Desynthesis
Desynthesis
“Break down an item into one or more of its original materials.
— In-game description
Desynthesis is an action unlocked by questing at level 30. It is available for Carpenter, Blacksmith, Armorer, Goldsmith, Leatherworker, Weaver, Alchemist and Culinarian.
Released in patch 2.3, Item Desynthesis is a system that allows Disciples of the Hand (crafters) to break down pre-existing items into crafting materials and other components. Most items in the game can be desynthesized, such as weapons, armor, housing items and fish.
Unlock
- Quest:
Gone to Pieces - Requirement: Level 30 Disciple of the Hand
- Quest Giver: Syntgoht – Ul'dah - Steps of Thal (x14,y10)
- Prerequisites: Main Scenario Quest
Life, Materia and Everything
Mechanics
Each crafting class has its own desynthesis skill level. If the skill exceeds the recommended skill level for the item desynthesized, it is possible to obtain a wider variety of materials, a larger quantity of materials, or HQ 
materials.
As of patch 5.2, skill level no longer determines success chance nor is any level required to attempt it. There is also no longer a global cap on skill levels, making it possible to max out the skill level on all classes at once.
Successfully breaking down an item with Desynthesis will raise your skill level for that class.
- Crafting classes that are level 30 or higher will have a skill level of at least one.
- Low-level items give fewer points until a certain skill level and then stop entirely.
Desynthesis Guide
Consumables
| Item | Effect |
|---|---|
 Bacon Broth |
Desynthesis Skill Gain +10 / +20
|
 Tinker's Calm |
Desynthesis Skill Gain +30 / +40
|
The broth (
Well Fed) and the potion (
Medicated) can be stacked.
Reward
- Main article: Desynthesis Rewards
Breaking down an item with Desynthesis will primarily yield materials used to create the item. On occasion, players will also receive special items that are obtainable only through the use of Desynthesis (such as Demimateria).
- Special Items can used for new crafting recipes beginning in patch 2.3.
- Having a Desynthesis skill equal to or higher than the item being broken down increases the chances of receiving special items.
Achievements
Main article: Desynthesis Achievements
Desynthesis is associated with several achievements:
| Name | Points | Task | Reward | Patch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Break It Down I
|
5 | Successfully desynthesize 50 items. | - | 2.3 |
 Break It Down II
|
5 | Successfully desynthesize 200 items. | - | 2.3 |
 Break It Down III
|
5 | Successfully desynthesize 500 items. | - | 2.3 |
 Break It Down IV
|
5 | Successfully desynthesize 1,000 items. | - | 2.3 |
 Break It Down V
|
10 | Successfully desynthesize 2,000 items. | - | 2.3 |
 You're Tearing Me Apart I
|
10 | Successfully desynthesize 5,000 items. |  The Disassembler
|
2.3 |
 You're Tearing Me Apart II
|
10 | Successfully desynthesize 10,000 items. | - | 4.0 |
Patch History
For the purpose of datamining and outdated guides we added a list of changes during the patches
| Patch | per Class | in Total | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch 2.3 | 100 | 300 | 08.07.2014 5:15 AM |
| Patch 2.5 | 110 | 350 | 20.01.2015 6:45 AM |
| Patch 3.0 | 180 | 560 | 19.06.2015 10:00 AM |
| Patch 3.2 | 220 | 680 | 23.02.2016 5:30 AM |
| Patch 3.4 | 250 | 770 | 26.09.2016 12:00 PM |
| Patch 4.0 | 320 | 980 | 16.06.2017 4:45 AM |
| Patch 4.2 | 350 | 1070 | 29.01.2018 5:15 AM |
| Patch 4.41 | 380 | 1160 | 02.10.2018 2:00 AM |
| Patch 5.2 | 460 | N/A | 29.10.2019 12:00 AM |