Trying to start!

[Audeamus]

I just started playing the 14 day trial version of this game and I fell in love.
The only other MMO I have ever gotten into was FF XI (level 50 Drg! from Remora).

I have a question about the expansion: I want to buy the collectors edition and its not clear to me if I have to buy the base game as well. I was hoping that if I bought the expansion the base game would also be included.

Also, is there a particular server this community gravitates toward? I picked Jenova for nostalgia's sake but I've been getting the impression that Excalibur is more alive.

Thanks for any help!

[ExiaQuanta]

I believe you have to buy the base game to for expansion. After all, they are selling "A Realm Reborn" + "Heavensward" duo pack at the release of expansion. Though it has been noted you can still play the game with out expansion. You just wont be able to do anything post 2.55 Main Scenerio wise, or experience what the expansion has to offer (things like New Race, Jobs and Ishgard access, etc)

[sciondar]

Yes, you have to have the base game in order to play the expansion. As mentioned, you'll need to complete the storyline from 2.55 in order to access the new regions and jobs in the expansion. If you want to be able to take advantage of the new areas and jobs in the expansion I'd recommend getting the full version of the base game now so you can have the story completed or close to complete by the expasions launch.

As for servers, not sure which to recommend but I'd suggest looking at the world forums to see which one gives you a good vibe for what you're looking for.

[Risvertasashi]

1. You must own the base game.
2. There is an SKU that includes both the base game and the expansion in one unit.

About servers, I generally recommend Balmung. It is big and so hard to get on to, but very lively. If you do want to try for Balmung, usually 4am (NA) or so on the weekday is recommended to check for openings.

Welcome to Eorzea and good luck!

[Niwashi]

There's a combination pack you can buy where the base game and expansion are bundled together, but otherwise you have to buy both separately (and that combination pack doesn't include the Collector's Edition).

The Au Ra race is the only major feature of the expansion that will be available to new players right away, though. All the other major features are locked behind finishing the current ARR game first. So if you'd rather play as one of the existing races rather than Au Ra, then you're probably better off just getting A Realm Reborn for now and waiting until you reach the end of it before deciding whether to get Heavensward. But who knows how many minor features and perks will be available with the expansion. We won't get all the details until it comes out, only the major features they're using to promote it.

(Personally, I'm rather hoping they include quite a few features that would make Heavensward beneficial even to new players. As it stands, most of their marketing is focused on stuff that's only meaningful to long-time players who would likely buy it anyway. I'm not sure if the new race is by itself enough of a draw to get people who can't use any of its other features to buy it.)

[Audeamus]

Thanks guys!

It looks like I'm going to buy the digital copy and pre-order the expansion later.

Are there any other websites that post useful info? I used to check out Killing Ifrit back in the day and I was wondering if there are any popular forums outside of here.

[Xcavator]

Hi. I'm also new to FFXIV.
My free trial ended today and I want to keep playing.
So, where do I have to buy the base game? It's confusing, because I see the game as €19,99 here, and as €9,99 on SE store. What is the diference?
(Don't know if I should open a new thread for this...)

[SummerSkye]

If either of you want a friend and a Free Company (guild) to help you in your journey in Eorzia, Make a character on Sargatanas and look me up. (Shintou Shinai) I make it a point to help sprouts whenever I see them!

[Audeamus]

Hi. I'm also new to FFXIV.
My free trial ended today and I want to keep playing.
So, where do I have to buy the base game? It's confusing, because I see the game as €19,99 here, and as €9,99 on SE store. What is the diference?
(Don't know if I should open a new thread for this...)

Welcome! There is no difference I believe. I know the PS3 version is cheaper. And I know that if you buy it directly from SE it will be cheaper (as opposed to the PSN Store). I hope you got this clarified sooner!

[Risvertasashi]

Are there any other websites that post useful info? I used to check out Killing Ifrit back in the day and I was wondering if there are any popular forums outside of here.

There's a lot of sites, some specialized to certain info. The ffxiv subreddit (ffxiv.reddit.com) has general news, theorycrafting sometimes, etc. Blue gartr forums are heavy on the TC (tread carefully if you go there, not very newbie friendly). xivdb.com I use for quick item lookups, and there are sites for keeping track of crafting stuff, etc. Quests I just google, there's a couple sites and they have different tips and info. As you get into endgame contents, there are light trackers and hunt trackers, etc. (You'll learn what most of these things mean later.)