Suggestion - Free Company Revitalization.

[XiaoShengwu]

Free Company Revitalization
A Suggestion thread to the Devs and opinion placed towards the approval of the community.

Forenotice
I bring this opinion from my own view on the community and their activity in regards to Free Company (FC) involvement and participation in activities.

Current State of Free Companies
An overview of the non-specific interactions/activities for Free Companies & their members.

With so many variable additions being made to the game, I thought it prudent to bring to the attention of those willing to hear it(and possibly upvote and bump); that a revitalization of sorts, should be recommended to the dev team at large, on behalf of FC's. Now I'm not speaking about housing. I"m not speaking about lotto's or item slots or anything of that sort. That's a dead horse, which is apparently been necromancied, shot several times with shotguns, and hacked to pieces because people can't manage to let sleeping dogs lay. We even now have a housing raffle disguised as a lottery because of it.

No, I'm speaking about FC-specific activities. Bringing a more, involved and participation-based orientation to the community by means of intercompany objectives.

Currently, we have gardening (not entirely specific to FCs, however, they tend to be where the majority of the activity occurs), Airships, Submersibles, and Company workshops to craft particular housing items and appearances that can be sold on markets or made available by trade sale (the practice of an alt account retrieving the item in question, leaving the FC and joining another, depositing it in the FC chest and then receiving Gil in return, only to then rejoin the first FC).

Free Company workshops could provide certain levels of involvement, but with them being locked behind permissions that, I would imagine, most FC leaders and officers keep permitted to themselves and their omnicrafters; provides no viable use to the rest of the member base for the company. However, the list of proprietary uses or activities involving members ends there. The days of active and excited FC members joining together to achieve a shared goal (outside of player-run map nights) have ended. But why? Why were the limitations to involvement left at that?

So let's look at what we have - The involvement in Free Companies as an active part of their interaction with the members is as follows:

1. Company workshops
2. Airships
3. Submersibles

And that's it. ....
everything else has to be done in-game with the organization and promotion of player-run events.

[XiaoShengwu]

Introduction & Subsequently unfortunate removal of the Diadem

If any of you recall, back in Heavensward we received the diadem. It was an exploratory area that allowed for players to engage in combat against a varied array of species of beasts and monsters, as well as a couple of different "world" bosses which would equate to a 72-90 man raid. - It also, provided Free Companies the ability to adventure on exploratory ventures either by air or sea.

This was an absolutely amazing addition to the game for FC use, as it garnered the attention of players to actively group up with their FC mates and propose event nights once the appropriate amount of Cereuleum Tanks had been acquired from the vendor in Ishgard, and allowed for multiple leveled groups of individuals to band together all under the banner of the FC and go on combat missions together to extract and obtain certain, otherwise un-obtainable; items, materials, gearsets, and trinkets.

With the addition of the Eureka instance zone and further additions to the games already massive server usage, it was an inevitability that Diadem would be removed.
Since then Combat diadem *was*, in fact, removed. Then re-added back to the game during Shadowbringers, for solely Gatherer use. - While the benefit of the Diadem and by extension the Firmament providing the eventual fopaux topic of the Empyerium Housing District <- not the basis of the post. please don't.

The removal of the Diadem Exploratory missions for FC's, took away an incredibly integral aspect from them, Community Involvement, which was never replaced by anything. For all the talk about "large active free companies", it doesn't seem very on track to remove a major aspect of that being a viable concept.

[XiaoShengwu]

Suggestions for a more immersive Free Company Experience

Now, I perused the forums a bit, and...in the first 5 pages in the Companies section I have only found 1 thread suggesting changes. One Ms. "Tsugikai" Posted about the possibility of FC Quests, which can be seen here. Which, to my mind, is an amazing idea.

It would be so cool to have quests that FCs could undertake as a group.
The quests would be weekly, and awards are based on the type of mission.

Examples:

FC Quest: By the Cartload
Objective: Your FC must gather a collective total of 5000 (enter raw material name/ names here) and turn them into (unnamed NPC).
Award(s): (1000 FC xp) (10 Raw Celestine)

or

FC Quest: Desert Hunt: B
Objective: Your FC must hunt up to 100 B-Rank hunt marks in Thanalan
Award(s): (3000 FC xp) (B-rank Hunt trophy: Broze 10 kills, Silver 20 kills, Mythril 50 kills, Gold 80 Kills, Platinum 100 Kills)

Missions and Quests, explorations, open-world FC-specific Fates, and other such activities should be an active part of the game for FC's. Quests to gain minimal yet still significant FC exp relevant to Company rank would be an amazing part of bringing activity to the members, as well as the added bonus of chances at items for the individuals which would be either profitable or desirable in terms of either gear for use or gear for glams. Additionally, the removal of restrictions to higher levels would promote the inclusion of the newer sprouts (to the game) in the activities as well.

Bringing the Free Companies back into relevance, especially with so many possible opportunities which would arise from doing so, seems to be a positive aspect that should be focused on, even slightly by the devs (when time can be allocated of course).

Below I will share some suggestions I've concocted for the purposes of example, displaying certain approaches the devs could take to improve FC community involvement.

[XiaoShengwu]

Free Company Missions:

(Much like Company Workshop progress crafting, FC Missions could replicate this same effect by obtaining and delivering materials to the FC house for certain projects around the physical plot or within the house itself. Additionally, The implementation of the "decay" system into the game for FC Houses & plots only would be introduced, weekly quests to upkeep the overall function and appearance of the FC house and plot would need to be completed, otherwise, the plot would become -appearance-wise- run down and decaying.)

1. 1 -Constructing Additional Gardens- (a spoof on 'constructing additional pylons') This, in essence, would theoretically grant FC plots an additional garden through the efforts of Gatherers putting together a garden plot, tilling the soil and ensuring the proper fertilizer was obtained. (a much-requested boon to small plots, but not in addition to the outdoor items, it would replace 1 item)
   Over the period of a single construction process, FC plots would be granted the ability to possess a secondary Garden plot specific to their FC, a market prohibited item)
   
   
2. 2 -Make it or Break it- (Crafter, Workshop improvement Missions)
   
   
3. 3 -Have you tried turning it off and on again?- As previously mentioned above for this category, a Decay mechanic would need to be installed. (not particularly difficult to do considering we have the doman enclave and repair/construction is possible in-game) Players would be given the option of participating in weekly quests and bi-weekly quests that would give them the ability to perform upkeep on their FC house and plot. Not participating in these quests would allow the plot and house to fall into disrepair aesthetically (not hindering the use or performance of the plot & house in any way shape or form, but no one wants to live in a place that looks like it's on the bad end of town).
   
   • (this is a list of quest ideas that could be placed on a rotation basis)
   • (weekly)-From the windows, to the walls-
   • (bi-weekly)-The floor is lava-
   • (weekly)-the roof is falling, the roof is falling-
   • (bi-weekly)-clean your rooms or no desert-

[XiaoShengwu]

Free Company Quests:

1. 1 -Airship One & Company Tide-(spoofs of 'Air Force One' & 'Crimson Tide') have a weekly cycle, a set of daily crafting quests to outfit a ship of either sort with applicable needs, for a culminating quest that resets once a week. That quest could provide an excursion out into the open world in an instanced manner, giving FC members an opportunity to fight specific mobs for chances at rare otherwise unobtainable mats for crafting.
   
   So to break it down
   -> Wednesday through Monday, Daily construction/outfitting (Each day's set of quests would garner FC exp as well as personal crafter exp.
   
   
2. 2 -Chocobo Run (a spoof on 'Chicken run')- Set up Chocobo traps around the FC plot and inside of the house to catch certain rodents that may or may not be lurking around nibbling on furniture. Depending on whether or not you manage to catch anything, the size and quantity of the catch; the FC would benefit by gaining the possibility of receiving a singular buff from a selection of FC Buffs (buffs could be stackable with already existing buffs provided by FCs. Only one could be held for the duration of the week, and would be replaced by the new one if not used)-
   "Spotless Floors, that's fewer chores" - (Buff would provide all FC members 48 hours of exp boost and rested experience)
   "Careful, They bite" - (Buff would provide all FC members 48 hours of enhanced food duration)
   "Hungry means Happy" - (Buff would provide all FC members with 24 hours of crafting exp boost)
   
   
   
3. 3 -Reorganize & Revitalize- FC members would assemble at the FC house to find a representative of the Allied standing Grand Company (GC), waiting with a request for an inventory of all Free Company attire, equipment, and accessories. Players would have to scramble within a preset time limit to move boxes around the FC plot and house and set them at predesignated locations for the GC representative to inspect. (Mechanics of the quest would be similar to fetch and carry quests already present in-game)
   
   
   
   Rewards could range from certain FC buffs for exp or workshop-specific buffs & mats, to chances at specialized GC gear, GC company crafting mats or even housing items.
   
   

[XiaoShengwu]

Free Company Open-World Fates:

(Mechanics for these events would have to be activated by the party in question, so as to prevent opposing FCs from stealing the credit from the initiating group. Similar to 8-man treasure maps, where those outside of the party are unable to attack mobs spawned by party members' chests.)

1. 1 -Turbulent Skies- A weekly gather & turn in fate, much like the ones you run into out in the field. FC members would be directed to a location where there would be a broken-down, crashed airship. Players would then have a timer presented and be required to pick up the pieces of the downed ship and turn them into the fate representative (a GC representative) in order to earn the normalized Fate ranking system (i.e. bronze, silver, gold).
   
   Upon completion of 4 of these fates, (1 month) FC's would be garnered with base materials to assist in the creation/upkeep of their own airships. Additional rewards could include, minimal FC exp (i.e. 5000-8000 maximum) as well as personal character exp on the class used to participate in the fate.
   
   

[XiaoShengwu]

Free Company Explorations:

1. 1 -Twelve years in Eorzea & Journey to the depths of Eorzea- (refer to first FC Quest suggestion)
   -> Tuesday (reset day) - a completion quest becomes available and allows for a voyage/exploration (only available that one day). (should the FC opt to accept the quest) Once assembled, it could allow for up to 6-8 players. Requirements would be that an appropriate amount of Cereuleum tanks are spent for each player to participate in the voyage/exploration. No classes or jobs under 50.
   
   This could take FC members to specified locations in each of the regions. Unlockable by a number of trips to the prior destination. (much like the devs have created the Criterion dungeons, each location could be given several sub-locations that must be fully cleared before the next region can be unlocked. Monsters and beasts can be scaled to the number of players present, with their own mechanics, buffs, and debuffs.
   
   New in detail expansions to already pre-existing regions could be expanded on. To start out you'd really only need 3 locations per story region, since each location would have 3-6 separate avenues within them, such as
   • ARR
   • Northern Thanalan - To explore the Garlean fortress
   • Outer La Noscea - To delve into the mines
   • East Shroud - To combat the Sylphs in their homelands
     
     HW
   • Coerthas Western Highlands - To venture past the Great Ice Wall
   • The Churning Mists - To escort the Moogles past the dragons that are still hostile
   • The Sea of Clouds - To quell a civil war between the tribes of the Vanu Vanu
     
     SB
   • The Ruby Sea - Dive below to the depths of 'The Kobayashi Maru'
   • Kugane - Travel into the sewers of the city to oust rebels and stop a coupdetat.
   • The Peaks - Explore the ruins that litter the landscape of the desert
     
     SHB
   • Lakeland - Besiege and invade the Laxan Loft Fortress
   • Amg Araeng - Rid the 'Mount Biran Mines' from desposit raiders
   • The Tempest - Explore the trench of 'The Trinculo Shelf' to bring back lost treasures
     
     EW
   • to be determined
   • to be determined
   • to be determined

[XiaoShengwu]

• 2 -Prepare to defend yourselves!!- Airships /or / Submarines - emergency repairs (crafting), some sort of bartering (gathering), a number of different types of quests/activities that fit for combat jobs.
  
  The concept behind this would be to add the option to accompany the ship on a short voyage (let's say the same time duration as you receive when you enter the diadem, with the option to return at any point you deem needed, for a lower reward of exp for the FC and individuals present) to assist with ship repairs as the vessel makes it way through the trip. This would also include the added possibility of having to engage in combat on the ship to defend it from possible attack by beasts or raiders(pirates).
  
  smaller than exploration zones, you could do these short voyages in small instances, kind of envisioning a return to the FC company airship voyages from Heavensward without leaving the ship. Provided only one set of trash and a boss has the possibility of spawning, scaled to the number of FC members that respond to the call 1-4 (light party) and providing a range of rewards dependant on the time it takes to defeat them and how much of the ship is kept operational during the time allotted.
  
  These rewards could include but are not limited to:
  • - rare glamour clothing materials
  • - rare workshop materials
  • - rare voyage gear (pick icon gear that used to be
  • - rare minions only obtainable through these voyages
  • - common treasure map mats and rewards
  
  

[XiaoShengwu]

Recap & Conclusion

So Overall, the current state of Free Companies is in disrepair. Not by really a form of neglect per se, but by not having anything for their members to participate in outside of absolutely bare minimum. By introducing FC Missions - which could allow for additional FC resources and possibly aesthetic changes to the appearance of the FC house based on members' upkeep of their home. Bringing Quests to provide fun and entertaining gatherings for a chance as some Free Company rewards. Restoring and/or revisiting Free Company explorations, for the purpose of FC member participation in events and outings beneficial not only to the individual but also to their parent company would reinvigorate FC's with a newfound purpose and place in the playability of FFXIV.

In keeping with the overall concept of what the dev team and Yoshi P. himself has stated on multiple occasions and in multitudes of interview and live letters, presenting this as a suggestion only, it seems as if moving forward in the history of FFXIV without readdressing how FC's can not only retain but entertain their members so as to bolster their morale and present an active FC community to the entire player base.


I appreciate the time those of you have taken, if having gotten this far you have read everything, in viewing my proposal for Free Company Revitalization. I hope that others will pitch similar ideas and suggestions that the dev could take into consideration and possibly implement one day.

Thank you again for your time.

[aesnevaeh]

The following thread may be relevant too. Please refer to the original post, it contains some ideas too I could not fit here due to post limit:

https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/...rces-into-FC-s

That isn't a problem with SE and the FC system design. SE rightly doesn't want to dictate what activities a FC can do. If your FC feels like no more than a glorified chat room, that's a problem with the FC leadership.

I agree with you, OP, that FCs currently feels more like an afterthought.

That being said, I share Jojoya opinion above. I don't wish for more daily or weekly tasks to keep the free company running as it should. For instance, the idea that the FC estate would have a system akin to the chocobo stable which, if you don't keep using magitek brooms to clean, makes it looks abandoned, sounds more like a public shaming penalty for not doing weekly chores than incentive.

Incentive and variety I personally feel is the core issue here. Content out there to assembly a party exists, but for a new player it is also heavily gated behind MSQ.

In addition to that, the existing systems are simply not enjoyable for the majority of people I spoke with in my FC. Which is very understandable. Gardens require daily tending (for most seeds). Even planting 16 seeds is painful, one by one, and with several prompts asking if you really, really wish to plant the seed and soil. Wheels, every 3 days. Voyages, every 1 to 4 days. Both systems also gated on button mashing for delivery. Not withstanding the learning curve to understand sector planing, progression and gearing and cross-seeding. The majority of this is locked behind gathering, which..let's be frank, isn't very entertaining either to do on hours on end (refer to Warframe gathering and fishing for a spin-off on these).

The chocobo stable *feeding* I think is the one they got it right, but the incentive is lacking. If everyone feeds everyone's chocobo, all chocobos level faster. If everyone feeds their own chocobo, everyone levels slower. Helping each other benefits each other immediately. Explaining how the soil ties to voidrakes, to curious crop, to workshop projects, to voyages, to buff 3? Hmmmm....not so much. Now ask any player what they care more, their glam or their chocobo rank? The average player will probably reply with "Wait what? Chocobos can level?!" since it is easily missed.

That being said, I partially disagree with Jojoya on the issue lying on FC Leadership. Square Enix can design game systems that bridge us together without making it a chore. Lost count on the number of people spending overnight for a house estate during placard. The saint title (one which I own), personally, another example of unhealthy game design. Right now, given what I stated above, I think square can do better.