Endgame Progression, Elitism and You

[WintersMoondancer]

Though I believe skill is greater than gears, gear progression does help and as stated before, the game pretty much leaves it up to you to figure out what to do once you hit 50. With no real in-game guidance and a over abundance of rude & inconsiderate players not willing to help newbies out (after all they had to learn once too), even though I don't agree with all the OP said, I can appreciate the OP's mini guide as a way to get a better idea of which way to go to progress in the game still and have content to enjoy. Just wish players can look past the gears and take in to account players skills too.

[Alwryn]

I want to comment but I know people will just scream elitist at me, haha.

But seriously, not a bad guide OP, good job.

[Varok899]

For some fights..

Gear IS needed.

Skill IS needed.

NEITHER are sufficient.

That is all.

[Seig345]

I personally just look at gearing up as a key-change in how I'm leveling up. Once you hit level 50 and finish your job quests, you aren't done progressing your character's power. Now instead of making your character stronger by leveling up through exp grinding, you're continuing on by grinding for better gear. When you're playing solo, it's not as detrimental; however, in phase 3 of beta, I was in a run of Toto-Rak as a Healer in my full AF from 1.0, and I'd forgotten to get my gear repaired. We were fine until all my gear broke, my cure potency dropped like a rock, and I literally did not have the ability to keep even just the tank alive during one of the mid-boss fights. I had to apologize and shamefully bow out (though, at least it was only beta and everything was going to be wiped for phase 4 anyway). After that, I was convinced that regardless of your 'skill' or your level, gear matters.

[Bracan]

Seriously OP,


This is a terrible attitude.....and you are the main reason i detest the minority of this great community that your are portraying, make me feel like a fool for trying and clearing many times with friends other "pug" groups but then now it begins shout in town and at Camp RT for full geared (full DL only), and relic geared only speed runs....

[zPanda]

Garuda HM can be passed in AF although the MT should be geared a little higher. Keep in mind Garuda HM was actually a bit more difficult in 1.0 , and people were beating her back the when very few people had stuff like DL, relic, etc. The fight will take longer and go through more phases due to lower DPS, but if people know what they're doing, you can grind it out.

Titan and beyond is definitely a different story though. The heart phase is basically a DPS race so gear is obviously a factor. And *if* you manage to survive the heart phase, you will not survive those continuous tumults in the final phase without adequate gear. The importance of adequate gear becomes even more evident in Coil.


There is a distinction between "elitism" and simply not wanting to have one's time wasted. Elitism the way I see it is when someone is basically playing the game for the main purpose of telling others they suck compared to them. Basically, "elitists" aren't really considering whether or not you are adequately geared for a battle, they are comparing your gear to theirs and looking for any opportunity to criticize your gear and make themselves feel superior. Even if you are adequately geared for a fight, they will still say your gear sucks. For example, people mocking others for wearing AF in a dungeon like AK because they can't speen-run through it - that would be an elitist. You can ignore these ppl - they're just losers in real life who need in-game accomplishments to provide a feeling of worth. Just laugh at them and move along.


What isn't elitism however is when 7 other people are working to beat a boss/dungeon, and *you* are way under-geared compared to the other party members, and they are wiping because of your low DPS or due to you dying on every fight. In this case, it is *you* who are basically being inconsiderate of other people's time because you're basically hoping to be "carried" by the other 7 people.

Also, people simply shouting for a "speed run" or "expeirenced people" is *not* elitism either. They're making it clear ahead of time what their intention is for the party-makeup so you should be considerate of the fact that they have a specific goal and be aware of whether or not you are prepared for such a party. It should be completely understandable that people who have been stuck on something like Titan HM for a 100 wipes would not be looking for a "learning" party at this time. The person who uses Duty Finder thinking every random party will be a "speed run" and calling everybody in there a noob *is* an elitist.

So bottom line, it works both ways. Here is a simple rule of thumb - do not treat other players like NPCs for your personal benefit or amusement. Remember they are real people just like you. If you do not understand this, stick to single player RPGs please.

[Hayward]

The person who started this thread can take those bullet points (probably supplied by BlueGartr) and have a seat. Get back to me when you come up with some constructive advice for endgame beginners.

[Izzy]

OP makes a very good, detailed, in-depth post on how to gear yourselves up for end-game. -------> Gets crucified for helping.

I don't even know anymore. This is why I premake every group I've ever been in.

*EDIT* ZPanda basically hit everything spot on.

[Maikal]

I'm the literal antithesis of an end-game rushing, "elitist" player and I have to say that this is one of the most helpful posts I've read on this forum. The OP doesn't come across as an "Elitist Jerk," (or whatever the fad title is these days) instead he's being patient and helpful for those who can't eat, sleep and breathe the game. Much credit is due for a fantastically helpful post!

[AnkoYaoi]

Well damn. I beat Titan, Garuda and Ifrit HM's with AF gear... Maybe I was dreaming.

EDIT: ZPanda, that's some real shit. *thumbs up*