What are the things you really enjoy about the game?

[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.