To effectively manage and utilize Retainers in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, follow these structured steps to both unlock and train them for enhanced gameplay.

Unlocking Retainers

1. Complete Main Scenario Quests:
– First, progress through the main storyline until you reach and complete the level 17 quest titled “The Scions of the Seventh Dawn.” This quest serves as the pivotal point for unlocking additional gameplay features, including Retainers.

2. Accept the Retainer Quest:
– Once you have completed the above quest, you can accept “An Ill-conceived Venture” from your starting city. This quest introduces the mechanics of hiring Retainers.

3. Visit a Retainer Vocate:
– After the quest completion, head to a Retainer Vocate located in any major city, such as Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, or Ul’dah. Here you will have the option to hire your Retainers.

4. Customize Your Retainers:
– During the hiring process, you have the freedom to customize each Retainer’s appearance, personality traits, and assign them unique nicknames. This adds a personal touch and makes them more memorable.

5. Managing Retainers:
– By default, you can hire two retainers. If you wish to increase this number, you can purchase additional slots (up to a total of nine) through the Mog Station. Alternatively, a premium subscription to the FFXIV Companion App grants you one extra Retainer.

Training Retainers

1. Assigning a Class/Job:
– Starting from Patch 2.2, you have the ability to assign your Retainer a specific class or job from the categories of Disciples of War, Magic, or Gathering. This is crucial for developing their skills.

2. Equipping Gear:
– Equip your Retainer with a suitable weapon and armor that correlates to their assigned class. This empowers them to perform more effectively in their designated roles.

3. Leveling Up Your Retainers:
– To level up, you can send your Retainers on Retainer Ventures—these are quests that yield experience points and items. It’s important to note that the Retainer’s maximum level is linked to your player level in the assigned class.

4. Upgrading to Jobs:
– Once your Retainers reach certain experience milestones, you can upgrade their class to a job using a Soul Crystal, similar to player job transitions. Ensure that the Retainer meets the necessary level and job requirements to facilitate this upgrade (for instance, the Reaper job begins at level 70).

Additional Functions of Retainers

– Storage and Economic Roles:
– Retainers act as an additional storage space for your items and gil, providing essential inventory management.
– They can also list items for sale on the Market Board, enabling you to engage in the game’s economy effectively.

– Changing Appearance:
– At any time, you can modify a Retainer’s appearance using a Retainer Fantasia, allowing for flexibility in character aesthetics.

– Market Tax Advantages:
– Dispatching your Retainers to different city-states can provide advantages relating to market taxes, optimizing your selling strategies.

By following these steps, you can efficiently unlock and train your Retainers, significantly enhancing your gaming experience in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. They play a crucial role in both your inventory management and economic activities within the game.