What to prepare for Shadowbringers?

[Edax]

For FFXIV at least, this will be the first time I'll be around for an expansion release. To prepare, I've been clearing out much of my retainer's inventory in preparation for the influx of new items.

But I'm wonder if there's other things I could be preparing for? Any veterans of previous expansion releases with advice about the transition?

[Cincierta]

Other than having classes/jobs you want to immediately work with in the new expansion, getting geared up enough to get you through the starting gate is usually recommended.

Otherwise be prepared for the worst: world queues.

[Edax]

Other than having classes/jobs you want to immediately work with in the new expansion, getting geared up enough to get you through the starting gate is usually recommended.

Otherwise be prepared for the worst: world queues.

I'm still wearing my Eureka gear (350) with the 5 materia slots filled up with +40s. Is that way under-geared for the starting gate?

[Nora_of_Mira]

I'm still wearing my Eureka gear (350) with the 5 materia slots filled up with +40s. Is that way under-geared for the starting gate?

yeah, I would be closer 380 minimum but I dont remember where the iLvls were when SB launched.

[Deceptus]

yeah, I would be closer 380 minimum but I dont remember where the iLvls were when SB launched.

First dungeon rewarded ilvl 260 which was where un-augmented shire was. 380 is a safe bet to try to obtain. That will make sure you don't melt during the first dungeon and can get upgrades if you need it.

[Dualblade]

360 if I remember right was what Ghimlyt Dark wanted you at, and it drops 375 gear. You'll be replacing gear immediatly at that min ilvl, as the current cap of 400 will be what'll keep you going till after the 73 dungeon at which point it'll also start getting out-ilvled. Assuming this works like HW and SB.

Personally I'd say save up all your tomestones now without spending including getting max Genesis this week and next week. When SHB drops you'll be able to gear up much easier with Poetics in part because all the upgrade materials will also be available with them.

[Dalmacus]

Honestly, I would ask you to mentally prepare for early access because it won't be pleasant. Some people may face upwards to 45mins ~ 2hrs trying to login to their world. Some may not get to access/enter mor dhona if the devs don't open 3 instance channels for that area. We may get DDOS because people don't like others having fun.(Very high chance of occurring) Duty finder server will maybe crash/lag in the first few hours.

For gears and weapons i wouldn't worry as the first few MSQ will reward you with HQ gears and weapons.
New jobs will award players with job gear and weapon box when you accept them.

[LaylaTsarra]

Probably a good idea to cap all your tomes and seals where you can. They will convert to the new currency.

[Derio]

Make sure you sleep in an inn before launch day that way you wake up with rested xp.

Also make sure you either have a decent amount of gil or aetheryte tokens for all those 999 teleports.

[Edax]

Honestly, I would ask you to mentally prepare for early access because it won't be pleasant. Some people may face upwards to 45mins ~ 2hrs trying to login to their world. Some may not get to access/enter mor dhona if the devs don't open 3 instance channels for that area. We may get DDOS because people don't like others having fun.(Very high chance of occurring) Duty finder server will maybe crash/lag in the first few hours.

For gears and weapons i wouldn't worry as the first few MSQ will reward you with HQ gears and weapons.
New jobs will award players with job gear and weapon box when you accept them.

I am prepared for this due to my experience with SWTOR and WoW, however it's been many years since I played them so I cannot really remember how long it took for the servers to stabilize. Does it take about a week to stabilize?

Probably a good idea to cap all your tomes and seals where you can. They will convert to the new currency.

Will it take reaching level 80 to be able to spend the new currency on gear?