Write your Positive Experience on FFXIV

[Sojiro_Saitama]

My starter class was Marauder (1.0) and I switched to Pugilist fairly quickly. It was only recently that I came back to it and started leveling it again, and I'm now 90 on it and having a good time.

Around 2015 I believe**
1) When did you start playing FFXIV? **Whenever 1.0 went live? I have the Collector's Edition box from the original release**

2) What keeps you playing? **I'm... not exactly sure. I like the graphics, and they cater to my anime nerd aesthetics. I'm a long running MMORPG player having gone from hardcore to casual, and back and forth.**

3) What do you enjoy most about the game? **Mostly good story, a fairly unique MMO even with its flaws. The jobs deliver on their flavor for the most part and I like the world even if I don't know it as well as I would like.**

4) A favorite memory or moment? **Stormblood launch. I know it wasn't everyone's favorite, but it was mine. I was so hype because I mained Samurai in FFXI and was ready to pick up my katana again.**

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you? **The aesthetics and unique encounters. While I've lamented my dislike of the game's overuse of instant death mechanics, it still overall feels *mostly* fair.**

6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV? **Give the free mode a try, and if you like it sub. If it's not for you, I understand.**

7) Favorite emote? **/situps**

8) Favorite job to relax on? **White Mage. It's honestly a bit boring, but it's what I'll run roulettes on if I can't pay attention properly.**

9) Preferred server or data center? **Crystal**

10) A glam style you always return to? **Tattooed Monk has been an obsession of mine for a while. Thank you S-E for letting me use Warrior Armor on MONK GLAMS!!!**

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love? **I love anytime I get Stormblood content because it's my absolute favorite boss music.**

12) Any closing thought or appreciation you’d like to share? **I don't necessarily regret all the time I've spent on the game. I do love my character, her house in Shirogane.**

13) Write a question for the player who replies after you. **What's your favorite mount that you own, and which mount is your dream mount that you don't have?**

[Aonns]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV?
2.0. A few months after the servers went live some friends and I all started playing together.

2) What keeps you playing?
I enjoy the journey. Even if my local friends don't play anymore, I keep coming back to watch the story unfold and bounce between friend groups in game.

3) What do you enjoy most about the game?
The story and the Final Fantasy elements. They've also gotten pretty good at making some breathtaking vistas.

4) A favorite memory or moment?
There are a few plot moments that I enjoy looking back on. The final cutscenes and Trial of Shadowbringer in particular sticks out.

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you?
Being a Final Fantasy game. The overarching plot has really set a tone.

6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV?
Take your time and enjoy yourself. Immerse in what you like and don't sweat it if there is content you don't feel too keen on.

7) Favorite emote?
/magictrick

8) Favorite job to relax on?
Miner

9) Preferred server or data center?
Born on Coeurl, die on Coeurl.

10) A glam style you always return to?
I'm currently really into my clown glam. I replaced the hat with a half-mask and the shoes with Tonberry Boots. Everything is colored blue and gold and it makes me happy.

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love?
Ala Mhigo. There is an Ishgardian night in the background at one point shouting "Ishgard remembers!" and he effects me more deeply that any nameless NPC rightfully should.

12) Any closing thought or appreciation you’d like to share?
"To take what steps we may. And thus mark the road for those that would follow."

[Aonns]

13) Write a question for the player who replies after you. **What's your favorite mount that you own, and which mount is your dream mount that you don't have?**

My chocobo is my partner. However, there is a bundle of balloons as a mount that fits my circus theme on MogStation. I just haven't bought it yet. And I would love some kind of train mount.

[GraceHorizon]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV?
June 2022

2) What keeps you playing?
Duty roulettes. I really enjoy pickup games with random players and shepherding first-timers through content. Everyone has a different play style, and that keeps the duties reasonably fresh for me even playing them daily for months.

3) What do you enjoy most about the game?
See above

4) A favorite memory or moment?
Being vague to avoid too many spoilers: At the end of Shadowbringers 5.0, where the WoL survives and the villain loses his cool for the first time. We finally forced him to respect us. :3

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you?
I haven’t played a lot of other MMOs, but FFXIV has a richer world that encourages you to just inhabit it and do things in it.

6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV?
Be prepared for a long long long story, basically six JRPGs stacked end to end, that is mostly played solo

7) Favorite emote?
Reaper’s battle stance

8) Favorite job to relax on?
Warrior. Easy and forgiving, it’s the job I turn to when I want to make sure I don’t have a bad time.

9) Preferred server or data center?
Well, my house is on Dynamis Rafflesia, so naturally I like that, but Seraph is the more happening place in terms of social activity. Fortunately my friends on Seraph like my house so they visit me as often as I visit them.

10) A glam style you always return to?
My lumbercat glam for Warrior: stocking cap, suspenders, work pants, and boots. Makes me look like I’m there to fell trees instead of monsters. I’m not wearing it right now, but I always return to it.

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love?
The Voidcast Dais. Love the voice acting, love the music, and it makes more of an impression on me than the other great duties of FFXIV because I was there for it when it came out. It’s no longer the killer it used to be, but back during Endwalker I used to queue for it on healer frequently to shepherd first timers through and prevent wipes.

12) Any closing thought or appreciation you’d like to share?
The Arcadion is my favorite normal raid series in the game. The characters are so colorful, and the fights are both creative and (with some caveats) mostly okay for casual players.

[Brynne]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV?
During the 1.0 beta.

2) What keeps you playing?
I love the story and characters of the game, I love my character, and I love doing things with my friends in the game

3) What do you enjoy most about the game?
The story! Even at its lower points, I really enjoy going through it.

4) A favorite memory or moment?
At the end of Shadowbringers when [spoiler]the Exarch approaches us after the battle with Emet-Selch[/spoiler].

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you?
The story, again. It's not just that it's good. It's also great to see a game maintain a theme of hope overcoming despair. This is my favorite kind of story.

6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV?
Take it slow and enjoy the story as you go. It starts off slow but it'll ramp up to something great.

7) Favorite emote?
/twirl

8) Favorite job to relax on?
Right now I'm maining WAR. I do like to play SMN or DNC sometimes, though.

9) Preferred server or data center?
I'm on Aether - Siren with no plans to move.

10) A glam style you always return to?
My character's casual theme is pink and white, with the sailor brais and the street jacket and ladies clogs

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love?
I really love Euphrosyne, it's so pretty and honestly pretty fun. Plus, G'raha accompanies you.

12) Any closing thought or appreciation you’d like to share?
Appreciation to the OP who thought up this thread! This was a pleasant way to spend a few minutes.

13) Write a question for the player who replies after you.
Who's your favorite character in the game?

Question from the last person who made one: What's your favorite mount that you own, and which mount is your dream mount that you don't have?
My favorite mount currently is the wings from EX2, I just love how they look! I really want to get the wings from EX6, though. Our group will get there one day, we're just very slow. XD

[HammAndCheese]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV?
During the pandemic, I think it was 5.2, Ruby Weapon was the current Extreme fight at the time.

2) What keeps you playing?

Achievement Hunting mostly, I really enjoy doing all the content in the game and the people I meet along the way. (You'll be surprised on how many people you can meet while fishing for Big Fish.) I also don't have anything else that keeps me as occupied as this game does.

3) What do you enjoy most about the game?
The people I've meet while playing, I've made some truly worthwhile friendships. I also love the story but EW ruined some of the mysteriousness of the lore in the game for me, some things are better left unaddressed. Dawntrail needed better pacing and realistic storytelling with some of the characters. Shadowbringers came at a time when I really needed the story in my life and It'll always hold a special place in my heart and mind.

4) A favorite memory or moment?
There's been some funny ones, someone already posted a clip of it happening on the first page but in the final Nier raid the first boss can kill the entire group if it dies as it does a knockback because the cubes vanish.

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you?
This is my first and only MMO

6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV?
ARR really is a slog but just enjoy the ride to the finish don't feel the need to rush, level up as many jobs as you want as you go. I personally really enjoyed the story but its a slow start on each expansion. Shadowbringers is worth the wait and buildup. A lot of older content is really dated but you truly don't get sucked into it very often. Crafting is a Pyramid Scheme.

7) Favorite emote?
/playdead

8) Favorite job to relax on?
White Mage

9) Preferred server or data center?
Due to the state of PF on all other NA DCs except for Aether I cant give a good answer on this. Crystal was my home but after DC travel opened and the PF died i had to move to Aether, which isn't bad but that's a glaring issue the Devs need to solve.

10) A glam style you always return to?
I love wearing modern glams, gives me the feeling that I just got Isekaied

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love?
Ghimlyt Dark is my favorite dungeon in the game: the theme, the sense of urgency, your allies fighting alongside you as you push back the empire. It has it all all.

12) Any closing thought or appreciation you’d like to share?
The game has had its ups and downs but all in all its been a good ride. I hope for some worthwhile updates to most older content and outdated systems in the future, glam unlock was a great step forward. Base DT story was mid at best and exploration content needs to be improved on because OC was not it, Forked Tower Blood is great content but had terrible implementation. Somehow took the worst of Eureka and Bozja and turned them into a mess, was hoping for better considering how much I enjoyed Eureka and Bozja.

Question from last poster: Who's your favorite character in the game?

Ardbert

13) Write a question for the player who replies after you.
What's your favorite kind of bread?

[aereniil]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV?
July 2024, friend advice. With FFXII:ZA (I grew up to PS2 version), FFXIV was my comeback to video games after a 10 years hiatus.

2) What keeps you playing?
Perfect balance of everything for me, at my pace:

a) First, Final Fantasy!
b) a story/characters/universe I’m really invested in
c) tons of fun content (mostly not high-level yet) that’s accessible but still challenging...

d) surprisingly enjoyable non-ranked PvP
(Frontlines made me stop hating PvP, after being har****ed in a certain popular MOB* and disappointed by Th* Eld** *cr**** O*****'s PvP in 2015).

e) It’s also a fair, good, and low-pressure escape from reality + no pay-to-win.

f) Partly thanks to a still active enough community (cheers to Hunters), I can enjoy the content and events I currently do without needing heavy social commitment (due to my "condition" and "traumas"), while still getting the fun moments and surprises of randomly playing with others.

g) still getting nowadays new surprising fond memories from discoveries and experiences

3) What do you enjoy most about the game?
The story and characters from ARR to part of DT (despite some disappointments) !
The PvE fights are addictive and glams are nice ! Frontline, of course (for the best and the worst) ! The "collection aspect" content (relics, crafting, specific duties) !

Y'shtola, Alisaie, ma' boy Alphinaud, and G'raha Tia !

4) A favorite memory or moment?
Spoiler :

The cutscenes, events, and duties from the last part of Endwalker ! That teary farewell to Mother.

And my very first 1st-person view EX on FC event.

7) Favorite emote?
... /surprised (you know why)

8) Favorite job to relax on?
My 2 mains : BLM (my very first job) + RDM

9) Preferred server or data center?
Only lived on Lich (Light) until now, so best balanced server ^^
Then, I'd maybe alt-join my fellow french-speaking baguette people on Moogle (Chaos), more out of curiosity for new experiences than making friends.

10) A glam style you always return to?
My favourite colour : red !!
Style: Between Classy + epic (to my tastes) and sober, but always lore-friendly (to my perspective). If it feels too out-of-universe, it’s a no.
Not very good at glamming or for fashion, but I love my sailor-BLM-adventurer vibe kind of set :

Ivalician Enchanter's Eyeglasses, Wine Red+Snow White dyed Ala Mhigan Gown, Dalamud Red dyed Lalafellin Wristguards, Ivalician Arithmetician's Bottoms, Summer Sandals, Rose Gold Earrings of Gathering, and Wayferer's Neckclase

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love?
Spoiler:

Mothercrystal

but I vehemently show this preference so it's not secret. Thus, I'll say Paglth'an which has one of the most (if not the most) beautiful captivating "natural" sceneries I've seen in-game (after 2nd boss).

Oh, and I love rye bread

13) Write a question for the player who replies after you.
What's your favorite music in-game ? (only 1 of them x) )

[Appleboops]

• 1) I started playing around October of 2025 so not too long ago, I'm a DT child

• 2) I keep playing because for all its faults, and primarily its terrible disconnection issue, the game itself is fun and I'm hoping things improve

• 3) My most enjoyed content in the game is the large-scale character progress & development, I'm a completionist by nature

• 4) Probably quite a few but the most recent "flex" moment I felt was beating stage 32 of the BLU Carnivale with the achievement and getting my umbrella

• 5) To be honest it doesn't feel that different in general, it has a lot of the usual MMO staples, but I guess once consistent is that at least on my servers (Diablos) the game is very populated which is nice compared to some other MMOs out there

• 6) Start with the trial, play it at least a month before buying in because having a monthly sub on top of paid DLC purchase and a cash shop .. this game is not cheap O.o but that said it's worth it IMO ... most days XD

• 7) Lately it's been "Victory Reveal"

• 8) White Mage is my "could play it in my sleep" job, it's the one I tend to main in Occult or any new content that comes out

• 9) I don't have a preferred Data Center since I've only ever played on Diablos

• 10) I have a unique glam set up for each job (well 20 unique glams, since that's the cap), I try to keep things fresh and unique for each one

• 11) I've been liking the Heavyweight series so far, but really I enjoy any content that has some challenge in it within reason of course

• 12) As much as I rant and rave when I get DC'd and as much as I will never be one to shy away from calling out SE's shortcomings when they happen, I will say with full honesty that I love the game. If I rave, it's because I want to see it go on for another 10 years. All things willing, we'll see a bright future in 8.0

• 13) Are Free Companies actually worthwhile nowadays? I've played since the start entirely solo, no company to speak of and it's been ok, but I do feel some days that I might be missing out on that cooperative environment a bit. Then again, I not one for big social interaction some days so "eh", just wondering what people's thoughts on the matter are

[Gurgeh]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV?
ShB 2019.
Didn't really know anything about the game or it's reputation. But i wanted quality reliable shared Fantasy experience. Sub instead of f2p was key.

2) What keeps you playing?

3) What do you enjoy most about the game?
The shared experiences and human moments in chat. Those moments of being able to relate and in the same page, and a shared enthusiasm.

4) A favorite memory or moment?
Roaming the starter city zones and meeting sprouts who clearly were new. Gifting them a considered minion when they were running around with their boat, or maybe even a cool new barding that had just come out. Speed leveling their blue to 40.

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you?
Wouldnt know
6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV?
Are you a skilled hardcore gamer and are you ok installing dodgy 3rd party addons? You probably know if you are. If your not just be a bit prepared is all. Try not to get too invested if that's not the case as it's not unusual for people to fall off and it's just hardcore at the end, which, seriously, plays 100% differently, and because its grueling the social dynamic is very different, quite ruthless, not welcoming. You'll need the addons to be on an equal footing just to prepare for hardcore and be ready in time while making preparing bareable, because crafting at end game is also 100% different. If your not using using crafting addons or already farming high end drops your living in a gil poor economy, and hardcore is expensive. Its a real job where you need to earn/grind a living.
Just be aware and prepared/warned is all. Have fun.

7) Favorite emote?
/dote /milaliho (dont know had them on xbar)

8) Favorite job to relax on?
dancer

9) Preferred server or data center?

10) A glam style you always return to?
Heavy High Allagan. Its a style all of it's own. Gothic meets high fantasy meets futuristic

11) A dungeon, trial, or raid you secretly love?
Cant hold back for this one I'm afraid, it was the old Aurum. Then it was the old Keeper of the Lake. Now it's Aetheriochemical, the music, sweeping changes in visuals as it somehow opens up and descends at the same time. The update to the final boss in that was fantastic to give it its deserved due.
Not so secret, Alpha 3.0. (omega normal) Maybe Golbez-Ex (but its dead content now so hard to tell)


12) Any closing thought or appreciation you’d like to share?

13) Are Free Companies actually worthwhile nowadays? I've played since the start entirely solo, no company to speak of and it's been ok, but I do feel some days that I might be missing out on that cooperative environment a bit. Then again, I not one for big social interaction some days so "eh", just wondering what people's thoughts on the matter are

Ehhh, almost but the reality has tipped over to No. The chances of finding a casual FC with players that are longing in and also play the game your way (actually want to run content with someone other than that one mate, such they only do rarely), on the server you happen to be on, is just too slim. In just one day off my freeplay I met a good handful plus of people in instance enjoying dungeons, waiting for you, emoting, Id have considered asking if i could have joined, and I would have resubbed for. But not on my server. I've already paid to flee Chaos DC. Not paying again.




13) Write a question for the player who replies after you.

What is your favourite ARR monster zone (so non city) and why? (I love those little woodland corridors with the odd open air rooms you go through in black shroud, that have stories untold)
And because I'm feeling greedy if your feeling generous, what's your favourite one soudtrack from XIV? (mine is Shadows Withal, again there are echoes of forgotten stories in that song )




(Great thread OP)

[Fallaner]

1) When did you start playing FFXIV? - 2017! Started the free trial in April IIRC, bought the base game and heavensward (and stormblood) in May. I do not in fact regret this decision, I wanted access to everything nooowwww (them) not when Stormblood released.

2) What keeps you playing? - The story, actually! I know a lot of people dislike Dawntrail, but honestly I am always rather confused by that, I actually really enjoyed it. Personally speaking, after having played WoW since like, 6 years old, I do not think any FFXIV story is as bad as WoW could get so that admittedly colors things, but I enjoy it anyway.

3) What do you enjoy most about the game? - Two things, both related to question 2. The first is that the narrative is rather easy to follow, unlike something like, say, WoW, you don't need to read 2918291 different supplemental things to know what's going on. The story is pretty self-contained. The second is that the high-end content is explicitly NOT how events in the story go. I largely don't do the high-end stuff like savages or ultimates, and definitely didn't in WoW, but I want the experience of doing things the 'canon' way, so to speak (I am a massive fan of the duty support system for this reason). The normal versions being the canon ones with high-end beings "What if?" is something I very much enjoy.

4) A favorite memory or moment? - "I wanted this, once. More than anything. A chance to speak and be heard... But neither of us needs it anymore. And if we were to look deep within ourselves, we would realize that we never did. We are the stories we tell ourselves. The brave hero, the tortured soul, the altruist, the pragmatist. They will tell you who they see, but you and you alone know who you are. For I speak only for myself. If you find comfort in my words, they are yours for the taking, but that is your choice. Now and ever after, as it has always been." It has gotten to the extent I casually quote this to my friends when I give them advice. "If you find comfort in my words, they are yours for the taking, but that is your choice."

5) What makes FFXIV feel different from other MMOs for you? - The focus on story and being able to play at least mostly solo. It's a wonderfully enjoyable thing. It's enjoyable sometimes to play by myself but still be surrounded by people.

6) What would you say to someone thinking about trying FFXIV? - That it's an extremely story-heavy game and is a fair bit slower than most other MMOs I know of or have played (which is main WoW and GW2.)

7) Favorite emote? - Twirl. It's so FUN! My favorite dance emote is thavdance. It's so elegant to me. And femme. I like it.

8) Favorite job to relax on? - White Mage. But I also main it. Does it count as relaxing if it's my main? I just find White Mage pretty fun ngl. I know healing ain't that hard or anything, but Afflatus Misery is so fun. So is Glare IV.