Want to know how to get the dragon mount in FFXIV? Final Fantasy XIV has several winged dragons you can ride, but the most famous one most players chase is Midgardsormr — a free flying dragon you earn simply by collecting enough mounts. This guide walks you through the whole path, from unlocking the mount system to attuning flight and finally summoning your own dragon across Eorzea.
Unlike a single quest reward, the iconic dragon mount is a long-term goal that rewards general progression. The good news is that almost everything you do in the game — story quests, dungeons, events, and vendors — pushes you closer to it. Here is what you need before you start.
What you need
- A combat class leveled to at least 20 and enrollment in a Grand Company (this unlocks the mount system).
- Access to the expansion zones, where you attune Aether Currents to unlock flying.
- Patience and a steadily growing mount collection — Midgardsormr is awarded once you own a large number of mounts.
How to get the dragon mount in FFXIV
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Step 1: Decide which dragon mount you want
FFXIV has more than one dragon. The easiest to earn is Midgardsormr, a free flying mount tied to the mount-collection achievement "I Wish I Could Fly." Other dragon and wyrm-style mounts drop from trials and raids, come from achievements, or are sold on the optional Mog Station store. If your goal is a free, guaranteed dragon, aim for Midgardsormr first.
Midgardsormr is the most accessible dragon; others come from drops, achievements, or the store. -
Step 2: Level a class and unlock the mount system
You can't collect a dragon until mounts are switched on. Level any combat class to 20, join one of the three Grand Companies — the Maelstrom, the Order of the Twin Adder, or the Immortal Flames — then complete the quest "My Little Chocobo" to claim your first mount. This is the foundation everything else is built on.
Reach level 20, join a Grand Company, and claim your chocobo to enable mounts. -
Step 3: Unlock flying with Aether Currents
A dragon that can't fly only does half the job. In each expansion zone you must attune every Aether Current — some are floating in the overworld, others are rewards from side quests. Once you collect them all in a zone, flying unlocks there, and your dragon can take to the skies. Use the in-game Aether Currents tracker to see what you still need.
Collect every Aether Current in a zone to unlock flying for your mounts. -
Step 4: Collect mounts to earn Midgardsormr
This is the core of getting the dragon. Midgardsormr is unlocked by the achievement "I Wish I Could Fly," earned when you obtain a set number of mounts. Mounts come from main scenario and side quests, Grand Company seals, dungeon and trial drops, achievements, seasonal events, and vendors. Keep playing broadly and your collection — and the dragon — will follow.
Grow your mount collection to trigger the achievement that grants Midgardsormr. -
Step 5: Summon and ride your dragon
Once the dragon is in your collection, open the Mount Guide (in the Character menu), select your dragon, and press Summon Mount. You can also drag it onto a hotbar for one-press access. In a zone where flying is unlocked, press the jump key while mounted to soar — your dragon will lift off and let you glide across the map.
Open the Mount Guide, summon your dragon, and press jump to fly.
Tips to earn the dragon faster
- Play across all content. Mounts spread across quests, dungeons, raids, and events, so varied play earns them quickest.
- Don't skip seasonal events. Holiday events sometimes hand out free mounts that count toward your total.
- Spend Grand Company seals. Quartermasters sell mounts for seals you're already earning from Hunts and supply missions.
- Buy cheap mounts on the Market Board. Some craftable or vendor mounts are inexpensive and bump your count toward the dragon.
Troubleshooting
I have lots of mounts but no dragon yet
The Midgardsormr achievement triggers at a specific mount count. Check your Achievements log under the mounts category to see exactly how many more you need, then target a few easy mounts to close the gap.
My dragon won't fly
Flying is per-zone. You must attune every Aether Current in that zone before any mount, dragon included, can take off there. Revisit the zone's Aether Currents menu to find the ones you're missing.
I can't find the mount in my list
New mounts appear in the Mount Guide in the Character menu. If a mount came from an achievement, claim it from the Achievements window first, and it will then appear in your guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dragon mount in FFXIV?
The best-known dragon mount is Midgardsormr, a free flying dragon awarded by the "I Wish I Could Fly" achievement for collecting a large number of mounts. Other dragons drop from trials, raids, and the Mog Station.
Is the FFXIV dragon mount free?
Yes. Midgardsormr costs no gil or real money — you simply need to own enough mounts to earn the achievement that unlocks it.
How many mounts do I need for Midgardsormr?
It is awarded once you collect the number required by the "I Wish I Could Fly" achievement. Open your Achievements log to see your current progress and the exact target.
Can the dragon mount fly?
Yes, Midgardsormr is a flying mount. You can fly it in any zone where you have attuned all of that zone's Aether Currents.
Are there other dragon mounts in FFXIV?
Plenty. Dragons and wyrms come from trials, savage and normal raids, achievements, crafting, and the optional online store, so you have many ways to ride a dragon beyond Midgardsormr.
Final thoughts
Getting the dragon mount in FFXIV is less about one tricky quest and more about steady progress: unlock the mount system, attune your Aether Currents, and keep collecting mounts until Midgardsormr lands in your stable. Once it's yours, summon it from the Mount Guide and take to the skies. For the latest game details and account features, see the official Final Fantasy XIV website.
