Final Fantasy XI Return to Absolute Virtue Campaign Comes Back

Square Enix announced a Final Fantasy XI Return to Absolute Virtue campaign will begin on July 25, 2024. This is a revival of a recurring event that involves fighting monsters inspired by the seven virtues to potentially get some of ten different Aern weapons. 

For those of us who have been playing Final Fantasy XI for a while, you may recognize the Return to Absolute Virtue campaign from its 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 appearances. While there are seven virtues, there are eight Notorious Monsters who appear as part of this event. These appear in certain spots, and you only have a chance of getting certain Aern weapons from specific ones.

Here’s the list of Notorious Monsters that are a part of the Final Fantasy XI Return to Absolute Virtue campaign, where you can find them, and which weapons they may drop when defeated. 

• Absolute Virtue – Al’Taieu – Aern Axe, Aern Axe II, Aern Dagger, Aern Dagger II, Aern Spear, Aern Spear II, Aern Staff, Aern Staff II, Aern Sword, Aern Sword II
• Jailer of Faith – The Garden of Ru’Hmet – Aern Staff, Aern Staff II, Aern Sword, and Aern Sword II
• Jailer of Fortitude – The Garden of Ru’Hmet – Aern Staff, Aern Staff II, Aern Sword, and Aern Sword II
• Jailer of Hope – Al’Taieu – Aern Axe, Aern Axe II, Aern Dagger, and Aern Dagger II
• Jailer of Justice – Al’Taieu – Aern Axe, Aern Axe II, Aern Dagger, and Aern Dagger II
• Jailer of Love – Al’Taieu – Aern Axe, Aern Axe II, Aern Dagger, Aern Dagger II, Aern Spear, Aern Spear II, Aern Staff, Aern Staff II, Aern Sword, Aern Sword II
• Jailer of Prudence – Al’Taieu – Aern Axe, Aern Axe II, Aern Dagger, and Aern Dagger II
• Jailer of Temperance – The Grand Palace of Hu’Xzoi – Aern Staff, Aern Staff II, Aern Sword, and Aern Sword II

Final Fantasy XI is available for PCs. The July version update is live, with Ambuscade and Record of Eminence additions. Its Return to Absolute Virtue campaign runs July 25, 2024 through August 8, 2024.