[Suggestion] Final Fantasy XI - EXP System

[Sukiichan]

Hey everyone! Before i start off i just want to say, Sorry if this has been suggested before, and if this is the wrong place to post this...

The one thing i loved to death about FFXI was the fact that it was challenging, but with Abby's Expansion (DLC) The game got waaaay to easy.. So i was thinking... Would it be possible for a patch that adds a Option to the config window, Like under gameplay it could say like "Would you like to play FFXI with Pre-Abby or FFXI's Current State"
EX: Pre-Abby is FFXI before Abby's arrival -Short Terms: Decreased EXP-
EX: FFXI's Current State -Short Terms: Increased EXP-
(There could also be a time limit between switch's like an Hour)

Also, they could add a party option depending on the leaders Settings.
There could be a notice when someone invites you saying
"Attention: This Parties leader is using the Pre-Abby settings"
And if their using current FFXI:
"Attention: This Parties leader is using "Abby Settings"

But thats all i thought of.... What do you think?

[Draylo]

Stupid idea

[Sukiichan]

Stupid idea

Hows it stupid? Many people have complained that Abby Ruined XI.

[Ravenmore]

If you thought old grinding xp was a challange then lolol. The only hard part about the old system was finding a healer and in merit parties finding a Rdm and brd that would party with what ever group of bandwagon jobs you could find. Hell with out Xp being made so easy how many people would have capped out the gear for thier few jobs and left.

[Sukiichan]

If you thought old grinding xp was a challange then lolol. The only hard part about the old system was finding a healer and in merit parties finding a Rdm and brd that would party with what ever group of bandwagon jobs you could find. Hell with out Xp being made so easy how many people would have capped out the gear for thier few jobs and left.

It was more challenging than what xi currently is. <.<

With the current system you can hit 99 in less than a Week.

[Ravenmore]

Really what was so challenging about auto target WS rinse repeat. Wait I know you one of those that think time = challenge when the real challenge was not passing out. Or refreshing the search hoping to claim the very rare NMs know as brd, rdms.

[Disifer]

Hardest part of exp'ing was trying to level a job that no one wanted cause it was so weak compared to others. For instance on colibri, you either had a piercing type job or you have a job that could still deal massive amounts of damage regardless of damage weakness (WAR). I had no problem ever getting exp or merits on a job such as BRD. Getting a job like DRK to 75 though was pulling teeth. Come 65 Pre-TOAU PLD's would sit in jeuno for days because stuff like dhamels in Bibiki Bay or goblins there would hit like a truck. Come sky in the shrine, it was nin or nothing. Give me a break on the "hardness" of exp'ing.

[Disifer]

It was more challenging than what xi currently is. <.<

With the current system you can hit 99 in less than a Week.

Week? Try a day.....

[Yinnyth]

Hows it stupid? Many people have complained that Abby Ruined XI.

Unfortunately though, the damage has been done. A "turn off abyssea" option would do even less than the mentor flag does. Think it through- how would it be used?

[SpankWustler]

I can not understand anyone whose FFXI experience was contingent upon killing 500,000 Robber Crabs or crabs of other varieties. That was never a major element of the game for me even though it, regrettably perhaps, took large amounts of my time.

[Arcon]

Many people have complained that Abby Ruined XI.

Including me. There's a big list of what was wrong with Abyssea, but EXP is not on that list. EXP is not challenging nor was it ever, it was long, tedious, cumbersome and incredibly boring. I would totally understand if people would want a pre-Abyssea server for its old content, but for EXP? I only had three jobs at 75 despite playing for years before Abyssea, because I could never get myself to level other things just because it was so boring.

EXP has always been the least interesting and least important aspect to FFXI, at least to me. Even back at 75 the game didn't start before, well, 75. Now it starts at 90+. Anything that gets us there faster is perfectly ok with me. I'm still dreading to get RNG, DRK and BST to 30 so I can start leeching them in Abyssea. It's been on my To-Do list for almost two years, and even though EXP is so easy even outside of Abyssea, I still just can't bring myself to do it.

I understand that there's some people who enjoyed it, but they were rarely people who actively participated in endgame. They were people who thought that leveling was what the game was about, which, to almost everyone else, is an absurd idea.

As to your particular idea, why would that even matter? If people wanna do oldschool EXP, they still can. If it should indeed be a voluntary process, as you suggested, what's stopping you from finding five more people who feel the same way and go to East Ronfaure [S] and beat on Colibris? The only thing I could think of would be that there's no five people left who actually enjoyed that kind of EXP.

[Apelila]

Wait so you want old school xp inside abyssea? Easy, just break chains by killing a mob without CFH and see how long until the party kicks you.

*looks up levels on AH* Oh, so this is a reroll character. Listen, I kind of miss the old days too sometimes. I miss that newness that each level had, the feeling of achievement at each new foe conquered and battle won. I miss the social aspect of some XP parties. I made a lot of friends that way by noticing who wasn't pants-on-head-stupid. You can still get that in abyssea parties. Its just that instead of many parties, lasting hours from 50 to 75 you can do the entire stretch from 75 to 99 in a 3+ hours. I would rather chew my own arm off than have to do any of that again at the old rate, as would anyone without 10 hours a day to waste.

[Eri]

Exp was never a Challenge and it shouldnt be. Problem is that Ppl learned how tp play their Job. So if you leveled in Aby chances are that you cant play it. Thats bad..... but a player that uses Abyssea for low levelish leeching is probaly a pretty casual player anyway.

They won't be 99 anytime if they don't? Well the real problem is there is no content for lowlevel.. or nothing that would be desireable at a higher level, so its not desireable to get lower level things since its not useful later on... theres no motivation to to do lowerlevel things.

I personally feel Abyssea was a fail. But at the same time i can see its nice for newer Players to get into Endgame fast.
But i think theres something to be done about players that outright play bad >_>

How about revamping that mentor System? Give Mentors bonuses? Change the condions to become mentor?
Its not like i have to do Abyssea if i dont want to. But i'd want the players to play better..... seriously.

I have issues with Abys but i don't have to do it.... but i have to play with ppl that leveld there later on!
So pretty please make them decent players...

[SpankWustler]

I have issues with Abys but i don't have to do it.... but i have to play with ppl that leveld there later on!
So pretty please make them decent players...

Being bad at FFXI isn't really as simple as not knowing what to do. If the worst players were actually blank slates rather than aggressively stupid, they would tend to ask questions or try different things to see what works. This isn't the case.

Far more often it consists of being obstinately convinced that something horribly stupid is the correct thing to do. Stupid players burn with non-cognitive conviction that Provoke and Defender are vital to tanking stuff at level 99. They are filled to an atomic level with the idiotic ideal that changing visible equipment makes one less likely to be cured. They have known since times immemorial and incompetent that Haste is not that important at all.

The worst players "know" things. Untrue things. Awful things. Detrimental things. Things that should not be. I wish the worst players just knew nothing because that would be a huge improvement.

[Ravenmore]

Exp was never a Challenge and it shouldnt be. Problem is that Ppl learned how tp play their Job. So if you leveled in Aby chances are that you cant play it. Thats bad..... but a player that uses Abyssea for low levelish leeching is probaly a pretty casual player anyway.

They won't be 99 anytime if they don't? Well the real problem is there is no content for lowlevel.. or nothing that would be desireable at a higher level, so its not desireable to get lower level things since its not useful later on... theres no motivation to to do lowerlevel things.

I personally feel Abyssea was a fail. But at the same time i can see its nice for newer Players to get into Endgame fast.
But i think theres something to be done about players that outright play bad >_>

How about revamping that mentor System? Give Mentors bonuses? Change the condions to become mentor?
Its not like i have to do Abyssea if i dont want to. But i'd want the players to play better..... seriously.

I have issues with Abys but i don't have to do it.... but i have to play with ppl that leveld there later on!
So pretty please make them decent players...

I can point to a dozen players that leveled the old way that suck at thier job and I can point to a dozen more that burned a job though abyssea and are pretty good. Good players will be good bad will be bad no matter how they level. Only reason you see them more is just the amount of things that are puged now and the we do things in allis so you get to play with far more people on avg then you ever did at 75.

[Eri]

Only reason you see them more is just the amount of things that are puged now and the we do things in allis so you get to play with far more people on avg then you ever did at 75.

That might be accurate. Personally i see less cause i only play with ppl i know as of now. We dont need alliances anylonger. If i get on XI as of now (might change on content...) thats for planned events... so like if ppl contact me in messanger saying hey we could need help here. So i log on...

I used to play more with random ppl... but the current lack of skill is scary... so i dont play that mutch....

The final stike was when i outparsed a SAM on Pup ..... that was like ok im done >_>

[Ravenmore]

That might be accurate. Personally i see less cause i only play with ppl i know as of now. We dont need alliances anylonger. If i get on XI as of now (might change on content...) thats for planned events... so like if ppl contact me in messanger saying hey we could need help here. So i log on...

I used to play more with random ppl... but the current lack of skill is scary... so i dont play that mutch....

The final stike was when i outparsed a SAM on Pup ..... that was like ok im done >_>

Nothing really new there sam is not the all mighty DD they are made out to be. In dyna at 75 I out parsed a couple good sams on blu getting lucky on having a brd balleding me when I got low on mp and stats refilling me. But tha was perfect condictions for me trash mobs and mp rainning for the heavns. Only thing sam has always had was it was the hardest job to fail completly at. The big 3 were all str based WS and being one hit WS got the Acc bouns so the dimwits that stack str in thier tp sets weren't total waste of space. I stop parseing against others long ago it tells me nothing.

[Runespider]

I used to play more with random ppl... but the current lack of skill is scary... so i dont play that mutch....

you don't play with other people so how can you judge? I do a lot of content in alliances with randoms and most people are as capable on their jobs as they always were. You're talking nonsense, some suck...but that was always the case.


The final stike was when i outparsed a SAM on Pup ..... that was like ok im done >_>

I can outparse anyone easily, all you need to do is parse vs someone with no atmas in a lolxp party, vs someone that is doing content that doesn't matter when they are chatting on ls or vs someone that has no idea you are running a parser vs them (this one is the biggest advantages in beating a well geared/"good" player in a parse). That's why a parser is a terrible tool in the hands of people that don't understand them and use them in arguments.

[Zarchery]

Don't you already have the option to manually decline levelling in Abyssea? Just don't go there. There's no need to make programming changes. You major roadblock to doing old style XP is finding 5 other people to do it with you. If you implemented this config button, it would be just as contingent upon other people using it.

I think with posts like this, people are trying to relive the past. You can't. The past is gone, forever.

[Zarchery]

I've been finding that seal farming emulates the feeling of old style XP parties pretty well. The NMs take about that length of time to kill, and the need for weakness triggers encourages the same diversity of jobs. Also been finding that I run into the same people over and over when forming my seal parties.

[Ryce]

I think what most people miss about old FFXI was the party battle coordination. Setting up SATA, cautiously pulling mobs that agro/link, and even skill chaining (GASP!).

Guess what... they didn't take that out! Do Abyssea EXP alliances do this? lolNo. BUT those old camps still exist. Not only that, but they're empty! Get a few friends together, maybe even invite a n00b with their party flag up, and head on out. Level sync helps you avoid long party formation times. FoV/GoV books are available in most areas (completely optional).

The tangible rewards pale in comparison to an Abyssea/book burn party, but you'll get that same old exp party experience.

[Brolic]

Hows it stupid? Many people have complained that Abby Ruined XI.

those people are stupid too

[Saefinn]

I think what would work is for there to be bonuses for exping the old way just to encourage people back onto it. I think even more exp would be one of those rewards, because lets face it, people do BB and keywhore is because it's quick and easy exp. I'd agree that it's too quick and pretty much removed the point of levelling.

Old parties weren't challenging, but they were more interesting...or at least to the point where you weren't spending hours doing the same thing over and over. You'd have different enemy types, different party configurations and different situations and you'd have to think about what you were doing - particularly if you wanted to get decent exp. Whilst it might not push people to learn their jobs it was certainly great for experimentation - it's hard to get a feel for a job when you're levelling at the speed of light in areas where enemies are dropping like flies.

I don't think a 'classic' mode would work, maybe a classic server for those interested more in the old content. I am a fan of choice, so I think 'classic' parties should be able to match BB in terms of exp/hr, but require 6 man parties and should be tough enough to play like the old parties. Plus, Exp rings and Corsair's Roll don't have much of a use these days.

So I propose:

Empirical Seal (or whatever the hell you wanna name it): Works like Sanction, but gives larger exp benefits, the bonus depends on the level synced - it would be good if the exp/hr was similar to the equivalent BB at that level. The areas covered by Empirical Seal can include CoP, Zilart, Aht Urghan and WoTG zones.

The advantages I can see:
-Large bonus to exp in classic camps, making it a useful alternative to BB
-An option to not get a massive amount of exp, for those who feel like levelling at the old rate (they don't have to get Empirical Seal)
-An incentive to change camps, a Valkurm Dunes party would generate less exp with a level 12 sync than an East Ronfaure [S] party with a Level 37 sync
-Partying can be less boring for those who don't like BB, plus those who like BB can still BB.

I spoke about 'giving more benefits', perhaps Empirical Seal could generate more Conquest Points/Imperial Standing/Allied Notes. There's pieces of gear you can probably pick up as you're levelling if you've got the CP/IS/AN and Ranks for it.

Probably not perfect, but of course, it's just an idea and could probably be made better.

[Economizer]

I think what would work is for there to be bonuses for exping the old way just to encourage people back onto it.

There are. Signet + large exp off of mobs = Conquest Points. Sanction + large exp off of mobs = Imperial Standing. Both of these convert into gil very easily. It isn't like it ever went away.

If anything people should be suggesting for more things you can buy with these, such as being able to turn large amounts of IS into Alexandrite (a large enough amount so that the market price of Alexandrite is cheaper then the cost of converting IS into Alexandrite), or some form of better gear you can get from turning them in. Voiddust is a nice incentive but if earning a few billion experience points the "old fashioned way" could put a dent into someone's Mythic acquisition plans you better bet that someone would try it.

[Luvbunny]

Old school party is dead - people need to get used to it, period. By the way, all these moaners and complainers, please use brain cells before posting. If you rather do the old school way, go do the higher tier GoV book burn with 6-12 people in the higher levels dungeons, say Gustav Tunnel, the xp cap over there is close to 10k per page. Yeah you heard it, you can CHOOSE to do alliance style party NOT in abyssea and get just as good xp, and even faster too - bring all your alt to leech and you don't even need stones. The game is beyond amazing now, minus a few random nerf here and there, now you have so many OPTIONS. Abyssea xp is not the only way to leech your characters to 99, so many options to do it outside as well, just to show you that developers want you to get to 99 ASAP so you can enjoy all the contents. Skill ups is still a pain though so you still have to grind for that after speed lvl to 99.

[Saefinn]

Further down in my post I suggested increasing CP/IS/AN as well as the larger exp boost, I recognise it can be turned into gil or gear, I make use it of them. I suppose the effects could be improved on current Sigil, Signet and Sanction, it doesn't have to be a separate effect, I just have this feeling that if it weren't you'd have people complaining that they can't use a weaker Sigil, Signet and Sanction. ;)

I agree with the suggestion of having more things to buy with it, I think some of the current gear is useful in lower levels and would be handy if there's enough of an abundance of CP/IS/AN because people could use them to help upgrade gear as they jump camps - especially useful for newbies/returning players. By comparison, when you're levelling in Abyssea for the first time, it doesn't take long to be able to afford Cruor gear. Putting the Alexandrite in there is a good idea too.

[Saefinn]

Old school party is dead - people need to get used to it, period. By the way, all these moaners and complainers, please use brain cells before posting.

SE are trying to bring some of the old content back by making it useful for level 99 players and I'm all for choice too, I don't see why old camps and old-style exp parties couldn't be made a choice if they received an update...of course, that update would need to give a big exp boost for balance.

[Brolic]

how does anyone still jobs to xp?

[Luvbunny]

SE are trying to bring some of the old content back by making it useful for level 99 players and I'm all for choice too, I don't see why old camps and old-style exp parties couldn't be made a choice if they received an update...of course, that update would need to give a big exp boost for balance.

They did try and created GoV for lvl 90s in many areas. The xp are really good and you need a capable non afk group since the mob is somewhat challenging and not a breeze to kill without atmas. A solid group of 6 can easily get a good xp with the xp cap at 10k ish per page. If you bring an alliance then it's even faster. You don't need keyer, ever :) But most people don't bother trying or find out - that there is alternative than abyssea.

[wish12oz]

There's nothing stopping you from going to kill crabs and little pink birds right now with a party of 5 other people, so go do it and stop complaining.

[mattkoko]

as far as xp goes, i dont mind that you can get xp fast. i just hate that you can get a job from 30 to 99 completely naked. i would love love love the day if SE made abyssea 75+. then all they would have to do is take level sync out and it is good bye leeching. but yea, that is the problem i have with the xp system. you would still get super xp by doing pages. all you would need is 2-3 people to do pages with if you want even faster xp. imo, it is completely wrong to not have to go through the process of leveling so new people never even get to learn their job. it is extremely sad. i know a lot of people are going to hate me, but leeching needs to go. i am sure it wont though. but if SE ever does find a way to completely get rid of it, while everyone is bitching and saying "omfg i actually need to wear armor and bring a weapon to my xp party?" i will be laughing the whole time :D. well... i'm not going to get my hopes up. but i can most certainly dream

[Ravenmore]

as far as xp goes, i dont mind that you can get xp fast. i just hate that you can get a job from 30 to 99 completely naked. i would love love love the day if SE made abyssea 75+. then all they would have to do is take level sync out and it is good bye leeching. but yea, that is the problem i have with the xp system. you would still get super xp by doing pages. all you would need is 2-3 people to do pages with if you want even faster xp. imo, it is completely wrong to not have to go through the process of leveling so new people never even get to learn their job. it is extremely sad. i know a lot of people are going to hate me, but leeching needs to go. i am sure it wont though. but if SE ever does find a way to completely get rid of it, while everyone is bitching and saying "omfg i actually need to wear armor and bring a weapon to my xp party?" i will be laughing the whole time :D. well... i'm not going to get my hopes up. but i can most certainly dream

You seem to think low leveling was killed by leeching thing is it was all but dead before abyssea came out. With out the easy leveling we have now most would simply not bother with new jobs like the days of 75 before level sync. Because if the old way was so much better then why wasn't everyone walking around with 10 75s, cause people only cared about one or two that cought their eye that they were willing to take the chance that it would be fun at 75.

[Mifaco]

Translation of OP:

Please return to the days where 6 people were absolutely required for a PT.
Please return to the days where a BRD or RDM was needed for any chance at decent XP
Please return to the days where said BRD or RDM was flagged as "JP ONLY"
Please return to the days where after hiking up to golems in Sky, the tank/rdm/healer said "lol gtg" and left.
Please return to the days where your skillchain partner was so gimped, it took 3 fights for him to get to 100% TP...and then he missed the opening WS
Please return to the days where, even when people had 60 levels to learn their job, they still didn't have proper equipment,food, or weapon skilled up..
Please return to the days where so many people were camped at a location, the party had to disband after 3 fights.

[mattkoko]

You seem to think low leveling was killed by leeching thing is it was all but dead before abyssea came out. With out the easy leveling we have now most would simply not bother with new jobs like the days of 75 before level sync. Because if the old way was so much better then why wasn't everyone walking around with 10 75s, cause people only cared about one or two that cought their eye that they were willing to take the chance that it would be fun at 75.

i just dont agree that you can stand around naked and ding as you turn in pages. that is all. it is not that it was killed. thats not what bugs me. i said pretty damn clearly in that post that i do not like the leeching part. it is just plain sad that one can get from 30-99 with out even drawling their weapon. and just so you know, you can get a job from 1-75 in a matter of a few weeks just by doing GoV. some a little longer, some a little less depending on how much time you have. leveling is still easy with out leeching. and leeching is all i am focused on. shit, all they would have to do is make all the pages of gov have a minimum level so only those of a certain level can do that page. and again, make abyssea 75+. so am i against fast leveling? no. but i am for making it a requirement that you actually have to get gear and a weapon in order to level. just like any other game. again, this is just my opinion though

[Ravenmore]

Thats not even new though it happen back at 75 too. I take that over the old days any day. I can not tell you how many crappy rdms and brds I had to put up with just because they were the only ones seeking. Remember the days of rdms insisting on DD/nin only and refusing to heal if not even though it slowed down exp. Remember seeking for hours on the non-FOTM job. I remember all the hoops I had to jump though just to get into a party at any level so I will gladly put up with the player that did that then the old way. Because they are not even slowing my exp down so I don't care.

[Saefinn]

They did try and created GoV for lvl 90s in many areas. The xp are really good and you need a capable non afk group since the mob is somewhat challenging and not a breeze to kill without atmas. A solid group of 6 can easily get a good xp with the xp cap at 10k ish per page. If you bring an alliance then it's even faster. You don't need keyer, ever But most people don't bother trying or find out - that there is alternative than abyssea.

I'll probably go and try the level 90+ ones, as I've yet to do so. But for lower levels I wouldn't say GoV is like doing the old parties.


There's nothing stopping you from going to kill crabs and little pink birds right now with a party of 5 other people, so go do it and stop complaining.

And yet, you like to complain yourself. If I recall you've complained about the 99 trials and also complained about FFXI's new direction as it's not fun and it's not rewarding. Not that they are bad things to complain about, I mean the reason I remember you making those complaints is because I agreed with them.

However, this thread seems to have more suggestions than complaints (yes, there's a difference), probably because the OP was asking for ideas not inviting people to have a moan. One of the reasons SE created these forums was to get feedback from players, so you're going to see a number of threads with complaints and suggestions for improvement, it's really not THAT unreasonable.

[mattkoko]

Thats not even new though it happen back at 75 too. I take that over the old days any day. I can not tell you how many crappy rdms and brds I had to put up with just because they were the only ones seeking. Remember the days of rdms insisting on DD/nin only and refusing to heal if not even though it slowed down exp. Remember seeking for hours on the non-FOTM job. I remember all the hoops I had to jump though just to get into a party at any level so I will gladly put up with the player that did that then the old way. Because they are not even slowing my exp down so I don't care.

i am not saying go back to the old days lol. it is just the leeching part i have a problem with. you can still get plenty of xp doing GoV with out leeching. you can get from 1-75 in a matter of weeks more or less. and you can do that solo-trio depending on job obviously. my thing is that ffxi is one of the only game out their where you can stand around naked and ding levels out of the ass turning in pages every 5 kills. it is completely broken

[Ravenmore]

i am not saying go back to the old days lol. it is just the leeching part i have a problem with. you can still get plenty of xp doing GoV with out leeching. you can get from 1-75 in a matter of weeks more or less. and you can do that solo-trio depending on job obviously. my thing is that ffxi is one of the only game out their where you can stand around naked and ding levels out of the ass turning in pages every 5 kills. it is completely broken

You can do it in 14 as well. Every game there is some way to leech exp nothing FF11 is doing that is thgat much differant then any other.

[mattkoko]

You can do it in 14 as well. Every game there is some way to leech exp nothing FF11 is doing that is thgat much differant then any other.

nice. now name a game that is not made by SE lol

[Ravenmore]

WoW allowed a high level to run a low level though a low level instance and the low level got full exp.

[mattkoko]

WoW allowed a high level to run a low level though a low level instance and the low level got full exp.

alright alright i admit. you got me. doesnt change my opinion on leeching though. i would still love for it to be taken out completely. and i would still laugh at all the people that cry over it being taken out lol. but i am sure it will never happen. but i still got my dreams. they never let me down lol

[Disifer]

The only way abyssea ruined this game was the fact is let RMT's back in, and they run every exp party in their scorpion harness' or lvl 50 crow gear with a 95 brd relic horn. Now i see the RMT's in dynamis and everything else they see every bandwagoner doing atm or have done in the last 6 months. I have no issue getting from 75-99 in abyssea, 30-75 kinda sucks regardless.

1. Point is should put a cap on abyssea to level 65 or even 75 if you're feeling frisky. 65 is level minimum for most events like dyna and einherjar.
2. Make it where a character skills up regardless of your sync. I.E. you are a 58 RNG and you find a sync party to Crawler's Nest. Even if it is a GoV party. Not saying going back to old school 6 man parties is the answer, but if you wanna seperate the 18 man leech alliance aspect of parties, an incentive would be you would get skill ups regardless of level, except if you are currently doing a GoV page. To clarify, a 58 RNG sync'd to 23 Qufim party would still receive skill ups for his per say, 175 skill Archery while a 58 RNG under the effect of a GoV page will not receive skill ups for his 175 archery skill when sync'd to 23.

Skilling up certain magic skills and melee skills is absolutely painful. Leveling Pup from 1-99 and having 10 skill in each of your automaton's skills and a 40 H2H skill is just deflating for the fact that sure, I can get 10-160ish very easily, then once it slows down, i'll spend days upon days trying to reach cap.

And to think about it, instead of penalizing GoV parties, if there was something else to gain from being on GoV with 6 compared to 18 would help as well.

The problem I still see with all of this is the fact that BRD, RDM, PLD, WHM, and NIN are essential jobs in partying and most people have 12-15 jobs these days, and you would run into the same issue as 2005-2009. Waiting for one of those jobs for your 4/6 Exp party who's been sitting in jeuno for hours. It's a nice thought, but i can't think of one specific way to fix it. Sorry

[Trisscar]

People are still talking about this? I'll admit that at first I wasn't especially fond of the new experience system, but I have adjusted and moved on with my life. It's been more than a year already, get with it or leave.

[Nikashi]

Getting a job like DRK to 75 though was pulling teeth.

I can attest to this. Getting my DRK to 75 took over a year. c.c

[Meyi]

Stupid idea

This. 1234

[Trisscar]

I can attest to this. Getting my DRK to 75 took over a year. c.c

Took me about that to solo my BLU to 75. I never want to have to do that again. Ever.

[Alhanelem]

The one thing i loved to death about FFXI was the fact that it was challenging, but with Abby's Expansion (DLC) The game got waaaay to easy.EXP was never challenging, just slow.

Voidwatch, WoE and Legion all are more difficult than abyssea was. You wish was granted, and nothing needs to be done to the EXP system.

Slower EXP != more challenging.

[Dazusu]

"Attention: This Parties leader is using "Abby Settings"

Abyssea was fun, but I did enjoy pre-Abyssea much more - Just don't admit this, because you'll get flamed.

[Teraniku]

I think what most people miss about old FFXI was the party battle coordination. Setting up SATA, cautiously pulling mobs that agro/link, and even skill chaining (GASP!).



...and even the occasional Magic Burst! That's the one thing I miss about truly old school XP parties, when you had to coordinate with your party members to pull this off because it meant superior damage and you killed quicker, instead of the zerg fests we get today. Granted you kill quicker with the zerg fests of today, but it didn't have to be that way.

[Zorander]

Aby EXP is one of the major things keeping this game alive right now (IMO of course). Sure grinding away at some of your favorite jobs was awesome and fun and I truly loved leveling everyone one of my jobs pre Abyssea. I had 7 jobs @ 75 and I was hooked on meriting, at Aby release I had over 700 merits and I was 100% capped xp/merits. Exping is what I did and I did it a lot..that is why I love Aby XP, i've played this game for so long that the last thing I want to do is take 6, 8, 10+ months to get a job to lvl cap. With Aby XP players now can level multiple jobs in the same or less time that it did @ 75. Unlocking even more things to do in game and allowing players to do more things low man because well everyone has needed jobs leveled. Sure there are Abygimps now but if you think that Aby ruined the game making more gimps you are wrong, very wrong..gimps have always been here and will always be here Aby has nothing to do with it.

If I could make one change to how XP works I would allow the player to choose either xp or cruor. Let the player pick either xp or cruor knida like we before when we had to pick either xp or merit points. If you pick cruor and the rate would have to be a smaller % of mob xp cap but more than cruor cap now. 200~250 maybe even 300 cruor per mob wouldn't be to broken. And as the game progresses more and more ppl aren't going to need xp (i'm currently 19/20 jobs 99 with capped xp/merits I have very little reason to xp anymore) BUT if ppl could get more cruor than xp I think more people would pt in general allowing for even more people to level jobs. Oh and don't forget that it costs what 1.5~2 million cruor to upgrade VW atmas..so if VW is the future then we are gunna need more cruor and less xp.

[Damane]

Hey everyone! Before i start off i just want to say, Sorry if this has been suggested before, and if this is the wrong place to post this...

The one thing i loved to death about FFXI was the fact that it was challenging, but with Abby's Expansion (DLC) The game got waaaay to easy.. So i was thinking... Would it be possible for a patch that adds a Option to the config window, Like under gameplay it could say like "Would you like to play FFXI with Pre-Abby or FFXI's Current State"
EX: Pre-Abby is FFXI before Abby's arrival -Short Terms: Decreased EXP-
EX: FFXI's Current State -Short Terms: Increased EXP-
(There could also be a time limit between switch's like an Hour)

Also, they could add a party option depending on the leaders Settings.
There could be a notice when someone invites you saying
"Attention: This Parties leader is using the Pre-Abby settings"
And if their using current FFXI:
"Attention: This Parties leader is using "Abby Settings"

But thats all i thought of.... What do you think?


No... Period

[Xantavia]

What I miss about the old days was xp parties requiring some sort of team-work, before tp burning down little pink birds. I wouldn't mind going back to fighting a mob that took coordination to kill (tank, skillchain, magic burst), even if it took a few minutes to kill the mob. However, the only way this would be viable is if killing these mobs gave like 3k xp upon death. If the xp rate was similar to what you get by plowing through barely ep mobs, it would be a great way to mix up the process so you can choose your partying preference for the day.

[Saefinn]

What I miss about the old days was xp parties requiring some sort of team-work, before tp burning down little pink birds. I wouldn't mind going back to fighting a mob that took coordination to kill (tank, skillchain, magic burst), even if it took a few minutes to kill the mob. However, the only way this would be viable is if killing these mobs gave like 3k xp upon death. If the xp rate was similar to what you get by plowing through barely ep mobs, it would be a great way to mix up the process so you can choose your partying preference for the day.

I don't see why SE can't do that. It'd only mean more choice in terms of how you level up and make the process a little more interesting. Fast exp doesn't have to be monotonous.

[Rewyen]

I highly doubt they would ever consider implementing something like this, but it's not a a terrible idea. I don't know why people have to start being dicks about it. It's an MMORPG. That means it's community based. That means parties. That means Abyssea destroyed the core fundamentals of the game. You can all bitch and moan all you want that it didn't, I don't care. It did. Period. This game used to be something I enjoyed and looked forward to playing because I knew I would always meet someone new. Now? Might as well be playing FFX. At least no one in that game is rude. Even Seymour had manners.

I know what the OP is suggesting here. They would like to see the game return to the days when we HAD to rely on others and grow together and make those friendships. I understand the game is now old and is aimed at older players who are now 90+, but there are still new players coming in and unfortunately, most of them leave before the first limit break because no one will even give them the time of day. So yes, my personal opinion is that Abyssea came along and turned people into a bunch of jackass elitists who have nothing better to do than lurk on forums and flame genuine ideas that would make the game more enjoyable for the right reasons. This is nothing new. Go look at the most popular threads right now. They are all "I want I want gimme!" and are for stupid shit and are supported by 90% of the people. Meanwhile, a threat like this comes along with a desperate plea for something that might break the cycle of players becoming cold and indifferent, and BOOM! Instant dislike.

And it's because of this reason, this lack of people caring and the amount of people on this forum who make it their lifes work to be the biggest prick in the world, that I haven't logged in for a week because I know if I do, it will be the same old tired crap of logging into a game where all the zones are empty and people standing in one spot for six straight hours will respond to a help /tell with [I have plans].

[Saefinn]

Go QQ somewhere else. I'm only joking, but that's the sort of response you're probably expecting (and probably will get).

But you're right. There's a number of people who are more interesting in shitting on people's suggestions and trying to make them look stupid (I guess so they look smarter in comparison). Many people seem to lack basic social skills and it seems being a prick to other people is the only way they can communicate. Almost everybody post seems to be an effort to 1-Up somebody. Instead of enjoying a game with other people it's about being better than everybody else...but it's not Pokemon, not everybody wants to be the very best. ;)

Whilst elitists might like to have big mouths and present themselves as the authority I've found that actually many players aren't actually like that. I suspect many level headed people avoid these forums, probably because they view it as petty or a waste of their time. I wouldn't mind seeing a much more civil forum, because I love this game, I have my own ideas for improvement and think it'd be a fantastic opportunity for people communicating outside of game about the game's content.

However, you can probably predict how people are going to respond.

[Luvbunny]

I don't understand why people complaint so much... the game now is FULL of OPTIONS on how you want to get your xp and level up.

1. You can do the old fashion way and get boost via GoV and FoV, all the way to 99 via various old school camping ground and most of them are EMPTY - you can even grab a bunch of people who are doing WS trials as well in the process. Either 6 people old school hardcore or alliance style, OPTIONS are everywhere. Heck you can even have your alt leech this way too, more money for SE, makes the game easier for you.

2. You can do it via abyssea burn, the preferred method for everyone nowadays.

3. You can do it via walk of echoes and campaign, strictly for lvl 75 and above to get good exp reward. Not main source for exp since you get other things with this style.

4. You can do it via Voidwatch, strictly for level 90s and above and a good way to get merits, each battle give you around 20k exp for 8 merits or so if you pop it 4 times per run.

That's at least the FOUR possible ways to gain xp with one being the most popular but that does not meant there is no other way. Don't be a sheep, start taking charge and go venture and figure out new options.

[mattkoko]

Aby EXP is one of the major things keeping this game alive right now (IMO of course). Sure grinding away at some of your favorite jobs was awesome and fun and I truly loved leveling everyone one of my jobs pre Abyssea. I had 7 jobs @ 75 and I was hooked on meriting, at Aby release I had over 700 merits and I was 100% capped xp/merits. Exping is what I did and I did it a lot..that is why I love Aby XP, i've played this game for so long that the last thing I want to do is take 6, 8, 10+ months to get a job to lvl cap. With Aby XP players now can level multiple jobs in the same or less time that it did @ 75. Unlocking even more things to do in game and allowing players to do more things low man because well everyone has needed jobs leveled. Sure there are Abygimps now but if you think that Aby ruined the game making more gimps you are wrong, very wrong..gimps have always been here and will always be here Aby has nothing to do with it.

although you are right about the gimps part to some degree, there are def a lot more then there were before. and as far as abyssea xp goes, you can pretty damn good xp out side of abyssea now. but people dont try xping out of abyssea anymore because they are too busy in jeuno shouting, "Abyssea leech, yes please." i said this in an earlier post on this thread but GoV gives great xp. if you can get even 3 friends with you, you can plow through pages getting 1,500-4000xp a page (depending on level of the page of course). but people would rather be lazy and shout for abyssea leech all day

[svengalis]

I think what tc and others suggesting that Abyssea be capped at 75 for entrance don't realize is that it would be near impossible to find a party 30-75. That was the case before Abyssea, don't know why you guys think that would change if Abyssea had a cap on it. I know alot people wouldn't even bother leveling alot of jobs but because they can leech in Abyssea they do.

[Saefinn]

I don't understand why people complaint so much... the game now is FULL of OPTIONS on how you want to get your xp and level up.

1. You can do the old fashion way and get boost via GoV and FoV, all the way to 99 via various old school camping ground and most of them are EMPTY - you can even grab a bunch of people who are doing WS trials as well in the process. Either 6 people old school hardcore or alliance style, OPTIONS are everywhere. Heck you can even have your alt leech this way too, more money for SE, makes the game easier for you.

2. You can do it via abyssea burn, the preferred method for everyone nowadays.

3. You can do it via walk of echoes and campaign, strictly for lvl 75 and above to get good exp reward. Not main source for exp since you get other things with this style.

4. You can do it via Voidwatch, strictly for level 90s and above and a good way to get merits, each battle give you around 20k exp for 8 merits or so.

That's at least the FOUR possible ways to gain xp with one being the most popular but that does not meant there is no other way. Don't be a sheep, start taking charge and go venture and figure out new options.

I quite like the idea of exploring new camps and do try and do it. BB aren't quite like old exp parties (I mean aside from the obvious exp boost), particularly with main camps - I 6 manned with a few Japanese people in Crawler's nest, but I think the main difference between old exp and BB is that BB is relying on exp from pages whereas old parties relied on exp from monsters. So in a BB it's more rewarding to get a quick kill from an EP mob rather than take on an IT mob. For higher levels like 90+ I'm sure the higher exp mobs are tougher to take down and require more teamwork.

If you've got any camp recommendations, I'd be interested in hearing them and wouldn't mind a change of scene. I've still got to get some jobs to 95, plus when I can get off my backside, I'll need to do LB10 and then get everything I play to 99.

However, I think all the old camps would need is for SE to give a larger exp boost and a boost to CP/AN/IS so it can be explored as another option (plus with the extra CP/AN/IS more can be spent on gear or be used to generate gil, useful for newbies/returning players taking this option). Giving a larger exp boost would hardly be over powered...given the other choices give superior exp. In theory it shouldn't be a big fix.

[mattkoko]

I think what tc and others suggesting that Abyssea be capped at 75 for entrance don't realize is that it would be near impossible to find a party 30-75. That was the case before Abyssea, don't know why you guys think that would change if Abyssea had a cap on it. I know alot people wouldn't even bother leveling alot of jobs but because they can leech in Abyssea they do.

but now you dont need the perfect set up. GoV buddy. i said it in like 5 different posts. you dont even need a party. people are so blinded and spoiled by abyssea that if abyssea were to be capped at 75+, people would be like "how am i suppose to level now?" there are tones of options other then abyssea. people refuse to do them though. they would rather be naked

[Apelila]

If I could make one change to how XP works I would allow the player to choose either xp or cruor. Let the player pick either xp or cruor knida like we before when we had to pick either xp or merit points. If you pick cruor and the rate would have to be a smaller % of mob xp cap but more than cruor cap now. 200~250 maybe even 300 cruor per mob wouldn't be to broken.

You can force cruor into the 2/3/400+ per mob zone in aby already. Alternate kills on monster families, with an occasional Emphymerial/Luminial monster and you can get both xp and cruor at the same time. This however takes much more coordination than "KILL ALL THE THINGS" that current happens in aby parties.

[Trisscar]

I remember leveling before Aby. BLM getting left in the cold and alone because of birds, THF having to seek 5 hours for every 1 hour spent partying, DRG having a huge hurdle to clear before bird merits, DNC getting ditched for imp parties, PLD getting ignore lol NIN, BLU having to solo and BST being shunned. I remember the hours of careful planning and party crafting, trying and failing to get the one or two RDM that were seeking, the sheer unavailability of COR at all levels and the pitiable WHM pretending to be kings. And very rarely would the parties last for more then an hour, and you'd be lucky to get 3 or 4 levels for your trouble. Often times you wouldn't get even that and in the worst cases you'd leave a level lower then what you started with.

I remember the earliest days when party leaders would charge 500,000 Gil for 3 hours just one party slot in a power level party. This, at least, has not changed.

I remember, when beter times came with Aby and I was mistrustful. These days I don't often party outside my shell because my mistrust was well placed. And it wasn't mistrust in the system, that at least worked. It was mistrust... Mistrust in my fellow players.

[Francisco]

but with Abby's Expansion with Pre-Abby or FFXI's Current State
EX: Pre-Abby is FFXI before Abby's arrival
"Attention: This Parties leader is using the Pre-Abby settings"
"Attention: This Parties leader is using "Abby Settings"

Christ....

There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea. There is only one "B" in Abyssea.

Got it memorized?

/Axel

[Saefinn]

Christ....

And there's only 3 periods in an ellipsis.

[Francisco]

And there's only 3 periods in an ellipsis.

The fourth is to emphasize my exasperation. "Dot dot dot... DOT."

[Trisscar]

The fourth is to emphasize my exasperation. "Dot dot dot... DOT."

Really? I thought you were sending out a distress signal XD

[Saefinn]

But it is still grammatically incorrect. An ellipsis has 3 dots, there are different types of ellipses, but none of them are made up of 4 dots. You can break grammar rules for style and that's what you're claiming to have done. But I didn't think grammar Nazis broke grammar rules.

I don't care for grammar Nazism, I think it's pointless, so if I see a grammar Nazi then I'll expect their grammar to be perfect. If you want to break grammar rules then don't be a grammar Nazi.

[Doombringer]

so... this is a terrible idea.


it sounds like a big fuck you button to your party? "attention: the party leader has activated fuck you mode. why? because fuck you that's why!"

who's gonna volunteer to do the same thing for a third the xp just... because?

[Luvbunny]

If you've got any camp recommendations, I'd be interested in hearing them and wouldn't mind a change of scene. I've still got to get some jobs to 95, plus when I can get off my backside, I'll need to do LB10 and then get everything I play to 99.

However, I think all the old camps would need is for SE to give a larger exp boost and a boost to CP/AN/IS so it can be explored as another option (plus with the extra CP/AN/IS more can be spent on gear or be used to generate gil, useful for newbies/returning players taking this option). Giving a larger exp boost would hardly be over powered...given the other choices give superior exp. In theory it shouldn't be a big fix.

You can still do old school 6 people party via GoV, for example Boyahda Tree is good for lvl 50s-60s, old school party will kill slower but you get 400-600 xp per chain, so around 5-6 mobs per 10 mnts/book for a total net of 5-6k xp max, 36k per hour. Definitely not the best options, alliance style would get you 3k exp every 3-5 mnts and gives you slight boost. The good thing about GoV is you can pretty much do it solo or less than 6 ppl group - but the higher level books will need a solid group who doesn't afk.

Another example is Crawler Nest party where people are stuck with book 1, when they can keep going and do book 2, 3, 4 and stay there till 70s. Most people are lazy and would just follow the herd, they don't bother trying new things but may follow example if someone show them the way.

Try Boyahda, Kuftal, Gustav, Zeruhm Mines, Crawler Nest, King Ranperre Tomb - higher number books may require more teamworks. What is so nice about the GoV is the skill ups, no need for buying 100k skill ups food. Also can grab people who are doing magian trials (Boyahda is prime example) depending on what mob you are fighting - great for others who is breaking WS trials as well. A simple shout for skill ups, magian trials, Ws trials party may get you a good 4-8 people. And don't forget the brown treasure casket too - some ppl want that as well.

As for Campaign, you do get good xp/allied notes when you turn in your tag 2-4 times in long campaign battle that stretch over 15 mnts. Not as good as abyssea but your main goal is allied notes anyway and rank up. A good 6 people party means you can kill more mobs for more xp/an.

[Saefinn]

Cheers. I used to have a good group for Campaign and used to be able to get people interested in my LS fairly easily, sometimes getting groups larger than 6. I'll give the different BB camps a go, see if I can get people from my LS's involved.

[Meyi]

They should make a server for all the Abyssea haters to jump to, and then permanently keep them there. Strip them of the Abyssea expansion, strip them of FoV/GoV, and strip them of every expansion post CoP. Then we won't have to read any more topics like this, and they'll be super happy finding other super slow people to play with.

[Rewyen]

They should make a server for all the Abyssea haters to jump to, and then permanently keep them there. Strip them of the Abyssea expansion, strip them of FoV/GoV, and strip them of every expansion post CoP. Then we won't have to read any more topics like this, and they'll be super happy finding other super slow people to play with.

I see. So what you are suggesting, Mein Furor, is to segregate people you don't like based solely on how they choose to live, or in this case, play; strip them of equality and force them to exist outside of your perfect world. Brilliant strategy, Hitler.

[FrankReynolds]

I see. So what you are suggesting, Mein Furor, is to segregate people you don't like based solely on how they choose to live, or in this case, play; strip them of equality and force them to exist outside of your perfect world. Brilliant strategy, Hitler.

Only in this case, those dummies would be leaving voluntarily, not being forced by angry military personnel.

I really don't even know why people keep making these complaints. The ability to make a traditional 6 man xp party has never been removed.

It functions in the exact same way as before:
Stand around in town with your flag up for six hours, and get zero invites. -->
Then fall asleep, and wake up to see that someone sent you an invite right after you fell asleep. -->
Get frustrated, and decide to start your own party. -->
Spend six hours trying to find a healer and or a tank. -->
Fall asleep.

Nothing has changed. People have simply forgotten that it sucked before abyssea just like it does now. Before you couldn't find people to level with because leveling was slow, tedious, and boring. Now there are people leveling, but they don't want to do it in 6 man parties. Same outcome either way.

[Damane]

I see. So what you are suggesting, Mein Furor, is to segregate people you don't like based solely on how they choose to live, or in this case, play; strip them of equality and force them to exist outside of your perfect world. Brilliant strategy, Hitler.

Pardon me. Noone is Forcing people into Abyssea to exp, its their own choice if they want to exp in Abyssea or the Traditional way. Now tell me: If People are really so unhappy about Abyssea exp, why is it then that you "traditional" people cant get a "Traditional" PT together?

For me its clear that People make their choices. And they choose what they like the most, so stop whining about it. The Mistake lies not within Abyssea, the mistake lies on the "Traditional" People that felt that something was taken away from them, when infact just different other options were added for people to pic up. Do you blame the other people for makeing their own choices on how they want to spend THEIR time in the game how THEY want?

[Glamdring]

the problems with the OP's suggestion are manifold. But 1st, if you don't like the Abby XP system, simply don't go there. My last 2 jobs I took to 99 I solo'd to 75 because parties were not to be found and I refused to be a level 99 with level 32 skills, if that. FoV/GoV make XP outside Aby almost in the same league as what you get just key whoring in an Aby ops burn, but still allow the meaningful accumulation of skill that Aby does not. They also give you a variety of locations/prey to play in/with. Regardless, no need for an "off" switch.

If you really want to grind, just fire up the NPC in the appropriate mode and go spam books. Keep a seek flag up, and put in your comment "No Abyssea, old-school only". Granted, morons can't read so you'll still get inappropriate invites but it is a good way to identify idiots to add to your /blist. You may be surprised how many invites you get, you're not the only one that prefers that option, despite the tone of most of the responders on here.

[Meyi]

I see. So what you are suggesting, Mein Furor, is to segregate people you don't like based solely on how they choose to live, or in this case, play; strip them of equality and force them to exist outside of your perfect world. Brilliant strategy, Hitler.

I'm glad you get it. It'd make finding people with a similar mindset a lot easier to play with, and would result in less topics such as this one sprouting up. If people want to play in oldschool six man parties, then go for it! But every single time I hear people bring up the topic they start complaining about how hard it is to find like minded players to make parties with. So, if everyone was on the same server, they could just /sea all and find everyone else who was down for the same party style.

Oh, and they'd have to remove Level Sync too. That results in bad skills (which is another common complaint).


Only in this case, those dummies would be leaving voluntarily, not being forced by angry military personnel.

I really don't even know why people keep making these complaints. The ability to make a traditional 6 man xp party has never been removed.

It functions in the exact same way as before:
Stand around in town with your flag up for six hours, and get zero invites. -->
Then fall asleep, and wake up to see that someone sent you an invite right after you fell asleep. -->
Get frustrated, and decide to start your own party. -->
Spend six hours trying to find a healer and or a tank. -->
Fall asleep.

Nothing has changed. People have simply forgotten that it sucked before abyssea just like it does now. Before you couldn't find people to level with because leveling was slow, tedious, and boring. Now there are people leveling, but they don't want to do it in 6 man parties. Same outcome either way.

This is 100% true. Thanks Frank. :)

[Rewyen]

If People are really so unhappy about Abyssea exp, why is it then that you "traditional" people cant get a "Traditional" PT together?


I never said I was "traditional." I hated putting my flag up, but I know that the first time I hit 75, I knew how to perform my job and wasn't 40 levels under capped. I also wasn't prone to acting like a jackass. I don't care how people get their exp, but the old way did have one thing Abyssea doesn't: camaraderie. I honestly don't think it's the old party grinding people miss, I think it's making new friends and not feeling like they are a poor kid that wandering into a country club by accident. Face facts- Abyssea has made this game full of assholes. Not saying everyone is, but anyone who has played more than two years can certainly take a moment and look back and realize that while EXP might fall off of trees now, the world has become unbalanced and is full of cliques.

Think back to the days before ToAU. If you were leveling a new job outside one of the cities and were getting beat up, a passing mage would swoop in and rescue you, cheer you on, toss a protect and shell, make chit chat and probably send you a friend request and tell you to call on them if you ever needed help. But now? I could drop dead in front of the official Vana'Diel Society of White Mages and not one of them would so much as turn around, and if one of them did, it would be to run over my corpse and stare for a minute before teleporting.

But hey, if that's how people want to play, fine. It's really sad because I would probably be the first person to jump in and help one of them, even if they were a complete ass here on the forum and I know that feeling is probably not even mutual, and that's the problem.

[Eric]

Some people back then still didn't know how to play their jobs at level 75 with the old system. At least with the current exp system, others don't have to suffer(as badly) as a result of their incompetence.

[CapriciousOne]

Week? Try a day.....
While true in a day some of us actually have a life and a job you know, LOL

[CapriciousOne]

Really what was so challenging about auto target WS rinse repeat. Wait I know you one of those that think time = challenge when the real challenge was not passing out. Or refreshing the search hoping to claim the very rare NMs know as brd, rdms.
auto target, ws, rinse repeat? wtf kind of people you play with because that sound like somebody who dies alot. LOL

[Brolic]

While true in a day some of us actually have a life and a job you know, LOL

90% of my xp happens when i'm asleep or not at home(work).

it's sorta funny that with all the crappy shit going on with the game people still care\whine about xp.

[FrankReynolds]

I never said I was "traditional." I hated putting my flag up, but I know that the first time I hit 75, I knew how to perform my job and wasn't 40 levels under capped. I also wasn't prone to acting like a jackass. I don't care how people get their exp, but the old way did have one thing Abyssea doesn't: camaraderie. I honestly don't think it's the old party grinding people miss, I think it's making new friends and not feeling like they are a poor kid that wandering into a country club by accident. Face facts- Abyssea has made this game full of assholes. Not saying everyone is, but anyone who has played more than two years can certainly take a moment and look back and realize that while EXP might fall off of trees now, the world has become unbalanced and is full of cliques.

Think back to the days before ToAU. If you were leveling a new job outside one of the cities and were getting beat up, a passing mage would swoop in and rescue you, cheer you on, toss a protect and shell, make chit chat and probably send you a friend request and tell you to call on them if you ever needed help. But now? I could drop dead in front of the official Vana'Diel Society of White Mages and not one of them would so much as turn around, and if one of them did, it would be to run over my corpse and stare for a minute before teleporting.

But hey, if that's how people want to play, fine. It's really sad because I would probably be the first person to jump in and help one of them, even if they were a complete ass here on the forum and I know that feeling is probably not even mutual, and that's the problem.

It's funny, because back when I started playing, the first thing I did was level whm, and go charge people for raises in the dunes, so that I could buy my spells for blm.

A few things:

If it takes 3 months to level the old way, or 1 day in abyssea... at the end of 3 months, the abyssea guy has 3 months of level 99 play experience and lots of shiny gear for the job. The other guy now has to go get gear and learn how his job works in events. If he's smart, he has read up and studied, and has a firm grasp already, but he still has 3 months less experience in endgame than the other guy. Not to mention that it will probably take him a year to fully merit without using abyssea.

If the guy who leveled in abyssea hasn't figured it out by the time the guy who did everything the slow way hits 99, then that is a problem with the player. Not the leveling system.

If I am forming a level 99 group and I get a player that is a total nub, I can just grab another person (or just go without him in a lot of cases). So its sucks that there are a bunch of lames, but it doesn't ruin my day because there are thousands of other level 99 people online at any given time to choose from.

If I am forming a level 52 exp party, there is a strong likelihood that the lame duck is one of only a few people seeking, and if he is on the one or 2 jobs that make a 6 man party work, then I am screwed.

[Ravenmore]

auto target, ws, rinse repeat? wtf kind of people you play with because that sound like somebody who dies alot. LOL

What kinda of gimps where you playing with that let the mob live long enough to kill a DD in EXP. Maybe I should throw in putting hasso up and med with what ever other one hit macros in. Wait or are you one of the rdms that insisted everyone go /nin and take twice as long to kill the mobs.

[Babekeke]

Hey everyone! Before i start off i just want to say, Sorry if this has been suggested before, and if this is the wrong place to post this...

The one thing i loved to death about FFXI was the fact that it was challenging, but with Abby's Expansion (DLC) The game got waaaay to easy.. So i was thinking... Would it be possible for a patch that adds a Option to the config window, Like under gameplay it could say like "Would you like to play FFXI with Pre-Abby or FFXI's Current State"
EX: Pre-Abby is FFXI before Abby's arrival -Short Terms: Decreased EXP-
EX: FFXI's Current State -Short Terms: Increased EXP-
(There could also be a time limit between switch's like an Hour)

Also, they could add a party option depending on the leaders Settings.
There could be a notice when someone invites you saying
"Attention: This Parties leader is using the Pre-Abby settings"
And if their using current FFXI:
"Attention: This Parties leader is using "Abby Settings"

But thats all i thought of.... What do you think?

I'm not sure how you didn't notice, but... this is already available. To get the pre-abyssea exping experience, simply:
turn on your party flag;
wait;
if you get an invite to abyssea or a book burn party, ignore it;
after 3-4 hours, give up and go to find some beastmaster mobs to exp on their pets.

I personally achieve the pre-abyssea experience by levelling BLU and getting all of the spells as soon as I am able to learn them. If a friend offers to come and help, I ask them to choose a similar level job, or to level sync to me.

Sorry if someone else pointed this out in the previous 9 pages, but I don't have time to read all of the posts.

Edit: I came across a bit harsh there perhaps. I enjoyed the old grind more than I enjoy abyssea exp, I have to admit. But, I didn't enjoy the lack of parties, lack of tanks etc. etc.
FF14 actually had a good system. You put in a number of melees and a number of mages to your criteria when you make a party, and if you're on the right job, you auto-join. This got rid of the 'JP only' policy that many parties had during the times that I played.

[Sagagemini]

It was more challenging than what xi currently is. <.<

With the current system you can hit 99 in less than a Week.



Who cares about leveling???? The nightmare begins to hunt endgame gear and you want to make it even worse? If they removed Abyssea exp system they could remove abyssea entirely, including level caps because reaching 99 in Toau or Campaign would be pure masochism.

This is not 2003 FFXI anymore and the game wouldn't survive being hardcore like it was back then because the players that were teenagers back then (like myself) now are grown ups and have jobs and families to take care of and can't spend 8-16h in front of a pc anymore.

[Luvbunny]

Btw - I see more and more traditional party taking advantage of the GoV in Boyahda Tree. They probably better off making an alliance and kill faster, safer than sticking with 6 people though if they were able to chain safely, the xp probably end up somewhat similar or a bit less. There are literally gazilion camps now, with tons of benefits, and wide array of options to do. The problems are these people who thinks solo-duo is better and refuse to work together with others who are clearly doing the same thing and killing the same mobs. In this game, working together with others who are doing the same things are FAR FAR better options than trying to SOLO everything. There are TONS of people who are in need for skilling ups these days, just shout in Jeuno and grab those who are in the 100s skills and take off to these sweet open camp spots and pump the xp. This is a great alternative than abyssea, and you get more benefits - not to mention a better way to leech your alts :P

It's like, the developer gave us options, a far better alternative, and it is not abyssea, but hardly anyone bother to do it or care to try it. And if they do, they tend to keep it quiet and not even want to share it. Abyssea is not the only way you get exp these days, a good solid alliance can pump the GoV bonus faster than solo-duo and reap faster skill ups that are FREE!!! and does not cost you tons of gil for those "skill ups foods".

[Eri]

I hate Soloing for exp... but i hate 18 ppl exp groups MORE. Whatever happend to 6 ppl exp pts...... no you cannot find ppl in a reasonable amount of time. They dont l ( cwanna go entirely with 6 ppl they cant afk i guess.) or just suck at their Jobs.

Hell i don't even care about the Exp anymore (Yes 30k/h is OK and i can Solo 50k/h consistantly). Exp Pts with 6 ppl used to be fun. 18 Ppl PTs aint fun in my Book, its just mindless massmurder.