Difference between a LS and FC

[Torran]

Can someone please explain to me the difference between the two? I'm from FFXI and if I remember there was only LS. I'm getting the sense that FC is more for end game content? If that is true, then do you basically play the main story by yourself until level 50 when you apparently unlock what seems like the "real game"?

[ZhycranaDranix]

An LS is a quick communication for all sorts of things as it links you to other players that aren't in your FC , for example I have multiple linkshells ranging from a Hunt Linkshell that notifies me of hunt targets, I have a link shell for some end game content that notifies me when a player wants to do end game stuff etc etc. Linkshells are normally comprised of a lot of random players from your server that you normally grow to know.


A FC is different its a company that you're under either you start or join , it's sort of like your ''family'' or atleast thats the aspect of it normally FC's run a bunch of content together , normally majority of your raid members come from your FC as you want your tag to be known and you want your FC to stand apart.

The lather is true you basically play to level 50 in which finally you are able to truly play the game I love it, I've been cited to saying that levels 1-50 is the longest tutorial to a game ever lol as you don't truly unleash any of the games true potential until after 50

[Lollie]

LS are simply chat channels and you can have 8.
FC is a chat channel as well that accumulates points that can be used to purchased perks, such as xp gain buffs, housing purchase ability for the fc, etc. you can have only 1 at a time.

The social interactions you perform in either is up to you outside of those mechanical differences.

[Torran]

Holy hell lol. So basically don't look for a LS or FC to join until I've hit level 50? That's an awfully long time of me, myself, and I.

[ZhycranaDranix]

Holy hell lol. So basically don't look for a LS or FC to join until I've hit level 50? That's an awfully long time of me, myself, and I.

Oh no no no

Wait for a LS , maybe as most LS you won't be able to indulge in content other that hunting or if they have Role playing LS's or something of that nature

But FC you want to find one early as they can provide exp boost, knowledge of the game , help on content , and potentially fit you into a static role or something so you never know

FC I would find one that suites you quick and in a hurry ...FC leaders are always looking for new and committed memebers

[Torran]

Easier said then done lol.

[Risvertasashi]

I'm going to disagree with "join an FC as soon as possible". Unlike LSs, you can only be in one. IMO, it's worth it to find that right one that fits really well. Yes, you can leave, but it's not quite as trivial of a deal as LSs. People spend a lot more time building the community of an FC (vs LS), and people will remember you.

Compare to an LS... most of them, people come and go pretty casually and there's less expectations in general. I'd say feel free to join (and in most cases, quit!) linkshells as you please. You can have up to 8 as well.

[Niwashi]

Holy hell lol. So basically don't look for a LS or FC to join until I've hit level 50? That's an awfully long time of me, myself, and I.

No. You'll want to be in one by (or soon after) hitting 15. That's where the group content starts, and FCs or LSs are the best places to find people who will run it together with you the way you want to run it (though the game does have a feature for putting you together with random other players if you don't find people yourself). Take some care in finding an FC that suits your interests and playstyle, but don't put it off too long.

do you basically play the main story by yourself until level 50 when you apparently unlock what seems like the "real game"?

As mentioned, group content starts at 15, but more significantly, no, the "real game" here doesn't start at 50. It definitely starts at 1. If you get well into mid-game and the story still doesn't interest you, then it likely never will.

The game's tutorial is only a single quest, done in a solo instance that's completed before you even enter the game world. Later, there are some significant milestones, like at level 15, when airships are unlocked, the three city-state storylines all merge into a common storyline, and dungeons open up. At 20, you'll join the Grand Company of one of the three city-states of Eorzea, and that will bring in mounts and a new type of currency to earn and spend. Then another milestone occurs at 30, when you unlock the job(s) that advance or specialize the class(es) you played up until then. Level 50 is yet another milestone where more content opens up. It's one more step along the way, but neither the beginning nor the ending of the game.


EDIT:
Oh, and I guess I should answer the main question of the thread as well:
Linkshells are just private chat channels and that's it. Free Companies have a private chat channel, but they also have an inventory chest for sharing items, and members' actions within the game earn the FC points that let it increase in rank, earning other priviledges. They have identifying crests that members can wear. They can have a shared house together. They can spend action points to activate any of a wide range of bonuses for all members (XP boosts, travel discounts, reduced gear wear, crafting bonuses, etc.)

Those things are among the differences that are explicitly set by the game. There is also a strong tendency (though with some exceptions in both directions) for FCs to become more close-knit than linkshells, but either FCs or LSs can be as specialized or as broadly based as its founders and members want it to be.

[AskaRay]

As for joining an FC, when I first started, I was approached to join a brand-new one, but I declined because I enjoy playing by myself (yes...even in an MMO). I know FCs can help with anything, but personally I didn't feel the need for any assistance until I was well past level fifty. I had stayed in contact with my friends and joined their FC then

So really it's up to you, do you want help doing all of the early story quests and dungeons? For me, the randomization of the Duty Finder was enough. Or do you want more social interaction and a community to do it with? Then I suggest looking for a good FC to join.

[Sakuraluna]

Um... you can find helpful groups of people and build long-lasting friendships in both LS and FC, so don't worry so much about which one will allow you to find people to do content with. Either or will allow you to pull together groups to help with low level dungeons, nm primals, as well as whatever content you want to pursue in the future once you hit 50. They're both useful ways of networking.

Basically, the similarities are that they both provide a chat channel, and they both can be dedicated to certain content or playstyles. (there's both endgame and casual fc's, and there's ls's dedicated to certain content like hunts, raiding or primal farming, etc. as well as just being used as a casual-based chat channel. )

The differences are, that your fc will be your main group (like someone else said, like your in-game family sort of) and will give you access to in-game content that you wouldn't have otherwise. You can take as long as you need to find the right fc for you, but think about not only where you are in-game right now, but what your long-term goals are, and search for a group that have the same goals and over-all playstyle as you do and you should be good. An LS is more or less an extension of your in-game community, and a lot of times ends up being a more specific group than an fc though sometimes more generalized too. For instance, I have a hunt LS, an NA LS (I play on an EU server so it serves as a gathering place for other players who have similar playtimes to me), an LS of old friends from XI, a PVP LS, and just an ls for friends, among others. They don't have to be connected to your fc though some of them probably will be, they're really just a gathering place for groups of friends or people with similar interests that is separate from your main group.

Anyhow, that's just a little run-down on the differences and similarities between them, but don't feel rushed into joining one, likerightnow!!! if you think that a certain fc or ls might not be for you. Also, if you do join an fc and find that you don't think you're a good fit there, don't be afraid to leave it and find another one that suits you better because it might save you some future headaches. People do tend to put more into building up an fc because of the content that fc's are linked with (like housing, gardening and a number of other things), so you'll want an fc that you're comfortable with for the long term. But really, just play at your own pace, and go with what you feel suits you.