Picking this back up - have a few questions

Cammy

Hey all,

 

Im picking this back up as I wait for SWTOR and GW2 (probably sounds familiar), since its free and no other MMO on the market is even worth a sub fee IMO I thought I'd give this game another shot.

 

I played a little after launch and I admit, wasn't very impressed at all. Found the combat clunky and there was absolutely no direction, even on quests (or leaves maybe they're called here?). Anyways - just a few questions, as I patched this morning to a 1.18B patch and I've heard/read that the 1.18 patch had a lot of new updates. 

1) How is the combat/gameplay after the new additions? Are they improved any? Has the lag been reduced?

2) Is there a specific class as a noob I should roll with? 

3) Is there a server with a high population still? How is the community/population in general?

4) What is the "goal" of this game? Is it story driven, grinding mob driven or more themepark?

 

Surprisingly, even though I played this briefly I still don't know the answer to some basic questions.... To be honest though - Im not sure I gave it a really fair trial as my patience went quickly with little things after launch Any insight or recommendations would be very appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Murugan

Originally posted by Cammy

Hey all,

 

Im picking this back up as I wait for SWTOR and GW2 (probably sounds familiar), since its free and no other MMO on the market is even worth a sub fee IMO I thought I'd give this game another shot.

 

I played a little after launch and I admit, wasn't very impressed at all. Found the combat clunky and there was absolutely no direction, even on quests (or leaves maybe they're called here?). Anyways - just a few questions, as I patched this morning to a 1.18B patch and I've heard/read that the 1.18 patch had a lot of new updates. 

1) How is the combat/gameplay after the new additions? Are they improved any? Has the lag been reduced?

2) Is there a specific class as a noob I should roll with? 

3) Is there a server with a high population still? How is the community/population in general?

4) What is the "goal" of this game? Is it story driven, grinding mob driven or more themepark?

 

Surprisingly, even though I played this briefly I still don't know the answer to some basic questions.... To be honest though - Im not sure I gave it a really fair trial as my patience went quickly with little things after launch Any insight or recommendations would be very appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

1.) Stamina was removed, and the most basic attack for melee classes was stripped to make way for auto attack.  Other basic attacks (including the originals for THM/CON/GLA/ARC) were made into timed abilities.  The result of the combat changes is that self buffs previously limited due to their high enmity generation (enmity system was reworked in 1.18) are more useful.  Most classes have access to at least 3 types of basic attacks still and using those in combination with weapon skills/spells and buffs combat is in reality quicker (due to no stamina restriction), with more varied action choices (because of no basic spam).

Lag has been improved upon by launch.  Some people still complain that it is a serious problem for them, you'll have to decide this for yourself.  There are videos online of people demonstrating the severity of the server lag if you are unable to tell if lag is a problem for you.

2.) There is not a specific "noob" class.  However some skills that will help any class would be cure (4 conjurer), raise 14 Conjurer), Second Wind (self heal 6 pugilist).  For melee DD Raging Strike (one hit damage self buff 4 Archer), ferocity (one hit damage/accuracy self buff 4 Lancer), Invigorate (Increased TP generation 14 Lancer).  For tanking Provoke (8 Gladiator) and Taunt (10 Pugilist).

3.)Mysidia, Lindblum, Besaid and Selbina seem to have the highest populations.  I think Selbina is the most active community however of the servers.  The rest of the servers are medium population but Karnak/Wutai/Trabia seem to be on the lower end at times (some people complain of hard times getting groups there without a linkshell).

4.) Well the most common goal among players right now would be progressing your character gaining access to new skills/traits.  There is a main story line as well given every few levels, as well as companies and sidequests offering more lore explanation if you are into that.  There are sidequests, guildleves, behests, empire invasion events (sometimes with GM controlled Garleans), and instances as well for "themepark" content.  More "themepark" content however will be introduced in the next two patches with Chocobo escort/hamlet defense battles.  "Grinding" mobs in parties however is a large part of the preferred leveling experience of most players.

Cammy

Originally posted by Murugan

Originally posted by Cammy

Hey all,

 

Im picking this back up as I wait for SWTOR and GW2 (probably sounds familiar), since its free and no other MMO on the market is even worth a sub fee IMO I thought I'd give this game another shot.

 

I played a little after launch and I admit, wasn't very impressed at all. Found the combat clunky and there was absolutely no direction, even on quests (or leaves maybe they're called here?). Anyways - just a few questions, as I patched this morning to a 1.18B patch and I've heard/read that the 1.18 patch had a lot of new updates. 

1) How is the combat/gameplay after the new additions? Are they improved any? Has the lag been reduced?

2) Is there a specific class as a noob I should roll with? 

3) Is there a server with a high population still? How is the community/population in general?

4) What is the "goal" of this game? Is it story driven, grinding mob driven or more themepark?

 

Surprisingly, even though I played this briefly I still don't know the answer to some basic questions.... To be honest though - Im not sure I gave it a really fair trial as my patience went quickly with little things after launch Any insight or recommendations would be very appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

1.) Stamina was removed, and the most basic attack for melee classes was stripped to make way for auto attack.  Other basic attacks (including the originals for THM/CON/GLA/ARC) were made into timed abilities.  The result of the combat changes is that self buffs previously limited due to their high enmity generation (enmity system was reworked in 1.18) are more useful.  Most classes have access to at least 3 types of basic attacks still and using those in combination with weapon skills/spells and buffs combat is in reality quicker (due to no stamina restriction), with more varied action choices (because of no basic spam).

Lag has been improved upon by launch.  Some people still complain that it is a serious problem for them, you'll have to decide this for yourself.  There are videos online of people demonstrating the severity of the server lag if you are unable to tell if lag is a problem for you.

2.) There is not a specific "noob" class.  However some skills that will help any class would be cure (4 conjurer), raise 14 Conjurer), Second Wind (self heal 6 pugilist).  For melee DD Raging Strike (one hit damage self buff 4 Archer), ferocity (one hit damage/accuracy self buff 4 Lancer), Invigorate (Increased TP generation 14 Lancer).  For tanking Provoke (8 Gladiator) and Taunt (10 Pugilist).

3.)Mysidia, Lindblum, Besaid and Selbina seem to have the highest populations.  I think Selbina is the most active community however of the servers.  The rest of the servers are medium population but Karnak/Wutai/Trabia seem to be on the lower end at times (some people complain of hard times getting groups there without a linkshell).

4.) Well the most common goal among players right now would be progressing your character gaining access to new skills/traits.  There is a main story line as well given every few levels, as well as companies and sidequests offering more lore explanation if you are into that.  There are sidequests, guildleves, behests, empire invasion events (sometimes with GM controlled Garleans), and instances as well for "themepark" content.  More "themepark" content however will be introduced in the next two patches with Chocobo escort/hamlet defense battles.  "Grinding" mobs in parties however is a large part of the preferred leveling experience of most players.

Thank you kindly for your reply. A few more follow up questions if I may  

I heard the guildleves/quests offer no experience for completing them - is this accurate? If so, is the primary point to grind up mobs for skills? I don't mind this route - as I truthfully could care less about go kill X rats type quests - Im just wondering what the point to guildleves are overall.

 

When you mentioned the noob classes, I THINK you listed spells from a bunch of classes Is it not normal to level up one class to max as it is in most MMOs? Or is it more of a mix and match type thing? I just want to not gimp my character from the get-go if I can help it. I tried to be a miner/lancer last time and I failed miserably (likely turning me off the game when I did try).

 

Things like no jumping, no quests, etc doesn't bother me what so ever... I'm mostly concerned with how the PVE gameplay is - if there's dungeons (is there?) and how the community is. Also, I heard the 1.18 patch did a lot of good here - I would probably be wise to go check out the patch notes and see if I can understand/make some sense out of the changes. Figured I'd start here

 

I appreciate your post - thanks!

Murugan

Originally posted by Cammy

Originally posted by Murugan

Originally posted by Cammy

Hey all,

 

Im picking this back up as I wait for SWTOR and GW2 (probably sounds familiar), since its free and no other MMO on the market is even worth a sub fee IMO I thought I'd give this game another shot.

 

I played a little after launch and I admit, wasn't very impressed at all. Found the combat clunky and there was absolutely no direction, even on quests (or leaves maybe they're called here?). Anyways - just a few questions, as I patched this morning to a 1.18B patch and I've heard/read that the 1.18 patch had a lot of new updates. 

1) How is the combat/gameplay after the new additions? Are they improved any? Has the lag been reduced?

2) Is there a specific class as a noob I should roll with? 

3) Is there a server with a high population still? How is the community/population in general?

4) What is the "goal" of this game? Is it story driven, grinding mob driven or more themepark?

 

Surprisingly, even though I played this briefly I still don't know the answer to some basic questions.... To be honest though - Im not sure I gave it a really fair trial as my patience went quickly with little things after launch Any insight or recommendations would be very appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

1.) Stamina was removed, and the most basic attack for melee classes was stripped to make way for auto attack.  Other basic attacks (including the originals for THM/CON/GLA/ARC) were made into timed abilities.  The result of the combat changes is that self buffs previously limited due to their high enmity generation (enmity system was reworked in 1.18) are more useful.  Most classes have access to at least 3 types of basic attacks still and using those in combination with weapon skills/spells and buffs combat is in reality quicker (due to no stamina restriction), with more varied action choices (because of no basic spam).

Lag has been improved upon by launch.  Some people still complain that it is a serious problem for them, you'll have to decide this for yourself.  There are videos online of people demonstrating the severity of the server lag if you are unable to tell if lag is a problem for you.

2.) There is not a specific "noob" class.  However some skills that will help any class would be cure (4 conjurer), raise 14 Conjurer), Second Wind (self heal 6 pugilist).  For melee DD Raging Strike (one hit damage self buff 4 Archer), ferocity (one hit damage/accuracy self buff 4 Lancer), Invigorate (Increased TP generation 14 Lancer).  For tanking Provoke (8 Gladiator) and Taunt (10 Pugilist).

3.)Mysidia, Lindblum, Besaid and Selbina seem to have the highest populations.  I think Selbina is the most active community however of the servers.  The rest of the servers are medium population but Karnak/Wutai/Trabia seem to be on the lower end at times (some people complain of hard times getting groups there without a linkshell).

4.) Well the most common goal among players right now would be progressing your character gaining access to new skills/traits.  There is a main story line as well given every few levels, as well as companies and sidequests offering more lore explanation if you are into that.  There are sidequests, guildleves, behests, empire invasion events (sometimes with GM controlled Garleans), and instances as well for "themepark" content.  More "themepark" content however will be introduced in the next two patches with Chocobo escort/hamlet defense battles.  "Grinding" mobs in parties however is a large part of the preferred leveling experience of most players.

Thank you kindly for your reply. A few more follow up questions if I may  

I heard the guildleves/quests offer no experience for completing them - is this accurate? If so, is the primary point to grind up mobs for skills? I don't mind this route - as I truthfully could care less about go kill X rats type quests - Im just wondering what the point to guildleves are overall.

No i'm sorry you appear to have gotten some misinformation.  The Main Quests give a large chunk of XP (generally 1/3rd to 3/4ths of the current level depending on the quest), sidequests give some experience points (I don't think it is very efficient or indeed possible to level solely through sidequests at this point).  Guildleves give large quantities of XP upon completion and are intended currently as the main form of Casual (anti-group or very limited time) players.  Leveling only through guildleves it is quite easy to rank up at the moment though is still at an overall disadvantage to grouping.

 

When you mentioned the noob classes, I THINK you listed spells from a bunch of classes Is it not normal to level up one class to max as it is in most MMOs? Or is it more of a mix and match type thing? I just want to not gimp my character from the get-go if I can help it. I tried to be a miner/lancer last time and I failed miserably (likely turning me off the game when I did try).

 It is not advisable in FFXIV to level only one class, it is possible but you won't be as effective missing a lot of the useful abilities from other classes (some of which I listed).  There is no class in the game which does not offer useful abilities so ideally someone looking to have the largest arsenal of abilities at their disposal would want to level them all (unless you are meaning to be a main tank for a higher end endgame shell though this is not absolutely needed).

 

They are both going to implement a job system after 1.2, and changes to the Armory system in 1.2, the effect of these changes will be that many abilities will be altered and some higher level versions may be unavailable for cross class swapping.  The job system will give players access to certain quested abilities meant to specialize them into party roles, and these will limit the number of additional cross class skills you can have.  People playing as jobs under this system will be more efficient at a role, but those remaining as their class will have more solo utility (and possibly advantages in certain situations in a group even) due to a wider availability of cross class skills

Things like no jumping, no quests, etc doesn't bother me what so ever... I'm mostly concerned with how the PVE gameplay is - if there's dungeons (is there?) and how the community is. Also, I heard the 1.18 patch did a lot of good here - I would probably be wise to go check out the patch notes and see if I can understand/make some sense out of the changes. Figured I'd start here

There are currently 2 instances, Toto-Rak for 4 players ~r30 (there are no caps however), and Dzaemael Darkhold for r45+.  Each instance has multiple objectives ranging from completing the associated quests (given by the Grand Companies of each city and awarding you currency which can be used to purchase rewards including gear), in the case of Toto-Rak Secret Bosses you can unlock by taking an alternative (more difficult) route, and in the case of Darkhold the ability to unlock more chests upon defeating the final boss if you have completed certain objectives (clearing certain rooms, obtaining all the previous chests, and defeating the entire instance in half the allotted time).

 

1.19 due out in September will bring 3 more instance for higher levels, and a public dungeon (non instanced) for lower levels among many other things. 

PvE gameplay since 1.18 (it is still undergoing major changes) requires in my opinion more tactical selection and efficient use of abilities during the fight, a big focus on enmity management (there is a small enmity color gauge showing your current hate next to enemy names), MP management for mages, positioning, and coordinated use of battle regimens (unfortunately being suspended while combat/claiming changes are made in 1.19).

 

I can only speak for the Community on Selbina but it is among the best I've ever had in an MMO.  I find it very easy to form/create a group, I find JP/European players to be very friendly and patient, and generally a helpful and supportive atmosphere.

 

I appreciate your post - thanks!

Cammy

Thanks again for your post - I'm going to roll my character today after work and give this a spin.... is there anything else I should know/read before I start? Some "must do's as a noobie" or something?

 

I remember when I first played it was a bit overwhelming at the beginning - which is ok (I did play EVE for many months so I don't shy away from that) but at the same time it's nice to know which way I should even walk when I get out of the town lol 

Murugan

Originally posted by Cammy

Thanks again for your post - I'm going to roll my character today after work and give this a spin.... is there anything else I should know/read before I start? Some "must do's as a noobie" or something?

 

I remember when I first played it was a bit overwhelming at the beginning - which is ok (I did play EVE for many months so I don't shy away from that) but at the same time it's nice to know which way I should even walk when I get out of the town lol 

Well 1-12 or so is pretty straight forward I wouldn't even waste my time on quests/guildleves at that point because it goes by so quick.  You want to kill mobs as close to 10 levels above you as possible (this is easier at low levels because the mobs also have access to less abilities).  My favorite spots for this are either starting in ul'dah and killing Coblyns>these dodo type mobs outside of Nanawa, or in Limsa killing puk type mobs since they are easy to solo prior to them obtaining their AOE since their large frontal attack (backflip) can be dodged by moving out of the way, stunning it, or interupting it with sufficient damage while it is readying the move (which takes in total about 2-5 seconds, and you need to react to in the first 2.5 seconds or so to ensure you avoid it).

 

ffxivpro.com is a good resource for finding linkshells with their linkshell search option.  They also have a pretty good database for looking up gear etc. including pictures of them on various people in game.

ffxiv.yg.com has a pretty good database for example to look up mob locations/levels/recipes.

 

That should be a good starting point, once you get into the game and find a LS they should be able to help you with more or just ask here/on the official forum (there are not many actually helpful people here compared to the official forums however).

Cammy

Awesome - I appreciate the tips! I think that's where I went wrong at the start (at least, one of the ways I went wrong) I was trying to do guildleves and ended up getting lost, running out of time and in fact - I couldn't even find a place to switch my weapon, giving me a new job to use.

 

I think I was lost from the start lol!

 

This time Ill try to just roll with grinding up mobs until level 10+ and then Ill start to get more involved in the game. Im hopeful I'll really enjoy it this go-round and it'll keep me busy until at least SWTOR is released. Maybe Ill even be surprised and play it longer than that - which would be my ideal situation to be honest

 

Again, thanks for taking the time to reply!

Cheers