Going to be honest here... (Armor-related)

[AliceKaye]

Hey there,

Not one for complaining generally but I will say that as a new player (well a low-level returning one) I am really having trouble figuring out where to get armor and quite frankly what to use as well.

My highest rank is in Pugilist which I consider to be my main class, it's currently rank 15, secondary highest being my Marauder at rank 10 or so.

Do I need armor for each class?
How do I tell what's best for me?
Any recommendations on good sites that explain armor in detail and perhaps what stats are best on a class-by-class basis?

I'm not sure how often this gets asked, so I apologize for any inconvenience if this is a bothersome post but as a returning player I'd like to get off on the right foot and so far I don't feel like that's happening.

Thanks for any help you can offer. I truly appreciate it.

[Estellios]

Generally you'd like to get any armor that Favors your class, in your case PGL or MRD in the Favors section, or anything that Favors Disciples of War.

As far as melee stats, STR boosts attack, DEX boosts accuracy/evasion, and VIT boosts Defense and HP. It's really up to you what you think would be more important for you in gear. As long as you get gear that is at your level or below, you should have no problems. Definitely stay away from buying gear that is above your level if you can, as you get reduced defense and no other stats.

You can share gear between your classes as long as they meet the equip requirements.

[Aion]

Rule of thumb, get armor that is on your optimal level.
Yes you need armor for each class, but if you have limited gil atm, consider gear that usable by all class
What best for you?back again,anything that in your optimal and affordable.

for the site Im not sure, because with recent patch,all database/fansite updating theirs. you can try look on ffxivpro ,yg.ffxiv.com,or ffxiv zam (google it)

hope that helps...and, try gathering/crafting..it helps you make money

[Estellios]

I use Mooglebox.com, it seems to have all the gear lists up to date, but no recipes yet.

[Hubert]

Concentrate on armor that favors your class and try to avoid the "Dated" stuff (although some are still good and you might be able to get them cheaply). For equipment that has an Optimal Rank, I highly suggest you wait until you actually hit said rank or you will be taking a huge penalty trying to equip it earlier. Honestly though, levels 1-20 fly by so fast I wouldn't worry too much about it. Levels 20-40 is where you would want to invest gil in good armor or time in hunting NMs.

[AliceKaye]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the replies and I'm glad I have something to go on now.

[Dallie]

If it's any consolation, the general consensus is that things are tougher for newer players gathering new armor than they were in the past. The suggestions given are pretty good, and should help you out, just make sure to bargain shop for awhile, as you'll likely level faster than you can replace your armor with the new XP system in-place.

[LeoDeSol]

Only 1 thing to add...

As of 1.19 there is a NPC in every DoW and DoM guild that sells weapons and armor for every slot (no jewellery) through various ranges, starting at around level 8.

Prices are fairly reasonable compared to the market wards or making it yourself for the lower level stuff, however, it is still probably best to check the Market Wards first to see if it is cheaper there. There are gaps in the gear the NPC sells, so you will probably still need to buy some items at various points while leveling up, if you have not gotten a quest reward or something.

Since you are leveling PGL, you have it a bit easier since Ulduh tens to be the best Market Ward to look for gear in, and the PGL guild is there as well.

[Lavani]

One thing to add about optimal level. While I was leveling my ARC I found a few pieces of gear that were optimal level 25. After I equipped and looked at all of the minus to stats it was still better than the level 1 stuff I started with. I was around level 15 when i started using the level 25 gear. Once I hit level 20 the item went from showing orange text in the optimal level spot to showing yellow text, and the minuses went away. So based on that observation it's probably OK to use gear several levels higher than you, as long as the minuses are not leaving you with lesser stats of course. Also the extra stats higher level gear has such as +10 HP or +10 Attack Power will not benefit you until the item is at least yellow to you.