So Damn Frustrating!!

[Redimus]

Its level 10 and "Seems tough" mobs are killing me.

Upgrading my weapon on NPCs is impossible, the auction house seems to be mocking me, and finding some one to synthesize monk gear in windurst seems unlikely since there is no smithing guild.


The FAQs and guides are all telling me to start partying, but nobody but me seems to be interested, and the ONE friend I've made since I started playing this game is telling me to go to the dunes where you get the subjob quest.

but I'm not level 18 yet so I don't see the point in partying there other then to leech like some groveling overly dependant n00b (which is completely different from newb) who lacks respect for themselves as a gamer.


Meanwhile in the game thats supposed be all about community and making friends EVERYBODY IS DEAD SILENT!

and I'm trying not to think it, but slowly I'm starting to wonder if people are taking one look at me and saying "Oh hes just a stupid level 11 monk, lets ignore him."


God! Its gonna be a year before I become a puppetmaster, and once I am its gonna be worse becuase no one respects puppet masters.

Especially one that barely knows what the hell hes doing!

:angry: REDIMUS IS NOT PLEASED!

[Murphie]

Many players start partying there at level 10 and stay until 19 or 20. So you're actually not too "young" to be heading to the dunes. That said, you can level quite well solo for several more levels, provided you target Easy Prey, Decent Challenge and the occasional Even Match mobs. As you progress through the levels, the Tough mobs get tougher. Heck, even Decent Challenge and Easy Prey get tough to solo for some jobs as they progress through the levels.

One of the things that hurts FFXI IMO is the lack of general chat channels that other MMOs have. There is shout, yes, but few people use it outside of cities, and holding conversations via shout is generally frowned upon. So the world can seem awfully quiet if you don't have a Linkshell (Guild) or Party.

My suggestion would be to stick to it. Maybe put your LFG flag up with a comment (Under the main menu is a Search button, and under Search is Comment. You can edit your own comment there, and let potential party members know you're LFG) and fight near Valkurm Dunes (either in Latheine Plateau or Konschtat Highlands) on mobs you can take pretty easily. You'll get a party invite soon enough.^^

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Iiiiii'm gonna go out on a limb here and say its your first time though the early levels. >.>

To be honest, getting through Valkurm Dunes and some of the lower level areas is harder these days due to the game's population being high level. But, as a word of advice, the dunes are rather active on the weekends and generally the best time to get started with a job at your level.

Additionally, what server are you on? I'm sure there would be someone here willing to help you out through those levels, possibly get you into a linkshell where you can make some friends.

As far as upgrades go, you don't have to be totally dependant on the auction house at your level, but there is also the matter of what city you started in since some favor certain weapon and armor types over others. So which city did you choose? I'm sure we could point you to some NPCs for what you need.

There's also conquest gear you can buy from NPCs in towns based on your rank. If you've gotten a job to level 10, you should have 1000 Conquest points at least and be able to snag some gear from that.

As for those Tough mobs, SE is a bunch of sadists. After the first 10 levels, they're constantly devising new ways to get you killed. Tough mobs aren't soloable by most jobs past level 10, so don't feel too bad about that, its normal.

[Redimus]

Yes this is my first character.

I neglected to announce broadly I am a newbie. I usually do with great gusto. :evil:

I'm on Remora, in windurst. and I've bought the best the NPCs there have to offer.

I've also looked through a few websites on possible weapons to upgrade to and they made it abundantly clear my best bet would be finding some one who can synthesize and trying to buy their services.

I feel a little better having heard you. It takes doing, a little food, a little TP from some easier prey, and of course full life, but I can still best a tough mob.

Of course the 2 hour skill helps there when it pops up as well. <3

Anyway if the dunes are a good place to meet other level 10s and actually be a productive party member then I might just start heading that way. I did want to stick around and get my rank up, but being a puppetmaster takes precedence over everything else.

Thanks for the advice... I feel better now, not just from this but from letting it all out with that rant up there.



In regards to the guild thing... I have a phobia of guilds. I'm a relic from a time when we accessed the intrawebs by connecting our coleco visions directly to the phone line and used pulse dialing to do morse code for our BBS forums placed illegally on defense satellites.


So the word "guild" still has a bad meaning to it for me.

[Icemage]

You'll find that "tough" or just "even match" will become increasingly impossible to defeat by level 10 for most jobs. Depending on what job you're actually playing, it's probably best for you to restrict yourself to Easy Prey, with perhaps a light sprinkling of Decent Challenge when you're feeling brave.

The longer you can stand doing so, the better; level 10 is a tough level to try to get a party in the dunes. Try and get to at least level 13 if you can manage that long; it will save you some hassle and frustration.

P.S. You're not the only pre-Internet BBS user left. :) There's a few more of us kicking around!


Icemage

[Murphie]

Not me. I certainly never sat up late at night in front of my computer as the high-pitched whine of my modem connected me to a two tone text only message board. It never happened, and that's the story I'm sticking with.

[Raydeus]

Yeah without a sub is kinda tough to solo not only T but DC-EM too. After you get a sub things get a lot better for those early levels though.

Just don't forget about getting an Empress Band to make xping more productive. :thumbsup:

[Neomage]

All jobs except THF and BST usually go to dunes to party at 10(even though they usually solo in Kon. Hughlands anyway untill 13), and Mage jobs like Summoner, White Mage, Black Mage, and Red Mage can go at 9.

[LyonheartLakshmi]

Taking on Toughs as late as level 10 is extremely aggressive. Experienced players should only do that with job combinations that lend themselves to soloing well, using pricy gear. I certainly wouldn't advise it for a beginner.

I took RDM and BLU from 1 to 7 the other day. Each took me an hour of straight meleeing while keeping myself healthy with Selbina Milk. By the time I was level 6 or 7, Even Match mobs were starting to pose threats. EPs and DCs ended up being far more efficient exp.

You might see the 35 exp you get from a DC, and think taking EMs will be far faster. However, even though you get 3 times the exp from an EM, it'll take you 5 to 6 times as long after you factor in the resting time.

I took on EMs from levels 8 to 10 as jobs like WHM and BLM. However, it forced me to get a full rest for MP after basically each battle.

I'd suggest soloing EPs and DCs in zones like Tahrongi, La Theine or Konschtat while you have your party flag up. You can still find parties for your level out in the Windurst area, you may bemore likely to get an invite out in the Bastok / San d'Oria area. If you haven't made the trip out there yet, now might be a good time for a little Road Trip.

[Feenicks]

Regarding your comments on 'guilds' ... does it help if they're called linkshells? Completely different words, you know!

And really, if you're absolutely against joining an organised group of some sorts then you'll be in for trouble later on. There's a limit to what you can do by yourself and with random people. All of the really enjoyable stuff like Missions, HNMs, and other endgame activities can only be experienced by joining an appropriate linkshell.

[Eohmer]

Regarding your comments on 'guilds' ... does it help if they're called linkshells? Completely different words, you know!

I think he was referring to the actual Smithing Guild, not a linkshell.

[Daos]

I can relate. Before I started playing FF11, the only MMORPG I had played was UO. And in that game, there were no /tells or what have you. Whatever you typed appeared above your head for all to see. So when I first started playing FF11, I felt like I was in a graveyard. Nobody ever spoke...it was eerie.

Sometimes people wouldn't even respond when I spoke to them directly. I don't know if these people were snobs who didn't want to bother speaking to a newbie or if they were just Japanese and couldn't speak English. (That also takes getting used to...I'm accustomed to having different servers for different languages.)

Eventually, I was invited to join a linkshell and now I hear people talk all the time. I sort of wish I didn't now.

Player1>> lol want 2 pt?
Player2>> ne1 no ware (Valkurm Dunes) r?
Player3>> STFU n00b i no wat im takling about my freind has 3 75s on anotehr server
Player4>> man what

/sigh

[LyonheartLakshmi]

Eventually, I was invited to join a linkshell and now I hear people talk all the time. I sort of wish I didn't now.

Player1>> lol want 2 pt?
Player2>> ne1 no ware (Valkurm Dunes) r?
Player3>> STFU n00b i no wat im takling about my freind has 3 75s on anotehr server
Player4>> man what

/sigh
I get annoyed by some of the uninformed/misinformed lvl 75 know-it-alls in my LS. When it gets too frustrating, I suggest simply uneqipping the pearl for a bit. You can even make up an excuse and mention it to them before taking off your pearl, if you're worried about upsetting LS members that you find tolerable.

[Malacite]

Certain jobs excluded (i.e. BLU, BST, etc) you'll want to stay away from anything stronger than Decent Challenge by lv 10. I find that the higher you go, the less you can trust the /check feature for an accurate reading of an enemy's strength.


Hell, Easy Prey Lesser Colibri give me a hard time as 75 WAR @. @ (but then I wear a LOT of -eva so that factors into it)

[Yeargdribble]

If you enjoy the idea of doing anything remotely independant, FFXI isn't the game for you. To be blunt, you will not be able to solo for XP any more period. I guess you could, but considering that almost none of the missions are soloable in the game (by a reasonably leveled player, it's just not gonna work for you. If you are playing a less popular job (PUP is pretty much the least atm), prepare to LFP for the majority of your time in the game.

If this sounds unpleasant to you, I'd suggest you throw in the towel now. FFXI isn't a game for people that have less than a 2-3 hour block to play fairly regularly. FFXI is not a game for people who want adequate rewards for time spent every time they log in.

[Redimus]

I think he was referring to the actual Smithing Guild, not a linkshell.

No... NPC guilds don't count.

[Redimus]

If you enjoy the idea of doing anything remotely independant, FFXI isn't the game for you. To be blunt, you will not be able to solo for XP any more period. I guess you could, but considering that almost none of the missions are soloable in the game (by a reasonably leveled player, it's just not gonna work for you. If you are playing a less popular job (PUP is pretty much the least atm), prepare to LFP for the majority of your time in the game.

If this sounds unpleasant to you, I'd suggest you throw in the towel now. FFXI isn't a game for people that have less than a 2-3 hour block to play fairly regularly. FFXI is not a game for people who want adequate rewards for time spent every time they log in.

A) What does LFP mean?

B) Why is it so imperative I join a linkshell? Is finding a party without one really so hard?

[Neomage]

LFP means Looking For Party. And unless you make a static(I estimate ~10% of players do) your parties will be random pickup parties, which you don't need a LS for. No, Linkshells are for missions, quests, and finding friends to help you with stuff like smithing.

EDIT: Woah, 1k posts! DING!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Eohmer]

No... NPC guilds don't count.

Umm, ok? So what are you talking about then?

[Redimus]

Umm, ok? So what are you talking about then? Back in the day self proclaimed "1337"s or as I prefer to call them: Wanna be hacker script kiddies with downsyndrome. Used to make guilds to "1337 haxor" game servers and post their shitty VB "warez" on... Well... Warez....

<.<

[Eohmer]

Back in the day self proclaimed "1337"s or as I prefer to call them: Wanna be hacker script kiddies with downsyndrome. Used to make guilds to "1337 haxor" game servers and post their shitty VB "warez" on... Well... Warez....

<.<

Who would have thought that's what you were talking about when you said...
and finding some one to synthesize monk gear in windurst seems unlikely since there is no smithing guild.

>.<

[Redimus]

Who would have thought that's what you were talking about when you said...


>.<

Are you purposefully messing with me or did you really accidentally make that connection from what all was said?

[Hyrist]

While many beleive soloing is pratically impossible to do in this game, I hang out in a linkshell generally full of examples to counter that. One of which is a rather infamous PLD/WHM who soloed the majority of his paladin job from 1-75.

Suffice to say, if there is a will, there is a way, but it is defiantly not easy.

As far as gear and parties go. Past level 10 you should be taking a look at the Auction House as far as means of getting equipment. The NPC shops will not be carrying the levels of equipment you will desire most anytime beyond the level 10ish gear, and the rising difficulty of monster will keep you wanting to attack the Easy Prey to Decent Challenge level, which is the level you will swear by if you wish to continue soloing, Decent Challenge being the apsolute maximum you are willing to risk.

Dispite what FAQs and guides say, at level 10 you will make good exp attacking the beastmen in the outskirts of the area's surrounding each of the 3 starting nations. Though the exp may not rate high in individual numbers, the ability to take on multiple enemies consistently without resting will make up for that factor. In addition, the loot you sell and raw gil you will gain off of Beastmen will help you save up currency for further equipment down the road.

With the advantages of the starter areas, and with a little paitence, there is no reason why a player cannot solo his job up to 13 or even 14 without ever leaving the starter zones. You can continue this cycle in the Teleport Crag Zones to help you level even further without relying on a party. However, post 15 it is strongly recommended that you start partying, if only to collect items that are required for your Sub Job quest.

You will discover that the more you party, the greater the skew becomes between getting exp and making gil. Eventually, if you end up like most players and partying for your exp, the two practices will become entirely two different tasks.

However, the significant advantage in this is time. The more you specify your time doing one thing at a time (such as exping) the less overall time you spend leveling. (however, that may also mean you spend more time getting gil to update your equipment, but this is how most manage their game.)

While the whole scope of this may be daunting and frustrating at first, believe it or not, options begin to open up once you have joined a linkshell and have passed level 30. Linkshells will often team up together to accomplish tasks they could not do alone, as well as at chance times create parties they stay together with (otherwise known as 'static partys').

At level 40, soloists gain a companion to assist them in their alone times with the "Fellowship Quest" allowing you to summon and raise an NPC that can any non-ranged weapon type, with an option of 3 different combat styles, which can be upgraded as you contiue to use them. Though they are not as useful at the beginning (Short duration remaining with you both fights and time limitations apply) The more you work with them, and do quests with them, the stronger your "bond" grows with your fellow, allowing them to stay with you longer, as well as giving you an item that will assist in you calling them more often. (They start with a once per 16 hour (rl) limit.)

As you level, you will discover monsters become more complex and difficult to take on yourself, however, if you are determined, you will discover that each job has a specific 'nich' against certain monsters that they have an advantage over. However, compared to parties, soloing becomes increasingly slower over time, as the bar is raised on how much experience is needed per level.

One thing you should know. Events and quest in this game are near-completely party dependent. This game encourages people to play together and work together to complete difficult goals. It's something a player needs to get used to if they want to advance in the storyline and have access to what the majority of the players believe to be the more fun parts of this game.

In the end though it all boils down to the decisions you make and the people you become friends with.

Good luck.

[Redimus]

I wanted to clarify that I DO want to part, and I do want to do all the little quests and missions and such that make this game fun.

I have no desire to solo for the duration of my time here.

However since it seems finding a party is always going to be hard, I guess its comforting to know.

I'm nearing level 13 as we speak, and will be heading off for the subjob quest as soon as I hit that goal.

So... I'm not as frustrated any more now. Thanks.

[Neomage]

No problem. Usually it is very tough leveling untill about 15, either solo or PT, and then you start to get into parties more often and meet more compitent players.

[Hyrist]

Also note that even though you can collect the items at any time, you cannot complete your subjob quest until level 18, so you have time.

[Ayrlie]

i agree that warrior is not the best soloing job in the world. even with /nin for utsusemi, bloody bolts, and evasion+ gear, we simply get hit, and not even rampages crank out enough damage output when soloing.

when i go soloing on white mage, hexa strike + easy prey skeleton = dead skeleton. stoneskin buys you all the hits you need to survive.

[Aeni]

Unless you are totally twinked out, you cannot take on even match mobs after level 10 or so (Sans utsusemi, charming beasts and other trickery to make you believe you are soloing even matched mobs)

This game doesn't like you to solo at all. Hence, the scaling difficult which does not match the level check at all.

[IfritnoItazura]

Unless you are totally twinked out, you cannot take on even match mobs after level 10 or so (Sans utsusemi, charming beasts and other trickery to make you believe you are soloing even matched mobs)

^_^;

Why are Utsusemi and Charm "trickery"? After all, they are some of the earliest spells and job ability from Ninja and Beastmaster. To me, they seem "natural", if anything.

I vaguely remember solo'ed EM critters around DRG12-ish, and I'm pretty sure BLU can take on T's in the Lv.20's range. Also solo'ed some Yuhtunga Mandragora on DRK/WHM (while munching on ginger cookies), but forgot exactly at what level. >_>;

Is Wyvern also a "trickery"? Blue Magic? Abusing mandies with ginger cookies? Or even /WHM? What about NPC fellow? And, Avatars?

If so, at low (but above 10) levels, there sure are a lot of "trickery" one can use to solo. :cool: All it takes is a little know-how, really.


(No argument that the game is designed for partying, of course.)

[Celeal]

At later level, Easy prey can kill you easily if you are trying to solo using the level 1-10 methods.

I would solo until level 14 before joining party in Dunes. Those Lizards and Goblins are no joke for exp. parties for level 9 ~ 13: Bomb Toss, FireBall, poison, Bazeful Glace (pertified), all those link/train/aggro/pops and death/downtime....

Duo party (2 players party) works very well from level 10 to 15 too.

[JeanRC]

you not getting party fast will be due to the fact you are rank 1-3, you got no sub job. This 2 fact will determine you getting a party ahead of others seeking or not.
So what you can do is write a good pt comment like whats your experience till next level ( tnl 1200, @1200 ) which area you can go or access to like those gate crystal ( GC holla, mea, dem, just to name the basic 3 ) , do you have all the expansion for ffxi, pls invite me words in those tab help form ( game words so english ff will see the word in english and japanese will see it in japanese ) and anything you think is good to help you get a party invite.

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

(Sans utsusemi, charming beasts and other trickery to make you believe you are soloing even matched mobs).

Then humor all the soloists out there, what do you consider "soloing?"

Have I been dreaming that I soloed 50 of my 52 levels of BST? All those beastmen seals didn't just appear under my pillow.