Looking for some advice.

[Kieshen]

Hello, so I'm new, I bought ARR when it released but never really got into it. Been at it for a week and a few days and I completely regret not sticking with it way back when. I see this game like a merging, as if you took EQ, GW2, and WoW and just shmooshed the best aspects of those three and out popped FFXIV, but with Final Fantasy story.

Anyways, I could use some advice. You see I want to tank, but being so new I do not know the lay of the dungeons. Would it be a wise idea to take my first class/job to max as a DPS learning what I need to without the pressure of tanking and then switch over to a tank job when I feel confident of my knowledge? Or just jump in eyes closed and sink or swim as a tank first round through?

Thank you in advance for any help.

[KilimYolo]

I think you should go with what you like. I seriously doubt finishing few dungeons will make you become a pro... just saying. But than i admit i'm even bigger noob than you (my level..., ok this character got lvl 18 arcane too, but still...)

[Lelila38]

Play the class you enjoy!
If you're unsure about new dungeons, be vocal about it. Tell the party that it's your first time tanking this dungeon and that you'll go slow because of that. Our community, despite what you might think from reading the forum, is actually quite nice and understanding, so I don't think people would give you a hard time over it.

[Frizze]

Yeah, unless you have serious anxiety about it just be what you want. Something like 90% of the people ive come across in game are at least tolerant of new people(if not actively helpful) - and youre better off without the jerks that run away from helping new people anyway. Be open that youre new, listen if people offer advice, and youll be an old pro in no time. Most of the dungeons are fairly obvious in terms of where you need to go, and most fights its pretty easy to pick up what youre supposed to do. And if people know youre new, theyll usually be happy to chime in with the non-obvious things you have to do when they come up. From there just pay attention. In general, the game adds more complexity as you progress but usually only a step or two at a time. For instance, a mechanic you see for the first time in the Deepcroft(a tethered add that makes the boss invincible until you kill it) will be repeated a few times later on(i remember that tether i better kill him first!) but possibly with a separate thing also happening to make it trickier. So since complexity is a slow building stack, no reason not to just play what you want from the start and learn it as you go.

[MistakeNot]

I'd recommend not overthinking it.

I started playing FFXIV as a tank and it went alright, but then I didn't really know what I was getting into beforehand

[Chrallmal]

Honestly, if playing as a DPS class first to learn the mechanics of a fight prior to going in again as a tank is what makes you comfortable, then do it. Some might say you're wasting time, but I find nothing in this game is really a waste of time. However, you can run a dungeon a million times, yet nothing will fully prepare you for the first time you tank or heal it. It can be a wildly different experience.

I'd have to echo MistakeNot - I wouldn't overthink it. Just go with what feels right to you. At the end of the day, it's a game. We're doing this for fun.

[Fusakatsu]

You have to honestly become one with your character that you create, and do what's comfortable for you.

Think of it as an adventure, and go out there and gain the knowledge in whatever path you choose, but ultimately just have fun doing it.

Don't let the pressure or fear of not being good at something get to you.

Run around, explore, get stronger, then when you feel you're ready, bring the heat and let it loose!!

You just do you!!

[Okamimaru]

NO NO NO NO.... DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT order hamburger on pizza... it's flavorless and space that could be occupied by bacon or Italian sausage...

On topic: tanking has a pretty gentle learning curve... it's mostly holding aggro and facing attacks away from groups... and the community is really newbie friendly

[OcieKo]

"Be open that youre new, listen if people offer advice" "And if people know youre new, theyll usually be happy to chime in with the non-obvious things you have to do when they come up. From there just pay attention."

Probably the only advice you really need from all of these posts. From most of our personal experiences, openly acknowledging that your new AHEAD of time makes things infinitely better.

[Hengist]

My 2 cents?

If you are worried about dungeons, take 10 minutes, before you run one, go to YouTube, and watch a video on the dungeon. In most cases you'll see the boss fights, learn what you need to do, and go in even better prepared. I've found it to be an awesome community, and I've run the 1-50 content as DPS, but as a tank, I went back, and watched the video. Not a huge investment, but for me? It sure makes the run smoother for everyone involved.

If you want to tank, do it!