Is it too late to try to learn this game

[Sarys]

Hey.

I'm new player (I've played about 14 hours) and I'd like to ask if it's even a good idea to try to learn this game since it feels so dead. I'm suprised that FFXI is as dead as it is considering that DAoC seems to be more populated.

[Vae]

Yes. This game does not exist for new players.

You can do everything this game has to offer in less than your 1st month trial period, except the current toughest content.

It's dead as dead can possibly be, but everything you need to know can be learned in maybe 10 minutes. Your trust magic will solo the entire game for you until you reach level 99, you can almost literally play blindfolded.

If it moves kill it. Do the Record of Eminence objectives the game recommends you do, it's in the quests menu, it basically holds your hand. Learn what ffxiwiki is, and use it everytime you have a question about content prior to 2015.

http://ffxiclopedia.wikia.com

You will hit a level cap at 50, it shouldn't in theory take you more than a day for this to happen. Then you'll need to know how to break the level cap using that wiki.

[machini]

The mechanics are all relatively simple. The problem is that they're never explained in game anywhere. The wikis, ffxiclopedia and bg-wiki, can be consulted to explain 99.999% of everything.

One of the many problems with the game is players not understanding the mechanics, and thus making extremely poor choices in gear and tactics.

[Hoshi]

If you don't have a good reason to be on bahamut you might find it more lively on asura.

[Jile]

Hey.

I'm new player (I've played about 14 hours) and I'd like to ask if it's even a good idea to try to learn this game since it feels so dead. I'm suprised that FFXI is as dead as it is considering that DAoC seems to be more populated.

First, welcome to XI!

SE has made a wonderful game for you to explore. If you take your time, watch and read the cutscenes in the large number of missions and quests, there is a lot to take in and enjoy. If you're looking for quick gratification and an instantly uber powerful character, you're going to be disappointed. If you're wanting to solo (with trusts) your way through over a decade of content and working toward ilvl119 gear so you can take part in harder content, then you're in the right place.

I've heard the reddit linkshell on Asura https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxi/ needs 2 linkshells to hold all their members because the 1st one overflows and while I see new players all the time here on Phoenix for example, there just are not a lot of people able to dedicate their time to assist new players like there used to be... I can't speak for Bahamut but if it's as dead as you're saying, like Hoshi said, you may want to consider moving to or restarting on Asura.

While the fan site's like ffxiah.com, http://www.bg-wiki.com/ and http://ffxiclopedia.wikia.com sites will get you through, when you know what to look for.. the wiki's are severely outdated as the main players who maintained it retired from XI long ago.

While it's also severely outdated, you may get some benefit looking at this site to locate where decent camps of yesteryear were to ease some of your search for where to get exp from: http://campsitarus.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy your experience on XI. Again, welcome.

[Zehira]

You will never learn what we learned years ago. SE has changed the game so now everyone can take their time to enjoy the world of Vana'diel especially the old content (soloable). Keep in mind, all three starting cities are very quiet until you move to a popular one aka Jeuno.

Most of veterans are doing the endgame together.
Most of new characters who have returned and know what to do/where to go.
Most of new players who only can play for not so long then quit. They aren't a social person and should have played FF14.

I have been playing this since 2003, started a new character again in 2010 and I still have so much stuff to do. If you feel don't want to waste too much your time, I would recommend you to play the story (each expansion has its own story). If you like the story you will like this game. To learn more you might want to look at the objective list under the quests menu.

Good luck.

[Sarys]

Thank you all for your answers. I can see this game has friedly and welcoming community that I find refreshing :)
I have desided to give this game a change despite it's age and current status that comes to player numbers. I have always been a Final Fantasy fan I will be playing this game for story and experienses.

Once again thank you all and sorry for my late response. (Also sorry for bad english)

[Rydal]

I joined FFXI for the first time in June 2015 and I've adjusted very well (imo). First thing, as mentioned above, is use the wikis. Learn them. Love them. Bookmark them. Ffxiclopedia wikia is great for all pre-Adoulin missions and quests. Bgwiki is great for in-depth late to endgame content like Adoulin content, Abyssea, and all Rhapsodies of Vana'diel stuff. FFXI AH is great to learn more about your server's economy, other players and linkshell info (limited), and has some great guides for jobs. Unfortunately, some stuff is severely outdated so you might want to ask other players directly for later game stuff.

Second thing I'd suggest is joining a Linkshell immediately. Many beginner friendly Linkshells should have pearls available at the concierge NPC. Just grab one (or many) and see which Linkshell is a good fit for you. Other, more experienced players are invaluable. They can teach and explain things the wikis can't. They can help you through difficult fights or lend a hand farming something or leveling you up at higher levels. I wouldn't be where I am now without my LS mates.

I say if you're planning on putting in a lot of time into the game (level 99, Job points, legendary weapons), you'll want to do research into how your job works and that kind of stuff. If just going at your own pace and feeling the game out, you should be okay on your own/with your LS.

I solo'd basically from 1 to maybe 60+ before I found a LS. I still pretty much soloed except if someone allowed me to leech a few levels, but my LS introduced me to Dynamis, Abyssea, gave advice on what to do next (or first), and explained game mechanics I probably wouldn't have learned about unless I specifically sat down and research game mechanics on my own. I was stuck in Bastok until about level 30 and I didn't think anyone else played this game because there were few to no players in Bastok at that time. My mind was blown when I made it to Jeuno. Where were you guys this whole time?! The game isn't dead despite what the haters say. Maybe not what it used to be but lots of people still play this game and it's probably the easiest it's ever been to be a brand new player.

[Sarys]

Hmm. Well I must say I do prefer a game I can just pretty much pick up and play and that I don't need to read wikis to know what to do all the time. And I also started to wonder if I seriusly want to pay to play mmo where I'll be mostly just soloing.

[Vae]

Hmm. Well I must say I do prefer a game I can just pretty much pick up and play and that I don't need to read wikis to know what to do all the time. And I also started to wonder if I seriusly want to pay to play mmo where I'll be mostly just soloing.Well everyone on here is hopelessly addicted or brand newish.

This game absolutely does not deserve its 12.95 monthly fee. If I were just starting out, I wouldn't stick around.

[vienne]

Well everyone on here is hopelessly addicted or brand newish.

This game absolutely does not deserve its 12.95 monthly fee. If I were just starting out, I wouldn't stick around.

You're the most negative person here on the forum, let people determine for themselves if they want to play or not.

[machini]

You're the most negative person here on the forum, let people determine for themselves if they want to play or not.

Opinions You Do Not Like != Negativity

For all you know, Vae could be the single most honest person on the forums. And how are people supposed to know if they want to play or not without information? Negative reviews are more useful (in content) than positive ones. (ratio of postive:negative is important, too.) Negative reviews say that someone was so frustrated with or disliked so intensely the game, in whole or part, that they decided to take time out of their lives to type up something on the internet for random strangers detailing what they had a problem with. I know for me, personally, what can make or break a game is not "has few things I like" but "has things I can't stand". If you made an exact duplicate of XI, with all the changes I could want that I, personally, think are what should be done to balance the game, but you replaced all the character models with Carebears, and all the music/sound effects in the game with various people making various silly noises with their mouths, I'd be unable to play it. Everything I could possibly want, except for two things that I absolutely cannot stand? No dice.

[Vae]

You're the most negative person here on the forum, let people determine for themselves if they want to play or not.

It's called honesty. I'm one of the ONLY honest people that play this game anymore. And I get constantly banned from this forum for BEING HONEST.

[Angemon]

It's Valli from ffxiah, the guy has mental issues and now that he is banned from everywhere he came here. Hates this game and trash talks it all the time and yet still subbed and harassing people on forums lol.

[machini]

It's Valli from ffxiah, the guy has mental issues and now that he is banned from everywhere he came here. Hates this game and trash talks it all the time and yet still subbed and harassing people on forums lol.

Wait, really?

[Angemon]

Yep, I'm guessing his main account got banned or he created that name to avoid his history in some fashion.

http://www.ffxiah.com/forum/topic/45084/star-wars-the-force-awakens/3#3024300

Can check that there where he confirms that he is Valli, and just by looking at his posting mannerisms you can tell lol.

[Collavoce]

OP, I've been wanting to reply for a few days; but just haven't taken the time to.

As someone who just came back a couple months ago, I'm having a pretty good time in spite of some struggles in figuring out how I can gear up.

I think you'll have a better time if you think of the game as a harder version of FFXII. Do the stories, try to see if you can get into a new player LS (use the concierge to find one), see if you meet other people.

This game has a pretty good story (even if it's told in a bit of a convoluted way at times); and a very deep world that you won't necessarily find in any of the offline FFs. And now that the stories have wrapped up; you can actually "finish" this game.

If you're a fan of the series, I'd say go for it! :)

[cengeal]

Offering my own opinion on the matter. I have to partially agree with Vae: There is so much content in the game at this point that I can't imagine how overwhelmed a new player would be. There's so much to do, and there are a lot of roadblocks as well. It's more mentally exhausting than anything.

That being said, i still think you will have a lot of fun. The game is seriously addicting. From a new player perspective, I think the missions from nations and expansions would be quite fun.

Finally, Vae is right about one thing no contest: 12.95 a month is a ridiculous price for a game that is no longer getting major updates. 5.95 would be more reasonable.

[Vae]

While I do enjoy the infamy and adoration of my fans, it's relevant to the thread. I've changed my name 9 times, no one cares. (if you want to impress someone, try to figure out who I was before #8.)

Is the game worth playing in it's current state, for the value it's set at: no.

Is it pointless for new players to start: yes.

Is that my opinion, and am I allowed to express that: yes.

OP has had his question answered, carry on.

[Madness]

Offering my own opinion on the matter. I have to partially agree with Vae: There is so much content in the game at this point that I can't imagine how overwhelmed a new player would be. There's so much to do, and there are a lot of roadblocks as well. It's more mentally exhausting than anything.

That being said, i still think you will have a lot of fun. The game is seriously addicting. From a new player perspective, I think the missions from nations and expansions would be quite fun.

Finally, Vae is right about one thing no contest: 12.95 a month is a ridiculous price for a game that is no longer getting major updates. 5.95 would be more reasonable.

12.95 too much? Really? That amount is very realistic for 30 days of entertainment. I mean that's like 1 lunch or one movie or something. C'mon man

[Angemon]

I know people who blow more on SNACKS in a few days. 12.95 being too much is the worst arguement ever made by extremely poor people who shouldn't be playing video games or by kids who use their moms credit card still.

[cengeal]

I know people who blow more on SNACKS in a few days. 12.95 being too much is the worst arguement ever made by extremely poor people who shouldn't be playing video games or by kids who use their moms credit card still.

This quote right here is full of ignorance. Just because you can find things that are more expensive does not make your argument any better. I could spend $20 on lunch, but that doesn't weaken my argument. The fact is this game is well past its prime, and while I still love it, I find the $13 a month a little excessive for a game that will only be getting updates that rehash old content. Reisenjima was the end of brand new content. Maybe with the April update we'll get some armor or weapons with new skins, maybe a new quest, maybe a "new" battlefield. And I have quite a few friends who said they would come back for at least a month, but the sub fee is too expensive for such an old game.

If you took a survey that includes randomly seleceted current and former FFXI players, I can guarantee you the majority would be on my side and not yours.

[cengeal]

12.95 too much? Really? That amount is very realistic for 30 days of entertainment. I mean that's like 1 lunch or one movie or something. C'mon man

I will avoid any socio-economic status arguments and just ask you this: Are you happy that you are still paying 12.95 a month for a game that is at best getting updates that feature rehashed old content? Finding things more expensive does not strengthen your argument. Playing this game for the night for millionth time did not stop me from going to see Deadpool either. So the argument that playing this prevents people from doing things like that is nonexistent.

I often take breaks from this game, sometimes for months (longest was 13) at a time, because often times there's nothing new to do. People like fresh experiences. When you're not getting fresh experiences and start to repeat the same thing day in and day out, people become less inclined to offer their money for a service that doesn't provide that. While you and a select group of people on the forums may disagree about this, please understand you are a very small minority. You are still entitled to your opinions and can live and play the way you want.

Finally I ask: Why are you defending this price? Would you not like it if it went down in price? Would you rather it go up?

[Zehira]

Who are on your side? I only think the majority of them are from Valefor where I often read complaints here. $13 is like an hour I earn from work. What I think would happen if they lower the price.

Lower price = higher rate of "no plan" from the developers and higher chance of shutdown NA/EU services.

That being said, I don't regret paying $13 a month and would like to see this game alive for more years. Maybe lowering the price is better for your friends but if my friends want to come back they just go to FF14 instead.

Pay or don't play. Who knows about the mobile version.

[Ulth]

Coding content isn't the only thing that the subscription fee could go to. Right now there is an update every 2 months which is really more than I expect from any game, but something that would be super cool is if they saved up some money and updated the servers with faster and better machines. That's something I can get behind as well.

[Spectreman]

First, welcome to XI!

SE has made a wonderful game for you to explore. If you take your time, watch and read the cutscenes in the large number of missions and quests, there is a lot to take in and enjoy. If you're looking for quick gratification and an instantly uber powerful character, you're going to be disappointed. If you're wanting to solo (with trusts) your way through over a decade of content and working toward ilvl119 gear so you can take part in harder content, then you're in the right place.

I've heard the reddit linkshell on Asura https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxi/ needs 2 linkshells to hold all their members because the 1st one overflows and while I see new players all the time here on Phoenix for example, there just are not a lot of people able to dedicate their time to assist new players like there used to be... I can't speak for Bahamut but if it's as dead as you're saying, like Hoshi said, you may want to consider moving to or restarting on Asura.

While the fan site's like ffxiah.com, http://www.bg-wiki.com/ and http://ffxiclopedia.wikia.com sites will get you through, when you know what to look for.. the wiki's are severely outdated as the main players who maintained it retired from XI long ago.

While it's also severely outdated, you may get some benefit looking at this site to locate where decent camps of yesteryear were to ease some of your search for where to get exp from: http://campsitarus.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy your experience on XI. Again, welcome.


Theres just one big problem with Reddit LS, no sackholders. So they have 100 members and no one can invite you to the LS.

[Roybatty]

I'm returning after 13 years, so it's basically been learning from scratch. Asura is populated, and I easily found an active LS with helpful players. I'd suggest this server for any new or returning player.

[Nyarlko]

To all of those complaining about the base monthly fee, my FFXI bill is $43/mon, so it can very easily get worse. lol It's expensive being an altoholic. ^^;;