Progressing past level 50

[Yenani]

Hi there,

Quick question regarding the story quest you have to do at level 50 before you progress to the new area; are any of those quests dependent on raids?

I'm only level 30 atm, but would like to know this before I continue investing time in this game. I can enjoy a small group now and then to continue the story, but raids are not really something I enjoy on a general basis (in previous mmo's at least).

[Kaurhz]

Yeah the raids available to you are dependent on the quests. Like it has been thus far. If I recall the dungeons are every 2 levels starting at 51. Then the trials are every 3-4 levels. 53; 57; 60. Once you've finished the main story-line quest (Heavensward) you will have access to the expert dungeons and once you reach iLvl 170 on any given class the Alexander raid will be available for that class. My advice is when you get the opportunity to earn Allagan Tomestones of Law make sure you farm them as they'll be your access to Alexander. Well the gear you can trade for the Tomestones. They also have Esoterics but nobody will have a full set for another 23 weeks!

Also. If you do get bored of grinding you can speak to the NPCs at Walking Sands and Mor Dhona.. Some of the quests they give you involve the expert dungeons. Not sure on the specific ones. You can also do a quest Primal Awakening which unlocks Binding Coil of Bahamut.

Probably misunderstood the question.

[Keydah]

Raids are 100% optional, both the easy 24-man and the progression raid Coil. The only thing required is the Main Story and any of the dungeons included in it (and a prerequisite for the later part is the Hard Mode primals, but those are a faceroll now if even one other person is well geared and your group is competent)

[Yenani]

Ok, good to hear. As long as I can progress the main story while avoiding raids I'm happy

[Snugglebutt]

All raids and extreme mode trials are completely optional, obtained through side quests and not main scenario quests. Some side quest content at 50 is worth doing for fun like Hildibrand quest line which most FF14 players love including myself though some of the trials which are part of it can be a little long in queues but even so the trials themselves are quite amusing and interesting. I also enjoy the 24 man raids, they are easier than the 8 man coils so it might be worth trying the 24 man ones even if don't generally like raids as you might enjoy those. The quest rewards for unlocking the 24 man raids aka what is known as crystal tower (comprised of labyrinth/syrcus tower and world of darkness) are also pretty good as in tier IV materia's which sell for quite a bit on most servers. It is just something to keep in mind.

[Garlyle]

There's two types of ARR raids. The 24-man "Crystal Tower" series is actually very easy and was designed to be clearable by basically anyone, and I think it's well worth checking out as it's generally super neatly designed, although getting in with current queue times might be a thing.

The other high end content comprises Extreme Primals and then The Binding Coil of Bahamut. If you were to take these on with a full party synced to level 50 they could provide anywhere from a bare minimum to a very strenuous challenge... however, you now have Undersized Party as an option. A few level 60 friends could carry you through the majority of the content if they're experienced with it and you want to check it out.

That said, as mentioned? All of these storylines are completely optional, and nothing's really gated behind them except some fancy gear designs and a handful of minions, etc.