Grand Company squadrons

I hope this content brings back 1.0 songs like "Nail of the Heavens."

I hope it brings good healer AI, or even better, customizable AI.

So, is this like their solution to dundeons like Aurum vale, and raids taking forever to Q or something?

I hope it can customized

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Originally Posted by MPNZ

So, is this like their solution to dundeons like Aurum vale, and raids taking forever to Q or something?

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I hope not, because if you can take them to AV or raids and clear it, you can take it to almost every dungeon and clear it. This will be the end of DF and PF...

I hope it will become more like it's complete seperated from DF and they get their own instances for the porpous of "player can join their tasks".

It seems like you need the new GC rank to command your squad, so no new player could use it to clear dungeons, but all "veterans of the game" who can use them for every dungeon will probably use them. DF and PF is doomed this way and queues will explode for new chars.

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Originally Posted by Zohar_Lahar

I hope this content brings back 1.0 songs like "Nail of the Heavens."

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I bet this will be another "Surprise! You can't be with your squadron mofo!" kinda deal. Because its what everything that looks innovative turns out to be.

Airships, you can have your own airship and take it out on voyages! Never said who will take it out on voyages under your command. Goodbye little minion robot thing you PIECE OF SHI--- oh sorry the Final Fantasy groupie fan in me vanished for a sec.

Now that we can have these squadron things its going to be a selection of places you can send your squad to get items. If I'm wrong, then its something equally boring. I bet we would't be able to fully customize each character too. Welp, here's to innovation and optimism, we can only expect so much. :/

Erm...have they said it was to be dungeon content? The screenshots I saw looked too much like the WoW garrison follower windows (down to using company seals to pay for squadron missions instead of garrison resources) to make me think you can take them to dungeons.

They haven't said it even though it was their initial intention for allowing solo dungeons (before unsynched came out)from what they have said and what bayonhe translated it can be anything from wow follower missions to solo trials like the fate of the stars one.

Hope it's trusts and not terrible theories I see here.

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Originally Posted by Duelle

Erm...have they said it was to be dungeon content? The screenshots I saw looked too much like the WoW garrison follower windows (down to using company seals to pay for squadron missions instead of garrison resources) to make me think you can take them to dungeons.

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Can you take garrison followers to dungeons? I know they can stalk you on the world map as your, uh, bodyguards and stuff (like you even need them....).

I feel like this squadron thingie is aimed at the concept of early dungeons being dumpstered by the community and that this might be the devs' way of saying they're not going to bother pigeonholing us into them for relics/roulettes anymore? I CAN DREAM.

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Originally Posted by Duelle

Erm...have they said it was to be dungeon content? The screenshots I saw looked too much like the WoW garrison follower windows (down to using company seals to pay for squadron missions instead of garrison resources) to make me think you can take them to dungeons.

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Agreed, this looks horribly like the garrison missions from WoW - Platoon UI Screenshot
I saw that and my heart sank. I played WoD, levelled a couple of garrisons started a third and did those things up to the point where they introduced the shipyard and then I quit the game, probably for good. If there is one idea I'd never want them to copy from WoW, this is it.
Hopefully, there is more to it than the WoW follower missions. If not I hope the rewards are either mediocre or available through other means. I've nothing against them introducing side-content that people might enjoy but since I loathed the garrison missions I hope you can leave it alone without severely gimping your progress.

I only hope you can customize the people in your squadron like your retainers. All this glamour gear can't go to waste!

I realy hope we can do contents with these characters not some menu-based feature like the airship.

Is not looking forward to it because then i can't be disappointed.

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Originally Posted by Solarra

Agreed, this looks horribly like the garrison missions from WoW - Platoon UI Screenshot
I played WoD, levelled a couple of garrisons started a third and did those things up to the point where they introduced the shipyard and then I quit the game, probably for good. If there is one idea I'd never want them to copy from WoW, this is it.
Hopefully, there is more to it than the WoW follower missions. If not I hope the rewards are either mediocre or available through other means. I've nothing against them introducing side-content that people might enjoy but since I loathed the garrison missions I hope you can leave it alone without severely gimping your progress.

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Holy crap, it really is a garrison mission clone. Really hope this is skippable content as well. It'll be fun for people who never dealt with garrisons (maybe), but I don't feel like doing that nonsense twice in two different games.

Now..you have to if not by now, realize we are playing a WoW in Final Fantasy clothing. That will make it sink in a bit better.
But oh my...;>:o:o:o:o:o

http://i.imgur.com/lPlfILa.jpg

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Originally Posted by loreleidiangelo

Holy crap, it really is a garrison mission clone. Really hope this is skippable content as well. It'll be fun for people who never dealt with garrisons (maybe), but I don't feel like doing that nonsense twice in two different games.

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First thing I thought of was Garrisons. In WoW, you had a Garrison Follower accompany you, but those were rare and unique individuals. From the summary, I think SE still intends it to be the precursor to bringing them into a dungeon. They probably think they can push back that content, while people level their 'garrison followers'.

I want a group full of lalas. For no reason but that I can.

They had 14 hours on stream, I think it would have been nice if they spent 10 minutes out of that clarifying how this works and what we can expect.

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Originally Posted by Colino

They had 14 hours on stream, I think it would have been nice if they spent 10 minutes out of that clarifying how this works and what we can expect.

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Yeah, they took the time to explain that new cross hotbar feature. Would have been nice if they talked for a few minutes about the GC squadrons.

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Originally Posted by Duelle

Erm...have they said it was to be dungeon content?

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It's been implied;

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...st-(2016-04-12)

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There were some setbacks in the planning stage, but we're expecting to have this ready for Patch 3.4 as of the current schedule. However, I cannot make any promises as to whether they will be able to enter dungeons alongside you at the time they are added to the game. We're also planning to unlock the first lieutenant rank for Grand Companies at the same time. These ranks will not be ready for Patch 3.3, although there will be new Grand Company equipment.

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Seems like a "Please look forward to it!" kinda deal, whether that sits in the same pile as FC Primal Summoning or not though... I believe the initial concept came up as "Crystal Tower is dead, what if you had a group of NPCs to get you through it?", then it was "You can take them in dungeons maybe", and now it's devolved to Garrisons...

I'd hope squads are just going to be built upon over time... SE really needs to put Hamlet Defense back in the game... These squads could have some amazing synergy with Hamlet Defense... You send them off to do stuff in the preparation phase, and that impacts the enemy strength, defense strength, NPC levels, etc., during the actual fight... Heck, if they keep Hamlet Defense as an instance instead of going full Besieged, they can even have the parties squad actually show up in the battle...

So they are only going to be mission based npcs?

http://i.imgur.com/HVYKQCK.jpg

I was hoping in addition to that, that npcs would be more like path companions with their own personalities, fears, hopes, demeanor, companion quests, and banter. Similar to other Final Fantasy companions like Auron or Khimari.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbdEtHsXGa8

Maybe some dialogue choices to interact with them or open up companion specific quests.

The idea of venturing with them in open zones, solo/duo dungeon content, and other stuff is more interesting to me than chocobo. The chocobo is fine if you are just getting the job done. I find it easier to care about humanoid companions who can speak and share their feelings.

I hope it is not just a menu thing or they are an extension of only being battle based with no opinions on matters.

What I was hoping platoons would be is something akin to a mercenary system where you can take them into dungeons with you. This would remove the horrid DF that people have to endure now.
There would still be plenty of people tht use DF/PF, don't worry, though with the quality of people I have encountered....no AI can be worse.

For now, I remain neutral until we get more information about this. I try not to look forward to it because every time I did (Diadem/PotD), I was horribly disappointed. If you can take them into dungeons with you, it will be the feature that makes me pick up the game again. If not, well....i guess a small dip of roulettes every 2 weeks is bearable.

You guys do know they've been testing this idea out since the start of Heavensward, right?

Remember the trial by combat with you and Alphinaud? Remember going into Halatali with Alphinaud (as your healer) and Yugiri (as a DPS)?

The moment I saw these instances, I thought "they're testing out the whole GC party members idea with this. . ." I'm excited to see how it would be fully fleshed out, not to mention I imagine it will be closely tied to promotion within the new ranks. After all, we ARE officers.

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Originally Posted by ThirdChild_ZKI

You guys do know they've been testing this idea out since the start of Heavensward, right?

Remember the trial by combat with you and Alphinaud? Remember going into Halatali with Alphinaud (as your healer) and Yugiri (as a DPS)?

The moment I saw these instances, I thought "they're testing out the whole GC party members idea with this. . ." I'm excited to see how it would be fully fleshed out, not to mention I imagine it will be closely tied to promotion within the new ranks. After all, we ARE officers.

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I'm a bit curious how will it work consider in those instance the NPC had to leave our group to perform their own mechanics so our character didn't have to deal with those tasks.

On another topic:
If there is no use for them in Dungeons yet, I am guessing we may not have use for them in dungeons until sometime during 4.X or in 5.0 once we begin the push towards the Garlean Empire.

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Originally Posted by Nalien

It's been implied;

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...st-(2016-04-12)



Seems like a "Please look forward to it!" kinda deal, whether that sits in the same pile as FC Primal Summoning or not though... I believe the initial concept came up as "Crystal Tower is dead, what if you had a group of NPCs to get you through it?", then it was "You can take them in dungeons maybe", and now it's devolved to Garrisons...

I'd hope squads are just going to be built upon over time... SE really needs to put Hamlet Defense back in the game... These squads could have some amazing synergy with Hamlet Defense... You send them off to do stuff in the preparation phase, and that impacts the enemy strength, defense strength, NPC levels, etc., during the actual fight... Heck, if they keep Hamlet Defense as an instance instead of going full Besieged, they can even have the parties squad actually show up in the battle...

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That would be interesting if they later add/return Hamlet Defense but with it focus on our character using and commanding their GC Squadron to defend the place. They may even bring in two ways to buff them while the Hamlet Defense is happening from DoW/DoM being with them in battle and boosting morale (stat buff to GC Squadron NPCs) by kill enemies or go DoH/DoL to perform equipment upgrade and repair/set up defenses to boost the GC Squadron's gear or add in new Unqiue or Hero type NPCs to help with the fight since you can't fight as a DoH/DoL character.

I really hope to be able to fully customize each Squad member like our Retainers

Also, are we going to be able to bring out maybe a light party of squad members in the open world? for things like leveling, fates and hunts?

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Originally Posted by Laerune

I realy hope we can do contents with these characters not some menu-based feature like the airship.

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Based on this it will be more than just a menu based feature.

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...=1#post3831754

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Squadrons will be a type of simulation content that can be enjoyed solo, and it will involve assembling volunteers and creating a squad. We’ll gradually be adding content that you can enjoy by bringing along your squadron.

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Originally Posted by Legion88

I hope not, because if you can take them to AV or raids and clear it, you can take it to almost every dungeon and clear it. This will be the end of DF and PF...

I hope it will become more like it's complete seperated from DF and they get their own instances for the porpous of "player can join their tasks".

It seems like you need the new GC rank to command your squad, so no new player could use it to clear dungeons, but all "veterans of the game" who can use them for every dungeon will probably use them. DF and PF is doomed this way and queues will explode for new chars.

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After watching Mr Happy video on this it looks like you can go into all dungeons and trails using it.

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Originally Posted by AstreaTrinity

I really hope to be able to fully customize each Squad member like our Retainers.

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I doubt it. Going by the screenshot.

http://i.imgur.com/lPlfILa.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HVYKQCK.jpg

It looks like all the NPC's are preset in appearance and class.

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Originally Posted by Khalithar

It looks like all the NPC's are preset in appearance and class.

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Which sucks, since it means I can't have a squad based on characters from the first Suikoden. It also means I saved up a bunch of character creation templates for nothing. =/

I'm hoping that we start edging closer to something like this.

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Originally Posted by Duelle

Which sucks, since it means I can't have a squad based on characters from the first Suikoden. It also means I saved up a bunch of character creation templates for nothing. =/

I'm hoping that we start edging closer to something like this.

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I can definitely see your point with this. But a part of me is wondering if making the NPC's unique is actually the better choice because if they create the various NPC for us (and maybe change them up based on your Grand Company affilitation) it gives them a chance to create characters with interesting backstories and such. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic.

Are these the set choices or is this like somones chosen list of squadmates. thinking, well hoping that a recruit system similar to FFT where they pop a result, stats are random, select yes no to recruit or try again for a different race/class? Cause in that pic, sure are alot of classes types Ok maybe just MRD is missing.

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Originally Posted by ADVSS

Are these the set choices or is this like somones chosen list of squadmates. thinking, well hoping that a recruit system similar to FFT where they pop a result, stats are random, select yes no to recruit or try again for a different race/class?

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I actually think it will most likely be similar to that NPC recruitment system from FFT tbh.

It does appear to be a set cast of NPCs for us to work with, which is what I was expecting, and kind of hoping for, as it means we could have a set of side story quests attached to them verses our retainers having a small handful of lines... And not much else.

Although, I can't complain as one brought me a Red Onion Helm today. I shrieked.

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Originally Posted by Rennies

I hope it brings good healer AI, or even better, customizable AI.

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Just copy and paste gambit from FF12, I hope SE won't fuck this one up...

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Originally Posted by thunderbreak

Just copy and paste gambit from FF12, I hope SE won't fuck this one up...

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II absolutely loved that system besides the weird way of aquisition, but tbf my DRK retainer could kick all their asses...hint hint

It looks like retainer ventures with 4 NPCs. I hope its not, because I would like to see more solo content : /

What are "garrison missions"?

sweet. you guys get to trash your old raid / tome gear, grind out new raid and tome gear, grind 2 "new" dungeons every day, grind a "new" primal, and do garrison missions on top of it. game is so good....... -_-;

"/em crosses fingers and toes" hoping they do this right and not a shell of its potential :)

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Originally Posted by Caitlyn

It looks like retainer ventures with 4 NPCs. I hope its not, because I would like to see more solo content : /

What are "garrison missions"?

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Garrisons is one of the aspects that killed WoW subs during Warlords of Draenor expansion and now that feature isn't getting continued with Legion because it was just that bad and now FFXIV is copying it. This is going to work well isn't it :)

They could do a lot more with this content but knowing the dev team its going to be garrisons but worse with almost any content this dev team copies.

Mechanically, this'll almost certainly be worst than Garrisons, based off what I've heard at least... Will this ruin the game though? No... Not a chance... XIV isn't going to start feeling empty because everyone is in their Garrison, it's already empty because of the Duty Finder, if anything this will have the opposite effect, since we'll be gathering at out Grand Companies, rather than going to our own private zone to manage this... Heck, wasn't one of the major complaints with Garrisons that, for people with multiple characters, it became a massive chore? XIVs already kinda solved that issue by letting us level everything on a single character... You wont have as many Squadrons as you have Jobs and end up spending far to long sending this crap off...

It also seems to be complete fluff at this point... They could always give it some serious rewards, but... *Checks previous Grand Company rewards* Yeah, no... Christ, this just seems like a more advanced version of Retainer Ventures to me... If Retainer Ventures didn't kill the game, I really doubt Squadrons will...

Really disappointed if this is it for Grand Companies in 3.3... Christ... Did the developers just go down a checklist and add factions because it was on the list or something? There is seemingly no reason for Grand Companies to exist in this game... PvP is the only place where it actually "adds" something to the game, and the vast majority of PvPers would rather not have that particular restriction killing queues... Seals, vendor trash, even these Squadrons... None of these are gameplay elements that justify having three factions... You could remove the three Grand Companies and just have the single Eorzean Alliance take over that stuff, and nothing would change... Where's Conquest? Heck, where's the unique story for each faction? Those rank up quests could have been so much more, but I'm ready for 3.3 to disappoint me there too... Squadrons could actually work quite nicely to develop something similar to Conquest, though I doubt SE would ever do that... Meh, as always Yoshida, feel free to prove me wrong...