[Feba]

Korroloka, Carpenter's landing, about a half dozen non-expansion places. People just don't want to leave their precious dunes, much as they might act like they hate it.

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by Feba

Korroloka, Carpenter's landing, about a half dozen non-expansion places. People just don't want to leave their precious dunes, much as they might act like they hate it.

I stay far away from the Dunes whenever possible. Maze of Shakrami, Korroloka Tunnel, Carpenter's Landing, Buburimu Peninsula all serve as valid alternatives to "the Dunes" if you have the know-how and resources to exploit those areas.

For newcomers though, every guide suggests going to the Dunes. I blame the subjob quest, since the Selbina quest is the only one that you can readily acquire items for in the 18- level range.

The truth is, though, that you can easily do better XP in many other places, and getting one player to help you acquire the 3 subjob items is not a difficult ordeal these days.


Icemage

[Ziero]

I got a feeling the "new" old dunes will make the Dynamis dunes look like a cake walk.

Expect dragons.

[Effedup]

Originally Posted by Necropolis

If you're having a hard time leveling through the dunes, I'd recommend looking to form a static with a friend. Duoing or Trioing through those levels can be quiet effective.

I would say form a static regardless. Due to the utter hopelessness that is building parties that aren't 70+ anymore, it will definitely makes things more satisfying for you. I static with 2 other peeps in my ls once a week, sometimes twice if we can schedule it. Staticing works great especially if you can only play for limited or certain amounts of time; we're all adults that have work/family responsibilities so we can't just plop down at 4 in the afternoon and play til 2 am everyday.

Anyways, the exp won't be as fast in a 2 or 3 man static compared to a full party, but keep it in mind...finding parties in the dunes isn't usually too bad (although there's been times I've waited hours there, too), but the last 3 times I levelled my WHM (from 30-33), if it weren't for our static I would have come away with nothing for the night, since there wasn't even enough people looking to fill our static out to a full party, and we had healing/pulling/tanking covered already on our end. One of the peeps I static with has been trying to level his 48 BLM on his own and the last 3 times he's put his flag up he literally sat ALL DAY and came away with nothing. Luckily, he had his PS2 nearby to help pass the time, so he tells me ^^

So, do yourself a favor, set some times, talk to people, and try and form a static. You'll be glad you did ^^

[judisa]

Besides that, there ARE dunes alternatives that have been added in expansions, and NOBODY USES THEM. Why would SE try to replace an area that PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO LEAVE?

This reminds me of the time I tried to convince a pt to go to the beginning area of Bibiki Bay instead of the Yhoat jungles to exp. It is the perfect alternative but they just did not want to leave that they knew.

So I agree that there are alternatives and some spots are sweet, the hardest part is getting people out of their comfort zone and try new things.

[Donomni]

Originally Posted by Ziero

I got a feeling the "new" old dunes will make the Dynamis dunes look like a cake walk.

Expect dragons.

Psh. Knowing how SE likes to torture us sometimes....

Absolute Lizzy.

Either that or Bun-Bun the Terrible.

[judisa]

Or Divine Might Bubbly Bernie. One screen-filling crab the size of behemoth. In a mission called "Bernie's Revenge: Paybacks' a Bitch" right there in 'ol Gusta. Level 1's? Heck, level 75's all wiped. ;p