Most people would obviously point right to Beastmaster, as they are still the kings of soloing. However, Puppetmaster, Dragoon, and Dancer are all extremely good soloers. The ffxi wikipedia also has very dedicated fans to each of these jobs who have made guides on solo locations that are optimal depending on your level.
My recommendation would be to first pick a populated server so you always have a chance of getting a group depending if you want to group or play solo, I've seen Odin listed as one, and I play on Asura which is a very populated server ( I have to wait like 20 minutes while im soloing with seek up before I get a pt on my Dragoon which is now 53 ^^ lol but depending on the group sometimes soloing is faster when you follow a good guide on camp locations)
Then you will have to choose which job you want to be to solo. Beastmaster is like I said the best soloer, and you only really need War and WHM subs to level it up which are probably two of the easiest jobs to get groups on. Dancer is the newest job released with the last expansion, and I would personally recommend this one if you want a high group invite rate but also plan on doing soloing, as they can heal themselves, or their party, with TP. I've seen videos of dancers soloing VT damselflies in Valkurm and I duo'd with a PUP up till 45 its definitely one of the funnest jobs around. Dragoon and Puppetmaster are good at soloing decent challenge mobs early on, as you will want to focus on mobs that will give you less downtime. Dragoon requires a mage sub like WHM to solo, while PUP tend to use either WAR or NIN, but mostly WAR since you will want to be able to voke off your puppet who is responsible for keeping you alive. PUP become highly efficient soloers around 40 when they get the WHM head for their puppet and Dragoons become killing machines on Tough rated mobs when they get their AF helm which increases the effectives of their wyverns healing. Hope this helped ^^
Thanks for all the info TheFirst. That does help. My only concern now is that it will take a long time to be able to get those expansion classes.....As I recall don't you have to level up to a certain level then so a chain of quests to get classes like Dragoon, Ninja, or Beastmaster? Did they change this at all so that you can choose your job at the start without having to unlock them? That would rock if so.
Also Ive ran into a problem, my playonline id was deleted and so I cannot use the key that I have in my book that came with the game. So if you know a way to get this or renew it online (or if anyone knows) that would be a great help. IF not I will have to look into getting the $1.99 started pack thing, but I saw they were on "back order" on gamestop.com. So, I may not be returning to FFXI (even though I would like to) because playonline wont let me reactivate using my old code
If anyone knows an easy way to buy a new playonline code online somewhere (for download) vs going to the store and getting a whole new game, I would appreciate the info. (I did search the forums and saw that it may not be possible, but I don't know if things have changed).
Zatara you are correct about the playonline i.d. thing. If it is the actual playonline id that was deleted than you would need to get a new one. I would recommend the 1.99 trial for that, just check gamestop.com and type in your zip to see if any have it around you.
Those jobs are the advanced jobs which are lvl 30 requirements from the base jobs. I would suggest you level either WAR or WHM depending on which advanced job you think you would most play. WHM is extremely easy to level so that could be a good option for you. Just remember to get signet when you are leveling in the starter area, because the sooner you pick up the Exp band from the signet giver, the faster your levels will go
Heya if someone has an extra buddypass floating around... here is another ffxi fan who would love to get one :D ... been watching my friend play ffxi for a long time.. but havent had the chance to play it my self :P so.. would be great if someone could spare me the chance to test out this great game.
The Trial "Starter Disk" is 2$, it really is not a trial it is the full game. There is no real "trial" for FFXI its you buy the game or you just dont play.
I wouldn't mind someone sending me a trial key for this game. I played back when it first came out for the PS2, but haven't played since then. I'd like to try the PC version and check out what's changed since then. If anyone has one, they can send it to my inbox here.
Comments
Also Ive ran into a problem, my playonline id was deleted and so I cannot use the key that I have in my book that came with the game. So if you know a way to get this or renew it online (or if anyone knows) that would be a great help. IF not I will have to look into getting the $1.99 started pack thing, but I saw they were on "back order" on gamestop.com. So, I may not be returning to FFXI (even though I would like to) because playonline wont let me reactivate using my old code
If anyone knows an easy way to buy a new playonline code online somewhere (for download) vs going to the store and getting a whole new game, I would appreciate the info. (I did search the forums and saw that it may not be possible, but I don't know if things have changed).
You have to buy the game again if you playonline I.D was deleted.
Zatara you are correct about the playonline i.d. thing. If it is the actual playonline id that was deleted than you would need to get a new one. I would recommend the 1.99 trial for that, just check gamestop.com and type in your zip to see if any have it around you.
Those jobs are the advanced jobs which are lvl 30 requirements from the base jobs. I would suggest you level either WAR or WHM depending on which advanced job you think you would most play. WHM is extremely easy to level so that could be a good option for you. Just remember to get signet when you are leveling in the starter area, because the sooner you pick up the Exp band from the signet giver, the faster your levels will go
Mind if I ask what field you work in?
Mind if I ask what field you work in?
Professional Driver.
To be the best, you must help each other become the best.
FFXI Character: Satimasu
FFXI Server: Valefor
FFXIV Character: Tamorae Fonteil
if someone could spare a trial key for me I'd GREATLY appreciate it. I've been wanting to try this game for years but I've never seen a trial.
rolemodel21@gmail.com
<<<<<<<33333333
Heya if someone has an extra buddypass floating around... here is another ffxi fan who would love to get one
:D ... been watching my friend play ffxi for a long time.. but havent had the chance to play it my self :P so.. would be great if someone could spare me the chance to test out this great game. 
send it to: razziel_88@hotmail.com
thx in advance ^^
www.gamestop.com
The Trial "Starter Disk" is 2$, it really is not a trial it is the full game. There is no real "trial" for FFXI its you buy the game or you just dont play.
~HappyGaming
I wouldn't mind someone sending me a trial key for this game. I played back when it first came out for the PS2, but haven't played since then. I'd like to try the PC version and check out what's changed since then. If anyone has one, they can send it to my inbox here.
Thanks!