While so many are rushing to endgame, how do I find a FC for the slow route?

[Mirinda]

I understand people want to be 'in at the start' of new content etc. However what I really want is to take my time, explore everything and basically play in a relaxed and casual way while playing daily. I love exploring and gathering and crafting. I love questing. What bothers me is being told to ignore side quests like they're something bad.
I don't want to race. So much so I'm already considering restarting on a world with no xp boost so I can do more side quests. I want to feel like I really live in the world and help people in my area before moving on.

So how do I go about finding a Free Company that has like-minded people?

Thanks

[Iscah]

I can't help you on finding an FC since I'm not on your data centre, but if you want to spend time doing side quests as you go, then I recommend picking up a second class so you can share EXP between them. (Arcanist plays quite similarly to conjurer at low levels, and can lead into both DPS and healer roles.)

Alternately, you can complete quests while equipped as your crafter/gatherer classes and receive the EXP rewards into that class, as long as they're at the correct level for the quest. You can be equipped as conjurer the rest of the time, and just switch to your preferred EXP-recipient class before talking to anyone with a green 'complete quest' marker.

(This will work throughout ARR, but they 'fixed' it for Heavensward onwards.)

[Mayoyama]

Depends on the server you are on too. My FC is mid sized and still has a lot of people still working on HW/early SB, and just taking it at their own pace. I'm sure there is a guild out there for you

[Bearded]

Sadly so many think that the "game" is what comes at at the end instead of everything that fits in-between the character creation and the end. It is par for the course in MMOPRGs though. Many want to rush to the end as they think that is the "Be all and end all" - assuming they are alts then that's fine. If you have never experienced the whole story then do not rush - enjoy the story and the experience.

[Beladrim007]

Sadly so many think that the "game" is what comes at at the end instead of everything that fits in-between the character creation and the end. It is par for the course in MMOPRGs though. Many want to rush to the end as they think that is the "Be all and end all" - assuming they are alts then that's fine. If you have never experienced the whole story then do not rush - enjoy the story and the experience.

A bit of an elitist attitude if you ask me. Some people play this game because they want to run dungeons and raid only. OR they don't care about combat professions and want to focus on crafting.

Yes, believe it or not some do not care about the MSQ and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I get your point of view of how to enjoy the game but it is "A" point of view and not everyone will enjoy the game the same way you do.

While I personally like the MSQ after ARR (ARR's pacing was atrocious to me). FFXIV has a LOT to offer outside of the MSQ that perfectly justifies wanting to get to that content sooner rather then later.

Just because you enjoy the MSQ, doesn't mean everyone does and should.

We should stop talking down to new players that love the game but for different reasons and don't necessarily care about the story.