Awkward controls? Super newbie question!

[whiskeybravo]

On the subject of trying things out, another possibility to consider is getting the sort of gaming controller more commonly used on consoles. As a cross-platform game, it's already designed to support them, and a controller certainly makes movement more natural. Actions and targeting take a bit more getting used to, but they do with the keyboard as well.

As a long-time ps3/ps4 player I'd second this. The game feels really good on a controller, for most jobs at least (I don't particularly like healing with controller). But it's all a matter of personal preference. Main thing you want to do is build muscle memory and that only happens with time or regimented* design.

* - What I mean by this since it's just the word that came to mind, but try to find some logic with how you lay out your actions. For example I try to make sure all my main 1-2-3 combos are on the same buttons regardless of class. I have Fell Cleave and Holy Spirit on the same buttons. Provoke, Rampart, Awareness, Convalescence, Reprisal, I have them all on the same buttons for WAR/PLD/DRK. For MCH I tried set up my off-GCDs in the order I'm going to use them. Anything you can do to organize them in a way that doesn't conflict with natural movements, for example I try to not use my main attack actions on Left side of the controller since I you'll be using the left analog stick for movement, which makes it hard to move and attack at the same time. Little things like that to make it more comfortable and consistent.

[Iscah]

Anything you can do to organize them in a way that doesn't conflict with natural movements, for example I try to not use my main attack actions on Left side of the controller since I you'll be using the left analog stick for movement, which makes it hard to move and attack at the same time.

I've gone through the same thought process, and a good thing to think about for left side/right side of the controller is whether skills are instant-cast or need to charge up. Instant ones are better on the right so they can be used while moving, and charged spells on the left since you have to stand still to cast them anyway.

Also, make sure you turn on the two layers of extended controller hotbars (pressing both buttons and double-tapping) to have access to as many skills as possible.