Heavensturn is Final Fantasy XIV’s annual New Year seasonal event, and the 2026 edition is set to bring a short questline, themed festivities, and two headline rewards: a new minion and a housing furnishing. This guide covers the event schedule, how to unlock and start the quest, what you get for completing it, and a few practical prep tips so you can log in, clear it quickly, and get back to whatever your current goals are—raiding, crafting, glamours, or housing.

Heavensturn 2026: Event Dates and Times

Heavensturn 2026 runs from December 31 through January 15. The start time is listed as 15:00 GMT on December 31 (and 02:00 AEDT on January 1). The event ends on January 15, so you have roughly two weeks to finish the quest and claim the rewards.

Because seasonal quests are typically quick, it’s still worth doing early. Waiting until the final day can be risky if you forget, get stuck in a queue, or simply run out of playtime.

Requirements and Where to Start

Eligibility

• Level requirement: Level 15 or above
• Location access: Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks

That level threshold and city access makes Heavensturn approachable for most players, including many on the free trial (as long as you can reach Limsa Lominsa and meet the level requirement).

The quest is titled “Seize the Nay”. The event write-up indicates that Bugyo will request your aid for the Heavensturn festivities. Seasonal events usually place the quest-giver in a major city hub, and in this case you’ll be heading to the Upper Decks in Limsa Lominsa.

If you’re returning after a break, remember that seasonal quests are separate from the Main Scenario Quest and don’t require expansion ownership. They’re designed to be accessible, fast, and mostly self-contained.

Heavensturn 2026 Rewards

Completing the Heavensturn questline is primarily about the cosmetics. If you enjoy collecting minions or decorating, this year’s rewards are the main reason to participate.

Uma No Unicult Minion

The featured reward is the Uma No Unicult minion, a unicorn-themed companion described as wishing to journey with one who is pure of heart. If you keep a minion collection, this is an easy, time-limited pickup that will likely become harder to obtain later (often shifting to other acquisition methods after the event period).

Minions are also a nice “low maintenance” reward: no gearing, no upkeep, and you can show it off anywhere minions are allowed.

Gilded Screen (Indoor Furnishing)

The second reward is an indoor furnishing: the Gilded Screen, described as a gorgeous folding screen designed for display during Heavensturn. Folding screens are versatile in housing design—use them as room dividers, backdrops for a glam display space, or as an accent piece in an eastern-inspired build.

If you’re actively decorating, seasonal furnishings can save you time and resources compared to crafting or market board shopping. That matters when you’re budgeting for housing projects, where FFXIV gil can disappear quickly into furnishings, dyes, and layout experimentation.

Items from previous iterations of Heavensturn are commonly made available through an event vendor. The write-up notes that older items can be obtained via the Shōnen, which typically includes festive consumables like fireworks and magic prisms, along with past cosmetics depending on the year.

If you missed prior Heavensturns, check the vendor carefully before the event ends—this is often the easiest time to fill gaps in a seasonal collection.

What to Expect from the Event (And What Usually Doesn’t Happen)

Heavensturn is traditionally a lighter seasonal event. Don’t expect a long chain of instanced battles or complex multi-stage objectives. The questline is usually focused on story flavor, a few simple tasks, and a quick wrap-up that awards the cosmetics.

Some years include small side activities such as fortune-themed interactions. If those return, treat them as optional fun rather than required steps—your main priority is completing “Seize the Nay” and claiming the minion and furnishing before January 15.

Quick Prep Tips to Finish Heavensturn Efficiently

• Clear inventory space: Seasonal rewards are items you’ll need to claim and use; leave a few open slots.
• Plan a Limsa stop: If you’re doing roulettes or market board errands, route yourself through Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks to start and finish the quest quickly.
• Check the vendor before leaving: If older items are available, it’s easier to buy them while you’re already there.
• Budget for housing tweaks: If the Gilded Screen inspires a redecorate, costs can add up (partitions, lighting, rugs, dyes). Players who prefer to spend time raiding or crafting may want a steadier income stream through FFXIV gil from market board sales, or by keeping a reserve for impulse decor changes.

Gil Angle: Why Seasonal Rewards Still Matter for Your Wallet

Even though Heavensturn rewards themselves are earned from the quest, seasonal events often trigger a small surge of economic activity: players redecorate, buy dyes, chase complementary furnishings, and refresh glamours to match the theme. That can increase demand for materials and crafted items, and it can also increase your personal spending.

If you’re trying to keep your finances stable during busy periods—like prepping for raids, buying materia, or stocking food—think about how seasonal cosmetics fit into your overall budget. Many players use gil to cover repairs, teleports, and consumables, and how FFXIV players use gil to maintain gear, glamour, and housing becomes especially noticeable around holiday events.

For players with limited time who don’t want to grind extra on top of their normal schedule, it helps to have a plan for how to get extra FFXIV gil without endless grinding, whether that’s a simple weekly routine, selling surplus materials, or keeping a buffer so seasonal spending doesn’t interrupt progression.

Some players also choose to buy FFXIV gil when they want to focus on content rather than farming—particularly if they’re balancing endgame prep with housing or glamour goals. If you go that route, prioritize account safety and smart spending habits, and avoid impulse buying beyond what you actually need for your plans.

Do I need to finish the Main Scenario to do Heavensturn?

No. Seasonal events are designed to be accessible. For Heavensturn 2026, the key requirements are being level 15+ and able to reach Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks.

How long does the Heavensturn quest usually take?

Most seasonal quests are short and can often be completed in a single sitting. Plan for a quick run, then spend extra time only if you’re browsing the vendor or enjoying the festivities.

Can free trial players participate?

In many cases, yes—if you meet the level requirement and can access the event location. If your trial restrictions prevent travel or features you need, you may be limited, but Heavensturn is generally trial-friendly.

Sometimes seasonal rewards return later through other means, but not always immediately. If you want the Uma No Unicult minion or the Gilded Screen, the safest plan is to complete the event before January 15.

How much gil should I set aside for post-event decorating?

It depends on your housing goals. Small refreshes can be cheap, but full room redesigns can get expensive fast. If you’re trying to balance costs, consider a routine that builds sustainable FFXIV gil income so seasonal inspiration doesn’t derail other priorities.