Final Fantasy 14 has become an MMO to be reckoned with these last few years. With its Endwalker expansion set for release holiday season 2021, and with popular streamers vouching for FF14’s gameplay and community, many new players are beginning to set foot into Eorzea.
But how does one begin their journey? Do they simply run off into the fields and hope they slay enough low-level mobs before running into a fierce behemoth? All MMOs have specific level guides that help players on their journey; however, new players of FF14 need to be aware of other potential mechanisms that may help them in their first steps.
10 Create A Character That You Can Call Yours.
Final Fantasy 14 is a beautiful game with dazzling visuals and even more alluring Chocobos. In light of this, the warrior of light needs to look just as alluring, too! Final Fantasy 14’s character creator is one of the best as you can customize nearly anything. Players have the opportunity to not only customize a character’s height, muscle tone, eye color, etc.; they also get a chance to choose their own race and clan.
In case you created a character that only a Marlboro could love, do not fret! You can change the appearance of your character using Phials of Fantasia within the in-game shop.
9 Start Thinking About Your Job Or Class
When customizing your character, you will need to specify a ‘job’ or starter class. Depending on what class is chosen, you spawn to a particular site, similar to many other MMOs. If you choose the Lancer, Archer, and Conjurer job type, then expect to spawn in the lush Gridania. More of a Gladiator type? Then your starting area gets to be the more regal and guarded Ul’dah.
Keep in mind that all starter jobs have an advanced job they lead into. One notable mention is how the Lancer job can eventually become the high-jumping Dragoon class.
8 Pick The Right Server
Like many MMOs, players who frolic within Final Fantasy 14’s Eorzea are split into various individual servers. North America, Europe, and Japan are all split into different data centers; choosing the correct one will allow you to play with your other friends (who no doubt pressured you into starting FF14 in the first place).
You are currently only capable of interacting with other players within the same data center. Yes, this may be slightly annoying, but almost every MMO has this type of limitation. Not satisfied with the data center you are currently playing with? You can always procure a data transfer item within the game’s shop as well.
7 Really Consider If A Level Boost Is Right For You
Although this is only recommended for players who have already completed the main story quest, FF14 players have the option of purchasing a level boost to quickly jump into certain game areas. For brand new players, it’s best to experience the entirety of the game yourself.
Does it take tens of hours to reach a character’s level cap? Sure, but what MMO doesn’t? Experiencing all that Hydaelyn has to offer is part of the FF14 experience, even when playing the more tedious quests many players slog through.
6 Get Familiar With The Free Trial Version
FF14 offers a trial of the game that lets players experience both A Realm Reborn and Heavensward for free. To many new players just trying out the game, this trial version may be enough as it can literally provide tens of hundreds of hours of free playable content – yes, hundreds of hours of progression without spending a dime.
But be forewarned, usually investing hundreds of hours in an MMO may be enough to suck you in. But this is what makes MMOs great, right? They suck people in and let them explore, fight, and enjoy the mystical worlds before them!
5 Just Play The Main Story Quest
New FF14 players get caught up with accepting every side quest they see available; typically, all to level up as quickly as possible. In this game, however, this is not the case. You are typically encouraged to stick with the main story quest because it helps level up players while also letting them enjoy the main storyline.
You can, in fact, engage in sidequests for extra experience, loot, and Gil, but it is comforting to know FF14 supports players who desire a pre-carved path to enjoy.
4 Get To Know The Novice Network
In an attempt to coach and guide new FF14 players, the Novice Network serves as a means to mentor inexperienced people so they don’t just run off and get demolished by the first Cactuar they see. Here, seasoned players have the opportunity to nurture new players, often called ‘sprouts,’ by inviting them to the Novice Network – a platform for new players to ask advanced players any questions they have.
New players can expect to receive help from battle mentors: players who have completed 1,000 instanced raids and have received over 1,500 commendations. Another mentor-type is the Trade Mentor, who can specialize in Disciple of the Land/Hand, which provides a great resource to novice players with crafting questions.
3 Try To Get Your First Mount ASAP
Riding around a Chocobo in FF14 can be considered a right of passage. But when do you get to mount atop one of these majestic canary-yellow speed demons? Level 20! As you progress through the main story quest, you will be asked to join one of three Grand Companies: The Immortal Flames, The Maelstrom, or The Order of the Twin Adder.
After completing the quest titled “The Company You Keep,” you will then receive another quest titled “My Little Chocobo.” This, then, rewards you with your very first rideable Chocobo; however, you will need to give Chocobo Issuance to a character in your Grand Company, which costs a total of 200 Company Seals.
2 For Those With Less Time Than Others: Research A Leveling Guide
Some players like to digest every bit of a game. For those who don’t have as much time, researching a good leveling guide would be your fastest path to end-game content.
Since the level cap with the added Shadowbringers expansion raises the cap from 70 to 80, players will need the quickest way to level. Thinking about trying out the new Dancer and Gunbreaker classes? You’ll probably need a leveling guide to get you to level 60, which is the starting level of both new jobs.
1 Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions In-game
Each new player character in FF14 has an in-game ‘sprout’ icon next to their name. This helps other people identify new fledging players who will have burning questions for veterans. With that in mind, do not be afraid to ask questions if you see other experienced players; they may have a few great tips in store if you ask!
The Final Fantasy 14 community has been described as a highly positive one by the majority of its player base. Players of other MMOs may stifle their inquiries due to fear of being ridiculed or mocked. With a hyper-positive community at your fingertips, be sure to tug on the sleeves of experienced players for help!
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