Main Scenario Restriction Bloodstorm - Very Very Bad idea.

[Dorander]

The main reason why this isn't a thing, and probably won't ever be is because of how the devs view the game. Your character can't just "jump in" to any dungeon because you are the right level/ilevel. They have to have a reason to go in there due to the MSQ or the quest associated with it. Each repeat run is hand waved under "you aren't really doing it again, you are experiencing it again with the echo." I know that excuse breaks down when you get new gear and what not from there, but that's the reasoning. The same reasoning is used to explain savage and extreme versions of content. You are experiencing it again with the echo, or as the 'story' that the minstrel is telling. Even the new trials like Sophia EX and what not are simulations being provided by Allagan tech.

Dungeons/Raids aren't just places to 'do.'

[Derio]

Every dungeon or instance has a back story, whether it's linked to MSQ or past side quests, they all have lore behind them

[Kisik]

People in modern MMOs seem to think the end game is the only part that matters, but this is Final Fantasy. The story is in every aspect of the game, and it all matters. If they can't stand the fact that they have to read the whole book to get to the last 5 pages, then this isn't the game for them.

To the OP, you've got at least 6 months before the expansion, tell your FC members to do their main stories be ready.

[Nestama]

People in modern MMOs seem to think the end game is the only part that matters, but this is Final Fantasy. The story is in every aspect of the game, and it all matters. If they can't stand the fact that they have to read the whole book to get to the last 5 pages, then this isn't the game for them.

FFXIV has players who play for various reasons. To some, end game is all that matters, as well as Crafting and Gathering. If they want to do the end game content without having to do the story, then let them (they're already skipping cutscenes, anyway). In what way does it affect you if a dungeon/raid is unlockable via level/ilevel? The story would still make you run through them.

[Bourne_Endeavor]

That said, I do not want a jump potion and have never asked for one. All I want is to be able to do dungeons and zones when I'm at the appropriate level without having to drag through the MSQ unless I feel like it.

Just to clarify my own stance. If this could be done without hurting Stormblood's budget, I, too, would support it. Contrary to my defense of a skip, I don't actually like it. I only want this game to be as accessible as possible because more people means more resources will be dedicated to FFXIV. And that benefits us all.

[Naunet]

The main reason why this isn't a thing, and probably won't ever be is because of how the devs view the game. Your character can't just "jump in" to any dungeon because you are the right level/ilevel. They have to have a reason to go in there due to the MSQ or the quest associated with it. Each repeat run is hand waved under "you aren't really doing it again, you are experiencing it again with the echo." I know that excuse breaks down when you get new gear and what not from there, but that's the reasoning.

The dungeons need little more than a single introductory quest of "Hey here's this thing" - just like how they introduce all of the hard modes and the scattered side dungeons. Sastasha is full of pirates. Plenty of reason to go in there beyond the MSQ. We should not be required to complete X MSQ quests to access dungeons.

[StrategistShiroe]

I watched the entire fan fest and didn't see or hear this anywhere. I assume it's this way because well it makes sense. "oh we went here to liberate the people.....why?" shouldn't come up. You should understand the pain of the 20 years of oppression thanks to the MSQ and comments from Illberd and Raubahn.

As for skip potion please no. People can't grasp hotbar explosion with starting 30 as AST, DRK and MCH. At 60 HERE'S EVERYTHING would be worse. Level your job and enjoy it and the story with it.

[Dorander]

The dungeons need little more than a single introductory quest of "Hey here's this thing" - just like how they introduce all of the hard modes and the scattered side dungeons. Sastasha is full of pirates. Plenty of reason to go in there beyond the MSQ. We should not be required to complete X MSQ quests to access dungeons.

First and foremost this game has and always will be about telling the story about the Warrior of Light and his adventures in Eorzea. They have never put in a dungeon that was just "Here's something to do that gives exp/gear. Run it!" Even the hard modes have relevance. They are the continuation of that dungeon's story. Be it, needing to go back in to find something else, explore what was behind that one door, help someone clear out the new infestation, what have you.

Like I said in my original post, Even the Extreme primals have a story as to why they are even stronger than when we fought them last. Sometimes it's because the beastmen have gotten more crystals, the Ascians have taught them some new method of summoning, the minstrel is telling a story, or it's allagan tech doing a training simulation.

The devs are trying to tell the story of Final Fantasy 14, and will more than likely continue to force everyone to do that story even if you don't like it, or care about it. That's their main objective. That's what a Final Fantasy game is about, and why this a main numbered game. If it was called "Final Fantasy: the MMO Experience," things might be as suggested, but it's not.

[Nestama]

SE can still tell their story, they just need to give players who don't really care about it the option to skip it and do the content that would normally be locked behind it. SE are also selling a game, which you have to pay to play.

[Naunet]

First and foremost this game has and always will be about telling the story about the Warrior of Light and his adventures in Eorzea. They have never put in a dungeon that was just "Here's something to do that gives exp/gear. Run it!" Even the hard modes have relevance. They are the continuation of that dungeon's story. Be it, needing to go back in to find something else, explore what was behind that one door, help someone clear out the new infestation, what have you.

That doesn't counter what I said. Introducing the dungeons with a story does NOT have to necessitate tying them purely to the MSQ. The MSQ can still send you into the dungeons, but there should be separate short quests a la all the other unlock quests that only require a certain level instead of MSQ completion.