Stevivor’s big Final Fantasy XIV Pre-PAX AUS Fan Gathering is tomorrow — how exciting! In preparation for the event, we thought we’d go straight to the source for the best tips and tricks for those about to delve into the MMO: the Australian and New Zealand Final Fantasy XIV Facebook group.
Turns out, the group’s as knowledgeable as it is friendly.
When to play, and where
According to the group, the unofficial Australian and New Zealand server is Tonberry, though Keith R. says that there are “heaps of Aussies on Shiva also,” adding that it’s also a “good server”.
“The world ‘Exodus’ on the NA Primal data centre –physically located in Montreal — has a decent amount of Aussies too,” Darrell K. added. “The most active Free Company [FC – we’ll get to those later] has a large number of Australians, Canadians, and Americans.”
If you’ve played an MMO before, you should be used to daily resets. Final Fantasy XIV’s occurs at 2.00 am AEDST (and here we thought Destiny’s 8.00 pm AEDST reset was bad…). Most Aussie and Kiwi players head online after work. “Basically, everything kicks off between 7.00 pm and 12.00 am,” Henry P. told Stevivor.
If you’re going to play in groups, plan accordingly
“For groups all starting the game at the same time: if you want to play as a group right from the start, you need to choose classes that start in the same part of the world,” Darrell K. added.
In Limsa Lominsa, you’ll start as either a Marauder (Tank) or Arcanists (either DPS or Healer). In Gridania, you’ll start as either an Archer (DPS, Support), Lancer (DPS) or Conjurer (Healer). Finally, Ul’dah is home to the Pugilist (DPS), Gladiator (Tank) or Thaumaturge (DPS).
“If you start in different cities you’ll need to play for a couple of hours before you can team up,” Darrell K said.
Which character do I play?
Ah, the age old question. There’s never a simple answer, really, but it’s nothing to sweat over.
“I think going as a Tank to start with is best,” Keith R. said. “Tanks are always in need – [and that means] little wait times for dungeons.
That, “and you won’t be squishy,” he said with a laugh. “But play whatever you feel like — it’s easy to change.”
“Class choice is down to personal preference; everything is viable in the early and late games,” Adam C added. ”Find something you enjoy, and don’t be scared about levelling the wrong class.
“FFXIV lets you have multiple classes on the same Character,” Adam C. continued. “You can have a level 60 Healer and a level 60 Tank on the same character.”
If you’re stuck picking a character, Square Enix has a super useful tool to get you started.
There are also helpful tools to use, in-game, once you’ve decided.
“I’d also recommend doing the Hall of novices. It teaches new players the core aspects of their job type (Healer, Tank or Dps) as well as giving you a nifty ring that provides 30% exp boost when level 30 or lower.
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