Where to begin for a returning player?

So I am just returning after a lengthy break. I played at release, got a DRG to 41 then decided to get a PAL to 50. Stopped playing shortly after that. Decided I wanted to check out the expansion and also decided to play on my PS4 this time around. Have been playing a bit on my pc as it downloads, and am feeling pretty lost.

What big things have I missed over the past year? I am mainly interested in leveling up a couple difference classes to 50, probably a white or black mage, and maybe an archer. Is it still best to just do fates, hunting logs and daily guildhests? What are the best ways to gear up these days? When I hit 50, I'm assuming I just want to go quest in the expansion zones? Also, how do I join that newer 3 way pvp match?

Also, I am currently on Malboro. Is the server still active? Or would I be better off transferring to busier server?

Thanks in advance

Well first you will want to catch up on the ARR story from 2.1-2.55. You cant do anything in heavenswars until that is complete. You will get gear from story quests throughout that that will be able to get you through it until HW

Welcome back! :D

The first thing to check out after returning is the patch log history which lists everything added to the game in the past two years, as patches have changed and added so much to the game since you last played, so things can be quite confusing. The patch log can be found here.

Secondly, as Zari mentioned, Heavensward requires full main scenario completion to access any of the expansion's content or even the new zones (as the main story actually leads here). The main story was continued past the Ultima Weapon battle in patches, with each patch story continuing from the previous one, making it one long story arc. You will need to complete all these patch stories to start the expansion story (which then automatically leads you to Ishgard and the new expansion content.

Hopefully this hasn't been too confusing for you. :)

Where do I pick up the main story quest?

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodest...t/?category2=1

That is dead useful, tells you where you are.

One other question. In order to proceed past level 50, do I have to catch up on the main story and get to the new zones? Or will I level up while doing the 2.1-2.5 main quests?

As long as you purchased the expansion, you can level past 50.

Thanks. I just purchased the CE+Heavensward for my PC account as well. However it doesn't show Heavensward with a filled in circle on my Mog Account. It just hast that selected under collectors edition. Am I missing something?

Actually it looks like its active because I just got all the gifts in the mail, but my paladin still shows a red circle with a line through it for my xp bar.