[Suggestion] Final Fantasy XI - EXP System

[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.