Should I expect a new grade of Dark Matter in EW?

[Omedon]

Hello again.

This is my first time being present for a new expansion's transition and so there are a lot of truths I'm sure veterans take for granted that many like me won't know.

Today I want to ask about dark matter: Is there any point stocking up on grade 7? Will it still be useful from 80-90 for repairs according to precedents established?

I have no idea what prompts a new grade or if new grades happen, so I'm asking here.

Thanks in advance for any and all helpful replies!

[Bsrking5]

If the trend follows from past expansion. Yes, a new higher grade dark matter 8. I wouldn't stock up on any. The price isnt likely to change so even if SE does keep 7 as the highest there won't be a downside to waiting and using whatever you have on you currently.

[Omedon]

If the trend follows from past expansion. Yes, a new higher grade dark matter 8. I wouldn't stock up on any. The price isnt likely to change so even if SE does keep 7 as the highest there won't be a downside to waiting and using whatever you have on you currently.

It'll definitely get used, what I have, but yeah I'm not gonna go hog buying grade 7 now if new expansion means new grade! Thanks for the heads up!

[_Koneko_]

I generally only buy as I need so a stack of 99 or 2 but it stands to reason we will get a new grade dark matter and materia too

[Jojoya]

We didn't get a new grade for Shadowbringers. Instead the grade that was previously intended for level 70 gear had its cap increased to 80. You can see the level gap between Dark Matter VII and Dark Matter VI, which is for 1-60. That makes it hard to say what they'll do for Endwalker.

To be honest, they should rework Dark Matter so grade 1 works for 1-50 instead of having 5 separate grades, then subsequent grades cover an increase of 10 or 20 levels each. Leveling happens so quickly now that about the only items below 50 that reach a need for repair are the starting Weathered Accessories plus the Brand New Ring. Everything else gets replaced too quickly.

[Eclipse12187]

At the very least if you’re at max ilvl and they do add a new tier your i530 gear should be competitive until around level 85/86.