What are the things you really enjoy about the game?

[Dyvid]

So...what keeps you guys going?

Honestly, I"m not sure anymore. I do DoL and DoH stuff on the weekend morning but really that's about it. I no longer play in the evenings because I just don't have a desire too. Don't play during the weekend afternoons or evening because I don't care too.

[Osteichthyes]

Mine is going to be a bit different than most. I like that it's predictable, but not 100%. For some people it might be stale, but I like that I know what to expect and when. I like that my character is going to be a huge focal point. I like that I know I don't have to spend 30 hours a week doing things I hate to keep up in progression. I like that my gear doesn't determine my capabilities and that I don't need some perfect gear that has a thousand effects that only one person can obtain a week.

Basically I like FFXIV because it isn't FFXI. I feel like my time is being respected, and as I get more busy, that means more and more.

[Ryoutoshi]

I enjoy being able to fully immerse myself into an MMORPG without being constantly dragged out by my gameplay requiring an analysis of my irl finances to progress.

If I need to spend time to figure out how to progress optimally that's part of the fun. If the thing I'm optimizing is my paycheck, then I'd rather play a real economy.

[CaptainCoral]

I love the story (so far), I do love the voice line things alongside the music (this really makes it feel like a living story to me) I do like that I can treasure hunt in the future ( I haven't done it yet) because it seems very pirate thing to do.

I can't speak on other things as I'm not all that far yet.

One thing I dislike is the lack of a classic pirate like job. I'm seeing no pirate ship mount (sad). I hope and pray I will see those in the future to get my entire theme down.

Oh I also loving gambling in the golden saucer.

[Renalt]

I love the story (so far), I do love the voice line things alongside the music (this really makes it feel like a living story to me) I do like that I can treasure hunt in the future ( I haven't done it yet) because it seems very pirate thing to do.

I can't speak on other things as I'm not all that far yet.

One thing I dislike is the lack of a classic pirate like job. I'm seeing no pirate ship mount (sad). I hope and pray I will see those in the future to get my entire theme down.

Oh I also loving gambling in the golden saucer.

Have a few people with you. Those treasure hunts can get a little wacky and you won't be able to solo it depending on the level of the map.

[hynaku]

Can't think of really anything I enjoy about the game other than talking to friends and Hildibrand quests.

[Wiglac]

For me its the FC and random strangers. I spend far too much time using FF14 as a chat / social platform, rather than leveling etc. Its why I actually miss the old Praetorium and Castrum Meridianum - lots of random chat and relaxingplay :P

[Illmaeran]

So...what keeps you guys going?

Not to be flip, but the game itself keeps me going. I'm what many on these forums would call a Toxic Casual and giving myself permission to Butterfly back and forth between different bits of content as I feel like has done wonders for my enjoyment of the game. Not having to be one of the first to get something done or to Keep Up With The Joneses is very freeing. If I feel like binging PvP for a few days then not do it for a couple weeks, it's ok.

Making an alt and getting into the RP scene has re-invigorated the game as well. Even when not actively RPing, my character still has a headcanon so he doesn't do certain jobs that don't feel right. Being able to play those jobs on an alt lets me see another side of the game and gets me excited to play again; even if it's just grinding FATEs for gemstones.

The most important thing that keeps me going/enjoying the game is letting myself take breaks when I want or need. This game is so incredibly forgiving of taking time off that I never fear getting so far behind that I'll never be able to catch up if I take an extended break. Everything about it, including not making raiding the focus of endgame, fits my play style so I've always come back. Aside from some small gripes, XIV's my perfect MMO so I probably won't permanently leave it until it shuts down or another FF MMO comes out.

Strangely, crafting for housing items. I'd never have imagine myself enjoying that had I not gotten a plot.

I agree! I've resolved to make every single item, including self-gathering the materials, for all the items in my new house unless the stuff I want/need is only available from NPCs. It's taking quite a bit of time, but it's an enjoyable process that will give me a lot of pride when it's done. Knowing all the items are HQ, even if not ACTUALLY HQ, is fun too.

[Ryaz]

I like the Combat, the social aspects, the fact that I can go at my own pace, the various kinds of content that appeal to me when I'm in different moods, the fact that the game has something for everyone to enjoy. The story, of course, is top notch. Decorating my house is always fun and there's something rewarding about crafting all my own housing items.

And if I want to play another game for a bit, I don't feel like I'm falling drastically behind like I do in other MMOs.

[Aglaica]

The people
Treasure maps
Jumping around the fc house
Collecting minions
Majority of the storylines