FFXIV challenging the inner Introvert in me. Forced grouping.

[Straynge]

So here it is, another: "This game forces me to group" thread. After the first dungeon I was a bit dismayed. Is it actually going to force me to play with others? By the 3rd one I' realized yep, I can't advance the story unless I do these dungeons. If I had known this before I bought the game I probably wouldn't have bought is so...thank God I didn't know about this because despite being a huge introvert I've actually enjoyed the Dungeons. I've only done 3 of them but they didn't take too long. The pacing was really good and I had a great time. It's not often that I enjoy doing dungeons so this is a good thing. I know I know, why bother to play mmo's if you don't want to socialize right? I enjoy my alone time but I also enjoy interacting with others so it's good that it gave me a much needed kick to make me see what it's team content had to offer. Now instead of dreading the upcoming dungeons I'm looking forward to them. It also helps that everyone has been so friendly in game.

[Pence]

Maybe you're not actually an introvert

[Besame]

It's all good until you hit the more difficult, high level dungeons. Just don't make any mistakes...

[Kaurhz]

Can definitely relate, when I initially got this game I didn't fully know well what I signed up for, but it's definitely been very fun and very nice. That said I'm probably more introverted now than I was a few months ago, but that's an entire story of added salt. I'm inclined to say this game has a really good balance of being able to do solo content, and doing grouped content. There's times I'll like to just sit down, relax and be introverted, in which case I just gather/craft turn on some music, it's very relaxing. Then when I'm feeling social I run content

As the person above said, it's all good until the more difficult stuff comes around, but even then it's very forgiving and fun I'd recommend just finding friends with same nature as you, then you just group up when you want to do a piece of content. It worked really well with one of my friends on the old server I was on

[lujate]

I wouldn't necessarily call FF14 dungeons socializing. The DF connects you randomly with three other players. The four of you run thru the dungeon with little or no communication. You finish the run and likely leave without a word.

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't play without the DF.

[Shurrikhan]

Can always treat your teammates as eccentric AIs. You might then have some qualms with their design, but the introvert remains unchallenged.

Kidding, of course. Glad you enjoyed the dungeons.

[Frizze]

Dont let these people scare you, the higher level dungeons arent that bad. Looks like youre leveling archer/bard. Knowing when to aoe attack versus single target, how to dodge attacks(mostly just dont stand in the aoe markers), and how to use your group buffs is all you need.

[Squintina]

This happens throughout the whole MSQ, but it does take longer and longer to reach the next required dungeon as you keep going just because of the amount of MSQ and sidequests available.
As far as the more difficult dungeons go, as long as you take a look online for strategies regarding the new dungeons you unlock, you'll be good.

[AikenDrum]

It's possible to resist the forced grouping and solo most of the ARR group content on the first character though. With exp buff and some fates to get ahead of the MSQ, the only 4-man dungeons i ended up not soloing were ifrit and titan. It was suprisingly easy too, with trash mobs usually being harder than most bosses. A bit weird that i switched to conjurer to get faster dungeon queues after finding out i'll need to do them to progress, but ended up not needing other people because i alone had enough dps/tankiness to clear pretty much everything.

[Krotoan]

Glad it turned out better than you expected!
Dungeon runs are pretty low key for the entire game. People want to get them done regardless if you talk or not, so as long as you can play well enough , nobody will really say anything if you just don't respond.
That being said, I have to wonder what the appeal of an MMO is to someone who doesn't want to interact with people at all?
Sure the story in this game is awesome, but it is first and foremost an online game advertised to be populated with your fellow gamers.