A Newcomer's Handbook for Final Fantasy XIV

For newcomers to Final Fantasy XIV, especially those who are experiencing an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game for the first time, the multitude of tasks and features can feel quite daunting. I can relate to that feeling! However, I hope that this concise list of tips for beginners in Final Fantasy XIV will help to simplify the learning process.

Moreover, Square Enix has streamlined the content in the initial two expansions: Realm Reborn and Heavensward. The extensive narrative has been condensed, and several quality-of-life improvements have been implemented to facilitate smoother and more efficient progression for newcomers. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV boasts one of the most welcoming communities among all the major MMOs I have encountered.

While you might encounter the occasional unpleasant player, my personal experience suggests that they are far less frequent compared to other MMOs. Final Fantasy XIV features a commendation system that acknowledges players who demonstrate exceptional skill or helpfulness at the conclusion of each dungeon, providing a motivation to be friendly. Additionally, you receive an experience bonus, which aids in leveling up more quickly! If you’re considering whether to buy the full game, you can find more insights here, along with several reasons why I believe you should.

UPDATES: Should you have any inquiries regarding the game that remain unaddressed in this article, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or connect with the Final Fantasy XIV Discord server (invite link). Upon joining, please take a moment to review the rules and share your question in the general chat. The moderators are available to assist you, so feel free to ask anything! Keep in mind, there are no foolish questions.

I manage a Discord server for members of my static group and Free Company. If you’re a newcomer to the game, feel free to join and ask any questions or take part in events like map parties. We frequently assist players in tackling endgame content! We’ve engaged in a lot of Extreme Trial farming during the Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions with friends and Free Company members. If you’re on the Hyperion server, you can find details about my Free Company here. I take great pleasure in supporting new players, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

For additional details about my static group, you can find the schedule posted here. I stream on Twitch every Friday and Sunday. You can also find my profile on the Final Fantasy XIV Lodestone here. If you want to view my battle logs, search for Miss Moonie on Hyperion on FFLogs.

Additional Articles Pertaining to Final Fantasy XIV…

• Suggestions for Beginning Your Journey in Savage Raid Content
• Setting Up ACT for Final Fantasy XIV: A Step-by-Step Guide

This article has been revised to reflect the changes in Patch 6.0 Endwalker.

Contents

This guide is structured into multiple parts. Initially, I will provide insights into the game, including details about the free trial and what players can anticipate. Subsequent sections will focus on character creation, selecting a class, and deciding on quests. Additionally, the guide will offer information on character progression, equipment, customizing hotbars, and various endgame elements, including the use of the party finder and engaging in savage raids.

• The Complimentary Trial
• Developing a Character
• Experiment with Various Courses
• Consider engaging in crafting and gathering activities.
• The Primary Narrative Mission
• Comprehending Different Types of Quests
• Progression, Equipment, and Item Tier
• Caverns, Challenges, and Boss Fights
• Setting Up Hotbars and Heads-Up Display (HUD)
• Independent Enterprises
• Tips for Successfully Utilizing Party Finder
• Content for the Final Stage
• Essential Advice for Beginners in Gaming

The Complimentary Trial

Square Enix has broadened the free trial for Final Fantasy XIV, enabling newcomers to access the Heavensward expansion and experience the story content up to level 60 at no cost. This offers players approximately 20 hours of gameplay, assuming they engage with the content fully. Additionally, the Realm Reborn and Heavensward expansions introduce a new playable race, the Au Ra, along with three new jobs—Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist—available for unlocking once players reach level 50 in the main story quest.

The free trial is not applicable if you have previously made any purchases on your Final Fantasy XIV account, regardless of whether those purchases were made years ago at launch and you only explored the initial areas. However, if you previously held a trial account prior to Patch 5.3, that account should now allow you to progress to the new level cap, which has been raised from 35 to 60.

The conclusion drawn from this is that creating a completely new account could be a more prudent choice if you wish to experience A Realm Reborn and the Heavenward expansion through the free trial. However, be aware of certain restrictions that may apply:

• Access to the Market Boards is restricted, preventing you from buying or selling tradeable items within the game.
• You are also unable to become a member of Free Companies, which are often known as “guilds” in other MMORPGs.

If your primary motivation for playing is the narrative (which is often a compelling reason to engage with Final Fantasy XIV), then these compromises should be manageable for you. Should you find these restrictions to be too much to handle at any point, you have the option to purchase the Final Fantasy XIV Starter Edition. This edition provides access to the same content available in the free trial for a fee of just $20.

Get your free trial now, and without delay, here are some helpful tips and tricks for newcomers to Final Fantasy XIV.

Developing a Character

This is the starting point of your adventure! To kick things off, you’ll want to dive into the character creation menu. Here, you can select your race, starting class, name, and various features. Once you’re satisfied, you can pick a server. However, due to high traffic, you might find it difficult to join the same server as your friends. If you save your character profile and monitor the server status, you can eventually join. It may require some patience, but it’s a common hurdle for newcomers wanting to play alongside friends. If you create a character and later decide to join your friends on a different server, you can easily transfer by purchasing a server transfer through the Mogstation.

When designing a character, it’s crucial to understand that your zodiac sign and initial class have little significance. The zodiac sign has no impact on your character’s abilities. One of the most exciting features of Final Fantasy XIV is the ability to engage in every combat and crafting class using the same character, allowing you to change classes almost at will. Simply change your weapon and configure gear presets in your character panel to make the switch (more details on that will follow)!

Experiment with Various Courses

In contrast to many other MMORPGs, individual characters have the ability to master all available classes, with the only limitation being your desire to level up the class of your choice. It’s rare for players to discover their primary class on their initial attempt, and many choose to explore multiple classes, utilizing them as needed, particularly for high-level savage and ultimate content. If you’re keen on diving into savage raid content, take a look at my guide. While savage content may seem overwhelming and intimidating at the outset, it offers a fun and fulfilling experience for players looking for a challenge after finishing the main storyline.

At present, players have the option to select from four distinct tank categories, four healing roles, five melee damage dealers, three ranged damage dealers, and four magical damage dealers. Additionally, there are gathering and crafting professions, all of which can be advanced to level 90, just like the damage roles! The gathering professions include botanist, miner, and fisher, while there are eight unique crafting professions available.

If your initial class didn’t meet your expectations, there’s no need to be concerned! After reaching level 10 and finishing your first level 10 class quest, you can choose any other class from that moment on. Once you complete that quest, you can easily switch classes by visiting any guild and speaking to the NPCs there. You’ll be given the appropriate weapon for your new class, and by equipping it, you will transition to that class. For detailed information on the level requirements for your desired job class, be sure to check out this useful guide for quick reference.

In Gridania, you can find the Lancer, Conjurer, and Archer, while the Gladiator, Pugilist, and Thaumaturge are located in Ul’dah. Meanwhile, the Marauder and Arcanist are based in Limsa Lominsa.

In Final Fantasy XIV, achieving a high level of proficiency in a class unlocks access to one or more associated jobs and their unique abilities. Additionally, if you’re dissatisfied with your character’s look, you can obtain an item known as Fantasia as a reward for being a veteran subscriber for 30 days. This item allows you to fully alter your character’s race and appearance, including features like face, skin tone, and even gender. If you wish to acquire more Fantasia, you can do so through the Mogstation.

Consider engaging in crafting and gathering activities.

Final Fantasy XIV features eight distinct crafting classes and three gathering classes, each of which can be leveled independently, similar to combat classes, and they come with their own unique storylines! If you intend to level multiple classes—and it’s highly recommended—you should refrain from selling or discarding your equipment once you surpass its level. The gear can be utilized across all crafting and gathering classes. This means that once your carpenter reaches level 80, you can equip nearly all of that gear to advance your culinarian, and so forth.

You’ll notice that advancing your crafters and gatherers tends to complement each other. For instance, a gatherer is essential for obtaining materials for your weaver, and a weaver may need a crafted piece from a leatherworker, and so forth. I suggest leveling them simultaneously whenever feasible. The most straightforward method to enhance your Crafters and Gatherers is by completing Levequests. Additionally, if you need more motivation, crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV is among the most effective ways to earn Gil.

The Primary Narrative Mission

The icons for the Main Story Quest (MSQ) resemble a gold and gray meteor featuring an exclamation mark. Engaging in these quests will advance the narrative and serve as one of the quickest methods for leveling up. Therefore, it’s advisable to finish them promptly to access additional content.

Many newcomers to the game often find the Main Story Quest (MSQ) to be the most perplexing aspect, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed by the multitude of quests displayed on their map. To access crucial game elements like dungeons, new classes, and realms, players must first advance through the MSQ. Although the MSQ is quite lengthy, the narrative is engaging, making the investment of time worthwhile. If you encounter restrictions on certain activities, it’s likely because you haven’t progressed far enough in the MSQ (though there are some exceptions). I recommend a Wiki guide (click) that I share with new players, which provides valuable information on unlocking essential content. It details the required MSQ level, the names of the quests, and the significance of the unlockable content, extending all the way to Endwalker, the most recent expansion. I strongly suggest checking it out.

Comprehending Various Types of Quests

As you explore the world of Final Fantasy XIV, you’ll encounter numerous NPCs, each marked with unique icons above their heads. Initially, many of these quests may appear quite similar, making it hard to distinguish between them. When you begin your journey, it’s essential to prioritize the quests shown in your main scenario guide, which is typically located in the top left corner of your screen. This guide will always indicate your next main story quest next to the red meteor icon. If you have a class or job quest, it will appear beneath your main story quest, marked with a red exclamation point. When in doubt, the quests listed in this guide will consistently advance your storyline.

Another type of quest to watch for are those that grant access to new features or your subsequent class/job quest. These are represented by a gold and blue icon featuring a plus sign and an exclamation mark. For example, a level 60 Summoner job quest is shown above, and to the left, you can see a variety of quest icons. While unlocking new features is not essential for completing the main storyline, certain quests, such as the one that provides a mount, are definitely worth pursuing. The character who assigns class/job quests will offer you a new one every five levels. You might need to progress through the main story quests or engage in side quests to level up before the next class/job quest is accessible. Remember, by completing class/job quests, you will receive free gear and new abilities, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

Progression, Equipment, and Item Tier

During your journey, you might encounter a situation where advancing in the Main Story Quest (MSQ) necessitates reaching a specific level to accept or finish the quest, and certain dungeons may also impose level or item level prerequisites for entry. It’s important to note that your character’s level and item level are distinct. To reach the level needed for the MSQ, you can easily participate in the highest level dungeon available to you via the party finder, which will provide experience points to level up your character. On the other hand, raising your item level involves a bit more effort than simply joining a leveling roulette.

The image above displays a comparison between two weapons: on the left, a more powerful weapon with a higher item level, and on the right, a weapon with a lower item level. It’s evident that the weapon with the elevated item level boasts superior stats, along with the materia that I personally integrated. If you encounter a situation where your item level falls short for dungeon entry, you have several alternatives to consider.

1. The Main Story Quest (MSQ) will reward you with new equipment as you advance.
2. Find a vendor or merchant in the major cities (Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, or Ul’Dah) and acquire equipment with a higher item level.
3. Complete the most challenging dungeon available to you and upgrade your equipment.
4. Create your own equipment.
5. Buy equipment from the market board (though I advise against it, as it often leads to unnecessary spending of Gil).

Raising your character’s Item Level is highly beneficial as it enhances your stats. For instance, if you’re a low-level tank with a higher Item Level, your Vitality is likely increased, allowing you to absorb more damage when engaging with groups of monsters in dungeons and raids. This, in turn, makes it much easier for your healers to keep you alive, and they will appreciate it. As a DPS, boosting your Item Level will amplify your damage output against monster groups, leading to quicker eliminations, which your healers will also appreciate. Aim to elevate your Item Level as much as possible for a more enjoyable experience for everyone, but avoid spending Gil to achieve this. For new players, increasing your Item Level is a straightforward process and shouldn’t be a source of stress. Additionally, the Main Story Quest will reward you with new gear as you advance.

Caverns, Challenges, and Boss Fights

As you advance in the Main Scenario Quests (MSQ), you will take on missions that involve completing dungeons, trials, and raids, collectively referred to as instances in Final Fantasy XIV. These missions are mandatory and cannot be bypassed. By utilizing the Duty Finder, the game will pair you with other players online to tackle the instance together. Each type of instance has specific party composition requirements; for example, dungeons typically need one tank, one healer, and two damage dealers (DPS).

Dungeons necessitate a group of four participants: a tank, a healer, and two damage dealers.

The trials will consist of eight participants, where you will confront one opponent, along with potentially several monsters during an additional phase.

There are essentially two categories of raids: standard/savage raids and alliance raids. Standard and Savage raids involve a group of eight players who will confront a single boss, along with a few additional monsters during certain phases. In contrast, alliance raids are larger encounters that involve a total of 24 players, divided into three groups of eight. In these raids, participants will battle multiple monsters, similar to dungeon experiences, and will encounter several bosses throughout the journey.

Setting Up Hotbars and Heads-Up Display (HUD)

In Final Fantasy XIV, players have the freedom to customize their HUD layout and key bindings to match their preferences and requirements. While a larger screen provides greater flexibility, this feature is also beneficial for those using smaller displays. Within the Settings menu, you can adjust the HUD layout to reposition your hotbars, map, and other elements. Additionally, you can modify key bindings, macros, and more. In the Character Configuration section, I suggest enabling the Legacy camera option, as it simplifies character rotation.

Furthermore, I suggest going to your Keybind settings to unbind A and D, which are typically assigned to Move Left and Move Right, and instead assign them to Strafe Left and Strafe Right. This adjustment will simplify your ability to evade gaze mechanics that may petrify or stun your character, enabling you to cast spells and abilities without the need to manually rotate your character. Additionally, this change will prevent your camera from spinning, which is another advantage.

The rest is largely in your hands. I suggest placing all your skills onto your hotbar, assigning keybinds to them, and practicing in a couple of simpler dungeons until you get used to your keybinds. Over time, you won’t need to consciously remember which key is linked to which ability; it will feel instinctive. If you have an MMO mouse, it’s a good idea to configure it as well. Explore the System Configuration and Character Configuration settings to make any adjustments that will enhance your gaming experience.

Independent Enterprises

Joining a Free Company or creating your own can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience! If you’re uncertain about how to become a member of a Free Company, you can explore the party finder window or right-click on players who are already affiliated with a Free Company to gather more information. Additionally, there are numerous groups seeking new members on platforms like Reddit and the Final Fantasy XIV Discord. If you’re interested in establishing your own Free Company, you need to have purchased the game (the free trial won’t suffice) and you must unlock Grand Companies by reaching level 25. To initiate a Free Company, players should speak with the Free Company administrator at the Grand Company headquarters and choose the “Found a Free Company” option.

After completing this step, you can select a name and a tag for your Free Company. The name can be up to 15 characters long, while the tag is limited to five characters. Next, you need to gather three signatures from fellow players or friends on a petition. Once you have the required signatures, you will need to pay a fee of 15,000 gil. After the payment is made, your Free Company will be established, and you can begin inviting other players to join.

Tips for Successfully Utilizing Party Finder

Party Finder serves as an in-game resource for those seeking a ready-made team to tackle content. If you enter a group through Party Finder and are unfamiliar with the dungeon mechanics or the strategies the group is employing, don’t hesitate to ask. Most players are generally willing to provide explanations and guidance.

The Party Finder allows you to either look for an existing party to join or to gather fellow adventurers to create your own group. This functionality becomes available after you finish the quest titled “It’s Probably Pirates,” and can be accessed in the Social area of the main menu. At the top of the Party Finder interface, you will see a list of parties seeking members, along with details about the types of members they need. To join a party right away, simply click “Join Party.” Additionally, you can send a /tell to the leader of the party.

You can look for a party to join by specifying a range of criteria, including goals and gameplay style. When inviting members to your party, you’ll have the ability to establish different recruitment parameters. These parameters can include the type of duty, average item level, roles, gameplay style, and preferred language. Players seeking to recruit for a party will display a unique status icon.

Although the main function of the Party Finder is to organize groups, players occasionally utilize the comment section as an informal platform to promote crafting services or to recruit members for Free Companies.

Content for the Final Stage

During my streams, I frequently receive inquiries like, “What are you currently working on?” (related to Savage Raid content) and “How can I begin tackling savage content in Final Fantasy XIV?” Many viewers show interest but feel uncertain about where to begin, and the thought of engaging in challenging raids can be quite intimidating for them.

Final Fantasy XIV offers a wide array of multiplayer experiences, as it is fundamentally a multiplayer game. For those looking to challenge themselves with the most difficult endgame content alongside others, such as Extreme Trials and Savage Raids, there are additional steps to take. If you’re among the players eager to join a group or are unsure of how to begin, this guide is for you! I’ve compiled a useful article to help you navigate the process of engaging with endgame content, including Extreme Trials and Savage Raids.

Essential Advice for Beginners in Gaming

I took the opportunity to reach out to friends and acquaintances to gather their insights on the question, “What do you wish you had known when you first started playing Final Fantasy XIV?” I compiled their responses into a list and added a few additional thoughts of my own. I hope these suggestions assist you on your adventure!

• Align Yourself With Each Aetheryte You Encounter

One significant lesson I picked up early on was the crucial role of aetherytes in Final Fantasy XIV. By attuning to an aetheryte, you gain the ability to travel swiftly, and you can designate favorite spots for quick, cost-effective returns. In larger cities, you can navigate between smaller aetherytes, similar to using subway stations. To utilize aetherytes within a city, you need to find and attune to various crystals, allowing you to travel between them for free. However, moving between aetherytes in different major cities and areas will cost you Gil, the in-game currency. If you’re on the free trial and can’t sell items on the market board, don’t worry—you can still sell items to regular NPCs. Additionally, early in the game, you won’t need to spend Gil on purchases, as the main story quest will provide you with most essentials, including food, equipment, and potions.

• Set a “Home Destination” on an Aetheryte.

Should your character meet their end in the open world, you can choose to teleport back to your designated Home Destination. You can establish this in key cities, and you have the flexibility to modify this location as you advance in the game. For instance, if you begin your journey in New Gridania and later relocate to a city such as Limsa Lominsa, you can set your revival point to Limsa Lominsa. This way, instead of respawning back in New Gridania, you can reappear in Limsa Lominsa, much nearer to the spot where you fell. This feature is incredibly useful.

By signing up for a Free Destination, you can enjoy free teleportation, because let’s face it, everyone loves saving Gil!

In Final Fantasy XIV, taking a break at a sanctuary or inn and logging out will grant you a bonus to rested experience (EXP). This feature is particularly beneficial for those looking to gain experience points and level up more quickly. It’s especially useful if you anticipate being away from the game for a while. The duration of your rest will determine the amount of rested experience you accumulate. Therefore, the next time you decide to log out, make sure to visit an inn and select “Go To Bed” to receive your rested experience bonus!

Check your experience bar—if you see a half-moon icon next to it, you can log out of the game without worry and earn rested experience. To maximize your rested experience bonus, make sure to speak with an Innkeeper, choose the option to “Retire to an Inn room,” and then select “Exit game” by clicking on the bed. The Inn room is equipped with a retainer bell, a glamour chest, and a crystal bell for changing your appearance (note that the Aesthetician must be unlocked via a quest first), among other features!

Macros can be incredibly useful if you frequently utilize the same skills, but they can quickly clutter the chat box, and the loud sounds they produce may be distracting for other players. Additionally, macros can introduce a lag in your actions, which can be frustrating when you need to execute a skill immediately. It’s best to be considerate and avoid using macros during combat. However, if you play as a tank, I suggest creating a macro for shirking to your off-tank. Similarly, as a healer, a macro to inform the other healer when you’re resurrecting a party member can be beneficial. Just remember to keep it minimal!

If you’re unfamiliar with macros and unsure how to begin, consider utilizing the macro I shared earlier. Just go to the System Configuration section from the main menu, and click on User Macros. You can then enter any text you wish, select an icon of your choice, and drag it to your hotbar. And there you have it—a macro ready to use!

When engaging an opponent, consider pressing Alt-F on your keyboard. This action will activate Focus Target, making it simpler to monitor the enemy’s attacks. The cast bar will remain visible on your screen, showing the spells the chosen enemy is preparing to cast. This feature is particularly beneficial for tanks, as it allows you to hold your stun for a critical boss ability that could endanger the team. Unlike many other multiplayer games, the spells cast by enemies are not closely linked to their animations. By observing the cast bar as it fills, you can develop a routine for timing your abilities and positioning yourself for upcoming mechanics. Additionally, make it a habit to cast actively, slide-cast, and move during combat.

Most players in the Final Fantasy XIV community are generally under