I just got the game today =D

[Smoogles]

Hello everyone!

I just got FFXI today... and started off as a white mage.

Question :

1. Was it right for me to pick the healer path? I came from World of Warcraft
and priest class can do damage and healing. On this game, would white mage
be able to do damage well or they're mainly for support only?

2. Is it harder to level a black mage or white mage?

3. I don't really understand the job system on this game. Can a character be only one job or two job?

4. How long does it usually take for someone to get to level 75?

5. Would anyone who know this game well willing to help me? lets say like...
play with me in game or at least add me to MSN so we can chat or something...
I'm pretty lonely and most people in game rarely talk.

Thanks!

- Roxy

[Mog]

Hello everyone!

I just got FFXI today... and started off as a white mage.

Question :

1. Was it right for me to pick the healer path? I came from World of Warcraft
and priest class can do damage and healing. On this game, would white mage
be able to do damage well or they're mainly for support only?

2. Is it harder to level a black mage or white mage?

3. I don't really understand the job system on this game. Can a character be only one job or two job?

4. How long does it usually take for someone to get to level 75?

5. Would anyone who know this game well willing to help me? lets say like...
play with me in game or at least add me to MSN so we can chat or something...
I'm pretty lonely and most people in game rarely talk.

Thanks!

- Roxy

Hello and welcome to the forums!

1. As far as white mage goes, 99% of your job goes into healing other party members and buffing. If you do manage to hit level 75 though, there are many damage dealing opportunities that white mage provides. Nothing beats a white mage/ ninja with reverand mail, optical hat, and pirate clubs. :D

2. Much harder to level black mage. In terms of desirability, white mage is a must. In terms of how many people play the jobs and competition exists, black mage reigns.

3. Basically, you have a MAIN job and a SUB job. The main job is, well, your main job that you're on. Your sub job is a second job that you can play. However, it must be less than or equal half the level of your main job.

Ex. I'm a 75 black mage and my subjob is 37 white mage.

4. Depends on how hardcore of a gamer you are. For some, it's easily attainable to reach 75 in a couple of months. This is constantly leveling for days on end. For me ( and probably a lot others ) it took me a year to hit 75 with my black mage.

5. Depends on what server you're going to play on. I can get you a world pass to Seraph if you want.

[WishMaster3K]

As your first time playing, and coming from WoW, I'll just make a few recommendations that don't directly relate to your questions:

1) Everything you learned from WoW, throw it out the window.
2) Parties are ESSENTIAL
3) Getting parties is a major time-sink unless you're lucky.
4) This game is largely community based.

It's fairly easy to learn how to play by soloing to 10. In fact, it's almost necessary, because soloing to lvl 10 is the only way. Then you gotta go through the exp areas, join groups, meet retarded players, learn your job, get bitched at by more experienced players and so forth and so on.

I'm still learning, and I've been playing this game for like three years.

One thing I recommend: don't give up!

FFXI is very rewarding, and the end-game content is near-limitless. Just keep that in mind when you get to the 50s and exp seems like it takes forever.

There are many guides for jobs and sub jobs and such, so I won't ramble on here, but the best thing to do is to research something your passionate about and learn as much as you can.

If you find that the research is boring, then maybe look into something else.

I'm not sure about Priest's in WoW, but WHMs in FFXI can't DD until lvl 75 and they've gotten a few nice end-game benefits.

There are many DD options also, and PLD might be up your ally. . . . Kinda.

Paladins in FFXI are tanks as opposed to in WoW where they're DDs. This is due to the subjob system.

Mog explained it briefly, but basically, you have your main job, and you have a sub job whose skills and traits augement your main job.

This is an abstract concept to you now, but trust us, it makes sense perfectly once you actually gain access to it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if at any time you get sick of a job, you can change it and still retain all the skills/spells and abilities that you learned on the previous job.

That's the beauty of FFXI- you're never stuck as one class. Even better, if different jobs share magic/weapon skills, they transfer over if you're the proper level.

Example: WHM learn cure at lvl 1, RDM learn it level 3, and PLD learn it at lvl 5 (i think). If you were to learn Cure on WHM and never touch it again, if you got to lvl 5 as a PLD, you wouldn't need to "re-learn" Cure, you'd just finally have access to it.

I hope this all makes sense. But ty for coming to this forum, we're more than willing to answer questions.

[Necropolis]

I think the two post above just covered enough info that may confuse you enought for a while. All I can say is welcome to ffxi. A lot of concepts seem confusing now, but they become much much clearer as you play the game. If you use aim, my name on there is mathnecro007, or if you join the ifrit server my name there is Necropolis, so anytime you have a question, ask away, and i'm sure if I can't answer there are many more people here at the forums that can help you.

[luisa]

oh one more thing, u can only have a sub job once u hit lvl 18 n do the quest, from then on your gonna need to lvl another job in order to keep your real main job going, whm normally sub blm, so once u hit lvl 18 n get the quest done go lvl blm or what ever you like, just remember this, dont throw away your low lvl gear, u might need it for some other job, will save you gil at the end, and may i recomend redmage, redmages are awsome and a good startting job, and no you dont have to be lvl 18 to change your main job.

[Horus]

All above posts seem to have explained it pretty well.
Although, what server are you on? If you're on Phoenix server, I'm also a lvl 32 WHM and I could help you out. Just /tell Horus if you're on my server ^.^

[Olorin401]

Hello everyone!
I just got FFXI today... and started off as a white mage.
Welcome to our world.. muahaha! (f~.~)f
1. Was it right for me to pick the healer path? I came from World of Warcraft
and priest class can do damage and healing. On this game, would white mage
be able to do damage well or they're mainly for support only?
Well that's a bit of a subjective question.. the only way to decide if a job is right for you is to play it for a little while and see if you like it. When I started playing about 3 years ago, I began as a Warrior but got bored with it pretty quick. So I chose WHM, since it was easy to get parties and you could make some gil from teleports. Now my WHM is 75 (and I still love playing it), I have a collection of mage subjobs, and my WAR is dusty at Lv33.
2. Is it harder to level a black mage or white mage?
I'd say BLM, simply because it's so much easier to get party invites as a WHM. BLM, at least from 35-60, can at least sub a melee job and solo with decent weapons. White Mages are only allowed to use blunt objects.. heh go figure.
3. I don't really understand the job system on this game. Can a character be only one job or two job?
You can be any job you choose, with any subjob you choose. Also, unlike WoW (which forces you to abandon all progress on a job class if you switch), each job is saved WHEN you switch at the point where you left it. This allows you to level WHM for a bit to gain access to subjobs, then switch to BLM and level that to give you your maximum potential.
4. How long does it usually take for someone to get to level 75?
There's so many variables in this - I've got friends who started playing before me that still don't have a job to 75 (they're close though), and I've seen some people (in particular JP players) who got BLU75 or COR75 two weeks after the Aht Urghan expansion was released.
5. Would anyone who know this game well willing to help me? lets say like... play with me in game or at least add me to MSN so we can chat or something... I'm pretty lonely and most people in game rarely talk.
Well you're always welcome here, and if you're on my server I'll toss you a pearl for my linkshell. :)

[Smoogles]

Well you're always welcome here, and if you're on my server I'll toss you a pearl for my linkshell. :)

Pearl for your linkshell? what does that mean? ( im dumb )

[Necropolis]

A linkshell is like a guild in other MMORPG games. Anyone who has a pearl can chat in the linkshell without being in a party or using private messages.

You can have multiple linkshells, but can only be in one at a time. Some linkshells are social, some are for specific events (endgame, dynamis and the such), and some are for specfic races/places and what not. Often you would have a linkshell to get help with missions or the such, and in return help other people out with thier missions and what not.

[DrivenTooFar]

A linkshell is an item that allows you to communicate with people who are within the linkshell. Getting a pearl means you can become a part of the Linkshell. Think of it as FFXI's version of a guild.

[Horus]

A linkshell is like a guild in other MMORPG games. Anyone who has a pearl can chat in the linkshell without being in a party or using private messages.

You can have multiple linkshells, but can only be in one at a time. Some linkshells are social, some are for specific events (endgame, dynamis and the such), and some are for specfic races/places and what not. Often you would have a linkshell to get help with missions or the such, and in return help other people out with thier missions and what not.
A linkshell is an item that allows you to communicate with people who are within the linkshell. Getting a pearl means you can become a part of the Linkshell. Think of it as FFXI's version of a guild.
Yup, basically. You can use a linkshell (LS) to communicate with everyone else who has that particular linkpearl, no matter where they are in the world (of Vana'diel).
It's best to get be part of a linkshell, especially at low levels. People whoa re members of that linkshell can give you tips and maybe help with quests / missions.

[Olorin401]

Pearl for your linkshell? what does that mean? ( im dumb )
First off, you're new - not dumb. :p

A linkshell is an item that allows you to communicate as a group of players on your server. The leader of the group holds the actual "shell" (which can create "linkpearls" for members). Also the shellholder can give out "pearlsacks" to some people in the group, so they can hand out pearls and make the group larger. This allows players to talk in a larger group than a party or one-on-one, but a smaller group than public talking or shouting.

I'm not sure what the equivalent in WoW is.. I think it might be a guild?

[Horus]

go to wiki.ffxiclopedia.org (http://www.ffxiclopedia.org)
It'll give you alot of information on FFXI, jobs, missions, quests, levels, equipment etc. etc.

[Smoogles]

First off, you're new - not dumb. :p

A linkshell is an item that allows you to communicate as a group of players on your server. The leader of the group holds the actual "shell" (which can create "linkpearls" for members). Also the shellholder can give out "pearlsacks" to some people in the group, so they can hand out pearls and make the group larger. This allows players to talk in a larger group than a party or one-on-one, but a smaller group than public talking or shouting.

I'm not sure what the equivalent in WoW is.. I think it might be a guild?

Dont i need a worldpass or something to be playing on your server :o ?

[Necropolis]

You would need a world pass if the game didn't randomly put you on the same server as someone as you want to play with. But relieze that you would have to start a character over again, so any leveling you have done in the past day or two would be lost. Up to you if you want to swap servers.

What Server are you on now? And if you would like a world pass to another you can post a thread in the official world pass threads for a specific server that you wish to join. I can offer you one for Ifrit, and I'm sure someone on the forums would be glad to get you a pass to thier server if you wish.

[Nandito]

First, let me just say this. *squishes your avatar and sig* WHAT CUTE LITTLE WITTLE KITTIES~!!

Second, welcome to FFXI! It looks like you were given plenty advice, and any I hand out will probably cause you a brain implosion. But look through that site Horus linked for you. A beautiful example of everything you need to know.

[Marlon]

dude i hope you can find people to help you, i really do, and i hope you have tons of free time. Let me play devil's advocate and suggest that starting playing this game now may be a bad idea. First allow me to list several roadblocks you are gonna come to very early on:

1) To get a subjob, you need to complete a quest where you must collect 3 items it will be impossible for you to get on your own. Normally you can attain 2 of these thru normal partying, but you will need some1 to help you with the 3rd, and if you have no friends not many people are willing to go out of their way cuz it can take a long time to get this 3rd item.
2) Ok you ow finally have a subjob, but guess what, its level 1 so you must level blm whether you like it or not to sub with whm. That means buying all the blm spells, and other gear that would be appropriate for blm. If you plan on 75 whm, plan on being 37 blm 1st
3) Ok now you hit level 20 with blm, and every1 is now partying in a place you have to walk to cuz you dont have chocobo license, which is a pain cuz you need to feed your chocobo over the span of 6 hours, and you will probably die many times getting to place you can feed it.
4) Ok now you are level 25 and you need kazham keys, which allow you to head to next party hotspot, well guess what, you need help for this too, as all 3 areas you must get keys from are spread all over the world, and the monsters will stomp you.

Let me stop there, because this is enough to make my point... This game has been out for years, and most players that are actually still subscribing have been playing for years. As a new player, chances are slim you will meet any1 that needs the same quests that you do, cuz they have all been done already. The poster who said you could level to 75 in a few months must not have been taking into account you are a completely new player. It's gonna take you at least 6 months to reach 75, and thats if you play ALOT. I havent played WoW, but my guess is you can have more fun with a different mmorpg if there are more people that need the same quests and have the same missions you need. You will be at the mercy of other people's willingness to help you.

[Necropolis]

While I agree that it can be rough to start out on an "aged" MMORPG, I would hardly say that it will be a major road block. One of my social LS have a tendecy to invite new players to the game and help them out as much as they can.

I can get all the subjob items in less than an hour, while grabbing a teleport dem crystal while we are at it.

On the way to Jeuno (where you obtain a chocobo license) I grab the holla crystal, and lead people safely through the jungle.

Kazham keys I usually start in the Grotto (tele-holla and choco), then tele dem and escape from Newton, then ride the boat to Mhura if they don't already have the mea crystal.

Then from there people I've helped usually end up asking for help with LB1,2,3, and the rank missions. While I may not be able to do it quickly or when they want to, I try to set up something on a weekend and just make a day of it. Sundays are usually best as this is a free day in my end-game shell.

As far as leveling, it can take you years or month. I joined FFXI just over 6 months ago, and this was my first ever MMORPG. I hit 75 whm in just over 4 months of play, but I did play quiet a bit in those 4 months. So even being completly new to the game (and new to MMORPGs in general) I was able to get along just fine.

Gil making and gear and such I can give advice, but generally don't give handouts (as I am perpetually broke myself :P ) But once you hit 36 as a whm and get the tele scrolls you can make a chunk of gil over a few hours.

From what I understand WoW is a bit different set up from FFXI. You can solo more in WoW and various other things I'm not familer with, but I think as long as the OP is patient, he'll derive many hours of entertainment from FFXI.

I would suppose the main things that will hold newer players back that aren't fortunate to meet someone willing to help, would be Rank3 and rank 5, LB1 and LB2, and the Kazham keys and Subjob items. But once you start leveling, most times you'll find someone that has another higher job that is willing to help you out from time to time with various things.

And seeing as the OP has been informed about subjobs, he's certainly capable of leveling both whm and blm to 10 before starting to party, meaning once he's got a Subjob, that job is already leveled.

But I'm starting to rant, so I'll cut it off her :P

[Malevolent]

best advice i would give is think before you start to party or lvl a job...think to yourself where you're going to go with this job...is it going to be your subjob? subjob to your main subjob?? if you plan on going the white mage way your probable course of action would be white mage to lvl 18 unlock subjob then lvl Black mage to 37 then take up your white mage from lvl 18-75.

Thats a good way to do things since you'll be organized...things might flow a lil smoothly if you're getting invites...Also don't try to solo any XP as a BLM or WHM untill you're in your upper lvls...they are great farming jobs tho. If you ever find yourself at a point where its boring for you and partying becomes mundane...start fishing...or take up a craft and do some experiments.

[Mazon]

If you're on the Alexander server look me up, Ingame name is Mazon. I'm more than willing to help out with any questions and if you ever need help just ask.

If you're not on Alexander... no big deal. I'm still around for questions, usually lurking around here.

[Olorin401]

dude i hope you can find people to help you, i really do, and i hope you have tons of free time. Let me play devil's advocate and suggest that starting playing this game now may be a bad idea. First allow me to list several roadblocks you are gonna come to very early on:
1) To get a subjob, you need to complete a quest where you must collect 3 items it will be impossible for you to get on your own. Normally you can attain 2 of these thru normal partying, but you will need some1 to help you with the 3rd, and if you have no friends not many people are willing to go out of their way cuz it can take a long time to get this 3rd item.
2) Ok you ow finally have a subjob, but guess what, its level 1 so you must level blm whether you like it or not to sub with whm. That means buying all the blm spells, and other gear that would be appropriate for blm. If you plan on 75 whm, plan on being 37 blm 1st
3) Ok now you hit level 20 with blm, and every1 is now partying in a place you have to walk to cuz you dont have chocobo license, which is a pain cuz you need to feed your chocobo over the span of 6 hours, and you will probably die many times getting to place you can feed it.
4) Ok now you are level 25 and you need kazham keys, which allow you to head to next party hotspot, well guess what, you need help for this too, as all 3 areas you must get keys from are spread all over the world, and the monsters will stomp you.
Let me stop there, because this is enough to make my point... This game has been out for years, and most players that are actually still subscribing have been playing for years. As a new player, chances are slim you will meet any1 that needs the same quests that you do, cuz they have all been done already. The poster who said you could level to 75 in a few months must not have been taking into account you are a completely new player. It's gonna take you at least 6 months to reach 75, and thats if you play ALOT. I havent played WoW, but my guess is you can have more fun with a different mmorpg if there are more people that need the same quests and have the same missions you need. You will be at the mercy of other people's willingness to help you.
I was giving him a range.. and I was being serious. It can take weeks, months or even more than a year to level a job to 75. It all depends on how much time you have to play, how much attention you give a job (compared to completing quests/mission or farming etc.) and how much gil you have to put into your gear.
----
There are experienced players who are willing to help out those who are completely new to the game. All you need to do is ask around and you'll find a good group of pals to hang out with and learn the ropes.

[Smoogles]

I was giving him a range.. and I was being serious. It can take weeks, months or even more than a year to level a job to 75. It all depends on how much time you have to play, how much attention you give a job (compared to completing quests/mission or farming etc.) and how much gil you have to put into your gear.
----
There are experienced players who are willing to help out those who are completely new to the game. All you need to do is ask around and you'll find a good group of pals to hang out with and learn the ropes.

Hehe actually... I'm a girl ( not a ' him ' ) lol.

Anyway!

I'm going to work on my character now... hopefully I get somewhat familiarized to the game a bit better.

[Visper]

Marlon don't scare the new players away, otherwise the life span of this game will be much shorter with people leaving and no one starting. There are people that will help, including myself (I can't even tell you how many skulls I've gotten for people...ugg).

There may not be the amount of new people joining that lets say there was 2 years ago, but there is still a constant flow, which could actually work to an advantage in the lower areas. I remember waiting hours for a party in the dunes just because it was so overcrowded. Now with lesser amount of players it should be fairly quick!

[Olorin401]

Hehe actually... I'm a girl ( not a ' him ' ) lol.
Anyway!
I'm going to work on my character now... hopefully I get somewhat familiarized to the game a bit better.
Sorry 'bout that! m(_._)m

Let us know which server you're on.. there might be someone reading who can be a mentor.

[Mazon]

OMG Olorin, you used the forbidden "M" word. Mentor.

How about... Educator, since the Mentor program is pretty much a joke in the game, the majority of the time.