Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV

Early Game Progression — Final Fantasy XIV Guide

Navigate early progression in Final Fantasy XIV. Follow the Main Scenario Quest, learn combat basics, and level crafting jobs like Arcanist.

·Multi-source verified (112/112)

Early Game Progression — Final Fantasy XIV Guide

Embarking on your journey in Final Fantasy XIV can be an exciting, albeit sometimes overwhelming, experience. This guide focuses on the crucial early game progression, helping you navigate the initial stages of Eorzea, understand core mechanics, and set yourself up for a successful adventure.

The early game, typically encompassing the levels 1-20 range, is desed to introduce you to the fundamental aspects of the game: combat, quests, exploration, and the beginnings of your chosen job's abilities. Mastering these early stages will provide a solid foundation for the more complex content that awaits you as you level up and progress through the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ).

Choosing Your Starting City-State and Job

Upon character creation, you'll select one of three starting city-states: Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, or Ul'dah. Each city has its own unique starting quests and atmosphere, but all lead to the same central MSQ progression. Your initial job choice is also sificant, as it dictates your combat style and role.

  • Gridania: Home to the Conjurer, Archer, and Lancer. Often associated with nature and the forest.
  • Limsa Lominsa: Home to the Arcanist, Marauder, and Rogue (later). A bustling port city known for its maritime culture.
  • Ul'dah: Home to the Gladiator, Pugilist, and Thaumaturge. A desert city known for its wealth and political intrigue.

Important Note: While your starting job is tied to your city, you can unlock and switch to any other job in the game once you reach level 15 and complete a specific MSQ milestone. Don't feel locked into your initial choice!

The Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) is King

The most important activity in the early game is following the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ). These quests are marked with a distinctive meteor icon. The MSQ is your primary driver for progression, unlocking new areas, dungeons, trials, abilities, and crucial story elements. Prioritize these quests above almost all else.

Key Early MSQ Milestones:

  • Completing your job's initial quests to unlock core abilities.
  • Reaching level 15 and unlocking the ability to switch jobs.
  • Unlocking the Duty Finder, which allows you to queue for dungeons and trials.
  • The first few dungeons you'll encounter include Sastasha, Tam-Tara Deepcroft, and Copperbell Mines.

Understanding Combat Basics

Final Fantasy XIV's combat is tab-target based. Your core rotation will involve using your abilities in a specific order to maximize damage or healing. Pay attention to:

  • Weapon Skills: Your basic attacks that build up your enmity (aggro) or damage.
  • Abilities: Special skills with cooldowns that provide sificant damage, healing, or utility.
  • AoE (Area of Effect) Attacks: Abilities that hit multiple targets in a desated area. Essential for clearing groups of enemies.
  • Enmity Management: Tanks are responsible for holding enemy aggro. DPS and Healers should avoid using powerful attacks when the tank has low enmity.

Leveling Crafting and Gathering Jobs

While not mandatory for story progression, leveling crafting (Disciples of the Hand) and gathering (Disciples of the Land) jobs is highly recommended. They offer alternative ways to earn gil, create your own gear, and provide a relaxing change of pace.

Early Crafting/Gathering Tips:

  • Start Early: You can begin crafting and gathering at level 1.
  • Levequests: These instanced quests are incredibly efficient for leveling crafting and gathering jobs. You get allowances that regenerate over time.
  • FATEs: Participating in FATEs can also grant experience for these jobs.
  • Gear: Crafting and gathering gear is separate from combat gear and can be upgraded to improve your efficiency.

Exploration and Side Content

While the MSQ is paramount, don't neglect exploration:

  • Aetheryte Crystals: Activate every Aetheryte crystal you find to unlock fast travel points.
  • Side Quests: Quests marked with a green exclamation point offer additional lore, gil, and experience.
  • FATEs (Full Active Time Events): These spontaneous world events are great for quick experience and gil, especially in the early zones.
  • Grand Companies: Once you reach level 20 and complete a specific MSQ quest, you can join a Grand Company, which unlocks further progression and rewards.

Tips for a Smooth Start

  • Use your Sprint ability: It's invaluable for moving around quickly.
  • Repair your gear: Broken gear sificantly reduces your stats.
  • Eat food: Food buffs provide a temporary boost to your stats and increase experience gain.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help: The FFXIV community is generally very welcoming.