State of the Game: The Problem with the Current Progression System

[Gemina]

I don't really see an issue with FFXIV's progression system. I know some players have a problem with it, but that doesn't make it flawed. Why do you feel a capped character has plateaued? And has it truly plateaued? All jobs capped, and maxed out in gear? Got all your EX clears and primal mounts? How about your DoH and DoL? You ever get your blessed tools? How about the one for FSH that VERY few peeps in the game actually have? How's your achievement log? Sightseeing log?

Now, I understand that not all of these activities are for everyone, but if some of these are your thing, can you imagine still trying to get them done while staying caught up while your less interested buddies continue to progress further and further away from you because it's endless? I already feel this now with a level cap because I started late, and my playstyle just won't allow me to catch up to everyone. My activities in the game are far too dispersed.

A merit system could be good or bad I suppose. I see good things because it can keep older content active, but I also see bad as I think it would bring down the desire to level other jobs. I suppose it just depends on how it is set up. It definitely can't impact gameplay, but if a merit system could bring some welcome QoL changes I don't see an issue with it.

While I know you're just brainstorming you have to try to foresee the impact even a small change can have. As an example, merit points that allow increased movement speed outside combat seems benign, but underneath that silky exterior takes away movement speed gimmicks that belong to bard and ninja.

Your posting a lot of content desiring changes to the game, and I have to wonder if you enjoy playing FFXIV anymore dude. Not all change is needed, welcome, or good. While I think the devs should continue to add to the game; this is different than desiring actual changes and the additions you propose will unquestionably change the game.

[Bourne_Endeavor]

I don't really see an issue with FFXIV's progression system. I know some players have a problem with it, but that doesn't make it flawed. Why do you feel a capped character has plateaued? And has it truly plateaued? All jobs capped, and maxed out in gear? Got all your EX clears and primal mounts? How about your DoH and DoL? You ever get your blessed tools? How about the one for FSH that VERY few peeps in the game actually have? How's your achievement log? Sightseeing log?

And if people aren't interested in Gathering or Crafting? This game offers a punishingly lack of repeatable content that isn't a pointless grind. Look no further than achievements. They aren't interesting nor do they offer any rewards. It's generic "complete 10,000 FATEs!" One of the reasons Mythic+ excelled in WoW is it gave people a reason to continuously spam dungeons. Now if they actually used the Achievement token system which replaced Veteran Rewards, it could be the start of something decent. Instead, it's been left to rot after adding a single mount in almost a year. There simply isn't much to do in this game unless you like everything. If battle content is your preference, you'll cap in a day or two and be done with it. EX Primals and Savage adds to your weekly activity, however if you lack the time or desire to raid, you have little else to bother with each week.

A prime example came in 4.3. Yoshida outright said they delayed Heaven on High because of how much content was being released. What did we get?

- Handful of MSQ quests
- Swallow's Compass
- Ridorana
- Tsukiyomi
- Namazu
- Kurenai

All of this could be easily completed over a weekend even at a gradual pace. Only Ridorano and Tsukiyomi are something you farm regularly. And unless you were interested in Ultimate, this is all you had to do for six weeks. That just isn't good enough.