Level 50 may need to be changed

[Vandril]

The issue is, you shouldn't see it as wading through, like unblocking a toilet. It's an experience in itself that just happens to unlock Heavensward. You're seriously missing out if you don't just take it easy and enjoy the fascinating story that is ARR.

This. Thinking about the level 50 MSQ as something that blocks your progress toward Heavensward is the wrong way to think. Instead, consider it as much a part of the game as Heavensward is. It's honestly no less a part of the game than any other level's MSQ chain. So, instead of worrying about when you'll finish it, just focus on enjoying it as you play through.

[RueBee]

I was one of those people that hadn't completed the storyline when Heavensward came out (I was about 70 quests away) so I know the general feeling. You want so badly to be able to become the new classes and fly around on the new mounts and generally "be with the now". I was frustrated by it too at first but it's really not all that bad if you actually play the game as it was intended - for the story. FFXIV goes above other MMOs in that department because it's the core of FF games.

You'll get to the Heavensward content soon enough and without the storyline of how you get there and what has happened thus far... it just wouldn't be nearly as good or satisfying.

[Avin00]

Why do people buy the heavensward expansion as new players is something I don't understand. There is literally no need to do so until you reach a point that you can access that content. It's like buying a cake and then putting it behind lock and key. Wait until you have gotten to the point that you can actually access the expansion then purchase it. There is a plethora of content in the main game enjoy it when you feel ready for something new purchase the expansion.

[RueBee]

Why do people buy the heavensward expansion as new players is something I don't understand. There is literally no need to do so until you reach a point that you can access that content. It's like buying a cake and then putting it behind lock and key. Wait until you have gotten to the point that you can actually access the expansion then purchase it. There is a plethora of content in the main game enjoy it when you feel ready for something new purchase the expansion.

Maybe to be able to make their character be an Au Ra?

[Khalette]

I mean, I can't think of many other MMOs out there, where there is NO content for new players on the expansion.

I also can't think of many other MMOs where you can't experience content with your friends when you're 50 because you haven't done two years worth of RP-catch up. It's ridiculous. They NEED to do something or this "RAF" effort is going to be completely moot.

People play console games for the story. They play MMOs for the community interaction.

[The_Last_Dragoon]

I mean, I can't think of many other MMOs out there, where there is NO content for new players on the expansion.

I also can't think of many other MMOs where you can't experience content with your friends when you're 50 because you haven't done two years worth of RP-catch up. It's ridiculous. They NEED to do something or this "RAF" effort is going to be completely moot.

People play console games for the story. They play MMOs for the community interaction.

Why do new players need new content? That's not just a gross misallocation of resources that could be used on developing the new area for people who have constantly been loyal to the game, but it's appealing to a market that doesn't know that said content is new. Honestly, the only MMO I know out there that has new content for new players is World of Warcraft, and they were heavily shunned by the community for allowing players to basically skip everything to play new content.

You were warned repeatedly that you would need to complete the 2.55 storyline in order to access the Heavensward expansion, and to put it realistically, you can literally power through the Seventh Astral Era storyline in a day if you're so inclined. As people here will tell you though, this game is heavily based around the story, and that's why you can't put it to the same filter as other MMOs that put mundane grinds over story. Maybe 2 expansions from now they may think about compressing the story, but it's very unlikely that it will happen anytime soon.

It should also be noted that a good chunk of the player base is on the PS3 and PS4.

[RueBee]

People play console games for the story. They play MMOs for the community interaction.

FFXIV has the expectation of being both because of FFs origins. It's not like any other MMO, like you stated. It is what it is. And that is an MMO based story game. Combining a riveting story and community interaction.

[Velisra]

Why do people buy the heavensward expansion as new players is something I don't understand. There is literally no need to do so until you reach a point that you can access that content. It's like buying a cake and then putting it behind lock and key. Wait until you have gotten to the point that you can actually access the expansion then purchase it. There is a plethora of content in the main game enjoy it when you feel ready for something new purchase the expansion.

I bought it just before I leveled my Dragoon to 50 because I knew that I'd get xp for all the required level 50 quests. I'd like to not have to FATE grind between 50-60 because I've run out of story quests for my level, so the head start on those levels is a good thing. I haven't even completed the quests from 2.0-2.55 and my dragoon is level 51.

[Avin00]

I assumed that the level increase was not part of the heavensward expansion my bad, I would say though that I've not needed to fate grind at all doing the MSQ in heavensward so far and from what others have said as long as you complete all the side quests you should hit 60 with no problems although it will give you a bit of a leg up for the early bits.

[Niwashi]

Then I discovered that I'm a long way from being able to set foot inside the new zones.

But that's only because you still have things to do where you're at. You only need "new" content once you've run out of previous content. All the people complaining that there's still plenty of good gameplay to enjoy and it needs to be "fixed" to ensure everyone would have it over and done with and have nothing left to do are... well, just not making a lot of sense.

This is a game. It's not a chore you have to complete. It's something to enjoy. You should either be enjoying the part you're currently on, or you should be looking for a different game if you don't enjoy this one. If you don't like the content in ARR, why think you'd like the content in HW any better?