GUIDE
FFXIV Submarine Leveling Build Guide — Rank 1 to 145
Source and Thanks
This guide references data from the global server Submarine Builders Discord.
What is a Leveling Build?
Submarines gain experience through voyages and rank up over time. As their rank rises, they can equip better parts, so choosing a build that fits your game login cycle (48 hours / 36 hours / frequent check-ins) is the most efficient approach.
💡 A submarine is made up of 4 parts: Hull, Stern, Bow, and Bridge.
Part Abbreviation Guide
The builds below use these abbreviations.
•S : Shark-class
•U : Unkiu-class
•W : Whale-class
•C : Coelacanth-class
•Y : Syldra-class
•+ symbol : Modified part
Example) C+ U+ S+ S+ = Modified Coelacanth-class Hull + Modified Unkiu-class Stern + Modified Shark-class Bow + Modified Shark-class Bridge
48-Hour Build
This is the most comfortable build for most casual users. The submarine returns every 48 hours, so you can send it out again at the same time every other day.
| Rank | Build (Abbr.) | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S S S S | 30/110/110/70/70 |
| 15 | S S U S | 40/90/120/75/65 |
| 25 | S S U W | 20/95/120/100/85 |
| 75+ |
36-Hour Build
This can level faster than the 48-hour build. The downside is that your login time keeps shifting (for example, 7 AM -> 7 PM -> 7 AM).
| Rank | Build (Abbr.) | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S S S S | 30/110/110/70/70 |
| 15 | S S U S | 40/90/120/75/65 |
| 75+ |
Purpose-Based Farming Builds
When aiming for shipwreck-related drops, you will often look at the Deep-sea Site J, M, O, R, and Z sectors..
The listed times are only reference points. Actual profit depends heavily on how well you match the return timing. Even if a route is better on paper, a route around 24 hours can be more comfortable and stable if longer routes sit idle for several hours.
The listed times are only reference points. Actual profit depends heavily on how well you match the return timing. Even if a route is better on paper, a route around 24 hours can be more comfortable and stable if longer routes sit idle for several hours.
| Range | Recommended Route | Part Setup | Operation Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| From rank 77 | OJ / about 24 hours | Modified Whale-class + Modified Shark-class + Modified Unkiu-class + Modified Coelacanth-class (WSUC++) | A good starting point for shipwreck farming. It is easy to collect on a daily rhythm and has a low management burden. |
| From rank 101 | JORZ / about 36 hours | Modified Shark-class + Modified Shark-class + Modified Unkiu-class + Coelacanth-class (S+S+U+C) | A good efficiency route before max rank. Recommended if you can keep a 36-hour cycle. |
| From rank 128 | MOJ / about 24 hours 9 minutes | Modified Whale-class + Modified Shark-class + Modified Unkiu-class + Coelacanth-class (W+S+U+C) | Expected profit is high, but the return time drifts a little each run. Short-term profit can fluctuate depending on voyage results. |
| Rank 145 | JORZ / about 31 hours | Modified Whale-class + Modified Shark-class + Modified Unkiu-class + Modified Coelacanth-class (WSUC++) | An efficient route after max rank in patch 7.5. Still, there is no need to force it if the return time does not fit your daily routine. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Which route is best for each rank range?
A. From rank 1 to 74, follow the 48-hour or 36-hour build table and switch parts in order: SSSS → SSUS → SSUW. From rank 77, the OJ route (about 24 hours) is a good entry point for shipwreck farming. From rank 101, JORZ (about 36 hours) is efficient before max rank. From rank 128, MOJ (about 24 hours 9 minutes) has high expected profit. At rank 145 (max rank), JORZ (about 31 hours) is the recommended efficiency route.
Q. How do I choose a part setup (build)?
A. Every submarine has 4 parts (Hull, Stern, Bow, Bridge), abbreviated S (Shark), U (Unkiu), W (Whale), C (Coelacanth), and Y (Syldra). A "+" means a modified part. For example, WSUC++ means Modified Whale-class + Modified Shark-class + Modified Unkiu-class + Modified Coelacanth-class. Start with a single-class build like SSSS at low ranks, then swap parts one by one to match the table as your rank rises.
Q. How often should I redeploy my submarine?
A. The easiest option is a 48-hour cycle: log in every other day at the same time and send the submarine out again. If you want to level faster, the 36-hour build works, but your login time shifts by 12 hours each cycle (for example, 7 AM -> 7 PM -> 7 AM).
Q. When should I switch routes?
A. Reconsider your route whenever a new part requirement opens, around rank 77, 101, 128, and 145. Keep in mind the listed times are just reference points — if a theoretically efficient route keeps returning at inconvenient times, a route that comes back around every 24 hours can be more stable in practice.
Q. Do I need to use this site's calculator?
A. It is not required, but it helps a lot. The build calculator finds part combinations that meet your target route once you enter your rank and destination, and the leveling route calculator automatically finds the most efficient routes for your login cycle.
Q. 48-hour build or 36-hour build — which is better?
A. If you do not mind your login time shifting, the 36-hour build levels faster. If you tend to log in around the same time every day, the 48-hour build is much easier to manage. There is no single right answer — pick whichever fits your login pattern.