Any long-running video game is intimidating to get into, especially if it’s an MMORPG. That said, with each new expansion, there is a new chance to jump into the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV. With a gamified mentor system, the ability to play for free until level 70, and a trust system that allows players to go through multiplayer content solo, Final Fantasy XIV is here to become your new game. And with its latest expansion, Dawntrail, it’s the perfect time to start playing. Producer and director Naoki Yoshida agrees.
We got the chance to sit down with the developer lovingly referred to in the community as Yoshi-P and talk about what he recommends for those looking for a new adventure in FFXIV. Whether you’re familiar with MMOs or new to them, Yoshida has advice for you, including starting FFXIV with Dawntrail—and it all comes down to the job system.
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“If a player that hasn’t had that much experience with MMORPGs or online games and just heard about Final Fantasy 14 and its epic story, [know that] you can be any job you choose,” Yoshida started, “So I think just don’t be scared of trying a new job. If you follow the main scenario quest or NPCs with their request marks, you will level up as you progress. So I would say just jump right in.”
Final Fantasy XIV’s job system may not seem like the first thing you think of, but it is unique. Instead of making multiple characters to level new classes, this MMO allows you to level literally every job in the game and switch between them at will. While my main is a Tank, a Paladin to be specific, I also have a max level Samurai and just started on Machinist (a ranged DPS) and a Dark Knight (a very different Tank). In fact, some in my Free Company (FFXIV’s Guild system) have all 32 jobs leveled to 90—that’s 20 battle jobs and 12 crafting.
The ability to switch at will is also why Yoshida offers the same advice to those familiar with MMORPGs, “For those more experienced in other MMORPGs, in Final Fantasy XIV, you can be any job that you choose. We understand that in some MMOs, once you choose your class, you’re stuck with it, or it’ll take a lot of hours to kind of catch up if you start a new class. But with Final Fantasy XIV, you don’t have that problem.”
Beyond that, though, you should pick up Final Fantasy XIV is the large old meme: Have you heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV? With an expanded free trial, you can play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn and the award-winning Stormblood expansion up to level 70 for free with no restrictions on playtime!
And that’s not coming from me or the internet; it’s coming from Naoki Yoshida himself. “We offer a free trial that allows you to test it out all out. So it’s free. So I think we can safely not worry about those restrictions that you may see with other MMORPGs.”
While classes and prices do keep some people out of picking up a new MMO, playing with other people can be the most intimidating factor of it all. When you remove locking yourself into one class and the price barrier to entry, sometimes the warranted unease with entering new online communities is the last one to clear.
For Naoki Yoshida, Final Fantasy XIV clears that too. Not only does the game offer the ability to clear dungeons on your own with the help of Trusts and NPC filling out your party, but the community itself is something to be proud of. And with a smile on his face, you can tell that Yoshida is incredibly happy with the community built around FFXIV. “What we would like to convey to either experienced or nonexperienced players is that the community in Final Fantasy XIV is just so kind to people joining in,” Yoshida said, “So just try it out. There probably is somebody out there that will help you.”
And that’s been my experience. Whether I was starting a Tank class fresh or returning after a year away, the FFXIV community is always open to mentoring and helping. But you can take Yoshi-P’s word for it.
