Among the many quirky and beloved quests in Final Fantasy XIV, Kettle to the Mettle stands out as a humorous and unexpected side quest that quickly became a fan favorite. Found during the Heavensward expansion, this quest takes the typical expectations of a side mission and turns them on their head with over-the-top animations, outrageous premise, and a surprising amount of heart. While it doesn’t advance the main storyline or unlock powerful gear, it perfectly encapsulates FFXIV’s ability to balance epic storytelling with lighthearted fun that keeps the game world alive and full of surprises.
Where to Start the Kettle to the Mettle Quest
Location and Requirements
To begin the Kettle to the Mettle quest, players must first unlock the original Manderville weapon quests. The quest itself is found in the Heavensward expansion area, and requires players to have completed certain stages of the relic weapon progression. Specifically, it appears in Idyllshire, where the eccentric NPC Gerolt is working on a rather unique idea for weapon improvement.
- Quest Name: Kettle to the Mettle
- Starting NPC: Gerolt
- Location: Idyllshire (x: 5.7, y: 6.1)
- Requirement: Completion of the initial Anima Weapon quests
Unlocking the Quest
You must have made progress in the Anima Weapon questline before this comedic detour becomes available. After completing A Dream Fulfilled, Gerolt will offer you the Kettle to the Mettle quest, which marks a break from the traditional grind and introduces a bit of comic relief.
What Is the Kettle Weapon?
The Silliest Weapon in Eorzea
The highlight of this quest is the absurd weapon itself: a pair of cast iron kettles. That’s right, instead of a glorious glowing relic blade or staff, players receive kettles that are wielded as if they were deadly tools of destruction. Despite their comical appearance, they are fully animated and compatible with monk jobs, complete with sound effects and exaggerated punching motions.
Visuals and Effects
The kettles come with their own unique animations. Each punch sounds like clanging iron, and the whole set evokes a traditional Japanese comedic vibe. They’re not meant to be taken seriously in battle, but they certainly draw attention and elicit laughter during dungeon runs and trials.
Quest Objectives and Progression
Training with Gerolt
The quest revolves around training under Gerolt’s strange and enthusiastic guidance. He insists that by mastering combat using kettles, a monk can reach enlightenment. The training involves a few humorous interactions, emote-based tasks, and some lighthearted dialogue that highlights the eccentric personalities of the blacksmith and his assistant.
Combat Trials
You will be asked to complete a short series of tasks to demonstrate your proficiency with the kettle weapons. These may involve emotes like /pose or /battlestance while equipped with the kettles. There’s no real combat challenge, but rather a set of fun objectives designed to make players laugh while showing off the kettles.
Reward and Continuation
Upon completion of the quest, players are rewarded with the Kettle Knuckles a monk weapon that can be used purely for cosmetic fun. While it has no high stats or practical endgame use, it remains a fan favorite glamour item. Additionally, the quest opens the door to future appearances of comedic weaponry and lighthearted content within the relic questlines.
Community Response and Legacy
A Cult Favorite
Kettle to the Mettle became instantly popular in the FFXIV community thanks to its unique weapon model and whimsical nature. Players often use the Kettle Knuckles as a glamour piece or even for comedic roleplay. It’s not uncommon to see players running into raid content equipped with kettles just for the memes and to surprise others.
GIFs and Memes
The exaggerated motions and iron-clanking sounds turned this quest into a source for gifs, fan art, and memes. Many players fondly recall the moment they first equipped their kettles and punched the air in utter confusion and joy. The absurdity is exactly what makes it unforgettable.
Integration with Monk Class
For monk players especially, the kettles offer a humorous way to stand out. Even though they aren’t viable for combat at high levels, the glamour system allows players to overlay the Kettle Knuckles appearance on their actual gear. It’s the perfect way to bring a little fun to otherwise serious content.
How to Glamour the Kettle Knuckles
Using the Glamour System
To keep using your kettles beyond the quest, you can apply their appearance to any monk weapon using the glamour system. This allows you to maintain competitive stats while still wielding your iron cookware with pride. You’ll need glamour prisms and access to the glamour dresser.
- Go to an Inn Room or use the Glamour Dresser
- Place the Kettle Knuckles inside
- Select your monk weapon and apply the glamour appearance
Other Comedic Weapons in FFXIV
A Trend of Humor
FFXIV has a history of including whimsical content alongside serious narrative arcs. Kettle to the Mettle is just one example. Players can also find items like fish weapons, oversized books, frying pans, and other unusual glamour items throughout the game. These remind players that not everything in Eorzea has to be grim and dramatic.
Why It Works
Square Enix’s approach to game design often includes a balance of epic and silly. This is what keeps the player base engaged and entertained. Even after hours of dungeon grinding or main scenario tension, there’s always room for a kettle-wielding monk to bring a smile.
Tips for Completing the Quest Efficiently
- Ensure you’ve completed the required Anima Weapon quests
- Equip the proper monk gear before starting
- Pay attention to NPC dialogue for clues about emote objectives
- Have fun and don’t rush the humor is part of the experience
- Use the glamour system right after completion to keep using your kettles
Kettle to the Mettle is one of those side quests that perfectly captures what makes Final Fantasy XIV special. It’s unexpected, funny, and full of character, offering a break from the more serious aspects of Eorzea’s world. Whether you’re a die-hard monk main or just someone who appreciates a good joke, this quest provides one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences in the game. The kettles may be simple iron cookware, but in the hands of a true warrior of light, they become legendary tools of enlightenment and hilarity.