1 year passed since I've last played. Need some guidance!

Merry Christmas All!

I have decided to come back to start playing FFXIV few days back.
I have been a final fantasy fan for 10years and hope to join a server with great community and passionate players. Upon reading all the post on the forum I have decided to join "Gilgamesh"

I have just leveled to 9 and did some beginner quest, I'm quite shock that so far I have only seen less then 10 players in the first town. The last time I login there was hundreds of user on every path of the streets

If someone would be kind to enlighten me.
1. Where would all the players be?
2. What level would I need to be to, in order to play with other players?
3. Is there a server where there is more new players?
4. If I want to join a FC that is new player friendly, where should I go and search for or is there recommendation?

Appreciate any help I can get from anyone. Thanks in advance! ;)

Welcome back! I came back about four months ago, and while I can't directly give you information on your server, i can try to help.

Most players at this point are high level, and in Mor Dhona, which you will hit around level 45 or so, though you will run into players via the Duty Finder, which leads to the next question.

Once you hit level 10 you will have Guildhests opened through a quest and will be able to be teamed with other new players. The firt dungeon that "requires" new players will be Sastasha at level 15, which will also be accessed using the Duty Finder.

I don't know if there is a server that is geared more towards new players, but the Free Company I am in on Midgarsormr welcomes new players and there is almost always someone willing to help out if you need it, so if you have not put in so much time that you don't want to transfer send me a PM and I am sure we can track you down in game.

1- majority of players hang around in mor dhona if people have general questions/looking for dungeon parties they normally teleport there since its the most populated map at most times
2- depends on what kind of content u were wantin to play with think 1st dungeon is around level 16ish but normally alot of players doin fate grind in various maps
3- theres a few newish worlds around not sure which data centre ur planning on playing in/best ping for you
4- i dont think theres really that many FC's around that exclude new players in my world odin im always seein FC recruiting for new or old players to join thier family

merry christmas n welcome back hope u enjoy urself in game :3 sory i couldnt give more helpful info tho

Just to address the number of people online - due to the PSN networks and many people actually spending time with family (for some reason..) there have been fewer people online for the last several days. I expect it to pick up again this weekend and when the PSN issues are resolved.

1. Most players hang out in the major cities, or Revenant's Toll (A high level "minor" city in Mor Dhona that has all the shops relevant to postgame progression). A lot also hang out in their housing areas.

2. You'll begin encountering content that is instanced and automatically pairs you with other players after level 10 story quests, with Guildhests; at level 15 story quests, you'll start dungeons proper with Sastasha. Of course, you're welcome to form parties at any time with players (especially useful if you want to go FATE grinding)

3. Shinryu (JP), Jenova (NA), and Zodiark (EU) are the most recent servers, having been added on the release of the PS4 version. However, there's not many players there in general compared to other servers. I'd suggest staying where you are if you've made any connections, and be aware that the grass isn't necessarily greener elsewhere.

4. Use shouts and ask! "New player looking for friendly FC". Do so in the sides of the city-states that have the market boards (more players will likely be there). It might take a couple tries but you never know.

Thank you all for the kind response. The reply have been very helpful for me and deeply appreciated! I have been having a lot of fun these few days :) Cheers