Population problems?

[Prons]

Hi, I've been asking around, because I last played FFXI in January 2007, and well I couldn't get past the Valk Dunes because there weren't enough people near my level of the right party (They were like all tanks and such), after that I quit. Is it because I chose a bad server (I chose Leviathan) or was I doing something wrong?

[Lunaryn]

January was a long time back, so I'm not sure how well I can answer this. There has been a growing trend, starting back when I started playing in 2005, but not really becoming prominent until later, for experienced players to get frustrated by players in the dunes -- whether newbies who didn't yet know how things worked, or high-level players coming back who stubbornly failed to realize or acknowledge that tactics appropriate to their 50+, 70+, or merit parties did not work particularly well at low levels -- and deal with this frustration by choosing to solo all the way to 20. With certain changes, it has gotten a lot easier to solo a number of jobs than it once was, and many people would rather take slow xp than deal with the frustrations of lfp at lower levels. Because of this, it has been harder to find and organize parties at dunes levels.

Gluts of a particular type of job happen from time to time, you just have to wait them out. Gluts of healers may be more prominent due to the increased commonality of powerleveling in the 10-30 range.

[IfritnoItazura]

The expectations have shifted.

Before, it was level to 10 or 11, then get to Valkrum Dunes, and join in parties to exp until Lv.75, changing only campsites as you progress. These days, you're pretty much expected to be responsible for getting your own exp when there are not enough players seeking--solo, small grouping with friends, or LS party. It's gotten to the point where I don't expect my next job to be LFG in Selbina at all, and possibly not even Jeuno.

* * *

With Outpost Teleport, you can solo until you get a party invite, then warp back to home nation, and teleport directly to Valkurm Dunes (Lv.10+) or Qufim Island (Lv.15+). It's rather convenient if you can't get a party right away or don't have friends interested in leveling low level jobs.

[Susurrus]

One thing I used to do when I had jobs that low (and will do for the 2 new jobs to get them up to my others) was solo right outside valkurm (say in konschtat or la theine) with my seek flag up. Then I'm still getting exp, but still open for a party and not just sitting around with my thumb up my butt.

[Ameroth]

One thing I used to do when I had jobs that low (and will do for the 2 new jobs to get them up to my others) was solo right outside valkurm (say in konschtat or la theine) with my seek flag up. Then I'm still getting exp, but still open for a party and not just sitting around with my thumb up my butt.

This is the best way to go about lvls 10-20ish. Standing around LFG at that level is pointless. In a lot of cases, you'll find you exp faster solo than you would in a dunes party. Keep your options open. Solo with your party flag up and you'll be lvl20 in no time!

[Prons]

How about after the valkrum dunes? How's the party situation in the post level 20 game?

[Evion]

Just as poor 20-40. Solo with flag up...

[Ameroth]

I don't know about needing to solo to 40, but I guess it depends on what job you play. Note that as you gain levels, it does become increasingly harder to solo, especially on certain jobs. Levels 20-40 will come pretty quick I imagine because of people leveling jobs for subjobs. After 37 though, unless you're a mage or tank job, expect to do quite a lot of waiting around trying to get a party regardless of server population.

[Pillowcase]

That's very discouraging...

[Seiyuuki]

So after the expansion I imagine the lowbie areas will be a little more full, untill then I guess it will be a little harder than I'd like....oh well. So long as its possible to play.

[Blackout]

So are yall saying there is really no point in playing FFXI accept if you like to solo? What if none of your friends play FFXI? Then what? :(

[Seiyuuki]

With as many players as there are still on (apparently) you wont have to worry about soloing (much) at higher levels, as for the realy low levels you'll have some issues (well thats what I've been told).

[Feba]

OP, if you are a taru, you win at names. Otherwise meh.

[Seiyuuki]

I don't know about needing to solo to 40, but I guess it depends on what job you play. Note that as you gain levels, it does become increasingly harder to solo, especially on certain jobs. Levels 20-40 will come pretty quick I imagine because of people leveling jobs for subjobs. After 37 though, unless you're a mage or tank job, expect to do quite a lot of waiting around trying to get a party regardless of server population.

Any particular type of mage?

I have every intention of staring this, though I'm doupting my chances of making it through with the game in its current state, I'm geussing the expansion may improve the lowbie population...Well I hope.

[Ellipses]

You know, there's a flip side of there not being many people at the lower levels. You don't have five parties fighting over the same camps, so when you do get into an Exp party, it can move fairly quickly. And invites come a little faster when a party's missing members (not as much passing over "unwanted" jobs). I don't know how it goes past the 20s, but so far I've been able to get parties just as quickly as I always did before. And at least soloing while seeking is a more viable option now: sane level requirements for early OP warps and Signet buffs make a difference.

[Seiyuuki]

You know, there's a flip side of there not being many people at the lower levels. You don't have five parties fighting over the same camps, so when you do get into an Exp party, it can move fairly quickly. And invites come a little faster when a party's missing members (not as much passing over "unwanted" jobs). I don't know how it goes past the 20s, but so far I've been able to get parties just as quickly as I always did before. And at least soloing while seeking is a more viable option now: sane level requirements for early OP warps and Signet buffs make a difference.

Well that makes me feel a little more confident about it ^^

[IfritnoItazura]

Number of people seeking party isn't the only factor determining whether you can get a part or not. Are there tanks? Healers? Support role jobs? Are you seeking during prime hours?

Do you have a or two friend who can form a static group with? If you already have two of the "core" roles filled, getting the rest of the party filled out is not that bad. (If not, start making friends!) You can also try asking politely people who are not seeking; some of them may become interested in exp'ing if asked.

There are a lot of things you can do to improve the chances of getting an invite to party or forming a working party, so it's not all up to everyone else seeking. (Or, be lazy like me, and just chat away the time while waiting for an invite...)

[Seiyuuki]

Jusst knowing where to look and having social skills realy.

[Prons]

So what if I tried to make a white mage on a more populated server? Would that make it easier because everyone needs a healer? Being PLd and having to solo all the way to 40 sounds pretty bad for me.