FFXIV Thundersteeped Solvent Guide: How to Upgrade to iLvl 790 Weapons

If you're pushing high-end content in FFXIV Dawntrail, you've probably heard players talking about Thundersteeped Solvent. This unsellable upgrade material is currently one of the most important items for weapon progression, as it allows players to upgrade their Bygone Brass Weapons (iLvl 780) into Augmented Bygone Brass Weapons (iLvl 790). The item is obtained through Savage raiding and serves as a major stepping stone toward Best-in-Slot (BiS) endgame gear.

(Augmented Bygone Brass Staff)

Quick Facts: Thundersteeped Solvent

For players looking to maximize damage output in Savage raids, Ultimates, and future content, obtaining Thundersteeped Solvent is effectively mandatory.

How to Get Thundersteeped Solvent

There are currently two primary methods to obtain Thundersteeped Solvent.

Method 1: Clear M3S (AAC Heavyweight M3 Savage)

The fastest way to acquire Thundersteeped Solvent is through AAC Heavyweight M3 (Savage), commonly referred to as M3S. Thundersteeped Solvent can drop directly from this encounter as raid loot.

However, obtaining it is not guaranteed.

When the item appears in the loot chest, you'll typically be competing against seven other players for the reward. Even if your group successfully clears the encounter, a bad loot roll can leave you empty-handed.

For many players, especially those relying on Party Finder groups, this creates a frustrating cycle:

• Learn the fight
• Find a competent group
• Successfully clear the encounter
• Hope to win the loot roll

Miss the final step, and you're back to waiting another week.

Method 2: Exchange M3S Books (Guaranteed Method)

Fortunately, Dawntrail includes a built-in pity system.

Each week that you clear M3S, you'll receive AAC Illustrated: HW Edition III. Players can exchange 4 books with Hhihwi in Solution Nine for one Thundersteeped Solvent.

Book Exchange Requirements

The vendor Hhihwi is located in Solution Nine (X:8.7, Y:13.4).

While this guarantees progress, it also means players who never win a loot roll must wait approximately four weekly lockouts before earning a single solvent.

How to Use Thundersteeped Solvent

After obtaining your solvent, the upgrade process is straightforward.

Step-by-Step Upgrade Checklist

Step 1: Obtain a Bygone Brass Weapon (iLvl 780)

The base Bygone Brass weapons are available through Dawntrail's endgame progression systems and serve as the foundation for the upgrade path. Examples include the Bygone Brass Index, Bygone Brass Pistol, and other job-specific weapons.

Step 2: Obtain 1 Thundersteeped Solvent

Acquire the solvent either through:

• Direct M3S loot
• Book exchange with Hhihwi

Step 3: Visit Theone in Solution Nine

The upgrade NPC Theone is located in Solution Nine (X:8.5, Y:13.6).

Step 4: Exchange Your Items

Trade:

• 1 Bygone Brass Weapon
• 1 Thundersteeped Solvent

In return, you'll receive the corresponding Augmented Bygone Brass Weapon (iLvl 790).

The resulting weapon gains a substantial item level increase and improved stats, making it one of the strongest non-Savage-drop weapon options currently available. Community discussions consistently identify Augmented Bygone Brass weapons as among the best available outside direct Savage weapon drops.

Why Getting Thundersteeped Solvent Is Frustrating for Casual Players

On paper, the acquisition process seems simple.

In practice, many players discover that obtaining a Thundersteeped Solvent is one of the most frustrating parts of Dawntrail's endgame progression.

Party Finder Can Be Brutal

Without a dedicated static group, most players rely on Party Finder.

This often means dealing with:

• Learning parties that never reach later mechanics
• Trap parties advertising experience they don't have
• Constant player turnover
• Hours of wipes with little progress
• Weekly lockout pressure

Even experienced raiders can spend an entire evening searching for a group capable of consistently clearing M3S.

The Four-Week Time Gate

Suppose you clear M3S every week but never win the loot roll.

In that case, you'll need four weekly books before you can exchange them for a single Thundersteeped Solvent. This effectively creates a month-long wait for one weapon upgrade.

For players juggling work, school, or multiple games, that time commitment can feel excessive.

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For those aiming to secure their Augmented Bygone Brass Weapon without spending weeks struggling in Party Finder, these services provide a practical alternative that lets you focus on enjoying the game's most rewarding content.

Final Thoughts

Thundersteeped Solvent is currently one of the most important upgrade materials in FFXIV Dawntrail. Whether you obtain it through direct loot from M3S or by exchanging four AAC Illustrated: HW Edition III books with Hhihwi, it remains the key ingredient needed to transform your Bygone Brass Weapon into an Augmented Bygone Brass Weapon (iLvl 790).

For dedicated raiders, it's a straightforward progression target. For casual players, however, the combination of Savage difficulty, loot competition, and weekly lockouts can make the grind feel overwhelming. If you'd rather spend your time enjoying Dawntrail instead of battling Party Finder, professional FFXIV services can help you reach your gearing goals faster and more efficiently.