I'm going to chime in here too - because this game has been a real breath of fresh air to me.

I came to FFXIV in December, partly due to persistent recommendation from a very good friend. I'd played another MMO (which I won't name and shame) for just over a decade, but that game's overwhelming commitment to the use of FOMO tactics, gambleboxes and expensive cash grab Bundles (with no new content to use the bundle items in) pushed me away.

However, said friend had played FFXIV for a number of years and clearly loved (loves) it, so I decided to take a look for myself.

And I haven't looked back - in fact, I quickly realized what I'd been missing; FFXIV blows the former game I played out of the water in ALL aspects.

Granted, I struggled with the solo gameplay in the MSQ - I'm still pretty terrible at that to be honest and there were times where giving up was in the back of my mind. But the game has a story that drives you to (as the lyrics of 'Footfalls' say) forge ahead. And I'm so glad I did - it was an incredible journey, and one that I don't think any other game could've delivered. I look forward to seeing where it's going to take us next