Can You Solo/Duo in Order to Get Your NPC Partner/Fellow?

[misskitten]

After exhausting every other MMO on the market, I've finally decided to go ahead and give FFXI a try. Before anyone posts that "this is a party game, so get lost," bear in mind that I am WELL aware of this fact already; I'm simply looking for some information I haven't been able to dig up through any forum search or whatnot. So if you're looking to argue, go somewhere else.

I will be in a static duo/trio 90% of the time and that's the way it's going to stay. As I said before, don't post in here trying to argue with me about that; just post int this thread if you can answer the following question: Is it possible to get your NPC partner--I already know it requires rank 4/level 30--without getting into a 6-man party? I noticed one of the missions (2-3) is level capped at 25--does this mean that if you're over level 25 the mission will scale your character down to the equivalent of a level 25 character, or does it simply mean you have to be wearing gear that's under level 25?

Any informative answers are greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Oh, and while I'm at it, are quests--not missions--generally completable by small groups?

[Jei]

I can't remember much about the NPC quest. It requires you to travel into some mid level dungeons and could be quite hard with just the 3 of you at exactly level 30.

For level cap areas, yes your character's level will be scaled down. You will also have to bring along equipments below the level cap.

Quests varie a lot. Most of them, yes, you can even do them alone. Some will need groups, and a few you'll need full scale alliance.

Now that you have group of 2-3, it's easy to invite other people to make a full party. I'm not saying you can't play with just 3, but normally, forming a full group is not very easy these days if you're alone. But if you're set with your group of friends, you're at a very good starting point to form a full group. Use that to your advantage.

[neighbortaru]

the npc quest would be very hard to solo at 30, i'd wait until 40 if you want to solo it.

also, note that neither quests nor missions will give you xp (in case you didn't know) so it's all just grinding

[Losrase]

Yes, but I can only speak for the nation of Bastok since I have not done any other nation's missions. I was able to complete all the Bastok mission with less than 6 party members, but that is only because I had some high lvl help for some of them.

As for the level cap, you will be scale down to level 25 character and your equipment that is over level 25 cannot be worn.

Most quests can be done in small groups(quests in FFXI does not give experience points like WOW). Like I said before, some high level help may be needed for some of them.

A suggestion for the NPC Fellow quests is to duo/trio with some others. The quests cannot be solo at 30, but high level help or more members will be able to complete the quests.

[DakAttack]

I think the NPC quest is worth it, and if possible you should find some one to help you out. The first fight in the quest is in an open enviroment, so if you can find help for it that's great. It's right outside of Jeuno so hopefully it wouldn't take too much to convince somebody to help. The second fight is inside a BCNM capped at level 40, and is soloable by a naked level 40 character. Half way through your NPC comes in to help out, so it shouldn't be too difficult for three level thirty characters.

Getting to Rank 4, on the other hand, might be. Luckily if you're with two other friends Attaining Rank 3 should be cake. The boss fight capped at level 25 really only needs a Black Mage or Red Mage to sleep the Dragon, a melee to take down the eyeball and Dragon, and somebody to heal. Getting Rank 4 requires a run up through Delkfutt which can be a hassle if you don't have a guide and/or a map and medicine.

[misskitten]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I believe all of my questions have been answered.

[Icemage]

I know the tendency for small circles of friends is to associate exclusively with one another, but FFXI is one of those games that truly pushes you to socialize. It's not that you can't accomplis a lot of things with only a few people; but having high level friends never hurts when you're looking at trying to do something like Artifact Armor quests or some of the thornier rank missions.

You don't have to lean on such friendships (and truth be told, if you want to keep them you shouldn't impose beyond your welcome), but there's a certain comfort level in knowing that there's someone out there you can count on to lend a hand if things spiral out of your ability to accomplish at your current level.


Icemage

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

Welcome to Vana'diel Misskitten

I wish you many enjoyable experiences with your friends. There are many restrictions on Adventuring Fellows that make them weak replacements for party members. I'm not experienced enough with fellows to help you understand them, but don't count on your fellow to replace a member in an XP party.

That said, the game definitely supports 2-3 member parties, but truly effective 2-3 member parties require smart job choices or strategies. Once you and your friends have an idea what jobs you want to play, come back and I'll happily explain how that combination could successfully level together. Some jobs such as RDM and NIN make it much easier to have flexibility in the other members.

I've leveled RDM and SAM together in a duo/trio for most of the game (currently Lv74). For a little variety, I would invite a third member. I've experimented with many jobs as the third member and even played RDM for hours without the job ability Convert to better understand how well a WHM would work in a trio.

[Heartily]

I solo the majority of play time because I can't
put in the time that parties require. I only get 1 or 2
hours play time a day. I belong to a great shell that
I do help them on occasion (promy runs-cop missions) and
they help me once in a while when I reach things I can't solo.
I suggest finding a good shell , they will understand your main
play style and be glad to have a small group that loves the game.

[misskitten]

That said, the game definitely supports 2-3 member parties, but truly effective 2-3 member parties require smart job choices or strategies. Once you and your friends have an idea what jobs you want to play, come back and I'll happily explain how that combination could successfully level together. Some jobs such as RDM and NIN make it much easier to have flexibility in the other members.

Well, I've been researching practically every thread/website I can find on good duo combinations, and like most MMORPGs, I'm assuming the traditional tank/healer combo would be best for our main jobs? For example, I was thinking of a NIN-WHM team, but is that effective? Also, what about subjobs? I've heard that SMN would make a good subjob for the WHM, but what about RDM or BLM? Or would a RDM make a better main job?

I really want to make sure that we pick an effective combo since that is what will make or break the game in the end. Some other suggestions I've seen in various threads are RDM-PLD, THF-WHM, WAR-WHM, BST-BRD, BST-BST , DRG-DRG, and BLM-BLM.

Due to the plethora of class combinations available in this game, I'm finding it a daunting task when it comes to choosing what class combo we'll go with, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Also, as far as the third person is concerned, due to work/school, I'm not exactly certain how often he'll be playing with me and my duo partner, so it's crucial that we choose an effective duo combo above all else.

[IfritnoItazura]

Not sure if there is a single combination which would be effective in all duo'ing. There is also a matter of personal preferences to consider...

Healer and Tank is generally a good idea, but not the only idea.

With Beastmaster, for example, you let the pet tank, and the player hold back until the monster can be killed with one (or two for duo) weapon skill.

Three people in my LS used to trio, on WHM (/BLM?), THF/NIN, and DRG/WHM. The DRG is actually the main healer (via the Wyvern's Healing Breath), while the WHM stick mostly to dealing damage, buff party members, debuff monsters, and 'refresh' the DRG's MP using Moonlight (WS).

To be perfectly honest, it's quite likely you'd make a decision on a combination, try it, and find out you don't like it. Nice thing about FFXI is that you can switch job anytime at your Mog House, without any exp penalty.

So, try different things, and see what works out for you and your friend. Don't be afraid of picking the "wrong" combination--you can always switch to different jobs.

* * *

For the original question regarding the NPC Adventuring Fellow, there are actually three quests to unlock:

Unlisted Qualities (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Unlisted_Qualities): (no fighting)

Girl in the Looking Glass (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Girl_in_the_Looking_Glass): Fight against an NM skeleton. Can probably be duo'ed with two reasonable, Lv.40+ jobs. (Should kill an Gazer nearby first, though, which may be a tad dangerous for two Lv.40 players, depending on jobs used.)

Mirror, Mirror (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Mirror%2C_Mirror): Fight against an NM dragon, in an Lv.40 capped battle field. Can be easily duo'ed with two reasonable Lv.40 jobs.

So, yes, duo is fine.

[misskitten]

With Beastmaster, for example, you let the pet tank, and the player hold back until the monster can be killed with one (or two for duo) weapon skill.

Would NIN as a main job with BST as a sub-job work for the tank then? Or should that be reversed? Also, as far as my partner is concerned, would WHM/RDM or WHM/(something else) work better?

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

Beastmaster Subjob (SJ)
BST SJ is an effective way to level any job solo or in a duo, but you are required to first level BST. This is because your charm success rate is determined by the level of your BST job. Charmed pets usually come uncharmed after less than 3 minutes, so it is important that you can recharm them reliably.

BST subjob also restricts you to leveling where you can find pets to tank for you. Pets in Vana'diel cannot be healed with magic or raised. This requires you to find a new pet when your pet dies, so you need to level where pets of an appropriate level can be found. This restricts where you can go to level with BST. BST main job does get the ability to call a familiar, but this pet will be far weaker than a charmed pet.

Character A:
Main: Lv30 RDM
Sub: Lv70 BST

This character will have their charm success rate determined as if they were a Lv30 BST main. They will be able to often charm even match (EM) or weaker enemies.

Character B:
Main: Lv30 RDM
Sub: Lv15 BST

This character will have their charm success rate determined as if they were a Lv15 BST main. They will not be able to often successfully charm enemies over too weak (TW).

I just wanted to quickly point out a little bit about BST. However, first leveling BST is a great way to later level any job you choose. Also BST is an advanced job, so you will first have to reach level 30 to unlock it. I'll respond more completely later about possible job combinations.

[Heartily]

Beast as main gives you access to jug pets , which can save your
life many times. Recent changes give jug pets longer life and they
can now heal themselves with stay command. You can use jugs to pull
and they never mis charm -great for emergencies.

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

What duo should we start with?
When you first start FFXI, you will only have access to the six starting jobs and no subjob. At this stage, an effective duo will consist of a DD/Tank and a Healer, but later in game with access to subjobs (Lv18) and advanced jobs (Lv30), many more combinations and styles of play open up.

A typical way to get to Lv30 in a duo would be to follow the two paths below:

Character A
Lv1 WAR -> Lv18 WAR
Lv1 ???/WAR -> Lv15 ???/WAR
Lv18 WAR/??? -> Lv30 WAR/???

??? could be any job you believe will be useful while duoing later.

Character B
Lv1 WHM -> Lv18 WHM
Lv1 ???/WHM -> Lv15 ???/WHM
Lv18 WHM/??? -> Lv30 WHM/???

You could substitute RDM for WHM if you plan to play RDM past Lv30. Also ??? should probably be a magic user unless Character A is leveling a magic user at that time. You could even both go to Lv30 as WAR/WHM by fighting EP enemies and resting between fights.

What is your preferred play style?
Could you help me understand your preferred playing style once you have access to the advanced jobs and subjobs? Do you both want to contribute to the damage? Does one of you prefer to only play a support role? Would you prefer to do damage slowly over time or in large spikes? Would both you and your duo partner prefer to do spikes of damage followed by resting for MP?

Let me give you an example of how I duo with my RDM/WHM and SAM/WAR at Lv74:

1. RDM sits and rests MP while the SAM pulls an enemy to the camp
2. RDM stands and casts enfeebles (Paralyze, Slow, Dia II)
3. RDM cures SAM to full HP and sits again to rest MP
4. SAM uses the Seigan and Third Eye abilities together to mitigate damage while meleeing the enemy and using weaponskills and abilities such as Provoke, Berserk, Meditate, and Warcry
5. RDM stands to cure SAM whenever the SAM's HP gets dangerously low
6. RDM casts enhancing spells when they wear off (Refresh, Haste, Barspells)
7. RDM casts magic attack spells (Fire, Thunder, Blizzard, Aero) when Convert is ready and MP is plentiful

I know you don't entirely understand how each job and their abilities work, but I wanted to point out that one player may spend a fair amount of time just sitting. It is possible for both players to always be standing if they do not use up MP faster than they replenish it.

RDM has access to Refresh and Convert for replenishing their MP. These could allow the RDM to never sit and help melee the enemy if the other melee does not take too much damage. An example of a pair that could both melee nearly forever without rest would be a PLD/WAR and RDM/WHM after Lv41. Many other combinations like this exist, but most require one player to be a BST, NIN over Lv37, or RDM over Lv41. There are combinations where only one player ever rests (SAM+WHM) and combinations where both players will have to rest (DRGx2, BLMx2, BLUx2).

[misskitten]

What duo should we start with?

You could substitute RDM for WHM if you plan to play RDM past Lv30. Also ??? should probably be a magic user unless Character A is leveling a magic user at that time. You could even both go to Lv30 as WAR/WHM by fighting EP enemies and resting between fights.

My friend intends to stick with either WHM or RDM as his main job almost indefinitely from what he told me; he wouldn't be changing until a much higher level if he does at all. If he chooses WHM, would RDM or BLM make a better subjob? For the WAR, what would make a viable subjob and after taking NIN as a main, should that subjob be changed?

What is your preferred play style?
Could you help me understand your preferred playing style once you have access to the advanced jobs and subjobs? Do you both want to contribute to the damage? Does one of you prefer to only play a support role? Would you prefer to do damage slowly over time or in large spikes? Would both you and your duo partner prefer to do spikes of damage followed by resting for MP?

I really don't feel that my friend minds resting too much; he really wants to play a support role mainly, but I don't think that he would mind tossing a bit of DPS into the fray either. In my case, I would like to mainly tank, although I could see where having some healing abilities might help as well. I would prefer it if the majority of the downtime was relegated to one character and not both, which is why I probably wouldn't play a BLU-BLU or DRG-DRG combo.

After we unlock the advanced jobs, we would prefer to continue with the healer/tank roles. Still, if a DPS type of subjob would help out a little more, we would gladly take it--nothing is set in stone in our minds as far as what we want to play goes.

I appreciate your advice.

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

Answers to your Questions

Most people use BLM as a subjob for WHM since it has the ability to enhance elemental spells such as Sleep once every 10 minutes, which is very helpful for sleeping an enemy during a link. Along with Sleep and Sleepga, BLM provides Tractor which can help move a dead body out of danger for Raise. Additionally you will get Drain (drain enemy's HP) and Aspir (drain enemy's MP). RDM subjob mostly provides Sleep, decreased recast and casting time on spells, Dispel after Lv64, and a minor increase in DoT with enspells.

Really any support job will want to do more than support in a duo with a NIN. They should also either do damage through melee (WHM, RDM, BLU) or magic (BLM, RDM, BLU). BLU however is not thought of as a support job during normal party and endgame play. People usually want BRD, RDM, or COR as the support job in normal party play and endgame play. WAR is usually the job for enhancing meleeing, but THF could be used with BLU and DRK could be used with RDM.

My Suggestion

I had a little time while writing this and working to think about what you two might really truly enjoy. I know your friend is interested in a support job, but I’m not sure how interested. NIN/WAR and BLU/WHM might make a really good pair for you. I highly suggest having your friend read the Blue Mage (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/BLU) wiki page and look at all the spells.

Pros:
Many XP sessions could turn into quests to obtain BLU spells, which will take you all over the world and potentially make the game far more interesting. WHM subjob will provide Sneak, Invisible, –na spells, weak Bar– spells, Clear Mind, Divine Seal, Erase, and teleports late in the game. BLU can stun enemies when shadows are down and being recasted. BLU gets access to spells which remove beneficial effects from enemies, enfeeble enemies, enhance the party, and absorb some damage such as Zephyr Mantle and Diamondhide. BLU does great damage while providing the support a NIN needs. You should be able to surpass my SAM + RDM duo when it comes to variety of viable enemies to fight against and possibly even get more XP per hour on ideal enemies such as crabs which would be a joke for a NIN + BLU duo.

Cons:
It could be difficult to hold hate off of your BLU friend, but this can be overcome with the use of +enmity and –enmity gear such as the High Breath Mantle, Crow Armor Set, Nemesis Earrings, and the Arhat’s Armor Set. BLU isn’t as true a support job as WHM, BRD, COR, or RDM, but it would play much more like a support job in a duo with a NIN than a regular party. Unfortunately you would lack the Haste spell from WHM or RDM which can make keeping shadows up as a NIN much easier since it lowers spell recast timers.


My Original Response

The Which Job Should I Play? guide and FFXI Wiki while not duo specific will help you understand a little more about all of the jobs: Which Job Should I Play? (http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/frequently-asked-questions/66059-job-should-i-play.html), FFXI Wiki (http://ffxi.wikia.org).

NIN/WAR is by far the most versatile duo job, but it can be very costly. You will need to obtain Gil to fund your purchasing of scrolls to learn the ninjitsu and then fund the expendable tools which allow you to use your ninjitsu. Your ninjitsu however are extremely useful and allow you to enfeeble your enemy (blind, slow, paralyze) and evade taking damage (shadows). There is a Lv40 BCNM (instanced boss battle with a time limit that drops valuable items if defeated) called Under Observation which only requires 2 NIN and a RDM to complete successfully every time. This one also drops very valuable items (Utsusemi: Ni, Peacock Charm). However, you will need to have already learned all of your ninjitsu before participating. Another Lv40 BCNM called Royal Jelly is also very easy.

Alternatively you could play PLD and not have to work at obtaining the Gil to properly play your job. PLD is able to mitigate a fair amount of damage through the use of Flash and shield blocks. The rest can be healed without too much MP. PLD is a little less cookie cutter than NIN, which can make it fun. PLD/WAR is the normal job combination, but you can also use PLD/BLU in the lower levels, PLD/RDM in the mid-high levels, and PLD/NIN or PLD/SAM at the very high levels. Also PLD has access to great sword, staff, club, and polearm, where NIN is pretty much stuck with katanas.

Now your duo partner will probably want to play RDM if you choose PLD. RDM/DRK or RDM/WAR makes a nice duo partner of they want to play support and melee. Otherwise RDM/WHM would probably be the best for more of a pure support and magic damage role. If your friend likes the Tarutaru race, they make great RDM because they can very easily get a 1:1 HP/MP ratio for Convert. If you play NIN, your duo partner could play just about any job that could help out with the occasional healing since you will be able to do the enfeebling and take very little damage. WHM, RDM, BLM/WHM, BLU, SMN/WHM, BRD/WHM, DRK/WHM, or PLD could all provide that help. However, your friend wanted to play more of a support job, so I see WHM, RDM, or BLU being his most likely choices.

Subjob options for a support job are very much dependent on player preference, their level, and what you are fighting. For instance, crabs are extremely easy enemies for a duo, but they have an ability which greatly increases their defense. If you fight them, you want to have either Acid bolts (Lv15 DRK), Dispel (Lv32 RDM), Magic Finale (Lv33 BRD), or Blank Gaze (Lv38 BLU) which all remove defense boost from enemies. This is one reason that WHM, BLM, SMN (Fenrir’s ability to remove beneficial effects isn’t sufficient), and PLD don’t make the best duo partners for NIN. WAR, NIN, DRK, and THF are good subjobs for making a support job more melee oriented.

I'm trying to not write too much, so please ask any additional questions you might have. You're welcome to join my server, Lakshmi, but I'm long past the days when I play often. I'd happily help you with quests or missions though if you could provide a date and time. There appears to be a nice community of helpful players who frequent these forums and play on Kujata, so that would be my other suggestion.

P.S. - I know I didn't talk about or suggest playing SAM. I rarely do damge with my RDM, so here is a duo where you have more of a pure DD/tank job paired with a pure support job. SAM is my job of choice because it can do more damage than PLD or NIN while mitigating a fair amount of damage with Seigan and Third Eye. However, it takes enough damage that it really needs a good support healer such as WHM or RDM. I find my duo can take down any very tough (VT) enemy I want and even some incredibly tough (IT) enemies with only a few exceptions. I target enemies anywhere from 1 to 7 levels higher for XP.

[misskitten]

My Suggestion

I had a little time while writing this and working to think about what you two might really truly enjoy. I know your friend is interested in a support job, but I’m not sure how interested. NIN/WAR and BLU/WHM might make a really good pair for you. I highly suggest having your friend read the Blue Mage wiki page and look at all the spells.

I think my friend will really like the above suggestion since it sounds as if it might be just a tad bit more fun for him in the end. Also, it sounds as if we'll still have a great deal of utility with this combo, which I like. WHM/BLM didn't sound too bad, either, but I'll let him choose ultimately as it's his character.

I've been reading some various guides and of course the Wiki page. Later today I intend to show my friend some of these guides before we seriously start playing the game.

Unfortunately, I already made a character on Midgardsormr and purchased a Gold World Pass before I saw your post, but thanks just the same for the assistance offer. I know Midgard is a low-population server, but we are looking to lead a rather quiet existence anyway since we plan on primarily duoing and perhaps working as a trio from time to time.

Your advice has been a great help!

[Radiuz]

I used to play FFXI but i quit oct 31st. i was in seraph server. about the npc quest...

the skeleton fight I believe if you are level 50 and below you might need 1 or couple people who are 65+ to kill it.

as for the next fight which is a BCNM in ghel. outpost I soloed it in a level 40 cap as
whm/blm
lol I wanted to try it by myself and I pulled it off, had to do some curing to my npc