Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has captivated millions with its breathtaking world, compelling story, and engaging gameplay. Whether you're a seasoned veteran returning after a long hiatus or a brand new player ("sprout"), rediscovering Eorzea can be an exciting, even overwhelming, experience. This guide caters to both, offering tips and insights to navigate the world of FFXIV, regardless of your experience level.
What are the biggest changes since I last played?
This is a common question for returning players. FFXIV undergoes regular updates, introducing new jobs, storylines, areas, and gameplay mechanics. The extent of changes depends heavily on when you last played. Major expansions like Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and now Dawntrail have drastically altered the game's landscape, adding vast new zones, compelling narratives, and powerful new jobs. Beyond expansions, regular patches introduce smaller content updates, quality-of-life improvements, and balance adjustments. The best way to stay informed is to check the official Lodestone website or reliable FFXIV news sources. For returning players, reviewing patch notes or watching summary videos can quickly bring you up to speed.
How can I catch up on the story?
The MSQ (Main Story Quest) in FFXIV is incredibly rich and detailed. For returning players, catching up can seem daunting, but the game offers tools to help. You can use the "New Game +" option to replay past storylines at an accelerated pace, focusing on the narrative elements. Additionally, many fan-made resources, such as wikis and YouTube summaries, offer concise overviews of the story’s progression. Remember, taking your time and enjoying the experience is key— rushing through the MSQ can diminish its impact.
What are the best jobs for beginners?
Choosing a starting job is a significant decision. Some jobs are considered more beginner-friendly due to their straightforward mechanics and forgiving playstyles. These often include:
- Paladin (Tank): Provides a good introduction to tanking, offering solid survivability and straightforward abilities.
- White Mage (Healer): A classic healer role, relatively easy to learn and crucial in group content.
- Warrior (DPS): A straightforward damage dealer, requiring less complex rotations early on.
- Scholar (Healer): Offers a hybrid support/damage role, with opportunities for learning more complex healing strategies as you progress.
- Black Mage (DPS): A highly mobile, burst-damage based job with satisfying magic. Requires a better understanding of timing and positioning.
Choosing a job you find aesthetically pleasing or narratively engaging can enhance your initial enjoyment. Remember, you can always level other jobs later!
Is there a way to make Gil quickly?
Gil (the in-game currency) is essential for purchasing items, gear, and housing. While there's no single "quick" method, several strategies can help you earn Gil steadily:
- Crafting and Gathering: Leveling crafting and gathering professions can be highly profitable, especially by creating and selling in-demand items.
- Retainer Ventures: Your retainers can gather items and gil for you passively, allowing you to make Gil while you're offline.
- Beast Tribes Quests: These daily quests reward valuable items and gil.
- Market Board: Buying low and selling high on the Market Board can be profitable if you're attentive to market trends.
Remember that patience is key; building wealth in FFXIV takes time and effort.
What endgame content should I focus on?
Endgame activities in FFXIV cater to various playstyles. Common options include:
- Raids: Challenging high-level content, requiring coordination and strategic teamwork.
- Trials: Intense boss battles, testing players' skills and knowledge of enemy mechanics.
- Savage Raids: Extreme versions of raids, requiring masterful execution and perfect coordination.
- Ultimate Raids: Extremely difficult challenges, regarded as the pinnacle of the endgame.
- PvP: Player-versus-player combat, allowing players to test their skills against each other.
Choosing your endgame path depends entirely on your preference for challenge and social interaction.
What are some helpful tips for new and returning players?
- Utilize the in-game help system: FFXIV has a robust help system, guiding you through various game mechanics.
- Join a Free Company (FC): An FC provides a supportive community, fostering friendships and cooperation.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help: The FFXIV community is generally welcoming and helpful to new players.
- Take your time and enjoy the journey: FFXIV's beauty lies in its rich story, beautiful world, and engaging gameplay. Rushing through the content will diminish the experience.
Returning to Eorzea, or experiencing it for the first time, is a rewarding adventure. By embracing the community, learning the game's mechanics, and focusing on enjoying the journey, you'll find yourself immersed in the captivating world of Final Fantasy XIV for countless hours to come.
