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5 crucial tips for Final Fantasy XIV newcomers

by Robin Bea
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Square Enix

Final Fantasy XIV had a rough start — so rough that it had to be rebuilt from the ground up. But a complete failure transformed into one of the greatest MMOs and best Final Fantasy games ever.

Square Enix

With the game now playable on PS5, PS4, and PC, it’s a great time to see why FFXIV’s more than 22 million players are so fanatical about recruiting others into the world of Hydaelyn.

When you’re ready to take the plunge, here are 5 crucial tips for beginners.

5. Don’t sweat character creation

When you make a character, you’ll have to choose a race, gender, and class to start. Your race and gender have no effect on gameplay, so just pick which one looks best to you.

Square Enix

Square Enix

Class is a bigger choice, but switching to another is as simple as doing a quick quest and changing your weapon. Most will play a handful of classes, and some hit max level with every single one.

Square Enix

Damage dealing classes (DPS) are the easiest to pick up. If you’re still unsure, Arcanist is a solid choice, since it lets you specialize as a DPS or healer later, and you start in the game’s social hub of Limsa Lominsa.

4. Stick with it

Even hardcore stans will admit the base game is rather slow. If you’re feeling underwhelmed, know that the story gets much better with the Heavensward expansion at level 50.

Square Enix
3. Level up

Like any RPG, Final Fantasy XIV is about increasing your power to take on tougher challenges. There are so many ways to level up that it’s easy to get sidetracked and miss the important parts.

Square Enix

Square Enix

Story quests, marked with icons that look like meteors, are priority one. Quests with blue icons unlock new content and should be tackled as soon as possible. You can mostly avoid other side quests on your main class.

2. Be social

While you can play through most of FFXIV solo, some content requires a group, and it’s generally a lot more fun if you embrace the community. Fortunately, FFXIV has a vibrant and friendly player base.

Square Enix

Square Enix

In the game’s Social menu, you’ll find Fellowships and Free Companies, which are essentially chat groups and guilds, respectively. Square Enix’s Community Finder makes finding the right one even easier.

Square Enix

Don’t be shy about chatting with other players (complimenting their outfit usually goes well) or asking for help when you need it. It’s also good form to let others know it’s your first time through a piece of group content, like a dungeon.

1. Find your niche

There’s a lot to do in Final Fantasy XIV outside of combat. You can raise chocobos, buy and decorate a house, or play games in a casino. Fashion is the real endgame.

Square Enix

Square Enix

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but if something isn’t clicking with you, you have other options. Try crafting instead of raiding, join a role-playing group, or level up Bard and put on concerts for other players.

Square Enix

There’s no wrong way to play Final Fantasy XIV. Even if you’re only interested in taking in the sights of its setting, Eorzea, you’ll likely find plenty of players willing to road trip with you.

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