Pretty lost right now...

I came back to play since 1.19a to see how things have changed.
My ideal way to play FFXIV would be to do it in groups much like in FFXI. I am perfectly comfortable with being LFG. The problem is I have zero clue how to do this... I have had absolutely no luck getting into groups or finding people who want to group. Even if I did I am too new to the game to know where to group anyway... I have no clue what I am supposed to do to join a grand company... Almost nobody will even talk to me... I have not been able to get into an active linkshell...

Anyone able to help me here?

What city have you been searching in? Uldah is the central hub on our server so start searching there for people shouting. There is a lot going on. As for grand companies it's a long trek but you have to go to each nation and do all of the quests. It is posted on the lodestone what quests must be done in the 1.19 Patch notes.

Much of the game is still solo content right now but you should be able to pick up exp parties during prime time. Other than that all I can say is google is your friend. If you have a question about the game you can find it. There is no LFG and if you weren't aware of that then I suggest you read some of the forum to understand what is broken. Not trying to be harsh but like XI, knowledge is both reserved and expected. FF fans are tough on newbs and it's sad but it does limit nubs.

You can always send me a tell if you have questions. You should also have a strong linkshell. The Son's of Trabia is always looking for new members. Post in this thread if you are interested

Thank you for the info! Ill try to get involved with that linkshell and both offer and ask for help...

I figure if I can at least socialize a bit in the game then it will be much easier to play it. I realize that some people here seem to think that soloing for 10k xp per hour when you need 50k xp at level 33 is acceptable but not me. 5 hours per level is only ok when we are talking maybe 3 levels away from the level cap... There has to be a more efficient way to group up for xp chain parties.

Ill look into getting myself setup for a grand company.

I do prefer to hang out in Uldah but have had little luck getting to communicate with anyone... Honestly if you did not respond I would have just gave up totally on this game...

Hi, good luck on your adventure.

I don't know a good camp for LV 33, but once you hit 36 you can make a light party and try Young Raptor in La Noscea, between Iron Lake and a Kobold Encampment. Near Iron Lake there are at least 3 Raptors camps with 3 slightly different level ranges.

I went to the camp where Raptors are 40-43, with 4 people in the party. We leveled up fast (but with risk). Had 1 CNJ as healer. That camp can handle 2 light parties if they're killing one by one, or only pull 2-4 Raptors at a time, (not training all and kill by spamming AoE), because they respawn quite fast.

By the way, below 35 I grinded EXP by using Levequests at Nophica's Wells. The new levequest allowance system is very nice.

I know a spot that's good for 30-35/6~ so I can show you that sometime (I have 35 MRD I need to level as well)

And the quests needed to join a company are

Limsa Lominsa
The Price of Integrity
Testing the Waters
Seals for the Whorl
Engineering Victory
An Officer and a Wise Man
Ceruleum Shock*

Ul'dah
Career Opportunities
Kindling a Flame
Burning a Hole in Ones Pocket
Arms Race
Burning Man
Know Your Enemy*

Gridania
Breaking the Seals
Why Did It Have to Be Snakes
Adders Nest Egg
The Mail Must Get Through
Their Finest Hour
Appetite for Destruction*

*Final quest to join that company and you only need to do one of these though you have to choice to do all 3

I'm not entirely sure on the name for the final Grid quest though I think that's correct.
Also note that 2 of the quests for each company literally happen in a single room and can last for 30 seconds if you skip dialogue.