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6 days into the game, already quitting
sushimees
Member Posts: 489
I started the 14 day trial, making an Elvaan warrior. I knew the game is gonna be hard and I was right. I get to level 10, got into a nice Linkshell (guild/clan). Went to Valkurm Dunes (the leveling place for groups) but couldn't get a party together for quite some time because we always needed a White mage. So, I started a White mage, didn't take much time to get to lvl 10 and then went back to Valkurm Dunes to get into a party again. No one invites me so I was wondering what's wrong. Then someone says that I just need better gear for my White mage, and tells me to make gil (ingame currency) and buy gear from the Auction House (because NPC shops don't sell the good stuff).
So that's where my journey ended. I really tried to get into this game but the game felt like a job. I knew that a stack of fish called "moat carps" go for 5000 gil at the Auction House, and they're pretty easy to catch. So, you're all wondering why didn't I just farm those fish then for like a day? Well, I couldn't because there is a so called "fishing limit" in the game. You can only catch like 15-20 fish per 24 hours. I guess the number increases with your fishing skill but that's still pretty lame. So rather than getting into a group and having fun, I would have to farm and farm and farm just to get the right gear and get into a party, and I was only LEVEL 10. I couldn't even imagine what the game would be at higher levels.
Kudos for all the players who are still playing this game but for me, the game seemed like a long tedious process before getting into the fun stuff.
Comments
So i clicked this thinking "Oh great, another moron with a whiny ass complaint". However, your beefs with the game are fairly legit. However i will point out a few things.
I'm guessing that you are using a leveling guide instead of just playing the game because going to Valkrum Dunes would not be recommended by most players who have been around for a while. Myself included. I never went there until level 15. However, as a mage your gear would not be the difference between you getting a party and not at your level. And though the person you talked to about the better gear being on the Auction House is correct it's not required when you're first starting to get that gear. Go to the NPC shops and just get what gear you can from there.
I agree the fishing limit they have implemented is bullshit and it is removed once your each level 20 on a job. My suggestion is when you are leveling (to 15 mind you) outside that you keep all the stuff that drops and sell that on Auction House. This is not a game that you can make money in fast but there are ways if you put in the time.
Making money gets easier later in the game but it's not easy by any means. However you will find to get much done in this game will take good chunks of time with some missions taking hours and there's not even a gurantee you will succeed in completing the mission. This game is seriously hardcore and if you don't have the patience or time for it, i'd say don't continue as you'll only be more upset.
Sad to see someone not get the game but it's not for everyone and at least you gave it a fairly fair review in a sense. I'd reccommend giving it a bit more time solo and check into the Fields of Valor. Also, what server did you choose to play on? Some servers are more populated than others so depending on when you look for party you might be waiting a long time. Perhaps try getting to 15 on White mage and/or Warrior and giving it a shot this weekend.
EVE - Sharvala
FFXI - Shazamalicious
Guild Wars - Xavier Lucifer & Charlize the Necro
"Ranged...stuck...tree...15 random words... suck... noob fanboy... I MAKE GUIDE!"
Definately not a game for most people. Your experience was much like my first experience... and I quit twice (soon to be 3 times). The ONLY reason I am playing right now is because I have some friends (who have no life/job) that play like... well they play all day. Being that is their schedule, when I do decide to get on they can usually help me (if you dont have the right gear for a group, a Power Leveler is usually a guaranteed in.) its kind of old, so most of the players are established and if you are seeing them in a low level area.. its an alt of theirs or they decided to level another job.
just be prepared to hear that you're a noob or that its not the right game for you or a combination thereof possibly including a more in depth reasoning... the people who do love this game really really love it.
Yeah, I might give it another try again. Get to lvl 15 at least. Thanks for all the good responses. Was expecting a lot of flaming replies from angry fans.
Well you actually tried to get somewhere and even played a White Mage at the suggestion of another player, which most never do. Warrior can be a tough job to get a party for in the dunes, expecially at lvl 10, and White Mage in general is fine with the basic NPC gear, but players do check gear often and if there is better thats not too expensive it does up your chances of an invite 10-fold.
I agree that getting to 15+ then trying in the dunes again for some party experience and/or solo to 20-21 then head off to Jeuno and Qufim where the real enforced partying starts nowadays. It is rough and quite a chore at first to get started, but later on you'll find means to acquire gil quicker with a higher job and everything starts to broaden....also having your sub-job helps a lot which you can get at lvl 18.
If you plan to continue using WAR for now, I highly suggest you also level Monk which are a ton of fun, and its quick. Get WAR and MNK to lvl 18, then take WAR to 30-37, then go and get yourself Paladin{PLD} and take that to 75...lots of fun there, but just an FYI, PLD/WAR is quite expensive as you do have to have the best of the best equipment you can afford not only to get invites often but too survive during them.
Stick with it and have fun, but don't be in a rush...
Generally flames beget flames. You gave a thoughtful review of the first 10 levels therefore you get thoughtful responses. Glad to see you're giving it another try though and I hope you do get more into it. You never said what server you were on. Perhaps you can find help on here if you tell us where you are.
EVE - Sharvala
FFXI - Shazamalicious
Guild Wars - Xavier Lucifer & Charlize the Necro
"Ranged...stuck...tree...15 random words... suck... noob fanboy... I MAKE GUIDE!"
I got the free trial a few days ago as well and have had a similar experience. I actually made a post here looking for anyone else who had the trial or was just starting out, hoping to get a group of people together to play. Only answer I got was "You'll have no trouble finding a party". As it turns out, I'm having a hell of a time finding anyone to group with.
Since it seems we are in similar situations I'll just say that I'd be more than happy to restart on a new character to get even a small group going because in all honesty I love the game. I had always wanted to play this but kinda figured I just missed the bus on it. That feeling was reinforced quickly when i started the trial, so I'm really seeking something to change my mind. I'd love to buy this game and subscribe, but I'm not going to be able to stay interested playing an mmo that feels void of life.
In my experience, the majority of the time the reason some people wont receive invites to Valkurm Dunes is usually the lack of a subjob. (which doesn't help, I know). I've never heard of someone not being invited/kicked out of a party in Valkurm because of crappy gear. >.< You would have to be incredibly anal to give a damn, tbh.
However, If you manage to stick through these initial rough times, you'll realise just how trivial the situation is...the game is amazingly slow in the beginning, but becomes much more forgiving as options open up for you.
You guys are going to dunes a little early. Believe me when I say you're better off soloing a while longer than heading straight to dunes immediately when you hit 10. A lot of people are soloing using FoV to either avoid dunes or be closer to skipping it. Of the new people I've seen on my server, they honestly don't seem to have much issue.
Also, you can solo until 14 in a starting town easily. That goes by even faster with FoV and an exp ring. That already puts you into the better part of dunes and you can still get to 20 from the surrounding dunes areas if you tried.
I wouldn't give up just yet. There are probably a lot of people soloing and you could pick them up for a party surrounding dunes or even in it. Heck, you could probably just make a small group and kill the easier stuff. It'll help things go faster than solo.
Definitely don't like seeing people struggle. I wouldn't worry too much about gil besides just selling stuff on the AH. I do agree the fishing nerf sucks. The good people always take a hit when they try to deter RMT... It will be a good reliable money maker once you get over that hump and can actually fish normally.
Just hope you guys can stick it out. Because it gets real good once you at least get your sub job.
To be the best, you must help each other become the best.
FFXI Character: Satimasu
FFXI Server: Valefor
FFXIV Character: Tamorae Fonteil
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
So i clicked this thinking "Oh great, another moron with a whiny ass complaint". However, your beefs with the game are fairly legit. However i will point out a few things.
I'm guessing that you are using a leveling guide instead of just playing the game because going to Valkrum Dunes would not be recommended by most players who have been around for a while. Myself included. I never went there until level 15.
Is that the recommendation now? To not go to the Dunes at all?
Man how things change. Dunes was "where you're supposed to go from 10-ish to 20" for the longest time.
But then again, it's been a long time since I've leveled a job up through there.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
There is a fatigue cap of like 20 fish when you make a new character for two weeks or are under level 20. So, you have to get past one of those hurdles to be able to fish reliably.
Just letting it be known of that little nerf they put in there to keep away RMT fishers on trial accounts.
To be the best, you must help each other become the best.
FFXI Character: Satimasu
FFXI Server: Valefor
FFXIV Character: Tamorae Fonteil
Generally flames beget flames. You gave a thoughtful review of the first 10 levels therefore you get thoughtful responses. Glad to see you're giving it another try though and I hope you do get more into it. You never said what server you were on. Perhaps you can find help on here if you tell us where you are.
Also, you'll find that - for the most part - the FFXI forums here are something of an anomaly for mmorpg.com. Most of the people who post here are pretty level-headed and reasonable.
I think we all know by now that FFXI is definitely a "niche" game; "hardcore" as Suply stated. So, when someone comes along and says they're interested in the game, we're supportive and welcoming and give the best help we can.
When someone, like yourself, comes in and says "you know, I tried it but just can't get into it", we don't bite their heads off for not worshipping at the altar of FFXI... because we know it's a rough game to get started in (and it's actually a lot friendlier to new players than it was for a long time). To use a common statement: "It's not for everyone".
It's rare that an all-out idiot comes through here (points at the quote at the bottom of Suply's signature as a classic example).. and when they do, we usually run them off before too long. They seem to be phobic about things like logic and well-supported facts.
Anyways... If you decide to stick with it... just take your time, and take it as it comes. FFXI is a *huge* game.. and I do mean *huge* in the biggest possible sense. You have a lot ahead of you. Enjoy the ride
.
And of course, if you have questions or would like advice... Ask away.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
I'm on Fenrir server. I was wearing the robe that you can get for conquest points and in San D'oria, the only gear for a white mage is just level 1 clothes at the Sundries shop, I checked the armory at the Northen part and at the Southern part of the castle and none of those sold armor for a white mage. But I was able to buy a club for mages and a shield.
Also, about the fishing. I caught about 8 moat carps, 6 crayfish and 2 other type of carp, and then after that, it just started saying that I didn't catch anything for like 20 times in a row. So after asking from my Linkshell, what was wrong, they told me that there's a limit on fishing.
There is a strict limit to prevent RMT free trial abusers. After you pass the actual trial limitations, you can catch up to 200 fish a day.
There isn't much of anything great mage gear wise until upper 20's honestly. You were fine and didn't need much in the way of new gear. Maybe a couple of MND+ rings or something like that and a Friars Rope (which is quested). Spells would be of more importance at the beginning.
To be the best, you must help each other become the best.
FFXI Character: Satimasu
FFXI Server: Valefor
FFXIV Character: Tamorae Fonteil
This game can be very overwhelming at first but I am glad to see your giving it a little longer. This game is not for everyone for sure as stated above and it really comes into its own I would say around lvl 25. As stated above this game is HUGE as in content that will literally take years to complete (not just doing the same end-game stuff over and over for the uber gear, actually storyline missions and such) You really have to learn to sit back and just have fun if you try to rush it and run through the content such as in WoW <--- great game just a little too simplistic for my tatse, you will burn yourself out. I am not a solo person myself which is a great reason why I like this game so much. Also if you can try getting a linkshell party grouped to show you a bit a great linkshell will go a long way in making this game more enjoyable or any MMO for that matter.
Its been awhile i played FFXI Online and I understand what you meant... The game is already old and all people at end-game thats why everything so high. If you were playing this game at early release then you would have no problem getting in party and all. Its sad how MMORPG is even if your new player coming to try play on 10 years old game with nothing.
EDIT: Also I wanted to mention this... If you plan to continue playing... say if you played for 1 year 8 hours a day, u will probably did 1/4 or less of the game.
Kain_Dale
While this is true to a point there is a ton of content, no doubt but this isnt based towards the casual crowd of MMO players. SE has implemented a lot of useful things to help with the tedious lower lvl grind as you would call it. Level sync and FoV have made things much much easier and the increase of xp for EP-DC mobs. This game is not centered around being 75 and doing all end game such as per say so me other games, this game has something to do all the way through. Like I said before it is something you have to sit back and enjoy the ride or you will burn yourself out.
Whoever told you to get better gear was lying, you can reliably get a group until level 30 without people making fun of you, or you being considered gimp. The main reason being a lot of the montsters received an exp boost a while back (meaning you can fight something pretty weak and still get a good amount of exp). Its probably for the best you quit early seeings as they have made the game more user friendly in recent updates and just plain easier all around, FFXI is a rougher MMO and most of the people who can't handle it quit before they even get their sub jobs (including my best friend IRL). The game just isn't for the the people who were weened on WoW and other simple MMO's.
If anyone wants to start out on the Unicorn server I can help them out anytime. My name ingame is Vabant.
Meh... Careful with statements like that last one. It's one of those generalizations that I, personally, think is thrown around way too freely.
Certainly, FFXI is not for people looking for an experience similar to WoW, or its ilk. However, someone could well have started with one of those MMOs and decide they're looking for something a bit more involved. FFXI could well suit them perfectly, of course on the condition that they not try to play it like one of those other MMOs.
Also, even before WoW came out, plenty of people tried FFXI and found it not to their liking for all the same reasons people cite now (too slow, etc).
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Meh... Careful with statements like that last one. It's one of those generalizations that I, personally, think is thrown around way too freely.
Certainly, FFXI is not for people looking for an experience similar to WoW, or its ilk. However, someone could well have started with one of those MMOs and decide they're looking for something a bit more involved. FFXI could well suit them perfectly, of course on the condition that they not try to play it like one of those other MMOs.
Also, even before WoW came out, plenty of people tried FFXI and found it not to their liking for all the same reasons people cite now (too slow, etc).
A common occurence but i agree. My first MMO was Guild Wars which makes WoW look hardcore. I tried WoW trial before I tried FFXI and it just didn't grab me. Then my friend who was already a year or two into FFXI told me to give it a try. I did and here it is 3 years later. I also, time to time go back to WoW and even purchased it and played for a month or two about a year ago. I've been thinking of resubbing for a while as a break.
EVE - Sharvala
FFXI - Shazamalicious
Guild Wars - Xavier Lucifer & Charlize the Necro
"Ranged...stuck...tree...15 random words... suck... noob fanboy... I MAKE GUIDE!"
I played FFXI at release for almost 4 years. I never did get to 75 (if thats any indication of how long it really takes) I did the same as you.. rolled a class I liked.. got to about level 13 (was playing monk) and could never get a group for anything.. so I was told "hey, you should totally play white mage.. you ALWAYS get groups". To my dismay, I rerolled as white mage and was astounded that they were indeed correct. It still took a long time to level, but at least I was leveling. I made it to 65 and never touched even .5% of the content of the game including the missions from the original expansions (this was back when the game was only 2 years old, and not 7). I couldn't get groups for alot of stuff that would have been considered "popular" then either.
I really loved the game, but I just eventually grew tired of doing more "waiting" than actual playing. I'd have to spend 6-8 hrs logged in, with only about 3 hrs of that spent actually doing something. Travel times were insane, and literally everything takes forever to accomplish.
I went back a few months ago because I missed the "journey" that FFXI presents itself with. I rolled another white mage, and leveled it a bit. At first it was great.. got to 15 no problem. However, things have changed severely.. for better and for worse..
Level sync is good and bad.
good:
It allows you to level with anyone at any level
Bad:
Your skills will suffer and you will be grinding those instead of levels
You will stay in the same lowbie areas forever it seems (I never killed anything but lizards from 15-20 in the dunes)
Also, I have had NO group from the dunes to qufim that did not have a power level. I finally hit 23 the other night, and haven't been able to get a group since. I've sat for 30 minutes to an hr seeking, and have gotten nothing. I've been told to do fields of valor, or find a partner etc. I've tried this, and most people are in the same spot as me.. they want to group.. they don't want to run 25 minutes to a zone to piddle around only to have to run all the way back should we get a group.
I have a kid and wife, and I enjoy doing other things besides playing games all day long.
FFXI is a great game, if you don't do anything all day long but play. Groups are still hard to get, and people still don't want to run old content. You honestly need to play this with friends, or at least a linkshell that treats you like a real life friend. My linkshell wasn't like this, so I did everything myself... once you get to the point I was getting to where you NEED to group to do anything. You learn to appreciate the solo ability of games like WoW and Lotro. At the end of the day its still a grind, no matter what game you play. Your lifestyle is what warrants the game you stick with. Content wise FFXI is the best game out there, but its so sad most people who try it never even see it.
Just a forewarning. FFXI is not a game that you will play for a few months or even a year or so. FFXI is something you have to devote the next 3-5 years on, if you want to see even 1/2 of the game.
www.facebook.com/themarksmovierules
Currently playing:
FFXIV on Behemoth, FFXI on Eden, and Gloria Victis on NA.
I know many try to defend every angle of FFXI,but i tend to agree.
The interaction between players and NPC for monetary value is terribly done.Their should be a much closer margin for making gil and buying from NPC's.
The TRUTH of the matter in your case was BS.Anyone that told you needed better gear to make a party function is a total idiot.For one thing RMT who make the game survive because without their hard work making GIL,the game would have no economy.Those same RMT do NOT spend any gil,they use the worst gear possible in this game and they level up as fast as anyone in this game.
Your only real viable function was to heal,cast Protect,and possibly cast PAralyze,NOTHING else matters NOT even DIA.True Paralyze can be tough to land but at level 10,your options for gear are so miniscule,it would not matter anyhow.
I will tell you the REAL reason you did not get groups.Possibly no sub job?as an elven with no sub you will have too small a mana pool to heal in the dunes,that place is actually a horrible leveling experience,most groups are PL'd now a days.Other factors are plain and simple ,grouping in FFXI is hard to come by,there is not trhat many new players and most players hang out on therir 75 jobs,as they have already played most of the jobs they care for.
The biggest factor IMO for not getting a group is because at level 10 you have cure 1,your party wil lnot survive with only cure 1,at level 11 you get cure2 IMO it is a MUST for your first grouping experience.As i said you need peopel to teach you the ropes a blind trial is not the way to go.
The best way to enter FFXI is NOT blind,through some trial,you will not properly learn the game,because in hoensty you need people to teach you.If you want to get a party early on play a warrior or as yo usaid a whm,but for WHM make a taru,you have tons more MP.You cannot look long term unless you are willing to bite the biscuit short term,example,an Elven whm is ok near en game or if buying lots of extra gear to make it work,but it will NEVER be better than a taru as a WHM.If you just want to have and play any job you want,then expect some adversity,and realize long term it all works out ok.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
I got FFXI upon it's retail release and loved it, but I understand why people wouldn't enjoy it if they started playing it now. I think and hope that most FFXI players will check out Aion and/or perhaps Rapture. No MMO has every had a community as great as FFXI...
It kinda sucks that FFXI was my first MMO because then nothing can really compare. Plus if it's your first MMO you don't really mind waiting around all that because you don't really know any different, but yeah a bit outdated I suppose. But def a classic
Meh... Careful with statements like that last one. It's one of those generalizations that I, personally, think is thrown around way too freely.
Certainly, FFXI is not for people looking for an experience similar to WoW, or its ilk. However, someone could well have started with one of those MMOs and decide they're looking for something a bit more involved. FFXI could well suit them perfectly, of course on the condition that they not try to play it like one of those other MMOs.
Also, even before WoW came out, plenty of people tried FFXI and found it not to their liking for all the same reasons people cite now (too slow, etc).
Actually it is a 100% accurate statement,you would not know or be used to setting up macros as is NEEDED in FFXI.There is also NO hot bar as in games like WOW.FFXI IS designed to party,but there is much more to functioning in or making a party in FFXI than just putting up a flag.WOW does not have the same setup as FFXI at all.The economy in FFXI is the worst ever designed by any game ever,WOW is like a walk in the park for monetary gains.In WOW gear also means a lot more than FFXI,many like to think that +1 matters but truth is it takes a LOT more than that to show a difference against IT+ XP mobs.
Square is not stupid ,they never allow the game to come close to being broken,many multi hit weapons ,sure they give TP faster,but Square made sure to lower the damage of these same weapons,they have it all planned out.Square also includes LEVEL penalties and in the formulas use fractions or % to make large numbers come back to earth.This is why you cannot simply add 100 attack and expect to see 100 more damage ,it will NEVER happen.WOW does not come close to the intricate design FFXI is built upon,and IMO it never will.
IN WOW you can actually wander around care free and if any trouble just run,not the case in FFXI,running is often fultile.Also quests in FFXI are near impossible to figure out ,without the aid of the internet,not the case in the majority of WOW quests,especially the noob ones,witch is what we are talking about here.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.