Returning Player

[Ackaron]

Previously left FFXIV 6 months ago because IRL got too busy, but the game was definitely getting a bit stale, and underpopulated in the 40's range to level. I'm considering getting back into the game. Is it any different or better now? Does being in a good FC make a big difference? And how is the end game? As I heard it wasn't very deep before. Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Delmontyb]

Welcome back, I'd say that the end game is pretty good, and yes being in a good FC can make the world of difference. I like duty roulette which opens up all the game content and rewards you with end game currency, Crystal Tower, and Coil, along with new dungeons. Needless to say I'm quite busy.

If you've been gone for a while I recommend unlocking retainer ventures (level 15 quest in the city) and the challenge log (level 15 quest in LL) for added help.

[Reeth]

Welcome back.

They've added a good amount of stuff to the endgame now. And the next major patch is going to introduce another dungeon and a few more hard modes. So there's quite a lot to do now. Being in an FC helps, but most of the content with the exception of binding coil 6-9 are in the duty finder now, so you can pug them.

[Ackaron]

Much obliged, will mix it up. Will have to investigate crafting sometime too, last I played it wasn't worth it. Thanks again for the help.

[Ackaron]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'll get it back soon. FATE leveling is still the best, no?

[KitanaiKoneko]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'll get it back soon. FATE leveling is still the best, no?

If you have rested bonus, dungeons are really good xp. Especially at lvl 44, if you want to rush to 50, you can just farm through the first room of dzemael with 1 big pull.

[Edellis]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'll get it back soon. FATE leveling is still the best, no?

Yeah it's probably still superior. They've added a new grinding quest that typically has endgame players running FATES at any given time, kind of like Duty Roulette. Also, they added a Challenge Log, which is basically an extra source of EXP and Gil for stuff you'd be doing anyway. (running fates, dungeons, ect)

As for endgame, a buff was added to help players through all the EX primals (except EX Mog and EX Leviathian) and Coil up to turn 5 (Coil up to T5 is also in DF queue now). This will make fighting EX Titan ever so slightly less infuriating, but for most parties it still wont help.

If for any reason you can get to EX Leviathian, you're in for some spectacular wipes.

[Shenandoah]

Actually dungeon levelling is very good too, just the queue times that's troublesome for DPS. Premade Dzemael Darkhold 1st room run yields a ton of exp, so if you can find/make your own PF you can level with that method as well.

[Edellis]

As long as you have rested EXP, i'd say the highest dungeon avaliable is the best EXP you can get, especially AV or the place with the crystal buff and massive pulls.

[Kiyouma]

Duty roulette is great as it allows a lot of end-game players to populate low level dungeons that were otherwise dead. I'd recommend that!

End-game is pretty great! Despite what a lot of people say, there is a lot to do. Binding Coil turns 1-5 is much more possible for newer players and it's been added to Duty Finder which is great!

Darklight armor (ilvl 70) drops from dungeons so it is a little easier to get geared for Coil. You can do Coil with ilvl70 stuff.
Remember that armor that was so awesome (ilvl90) that you had to trade for mythology tomes? They're much easier to get because mythos drop instead on philosophy tomes now! (if you don't know what tomes are, you'll learn slowly once you get to endgame for sure).

There's a lot to do from treasure hunting to beastman daily quests to a large variety of dungeons!
A good FC makes a huge difference for sure. "Good" can mean anything of course depending on what you're looking for. But shout around in Mor Dhona or towns and you'll definitely find a FC that matches your needs.

Welcome back to FF14! Hope you enjoy your stay!