New to the game, but like to tank and heal

Hey all,
After playing characters through all three starting areas, to the point where the story gets the same, I must say I am enjoying the game. Usually in MMO's I like to tank and heal. The player base seems friendly, so I am hoping that I am not going to hurt myself by jumping into tanking. But, should I do anything to help me prepare to do dungeons? Like, I have been watching videos and things on tanking, and reading guides, but other then let people know I am new to the game, and completing the hall of the novice, should I be doing anything else to help?

I suppose what I am really wondering, is am I okay just jumping in tanking, or should I take a DPS through to 60 first?

I leveled up as tank and healer and it worked ok for me. It would be a good idea to check out the guides for dungeons before running, particularly higher level ones. OFC, that advice goes to DPS as well.

It sounds like you're well prepared. If you like tanking, go for it. Same with healing. The early dungeons are designed to be somewhat forgiving of new players still getting the hang of the game and their roles, so brief lapses aren't going to be catastrophic. If you pay attention and try to learn while running them, you'll be a skilled player well before the game demands you need to be.

Before going into a new dungeon you haven't run before, it can be worth reading or watching a guide on its mechanics. Even the early dungeons have mechanics, and later ones build on that to create more complex ones. And particularly for a tank, a guide that includes a map and indicates of where things occur is nice, since the tank is expected to lead the way, so that they're in position to initiate combat. (Though if you don't find one with a map, most are linear enough it's not too much of an issue.)

And while I can't guarantee it will be true of every team you get paired up with, this community is for the most part helpful and accommodating to new players. If anyone gives you a hard time, then they're the ones who will be seen as in the wrong for it, and it's not likely to happen very often.

Thanks for the replies! In that case, I feel like I will do well :)

Just mention you're new to the instance when you're running it for the first time, so that people are (should be!) understanding when you're not doing the optimal pulls. :) For preparation, make sure you have the essential cross-class abilities for your classes (like Provoke for your tanks and Cleric Stance for your healers). Also keep in mind that in this game healers aren't pure healers, but are expected to also contribute in DPS (their damage is really strong in Cleric Stance!). Practice that at your own pace, though.

If you like to tank and heal you should level up both! gladiator+conjurer seems the most funny way for you

I also vote go for it. At this moment in time gladiator/pld can actually use Protect and Stoneskin (if i recall) from Conjurer so levelling both would be good :)
Once you hit level 15 you actually should have access to Palace of the Dead. In here you may actually level up classes (either tank, heals, or dps) and actually see and get a feel for abilities before actually having leveled up outside of the dungeon.
If that makes sense? lol

One big fat warning about rolling a gladiator/pld; aggro generation SUCKS until you're level 40 when you get your tank stance and most of the time you'll be fighting like mad to hold trash mobs. Don't let that discourage you though because once you get your tank stance you should have no problems keeping aggro.

you should check your gear, especially at the check points (50 and 60). because it's sad when you're in a dungeon and can't hold threat--even though you're doing all the right things--because your weapon is so sastasha. check the marketboard frequently for upgrades. at level 50, buy your vendor gear in foundation. at level 60, buy your vendor weapon from the node in azys la

and once you've got a tank leveled up and have endgame gear, but decide to level another tank, be wary when you hit 60 and don all that uber gear from your first tank but still have that crappy weapon on your new tank (don't queue for ex dungeons using your vendor weapon)

You'll do fine. Tanking is very forgiving in FFXIV and it has a fairly gentle learning curve the way the dungeons work out. I'd recommend reading a few guides and watching videos before going into new dungeons anyway. It's not really expected or required, but you might as well hit the ground running. I also advise being upfront with groups when you're new with content. Most everyone is friendly and understanding I've found. I've had a wonderful time so far and am very happy I decided to main as a tank starting out here!

tank life is the best life keep it going friend

Definitely tank if you're interested!

A good guide for getting started: https://youtu.be/fE9329flWQY

Just remember to do your best to hold enmity on the enemies, and face them away from the party. As soon as you get tank stance you should ALWAYS have hate on all the enemies.

People will be forgiving if you let them know up front you're new to a duty and make yourself open to tips. A lot of players you'll find yourself in duty with will also be tanks (even if they're on another job in your duty) and they'll be happy to help you and give you a little bit more grace for any mistakes.

Read your skills, look at some rotation guides (building emnity), look at general dungeon guides. I am learning how to tank slowly, but so far so good. I jumped in with a Dark Knight just because I had a few dungeons unlocked at it's starting level. Oh yeah, keep in mind the skill level of your healer/dps, as well. Some healers can handle bigger pulls and some not, etc.

Healing is pretty straightforward and actually pretty easy, just don't forget to use your cleanse, etc.. Again, read your skills figure out how to manage MP.