more regal with the swirling energies that emanate from them upon activation.

4 Augmented Law’s Order Knuckles

Level 80, Mid Tier

Physical Damage	104	Strength	203
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	213
Auto-Attack	88.74	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

Just because a Monk prefers to fist-fight their way out of combat in Final Fantasy 14 doesn’t mean they always have to look ready to punch someone. Despite the Augmented Law’s Order Knuckles having quite an uptick in Physical Damage as well as Strength and Vitality boosts, these late mid-game weapons boast a sleeker appearance.

At first glance, the Augmented Law’s Order Knuckles appear as sleeves laid on top of each other, with the outer sleeve shorter than the one underneath. Ornate details are etched onto the inner sleeve, which in itself covers a majority of the gloved hands. The gloves themselves have details specifically on the index finger. While the knuckles glow with a fiery red upon activation, it’s the armament’s appearance as sleeves that make them inconspicuous additions to a Monk's attire - befitting players who want a more minimalist look.

3 Blade’s Serenity

Level 80, Highest Tier

Physical Damage	106	Strength	216
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	227
Auto-Attack	90.45	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

When it comes to subtle weapons, nothing can beat Blade’s Serenity. Among the near endgame weapons for the Job in the fantasy MMO, Blade’s Serenity make for a decent addition to a player’s arsenal with their high Strength and Vitality bonuses with customizable substats. However, it’s their subtlety where theyshines as Monk Arms.

Equipping the weapons as normal will resemble finger coverings without the core glove component. Save for the index finger, other fingers are covered with metallic plating with glowing symbols on the base of the palm. When activated, Blade’s Serenity release crystalline projections that form a pair of large protrusions towards the front and the back of the palm, as well as floating crystals surrounding the knuckle.

2 Manderville Knuckles

Level 90, Mid Tier

Physical Damage	122	Strength	321
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	342
Auto-Attack	104.10	Critical Hit	275
Delay	2.56	Determination	275

Truly the epitome of a Monk’s arsenal in Final Fantasy 14, the Manderville Knuckles embody the fighting spirit of the martial artist in the Final Fantasy MMO. The weapons themselves make a leap in terms of boosts to Strength and Vitality, as well as Critical Hit and Determination. Their Physical Damage isn’t as extremely high as desired, but they're still among the most powerful weapons a player can use as a Monk.

Unlike other Monk Arms, the Manderville Knuckles resemble two gauntlets in the shape of ornate dragon heads. This stylistic choice can pave the way for both sophisticated and minimalistic armor designs that fit endgame fashion. Players who want to go for traditional esthetics may equip clothing traditionally associated with martial arts to complete the Eastern fantasy-inspired look, while a more subdued minimalist appearance can certainly benefit from the flair the Manderville Knuckles possess.

1 Mandervillous Fists

Level 90, Highest Tier

Physical Damage	132	Strength	416
Magic Damage	0	Vitality	458
Auto-Attack	112.64	Substats	Customizable
Delay	2.56	-	-

Introduced in Patch 6.55, the Mandervillous Relic Weapons series has the highest available buffs for players pursuing this weapon path in the Final Fantasy MMO. Specific to the Monk are the Mandervillous Fists, boasting much higher Physical Damage compared to their base Manderville version, as well as Strength and Vitality boosts to further strengthen melee-intensive builds.

However, where the Mandervillous Fists shine is their appearance. At first glance, the Mandervillous Fists seem like stylish black gauntlets with intricate circular and linear engravings. When activated, the circular engraving on the fist part of the gauntlet shines with a purple ring before extending into an energy blade. Meanwhile, a larger purple energy ring surrounds the forearm section of the gauntlet, complete with high-pitched energy trilling that make the weapon seem more sci-fi than fantasy.