What story quests are essential?

Hi there.
I am leveling through quests with my gf. Every quest i do, i do with her, with exception of class quests.
Now, she doesnt play as often as me.
I'd love to get some playtime alone too and level up another class alone, but i dont want to do quests, because then i can't do them with her.

However, some quests are strictly necessary to proceed, so i wanted to ask how many of those there are.
For example, i NEED to to my story up to level 15 at least, so as to get the airship.
I NEED to do dungeon/chocobo quests. This would be no problem as long as they are not in chain.
Is it possible to just do those quests for dungeon etc without completing chains?

What else there is after grand company at level 20 that i NEED to do in order to proceed with the game? Are any dungeons locked by main story quests? How about chocobo companion? How about high level or endgame content?

Thanks :)

I know i could play another character, but i really wouldn't want to.

You NEED to do all the story quests to proceed full stop there aren't any story quests that you can miss/skip :-D the story is a continuous chain of events the only quests you can leave for now are sidequests hope this answers your question

As Jechit3 said, you need to all story quests. They're the only way to unlock leves, guild hests, dungeon finder, chocobo mounts (later on), retainers, heck...even resting at the inn!

Really? Jease some of these new threads and questions :-P There's tons to do after level 20, heck there's tons to do in general and not even all the content is released.... plus the game just came out.... get a new gf to play with j/k lol... add people and be social to group and do things..

There are a few dungeons that you can do that are outside the main story, but most of them are story-based and all the high end endgame content requires story completion.

But yes, as people have said there are more than just quests to do. Hunting log, FATEs, Guildleves, Guildhests, and any previously-unlocked dungeons are avenues for XP. You can also try out crafting and gathering.

Yes the main story line is very important as it gives the heart and life to the centre of the game, so it will be important to follow them, Being in a chain is not a bad thing at all, in this case it is essential. Take your time and enjoy it, there is so much to see and enjoy and you will only see some of these wonderful locations for the first time once. :) Don't rush it.