Final Fantasy XI advice.

[BigJonno]

I've decided, on a whim, to play FFXI over my Easter break. Fourteen day trial, fourteen day holiday. Coincidence? I say NAY!

I've played it before, not long after release, but didn't get further than about level five. I know we've got a fair few current/former FFXI players around here, can anyone offer any advice to a noob? I'd like to get to the good parts ASAP. ;)

[LarsenNET]

Gorvi in 3...2...1...

[BigJonno]

Gorvi in 3...2...1...

That's pretty much what I was thinking. I should have just called the thread "The Gorvi Signal." :D

[Gorvi]

Gorvi in 3...2...1...
:)

Start on Lakshmi, that's where Cyndair and I are. ;)

As for starting advice, here goes nothing:

Learn to love FFXIclopedia (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Main_Page). It will be your best source for any info you'd ever want. The search system is a bit wonky, so be sure that if you do a search you're specific and spell things correctly.

Your starting area can make a bit of a difference in your experience, IMO Bastok is the worst with San d'Oria being the easiest, but I prefer Windurst (I'm a bit biased though). Reasoning: Bastok - Gustaberg is ugly as sin and it's a pain in the ass to get to the next tiered area you'd want to go to (Konschtat Highlands). San d'Oria - it's easy to get around both the city and Ronfaure, and this is by far the closest area to the first zone you'll be partying in, Valkurm Dunes. Windurst - The city can be confusing at first, but Sarutabaruta is the best zone, IMO, to start a new character in, simply because if you fight smart you'll get the best return on the AH for the drops you get. The bad part with Windy is that it is by far the furthest starting area from Valkurm.

Race, at least early on, will matter. If you want to go mage, pick Tarutaru or maybe Mithra. If you want to go melee go Elvaan or Galka. If you don't know which, go Hume. Every race can play every job, so if you want to be a Tarutaru Warrior or an Elvaan Black Mage, you're free to do so, but you'll have stat deficiencies to make up for.

As for the job to start as, Warrior and Monk are by far the easiest to start as, Red Mage is right behind those, then comes White Mage, then far behind are Black Mage and Thief. That doesn't mean you can't start as those jobs, but it'll be tougher. If you do want to go mage, I'd highly suggest Red Mage, for melee Warrior is your best bet. Tip: for Warrior, Red Mage, or Thief, get a bow and some arrows, they'll help you get an extra hit in when attacking a mob at range before they come to bite you in the face.

Always have Signet cast on you. It will allow you to build up Conquest Points, which can be used to purchase items from gate gaurds, and it also makes enemies drop crystals, which will be a good source of income early on.

Use food. Food gives you temporary stat bonuses, ranging in length from half an hour to 3 hours, depending. There are exceptions, such as cookies and drinks, those have short duration in which you usually gradually regenerate HP or MP. A great starting food, no matter what class you play, is Meat Jerky.

Speaking of income, sell everything that drops on the AH. Rarely selling to an NPC will be more profitable, but it's not often. Don't sell single items unless they're weapons or armor, most of what you'll be selling stacks up to 12, sell those stacks for 15-20 gil below the average going price.

For early combat strategy, melee, melee, melee. I don't care if you're a BLM, find the highest damage weapon you can get, eat attack food (the above mentioned Meat Jerky), and attack away. It may seem weird to melee primarily on a mage job early on, but if you try to kill mobs solely by casting you're going to be resting after every single fight.


That was much longer than I thought it'd be.....

[BigJonno]

Can you actually choose which server to start on now? And are servers regional?

[Gorvi]

Can you actually choose which server to start on now? And are servers regional?
Yep, they added that (thankfully) about a year or so ago. And no, nothing is regional, every server is worldwide.

[BigJonno]

Yep, they added that (thankfully) about a year or so ago. And no, nothing is regional, every server is worldwide.

Fantastic! Thanks for the tips, I'll be in touch. ;)

[Gorvi]

Fantastic! Thanks for the tips, I'll be in touch. ;)
:)

I just remembered two others:

Play on 360 if you can, but if you have to play on PC, use a 360 or PS3 controller. The interface was designed for the PS2 originally, it was meant to be played with a controller. If you're on 360 make sure you have a USB keyboard, the chatpad won't cut it for communication (and I think it lacks a TAB key, which will cut you off from using the Auto Translate function).

Lastly, the game is hard. It will not hesitate to kill you early on if you're not careful. Avoid mobs that aggro, meaning any beastman in the early going, and get to know the enemies in the starting areas that can cause you problems (ex: any Crawler above DC will more than likely kill you with it's Poison even if you defeat it).

Bah, and now that reminds me: the check system. When you select a mob you have the option to Check it. This is a bit deceptive, as the verbiage isn't what you'd expect it to be. From 1-5 if you're a melee you can probably take a mob that checks Even Match, and up to 15 or so a Decent Challenge should be a problem, but past that, you'll have issues. At higher levels many jobs can even have problems with Easy Prey mobs solo. You may be able to get away with fighting a Tough very early on, but Very Tough or Incredibly Tough mobs are party territory only, unless you're a Beastmaster of course (but that can't come til later). :p

To heal/rest, press in the left analogue stick or press the * key on the keyboard. Doing this will gradually regen your HP and MP, though it won't be as fast as you'd want.You can not heal, rest while taking damage, so any DoT debuff, such as Poison or Rasp, will stop you from doing it.

[Shjinta]

Gorvi I'm still on lak, In your linkshell. I just play at weird times. He's right about the game being hard. I wandered into a desert like zone last night. Saw a small little mushroom dude, and he kicked my ass :/

problem is I got my Red Mage to level 10 and I have no clue where to go to kill things now. I tried that Desert windy zone but it takes me forever to melee down the mobs. They also almost kill me half of the time.

[Gorvi]

Gorvi I'm still on lak, In your linkshell. I just play at weird times. He's right about the game being hard. I wandered into a desert like zone last night. Saw a small little mushroom dude, and he kicked my ass :/
I'm not sure if I'm in that shell anymore..... I haven't really played much since FFXIII came out, but I'm looking to work it back into the rotation. With the kids I can't be on as much as I like, so it's usually either early morning (from around 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM) or late evening (9PM to whenever), all EST.

A desert area with a mushroom guy? Oh, damn, are you still around level 12 in the windy area? That sounds like you ran into a mandy in Tahrongi.

[RandoM51]

Get in a good linkshell ASAP. All the other help and/or advice you need will come from it. :)

Then again, if they think you're only going to be around for 14 days you might not get any help, hehehe.

[BigJonno]

:)

I just remembered two others:

Play on 360 if you can, but if you have to play on PC, use a 360 or PS3 controller. The interface was designed for the PS2 originally, it was meant to be played with a controller. If you're on 360 make sure you have a USB keyboard, the chatpad won't cut it for communication (and I think it lacks a TAB key, which will cut you off from using the Auto Translate function).

Lastly, the game is hard. It will not hesitate to kill you early on if you're not careful. Avoid mobs that aggro, meaning any beastman in the early going, and get to know the enemies in the starting areas that can cause you problems (ex: any Crawler above DC will more than likely kill you with it's Poison even if you defeat it).

Bah, and now that reminds me: the check system. When you select a mob you have the option to Check it. This is a bit deceptive, as the verbiage isn't what you'd expect it to be. From 1-5 if you're a melee you can probably take a mob that checks Even Match, and up to 15 or so a Decent Challenge should be a problem, but past that, you'll have issues. At higher levels many jobs can even have problems with Easy Prey mobs solo. You may be able to get away with fighting a Tough very early on, but Very Tough or Incredibly Tough mobs are party territory only, unless you're a Beastmaster of course (but that can't come til later). :p

To heal/rest, press in the left analogue stick or press the * key on the keyboard. Doing this will gradually regen your HP and MP, though it won't be as fast as you'd want.You can not heal, rest while taking damage, so any DoT debuff, such as Poison or Rasp, will stop you from doing it.


I'll be playing on the PC, I'll have to get one of my PS3 controllers hooked up. I remember how much of a pain it is with a mouse and keyboard.

After having a quick browse of the Wiki, I've decided that my ultimate aim (should it completely hook me and I sub) is to get the samurai job. With that in mind, I'll probably start as a warrior. Not sure about race though. I kinda fancied a mithra and read that they're really good samurai, but I know they're not great warriors. I've still got plenty of time to make up my mind, I have another six hours of patching yet.

[Shjinta]

I'm not sure if I'm in that shell anymore..... I haven't really played much since FFXIII came out, but I'm looking to work it back into the rotation. With the kids I can't be on as much as I like, so it's usually either early morning (from around 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM) or late evening (9PM to whenever), all EST.

A desert area with a mushroom guy? Oh, damn, are you still around level 12 in the windy area? That sounds like you ran into a mandy in Tahrongi.

Sorry added to my post after you replied.

I hit level 10. I'm 4 levels from my original Warriors level. He's still there stuck in the Dunes. I figured with a Red Mage I can use Cure on the people in the group. So I could get into groups easier.

That sounds like the zone I wandered into looking for non easy prey mobs. I also bought a empress band.. How do I recharge it? I was enjoying 120 XP a mob instead of 40-5.

As for the linkshell it's Vin something. I just like that there are people on and they talk to me lol. I hate the being alone feeling. So this isn't bad.

[Shjinta]

I'll be playing on the PC, I'll have to get one of my PS3 controllers hooked up. I remember how much of a pain it is with a mouse and keyboard.

After having a quick browse of the Wiki, I've decided that my ultimate aim (should it completely hook me and I sub) is to get the samurai job. With that in mind, I'll probably start as a warrior. Not sure about race though. I kinda fancied a mithra and read that they're really good samurai, but I know they're not great warriors. I've still got plenty of time to make up my mind, I have another six hours of patching yet.


Warrior is fun, especially when you get a Great Axe...or whatever it's called. Big ass 2 handed axe. If you play on lakshimi I'm Takamuzio. So you can add me to your friends, We can go kill shit lol.

[Gorvi]

Sorry added to my post after you replied.

I hit level 10. I'm 4 levels from my original Warriors level. He's still there stuck in the Dunes. I figured with a Red Mage I can use Cure on the people in the group. So I could get into groups easier.

That sounds like the zone I wandered into looking for non easy prey mobs. I also bought a empress band.. How do I recharge it? I was enjoying 120 XP a mob instead of 40-5.

As for the linkshell it's Vin something. I just like that there are people on and they talk to me lol. I hate the being alone feeling. So this isn't bad.
Oh, that may be the one I'm in, I've been on so rarely lately that I've forgotten :(. It's called Virinis.

To recharge the Empress Band (that's another thing Jonno should get as soon as he has the CP to buy it) just make sure it's not equipped and trade it to one of the gate guards who sell CP items, it recharges it for a small CP fee.

[Shjinta]

Oh, that may be the one I'm in, I've been on so rarely lately that I've forgotten :(. It's called Virinis.

To recharge the Empress Band (that's another thing Jonno should get as soon as he has the CP to buy it) just make sure it's not equipped and trade it to one of the gate guards who sell CP items, it recharges it for a small CP fee.

Sweet. It's extremely useful. I'm trying to get to 15 right now. Then I'll have to figure out how to get to the Dunes..safely... lol

[Gorvi]

Sorry added to my post after you replied.

I hit level 10. I'm 4 levels from my original Warriors level. He's still there stuck in the Dunes. I figured with a Red Mage I can use Cure on the people in the group. So I could get into groups easier.

That sounds like the zone I wandered into looking for non easy prey mobs. I also bought a empress band.. How do I recharge it? I was enjoying 120 XP a mob instead of 40-5.

As for the linkshell it's Vin something. I just like that there are people on and they talk to me lol. I hate the being alone feeling. So this isn't bad.
There's nothing wrong with a Mithra Warrrior or Samurai, that's for sure. Mithra don't have the highest STR in the world, but they've got some great DEX, which effects crits and accuracy. Just don't feel locked down into the job you choose, you can change to any job that you've unlocked (you only get WAR/THF/MNK/RDM/BLM/WHM at first) from your mog house at any time. You have to level each job indicidually, but skills, such as evasion and sword skill, carry over, they're just capped for what they would be for that job's current level.

In fact, you can change pretty much everything. The only three decisions that make that are permanent are your race, your face type/size, and your name.

EDIT: And Shij, it may be a bit slow, but I'd recommend hitting 15 in Saruta before venturing forth. You an make laps around the big hill in West Saruta and make it to 15 in a couple of hours. Kill only Crawlers, Bees, and Yags, and you should make a decent chunk of gil selling the silk thread, beehive chips, wind crystals, and honey. Enough to buy all of your spells and get decent gear to party with later on.

As far as getting to the dunes, get your maps at the vendor in Windurst Woods (just south of the fountain) and head through Tahrongi to Buburimu, through Buburimu to Mhaura, then take the boat in Mhaura to Selbina. Selbina is the port town that leads out to Valkurm. If you're going to level there I'd recommend setting your home point there, but plan on being there for a long while until you make the treck either back to Windy or to Sandy to stay for a bit.

[Shjinta]

There's nothing wrong with a Mithra Warrrior or Samurai, that's for sure. Mithra don't have the highest STR in the world, but they've got some great DEX, which effects crits and accuracy. Just don't feel locked down into the job you choose, you can change to any job that you've unlocked (you only get WAR/THF/MNK/RDM/BLM/WHM at first) from your mog house at any time. You have to level each job indicidually, but skills, such as evasion and sword skill, carry over, they're just capped for what they would be for that job's current level.

In fact, you can change pretty much everything. The only three decisions that make that are permanent are your race, your face type/size, and your name.

EDIT: And Shij, it may be a bit slow, but I'd recommend hitting 15 in Saruta before venturing forth. You an make laps around the big hill in West Saruta and make it to 15 in a couple of hours. Kill only Crawlers, Bees, and Yags, and you should make a decent chunk of gil selling the silk thread, beehive chips, wind crystals, and honey. Enough to buy all of your spells and get decent gear to party with later on.

As far as getting to the dunes, get your maps at the vendor in Windurst Woods (just south of the fountain) and head through Tahrongi to Buburimu, through Buburimu to Mhaura, then take the boat in Mhaura to Selbina. Selbina is the port town that leads out to Valkurm. If you're going to level there I'd recommend setting your home point there, but plan on being there for a long while until you make the treck either back to Windy or to Sandy to stay for a bit.

I think i was there at one point. The bees were actually giving me a hard time. I managed to get a shield and a level 7 sword. Some guy bought it for me O_o and gave me 5k Gil which I refuse to spend, Only on spells I get each level lol. I got my mog safe box full of crystals. Waiting till I have a few stacks then off to the AH.

[Cyndair]

A new FFXI thread! Man, I want to write a novel but work is crazy today. I will take the time to point you to the old FFXI thread. There is a wealth of information contained within if you have the time to wade through posts of Gorvi and I discussing our play schedules. :p

http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=8334

Edit: I love helping out new players. I haven't been on in awhile myself but I do have the game installed on my PC and current so I'm up for playing anytime really.

[Gorvi]

Threadjack! Hey, Cyn, if you've got the time some time soon, do you want to try to get a ToAU static going? I'm on the Black Coffin Mission, I think you were at that point too.

[Xydarc]

This is all moot once FFXIV drops.:p

[evilgoodwin]

I gave in... Installing the trial and updating as we speak. Damn you all!

I played when it came out and got to 30 something with a warrior and also had a few of the subjobs that came with zilart. I did buy CoP when it came out, but never made it too far before giving up and jumping to WoW. I feel like I can play it better now after being able to do retarded grinds there for FUN. Hell, if I'm exalted with BS reputations in that game, I could probably level a character again in this :D

I'll post again when I get in. It'll be nice to see the game again.

[BigJonno]

I decided to throw caution to the wind and create a mithra warrior in Windurst. She's called Itharelle.

[Cyndair]

Threadjack! Hey, Cyn, if you've got the time some time soon, do you want to try to get a ToAU static going? I'm on the Black Coffin Mission, I think you were at that point too.

!!!

I'll have to check and see which mission I'm on but sure, I'm up for it. I need an excuse to get playing again.

I haven't been reading the news, did they raise the level cap and do the server merges yet?

I decided to throw caution to the wind and create a mithra warrior in Windurst. She's called Itharelle.

Excellent! I'll get you added to the ol' friends list.

[BigJonno]

Excellent! I'll get you added to the ol' friends list.

Awesome! I'm playing right now, I've reached the dizzying heights of level 5!

EDIT: Hit level 6 right after posting. Currently trying to figure out how to make some money. I want to get a great axe, but the last few bids on the AH have been around 3000gil. o_O

[Cyndair]

Awesome! I'm playing right now, I've reached the dizzying heights of level 5!

EDIT: Hit level 6 right after posting. Currently trying to figure out how to make some money. I want to get a great axe, but the last few bids on the AH have been around 3000gil. o_O

Have you been talking to the gate guards before you head out to level and getting signet cast on you? If you have signet, the monsters you kill (easy prey or higher) will often drop crystals. If you get a stack (12 crystals) you can sell them on the AH for some easy gil. (1-5k per stack depending on crystal type and demand) Crystals sell fast since crafters need them for every synthesis recipe.

[BigJonno]

Have you been talking to the gate guards before you head out to level and getting signet cast on you? If you have signet, the monsters you kill (easy prey or higher) will often drop crystals. If you get a stack (12 crystals) you can sell them on the AH for some easy gil. (1-5k per stack depending on crystal type and demand) Crystals sell fast since crafters need them for every synthesis recipe.

I'd been saving my crystals to trade in, but I'll see about selling some on the AH.

[Cyndair]

I'd been saving my crystals to trade in, but I'll see about selling some on the AH.

Ahh yes, saving for trade ins. I'd probably worry about getting that gaxe first so you can start skilling up with it asap. At level 6 I think the monsters right outside the city gates (the ones you were killing at level 1) will still check Easy Prey. You could kill a lot of them rapidly for crystal drops and small exp.

[BigJonno]

Looks like crystal prices are considerably lower than you suggested (just put my earth crystals on for 550g and they're one of the more middling ones) but they're definitely the best I've got right now. Off to farm some more!

[Cyndair]

Looks like crystal prices are considerably lower than you suggested (just put my earth crystals on for 550g and they're one of the more middling ones) but they're definitely the best I've got right now. Off to farm some more!

Yeah, they will fluctuate depending on supply and demand. Still, you should be able to farm some cash relatively quickly that way. Also remember that FFXIclopedia is your friend as Gorvi said. If you see an item that you want to get on the AH, especially at a low level, look it up. In some cases there will be an NPC that sells it for a lower price:

http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_Axe

Looks like you can get a Butterfly Axe for 739 gil from a merchant. Unfortunately that merchant is in Bastok (which is far far away). There is another in Mhaura which is closer but still a dangerous hike from where you are now. If you feel saucy, it's two zones over from East Sarutabaruta. East Sarutabaruta > Tahrongi Canyon > Buburimu Peninsual > Mhaura. This is where another helpful website comes into play (yes, look at all those zones.. Vana'diel is huge):

http://www.ffxi-atlas.com/

I'd only make this trek if you want to see some sights. More than likely you'll end up dead. As soon as you leave ES the monsters hanging around will be able to one-two shot you. Mobs are easily avoided in Tahrongi Canyon but Buburimu is crawling with goblins. One fun thing about Goblins is that they agro by sight so you can walk right up to one if it is facing away from you and it won't attack. So you CAN sneak around them Metal Gear Solid sytle without being detected but if you happen to be running by when one of them decides to move/turn, you're toast.

[Cyndair]

Hey Gorvi, want to play at all this week? I need a break from XIII. I'm free Wednesday and Thursday evening.