A Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) return after a break can feel like stepping into a brand-new game. Whether you're a veteran rediscovering Eorzea or a player picking up where you left off after a long hiatus, the sheer volume of updates and additions can be overwhelming. This guide aims to ease your transition, offering advice and insights for both returning players and those restarting their adventures in this ever-evolving world.
What's Changed Since I Last Played?
This is the most common question for returning players. FFXIV has undergone a dramatic transformation since its relaunch as A Realm Reborn. New jobs, areas, storylines, and gameplay mechanics have been added, significantly altering the landscape. The best way to tackle this is to break it down:
- New Jobs/Roles: Have new roles and jobs been released that you want to try? Are there any updates for your main class you should explore? Researching the current meta and top performing jobs can help you plan your next steps.
- Storyline Progression: Where did you leave off in the main storyline (MSQ)? Catching up might involve hundreds of hours of gameplay, but focusing on it first allows you to experience the world’s evolution organically.
- Game Systems Overhaul: Have significant changes occurred to crafting, gathering, or the housing system? Knowing about system updates will help you plan your in-game goals and activities.
- New Areas and Raids: Exploration is a core part of FFXIV. Explore newly added zones and experience high-end content like the latest raids.
How Do I Catch Up on the Main Storyline?
The sheer amount of story content added since A Realm Reborn can seem daunting. Fortunately, the game offers several tools to help:
- Story Skip: For a fee, you can skip earlier expansions' story content, allowing you to jump directly to the most recent updates. However, this means missing out on significant character development and world-building.
- Scenario Roulette: Running the older story dungeons through the Duty Finder is a rewarding way to experience older content, earn experience, and gradually progress the MSQ.
- Pace Yourself: Don’t rush! Enjoy the journey of rediscovering Eorzea and engaging with the world's narrative.
What are the Best Ways to Level Up Quickly?
Leveling in FFXIV can be accelerated through various methods:
- Role Quests: Completing role quests for your chosen jobs unlocks powerful abilities and provides significant experience.
- Dungeon Roulettes: Participate in daily dungeon roulettes for substantial experience and rewards.
- Main Scenario Quests (MSQ): Focusing on the MSQ is an efficient way to level up while experiencing the main storyline.
- Hunting Logs: Completing Hunting Log entries rewards significant experience and valuable items.
Should I Focus on Crafting or Gathering?
The choice between crafting and gathering depends on your preferred playstyle:
- Crafting: Crafting professions allow you to create powerful gear and valuable items, playing a crucial role in endgame content.
- Gathering: Gathering professions provide materials necessary for crafting and allow for exploration and discovery within the game’s environments.
Both are equally rewarding and can be incredibly lucrative if you understand the market and specialize.
What About Endgame Content?
Endgame in FFXIV is rich and varied, offering continuous challenges and rewards:
- Savage Raids: High-difficulty raids require coordinated teamwork and skilled execution.
- Ultimate Raids: The pinnacle of challenging content, demanding exceptional player skill and collaboration.
- Trials: Story-based encounters that present intense challenges.
- PvP: Engage in player-versus-player combat to test your skills in various game modes.
How Can I Meet Other Players?
FFXIV fosters a strong community:
- Free Companies (FCs): Join a Free Company (guild) to connect with like-minded players, share experiences, and engage in group activities.
- Linkshells: Create or join Linkshells (chat channels) to communicate with players and coordinate activities.
- Duty Finder: Participate in dungeons and other group content through the Duty Finder to meet other players.
Returning to FFXIV is a journey of rediscovery and excitement. By carefully planning your approach and utilizing the available tools, you can seamlessly reintegrate into the world of Eorzea and embark on fresh adventures. Remember to take your time, enjoy the experience, and embrace the vibrant community that makes FFXIV so special.
