FFXIV is designed as a pure themepark (Aka like WoW). With this style of game levels are gained by doing content.

The open world is for solo content. Fates, Quest, Leves, Logs. (Content designed for you to be able to do by yourself)

Instances are for groups. 4-8 man dungeons, 8 man instanced boss fights (Coils/Primals), Behest, Crystal Towers (Content designed to be done in groups)


Only group base open world arguably is hunt. But that is just people zerging so no real group coordination like in XI. HUnts just force you to group to get full credit.

Unfortunatly the 2nd poster is correct. Yoshida views XP partys as a thing of the past, which in my opinion is a horrible view and yes the social aspect takes a major hit. They feel that the current model is better then the old. And it is the core design of XIV. Openworld Party Leveling has no place in this game, and unless they replace yoshida (Not going to happen considering the millions this game is pulling in) it will not change.

And a hint. Most people on this forum and the devs themself consider XI to be a mediocre game to a bad game. So words of advice do not expect XI. This game is the polar opposite of XI. IF you ever played WoW that is the style game to expect leveling at and endgame. Just without the large groups.