I just started and I'm so lost - Help!

[Bixby]

okay, so basically I level my main class/job (bard in this case) through the story quests and side quests or whatever, and then any other class I'm basically forced to level through Leves FATEs and dungeons?

One popular method is to only do the main story on the first job, leave all the side quests for future jobs. But you've also got hunting logs, guildhests, levequests, dungeons, fates, beast tribe daily quests (when you get to that level), roulettes (still dungeons/guildhests, but the XP bonuses are huge), and the challenge log to build up other classes.

[Nerael]

okay, so basically I level my main class/job (bard in this case) through the story quests and side quests or whatever, and then any other class I'm basically forced to level through Leves FATEs and dungeons?

I have to say, the secondary classes are often easier to level than your main. The EXP bonuses help out immensely.
That being said; Leves are a great way for fast XP, Dungeons give XP and loot, Fates give you grand company standing.

It sounds like a few options but if you keep into account how many fates there are and how fast they pop up, it's suddenly a whole other ballgame.
Also keep in mind when you are a healing or tank class finding dungeon groups is ridiculously easy.
I personally missed quite a few side quests which I'm planning on doing on one of my other classes. Often if you go to other main Area's (Thanalan, Gridania, La Noscea) you'll find quite a few more quests

[Foghorn755]

you guys have been a serious help so far lol, i really appreciate it!

next up, when I look at armor in my armor chest theres a little colored circle on the top right, usually like red, yellow, brown, purple, etc.. what do those represent?

[Bixby]

you guys have been a serious help so far lol, i really appreciate it!

next up, when I look at armor in my armor chest theres a little colored circle on the top right, usually like red, yellow, brown, purple, etc.. what do those represent?

The color the gear is currently dyed (or a grayish color if it can be dyed but isn't currently). Gear that can't be dyed doesn't have that circle.

[Sagittarian]

you guys have been a serious help so far lol, i really appreciate it!

next up, when I look at armor in my armor chest theres a little colored circle on the top right, usually like red, yellow, brown, purple, etc.. what do those represent?

To predict a future question, if you are examining other people you may notice some equipment with a little "+" in the upper right. This means the equipment has been glamoured to appear different. I think the color of the "+" indicates the color used in the image, so it replaces the circle.
You will get the ability to glamour your clothes after level 50.

Another common question is about the number in the upper right of the character portrait. I'm not seeing it in this thread though. That number is your average item level of your equipment. Add up the item level of everything you are wearing and divide by 13 - that is the average item level. (2 handed weapons count double). Your average item level will lag behind your character level until you reach 50. Then you will start seeing requirements on dungeons like "average item level 70". The average item level is abbreviated "ilvl".

Once you pick up more classes (assuming you do) you will also get the ability to save your clothing sets. This is very helpful. You can even then drag the clothing set to a hotbar for easy switching. Just remember to re-save it when you update your gear. The controls for this are above the character portrait.
Your main weapon is what determines your current class. So when you pick up a second class simply changing your weapon will change your class. Any equipment you can't wear for the current class will be returned to your armory. This is why it is very helpful to save the clothing set for each class - that way when switching from your level 30 archer to your level 5 pugilist and back you don't have to go through your equipment every time. If there isn't enough space in your armory you will be prevented from changing classes.

[Leash]

Also want to mention that you can get an extra 3% exp boost for 30min for eating meals. You can buy really cheap food at the main city market alleys for 12gil or less:

http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Tree_Toad_Legs

When you combine this with dungeon roulette and fate farming while you wait for your dungeon queue, you can really stack up exp fast.

[Foghorn755]

okay cool guys, thanks for the tips! i just hit 40 on Bard so i'm making pretty good progress i guess. once I hit 50 or when I'm close ill probably start to ask about end-game content... I want to think that XIV has an end-game similar to WoW but I'm not gonna make any assumptions!

basically I've just been doing the story quest and ignoring all the quests in the cities so I can use them on other classes.. but doing the hunting/challenge logs and FATEs is definitely a really good way to get EXP, one thing though is the sightseeing log, what is that?


okay wow I'm actually not a high enough level to get through this wing of the story hahaha, guess i need to go back and do those quests

[Sagittarian]

one thing though is the sightseeing log, what is that?

The sightseeing log is totally optional and only nets you a minion if you do all 80.

[Genesis-xyx]

I'll keep an eye out for you and send you a friend request, I'm on the same server so if you need anything I can help out.

[Foghorn755]

okay cool, thanks