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I'm at level 15 on the DoW classes, at the point of instance battle duties on PGL, ARC and LNC. I managed to get through the GLA one ok.
But despite having the gear in check and having something to eat, and trying several times, I have been unsuccessful and was hoping levelling up would be an option.
Nope, they have a level cap like dungeons do. Each fight has some mechanic it wants to teach you. Pay attention to buffs and debuffs, and what any NPCs say.
It can help, but as Urthdigger said there is a level cap, but it does allow you to be (at most) 4 levels above the recommended level of the instance. So, for example, if the instance Is level 15, and your PC is up to 4 or more levels above (in this case 19+), your pc will be nerfed back to the maximum level allowed again, 19 in this case). Pretty much the same way level sync works for FATEs. At least that is my understanding.
Yes you can over level but, as mentioned, there is a cap. Past that cap your attributes, skills, and gear will be synced down.
Leveling past the base required level can be helpful though especially if it lets upgrade your gear. Lancer, for example, has a new spear available at level 16. Getting an aetherial or hq version of that is handy.
Each quest also has preferred tactics. I was stuck on pugilist 15 for a while too.
Lancer - pick off the small wolves 1-2 at a time before going after the alpha.
Pugilist - stick to attacking the same target as the npc during the initial mobbing, attack from behind, try to kill things quickly
Archer - pull small groups and pick off stragglers, apply your poison arrow liberally, and get used to kiting
General tip for nearly every single class quest:
Wait a couple seconds until the NPCs have engaged mobs. Then focus only on the mobs attacking you. When those are down, take care of yourself if you have to (Potion, self heal etc.) then engage the NPCs' mobs. If there are no mobs attacking you, help NPCs in prioritiy of Healer > story important NPC > NPC with lowest health.
At all times, and especially if you are on your own: kill the adds first.
Never rush into the fight. If you are supposed to pull, pull very carefully. Don't be afraid of running in circles away from melee mobs to recover MP, let cooldowns finish or give NPCs time to come to your aid.
And don't forget cross class skills. Leveling CNJ to get to use Cure can be a life saver at low levels, even with absolutely poopy magic stats.
I'm now at the instance battle duty for Big Trouble In Ala Mingo (Lv27) on the main storyline, with the primary ACN Lv29 skill (with recently upgraded gear), whilst I take a break from DoW classes.
Any tips on how I go about this? Or should I go for Lv30 and get first of the jobs?
You may as well get to level 30 and get the job crystal. It gives you a big boost to your stats.
However .. depending on which job you pick up it will change the strategy...
For general advice - there is an annoying npc who is useless but you need to keep him alive. Let the other NPCs deal with most of the mobs and focus on keeping your target npc and allied healer alive. The mobs like to rush them. The enemies will run out after a few waves so you can just outlast them.
If you go as summoner take topaz set on manual and have it tank whoever attacks your key npc.
If you go as scholar eos/selene may actually handle everything for you. Just keep your targets healed up and let the npcs do all the damage.
I'm not a fan of walkthroughs, but sometimes it helps to watch other players complete the instance. that way I can analyze what I'm doing wrong. for example in big trouble in ala mhigo, I realized my positioning was wrong, that I tend to panic about healing my self or my allied npcs.
so I learned that for ACN instances, it's better to use topaz/titan, and let them including other NPCs tank for you, so you won't lose health and have to heal, then pass DoTs around, no need to spam ruin, sometimes the NPCs do the DPS for you lol
here's a good strategy: http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Bi...ttle_Ala_Mhigo
maybe hit the boss first so topaz would focus on it then move on to the adds that will kill your healer and the weaker allies and just switch back and forth? good luck!
I managed to do what I was supposed to do, after a few attempts, and as it was in daylight, I could see what my character was aiming for.
Now for some leveling up to 30, starting in the North Shroud...