Thoughts and OPinions on a few things

[hongman]

Hiya

Ok, been playing for about 1 week and a half now and I have some q's I would like an answer to...

1. XP'ing - there was a recent split in opinion in my LS last night about the fastest way to XP. One said attacking easy mobs for ~25xp was the quickest, and another was all for the dunes in a PT. Current ls lvl's are 13, 15 and 24. I personally think (im lvl 13rdm) solo on easy prey is quicker, but at what stage will PTing become the only way forward?

2. I have noticed a lot of people chasing around upping their crafting skills, but i dont care much for it to be honest. All that running around etc just doesnt appeal to me right now. Will this hold me back?

3. I need a good synthesis guide (Crystal + Item = XXX)

Im sure there were a few more things but I'll post them when I remember!

Thanks

Hong

[Bricklayer]

1. XP'ing - there was a recent split in opinion in my LS last night about the fastest way to XP. One said attacking easy mobs for ~25xp was the quickest, and another was all for the dunes in a PT. Current ls lvl's are 13, 15 and 24. I personally think (im lvl 13rdm) solo on easy prey is quicker, but at what stage will PTing become the only way forward?


If the three of you try to party, I don't think you'll get any XP... Partying in the dunes can (but will not always) provide good XP if you keep everyone in the party within about 1 level of each other, e.g. 11 10 10 11 11 10. This way, you can fight mobs that are "Very Tough" to the 11's and "Incredibly Tough" to the 10's. The worst situation is to have one person who is higher than anyone else, e.g. 15 10 10 11 11 10. In this case, the mobs are probably "Decent Challenge" to the 15, but "Incredibly Tough" to everyone else. So, the 15 is basically soloing, and everyone is getting low experience (XP is based on the highest level player, as far as i know).

[hongman]

The 3 of us are not partying together, just chatting whilst each doing out own thing.

[Murphie]

Generally (job depending) it starts making more sense to party instead of solo somewhere around the mid to late teens. You can (job depending, once again) solo into the early 20s and beyond, but not at the same rate as most average parties.

[Ameroth]

2. I have noticed a lot of people chasing around upping their crafting skills, but i dont care much for it to be honest. All that running around etc just doesnt appeal to me right now. Will this hold me back?

3. I need a good synthesis guide (Crystal + Item = XXX)

Well this is kind of a contradiction. Synthesis is crafting, and vice versa. To answer the first question, no you don't need to craft at all. If you don't feel like it, then there's no reason to waste your time and money.

To your second question, without working on a craft, synthesis recipes won't do you any good because you won't have a high enough crafting skill to make the items you want.

[hongman]

OK I guess I didnt places that across very well!!

What I meant to say was I dont go actively working on my synth skills, only when I feel I need to - and right now I need to make a table or something as my mog safe is full!!

So, question was really do I have to start attaining certain synthing skills sooner or later - answer NO

Is there a recipe guide somewhere? So if say like now I need a bit of furniture, I can see what I need to do it without having to go thru miscellanious trials. I could look up to make a table I need skill lvl X and these ingredients.

I could then work on getting to lvl X without having to waste time doing trial and error.

[Ameroth]

These forums are a great place to look/ask for recipes. Try the carpenter forums.

[Davitron3000]

I usually get my Recipe information from these 2 sites:

http://ffxi.somepage.com/

http://www.ffrecipe.com/index.php

[hongman]

I did look on somepage, but then I have only just realised that crafting and synth is the same and recipes mean more than cooking!!

Thanks

[Icemage]

It should be noted that getting storage from crafting is quite an arduous process. The only craft that produces any measurable amount of storage is Woodworking, and you really don't get access to create any really usable storage furniture until at least level 70 or so - by which point you'll have spent at least a million gil on the craft.


Icemage

[Stiker]

I think you've gotten some good advice on the crafting questions personally, so I'll just throw in my 2 cents on partying at your level.

Dunes parties can be great for leveling fast. Dunes parties can also (and unfortunately, most often) be a living hell. The reasons are plentiful for this. Some of it has to do with new players learning the game (and therefore don't have the ever useful subjob), experienced players learning new jobs, jobs being low levels and not as useful...and also n00bs that just have no idea what they are doing.

Fortunately for you, as a RDM soloing can, at times, be better for exping. And also, fortunately for you, you are a mage and will get invites very quickly. So if you know, or find, a good group of people definitely party with them. Otherwise {Run away!} from the Dunes and solo if you can't find good people to party with (or just wish to play on your own for a bit!)

[Xylaa]

As for crafting recipes, I've found this website to be the best for craft information.

http://mysterytour.web.infoseek.co.jp/ffxi/us/

Just click on "Guild" on the left side, then pick the craft you want. This site is great for many other things too.

[hongman]

Thanks guys/gals

I did solo last night in Konschtat, and had to call on a fellow LVL16 RDM to help me out as I was completely on the brink of death after every battle with a sheep, which gives the most XP. A few times I died whilst healing becuase of a sneaking gob.

It was a noticeable a loit harder last night soloing, as even 'Even Match' was very tough!

I finally did manage to lvl up to 15 last night (yay) and then headed to Bastok where EVERYTHING is cheaper than sandy. I'm gonna stock up on spells, even bought a few to sell back in sandy to make some profit (i.e Cure 2 in Bastok is ~600-700g...AH in Sandy is 5k!!)

One thing I did notice though that I dont understand is I was looking to buy a Sanintly ring from the bastok AH but it was yellowed out - I am high enough lvl for it, had free space in my INV and enough money...but it wouldnt let me bid??!!

I have also decided for now to stick with my trusty sword until lvl 18 when I can get the Yew wand.

Opinions?

[Ameroth]

I was looking to buy a Sanintly ring from the bastok AH but it was yellowed out - I am high enough lvl for it, had free space in my INV and enough money...but it wouldnt let me bid??!!

I'm willing to bet this is because there aren't actually any rings to buy. Notice the number to the right of the item name.... if there isn't one, no one has that ring up for sell. Just because an item is on the AH list, doesn't actually mean the item ITSELF is actually there to be bid upon.

It was a noticeable a loit harder last night soloing, as even 'Even Match' was very tough!

You will quickly learn that the higher level you are, the harder and harder mobs become; even a {Decent Challenge} will actually become a little be harder than you may think. Look at it this way: When you fight something that is an even match, that means it is about the same level as yourself. The higher a level, the stronger it is going to be/

[Mhurron]

I have also decided for now to stick with my trusty sword until lvl 18 when I can get the Yew wand. Theres no need to be so quick to turn in your sword just yet. Through qufim (19-24) and maybe a little beyond you can still add enough damage to be usefull with your sword.
In short, don't 'give up' anything, though your play styles may change as you level. Eventually you will never use a sword in an EXP party, but you might want it for quest and missions and what not. Later on you'll join skillup parties to keep your melee skills up, or you'll level NIN as a subjob.
You might as well get used to the idea of carrying a lot of gear around with you.

[Ameroth]

You might as well get used to the idea of carrying a lot of gear around with you.

Alas, that is why a mule (or 2) becomes needed. Eventually, you have so much gear that you can't/don't want to throw away.

Oh SE, you've duped me again! :p

[Armando]

You will quickly learn that the higher level you are, the harder and harder mobs become; even a {Decent Challenge} will actually become a little be harder than you may think. Look at it this way: When you fight something that is an even match, that means it is about the same level as yourself. The higher a level, the stronger it is going to be/It's not really that; after all, we have superior stats to mobs. It's the fact that mobs seriously out-TP us because they get their normal TP gain, PLUS our TP gain +3 every time we smack them; they have a huge TP advantage over us. Also, the higher in level you go, the wider the gap between your HP and the mob's, making matters worse. A level 65 mob can have 3000 HP, while normal players are still around ~1200.

[hongman]

Thanks I didnt reaise that about the AH items, though there were bids on it in price history?

I really need to do these gobbiebag quests but it means spending ages getting Jeuno or wherver the NPC is - seems I have to spent all my time lvling justy to keep up with everyone else!

Looks like I may have to either find a good static party or hope to lvl to the same numbers as my ls members!!

Oh, all good fun :)

[Celeal]

To OP:
At higher level, Easy Prey(s) can kill you easily, if you are not careful.

In my opinion, solo for exp. can be interesting too, if your priority is not exp. gain over time.

If you really want to gain exp. fast, join or build your own exp. parties. However, this only applies to players who:

1. are willing to contribute to the party.
2. know what they are doing.

If any members in your party lack of skill, not prepared, watching TV, or constantly AFK during the party, exp. will sux.

When everyone in the party work as a team, it would be a fun experience.

[Mhurron]

really need to do these gobbiebag quests but it means spending ages getting Jeuno or wherver the NPC is - seems I have to spent all my time lvling justy to keep up with everyone else!
At first you will. It seems you end up leveling to 18 or 20, get a subjob then do it all over again. However, at lvl 19/20 you go to Jeuno anyway and at lvl20 you can get your chocobo licence. This now makes getting around much easier. It also makes it easier to do other things as well. By this point you'll probably also need to stop and farm up stuff to have a little bit of savings as well.

You don't have to keep up with everyone else, a lot of the poeple you're leveling with have other higher leveled jobs and won't really have to stop to make gil. Level at your own pace and have fun.

[hongman]

Thanks

I was actually putting off quests and missions until I had a chocobo so I could travel to various places a lot quicker!!

My primary aim is lvl 18 for the subjob. I already have 1 item for the quest, which I got during exp party in the dunes, the guys were kind enough to pass it on to me.

I agree, if you get a good pt, then it can be loads of fun as I prefer playing along side someone than alone. But the last few pt attempts have either ended up taking all night to get organized or the parties disbanding for one reason or another.

But I heard the dunes were ripe for this kind of thing for the obvious reasons, ie people like me that havent got a clue!

[Icemage]

I was actually putting off quests and missions until I had a chocobo so I could travel to various places a lot quicker!!

This is a very good idea.

Another good idea is to start doing your Outpost Supply quests (talk to any gate guard in your home city). Sending supplies to any outpost that your city currently has control of gives you the ability to teleport to that region as long as your current job level is high enough for that region.

My primary aim is lvl 18 for the subjob. I already have 1 item for the quest, which I got during exp party in the dunes, the guys were kind enough to pass it on to me.
I agree, if you get a good pt, then it can be loads of fun as I prefer playing along side someone than alone. But the last few pt attempts have either ended up taking all night to get organized or the parties disbanding for one reason or another.
But I heard the dunes were ripe for this kind of thing for the obvious reasons, ie people like me that havent got a clue!
Indeed. Bear with it just a bit longer. Things improve slightly in Jeuno once you're level 20ish, improve a bit more around 25-30 in Kazham, and once you're into your 30s they improve dramatically.


Icemage

[hongman]

What happens at lvl 20 that makes you go to Jeuno?

[hongman]

Alas, that is why a mule (or 2) becomes needed. Eventually, you have so much gear that you can't/don't want to throw away.

Oh SE, you've duped me again! :p

Just re-read that - mule - you were joking right? :huh:

[Icemage]

What happens at lvl 20 that makes you go to Jeuno?
Two things.

(1) At level 20 you can start and complete the quest to gain the Chocobo License (which allows you to rent chocobos from any Chocobo Stable). For this, you'll want to acquire 4 Gausebit Grass - get them before you head to Jeuno, or you'll pay a premium for them once you arrive, assuming you can find 4 at all.

(2) One of the zones immediately bordering Jeuno (Qufim Island) is a prime levelling spot at level 20-25+.


Icemage

[Jei]

Just re-read that - mule - you were joking right? :huh:
Mules are somewhat required, depending on your style. Like me, there was time when I level so many jobs. Rdm Whm Blm War Nin Thf Rng etc.... I switched around as I like. And of course I ended up with TONs of equipments I wanted to keep for later use. I had to use 3 mules just for my armors lol.

Now tho, I'm already 75 War Rdm Blm and I have enough space on my main to store everything needed for that 3 jobs.
Plus, I only pick 1 other job to play at a time, so no longer I need that many mules for equipments. I decided to just sell everything when I don't need and re-buy them when I do.

I still have 1 mule for rare/expensive gears that I don't want to sell, however.
And 3-4 more for crafting....

[hongman]

where can I get a mule? WHat the lvl/job/quest/rank requirements?

I really thought you were joking about the mules...

[Mhurron]

where can I get a mule? WHat the lvl/job/quest/rank requirements?
I really thought you were joking about the mules... A mule is another character you create thats used for storage, crafting and whatnot. It will cost you an extra $1 a month for each additional character.

[eticket109]

If I had to do it all over, I'd probably solo to 20 before I went to join a party or even levelled a sub. Soloing to 20 is slower then the Dunes but it's a lot less frustrating. However, I recommend taking a sub through there though as it's a great place to learn what to do and what not to do in a party.

[Ameroth]

where can I get a mule? WHat the lvl/job/quest/rank requirements?

I really thought you were joking about the mules...

:rolleyes: Heh sorry, I should have elaborated on that. Thanks Mhurron for covering that.

[Aksannyi]

But I heard the dunes were ripe for this kind of thing for the obvious reasons, ie people like me that havent got a clue!

You are much better off than I ever was when I was starting out because you are here gathering information. I didn't discover a lot of vital things about playing until I was well into my 30's.

For instance, I subbed warrior (for my red mage) until I was level 32 I believe ... and had no idea why that was such a bad thing! I actually tanked a few Dunes parties. Of course in the Dunes it's not so bad but I can't imagine if I had kept along that path.

When I look back it's frightening how much of a nooblet I was ... I sure wish everyone could start out coming to resourceful sites like this one. :)