Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

[Sayge]

Well, I have FFXI for the Xbox 360 coming on Saturday and before I start, I have a few questions. I've played World of Warcraft for the past four years almost, and am SICK of it. Let me start off from character creation...

1. I plan to create an Elvaan. I would like to make a white or black mage...even though the website specifies that Elvaan are mainly swordsmen, is this still possible, or a good option? How hard will this effect my stats?

2. I recall reading somewhere that you can choose two classes/jobs. A main, and a secondary. Is this true? If so, is it a switchable thing, or is it like your main class, you get all the abilities of and your secondary you just get a few? (I.E. a black mage that can cast a few healing spells, a warrior that can cast a few black magic spells, etc.)

3. Since I'm getting it for the Xbox 360, I also have a rather nifty keyboard coming in the mail. The keyboard comes with a nifty mouse, too. Will the mouse be necessecary/work with the Xbox 360 version?

4. What are the most commonly played classes/jobs...I know it varies from server-to-server, but in Warcraft the most played were Druids, Mages, Rogues. I want to play a class people rarely come across but are needed in a group scene (but can also fight quite well solo, hence a white mage with black mage secondary (if possible) )

5. Is there any way to check to see if a name is available on realms BEFORE starting the game, since obviously I have a few days to wait? Or could I recruit somebody to check for me?

Thanks much people, that's all I have. I've searched the internet high and low for these answers but I can't find them - you're my last hope!!

- Sayge

[Pwnagraphic]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Well, I have FFXI for the Xbox 360 coming on Saturday and before I start, I have a few questions. I've played World of Warcraft for the past four years almost, and am SICK of it. Let me start off from character creation...

1. I plan to create an Elvaan. I would like to make a white or black mage...even though the website specifies that Elvaan are mainly swordsmen, is this still possible, or a good option? How hard will this effect my stats?

2. I recall reading somewhere that you can choose two classes/jobs. A main, and a secondary. Is this true? If so, is it a switchable thing, or is it like your main class, you get all the abilities of and your secondary you just get a few? (I.E. a black mage that can cast a few healing spells, a warrior that can cast a few black magic spells, etc.)

3. Since I'm getting it for the Xbox 360, I also have a rather nifty keyboard coming in the mail. The keyboard comes with a nifty mouse, too. Will the mouse be necessecary/work with the Xbox 360 version?

4. What are the most commonly played classes/jobs...I know it varies from server-to-server, but in Warcraft the most played were Druids, Mages, Rogues. I want to play a class people rarely come across but are needed in a group scene (but can also fight quite well solo, hence a white mage with black mage secondary (if possible) )

5. Is there any way to check to see if a name is available on realms BEFORE starting the game, since obviously I have a few days to wait? Or could I recruit somebody to check for me?

Thanks much people, that's all I have. I've searched the internet high and low for these answers but I can't find them - you're my last hope!!

- Sayge

1. WHM/BLM is a good combonation. Many people will say Elvaan casters aren't good but it's your character do as you want. I think Taru and Hume are better for magic spells anyway.

2. Yes you can have classes/jobs. Your sub class ( your 2nd job) Will always be half the level of your main job. But you have to reach lvl 18 and do a quest first to attain the ability for a sub-job. You can search what jobs go with what job to find a combo that works for you but WHM/BLM is very good. BLM get a MP bonus I think..

3. You don't need a keyboard and a mouse but it's up to you to use. I prefer the controller but the keyboard makes typing a lot easier.

4. I couldn't tell you the most played class but I know a WHM is one of the most needed classes lol.

5. As for that I have NO idea..

[Sayge]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

1. WHM/BLM is a good combonation. Many people will say Elvaan casters aren't good but it's your character do as you want. I think Taru and Hume are better for magic spells anyway.

2. Yes you can have classes/jobs. Your sub class ( your 2nd job) Will always be half the level of your main job. But you have to reach lvl 18 and do a quest first to attain the ability for a sub-job. You can search what jobs go with what job to find a combo that works for you but WHM/BLM is very good. BLM get a MP bonus I think..

3. You don't need a keyboard and a mouse but it's up to you to use. I prefer the controller but the keyboard makes typing a lot easier.

4. I couldn't tell you the most played class but I know a WHM is one of the most needed classes lol.

5. As for that I have NO idea..

Thanks much for the reply! Guess I'll ditch the Elf. Such pretty home land though...D: I hate the Taru, so hello Human female.

I figured white mages were the most needed. Healers always are, haha. Luckily I enjoy the role so...here I come.

But again thanks so much. I have little worry for Saturday now... Now it's all me being anxious..oh boy.

[Pwnagraphic]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Ha np. Enjoy the game. Have you researched what server you were going to join?

[Sayge]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Ha np. Enjoy the game. Have you researched what server you were going to join?

I found a server census website (I would post it but the forum won't let me until I make 10 posts...><) and a nice, medium server, to me, looks like Pandemonium or Sylph. What do you think?

[Pwnagraphic]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Go for whatever you think is best. I always like highly populated servers.. when I played WoW I was on smolderthorn where I had to que in a lot lol

[Sylvane]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Guess I'll ditch the Elf. Such pretty home land though...D: I hate the Taru, so hello Human female.

Elvaan are perfectly fine as whms, the only drawback to leveling elvaans mages is a slightly lower MP pool. if I remember correctly, and feel free to correct me everyone, but mind is one of the basic stats that most affects healing magic, and elvaans are the race with the highest base in this stat.

There is more than enough gear that's affordable that you can use to compensate for the lower stats of whichever race you pick.

[Kafeen]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

1. I plan to create an Elvaan. I would like to make a white or black mage...even though the website specifies that Elvaan are mainly swordsmen, is this still possible, or a good option? How hard will this effect my stats?

As a BLM you're never going to reach the levels of a Tarutaru for INT which increases you're magic damgage. Elvaan do have the highest MND stat out of all races though, a stat very useful for White Mages, it increases the amount of HP you're cure spells heal and increases the effectivness of White Magic enfeebling spells. Elvaan BLM are still viable aswell though, play the class you'll enjoy.

2. I recall reading somewhere that you can choose two classes/jobs. A main, and a secondary. Is this true? If so, is it a switchable thing, or is it like your main class, you get all the abilities of and your secondary you just get a few? (I.E. a black mage that can cast a few healing spells, a warrior that can cast a few black magic spells, etc.)

Unlike other MMOs FFXI allows you to switch jobs after creating you're character by visiting a moogle in your mog house or rented room in a city or a nomad moogle in several smaller towns. Both your main and support jobs can be changed. Jobs are levelled individually with only you're main job levelling up through experiance points gained. Your support job will always be capped at a maximum of half your main job level. For example, you can start as a BLM and level up to level 18. This allows you to unlock the quest to get a support job. You can then change to WHM/BLM and be level 1/1, as you level up to say level 30 you will be WHM30/BLM15. You can then change to BLM again and you'll be BLM18/WHM9. Is that clear enough?

3. Since I'm getting it for the Xbox 360, I also have a rather nifty keyboard coming in the mail. The keyboard comes with a nifty mouse, too. Will the mouse be necessecary/work with the Xbox 360 version?

The mouse support on FFXI is awful, don't use it, not even on PC. Use the gamepad for controlling you're character, the game was designed for the PS2 originally and based around being easy to play on the PS2's pad. The 360 pad is similar enough to work just as well. A keyboard is useful for ingame chat, setting up macros, etc but stick with the pad for main control.

4. What are the most commonly played classes/jobs...I know it varies from server-to-server, but in Warcraft the most played were Druids, Mages, Rogues. I want to play a class people rarely come across but are needed in a group scene (but can also fight quite well solo, hence a white mage with black mage secondary (if possible) )

Most support jobs are in high demand since most people like to see themselves to alot of damage. BRD is possibly one of the most popular classes people want to get in their party. WHM is also usually high in demand for main healing. Several other support jobs such as RDM, DNC, SCH are also fairly popular. At high levels I don't think any classes come close to BRD for being in demand.

5. Is there any way to check to see if a name is available on realms BEFORE starting the game, since obviously I have a few days to wait? Or could I recruit somebody to check for me?

Not really. Someone could attempt to create a character using the name you want to check then delete it but it will require them to buy an extra content ID so its unlikely.

[Jarre]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Any race can play any job, theirs even many Galka whm's (who have he lowest MP pool) when you hit the 30's you can get race specific equipment to help boost your MP pool, as well as other pieces of armour which give bonuses as ou level up.

With the Fields of valour quests enabling you to obtain "refresh" the limitations are very few. Go with what you like and just enjoy the game.

A few links to help you as a starting player I wrote a few mini guides and experiments....

STARTING FROM SCRATCH IS IT EASY?

TUTORIAL QUEST NPC'S

FIELDS OF VALOUR BOOK LOCATIONS / QUESTS

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

1. I plan to create an Elvaan. I would like to make a white or black mage...even though the website specifies that Elvaan are mainly swordsmen, is this still possible, or a good option? How hard will this effect my stats?

How would the choice of race affect stats? HP and MP aside, minimally.

My sister plays Elvaan White mage, and she's quite good at it. Really, any race can do well in any job. That said, I don't recommend new players use Galka for White Mage or Red Mage, due to the low max MP. (That said, there are ways around it, of course.)

If you like how an Elvaan looks, go for it.

3. Since I'm getting it for the Xbox 360, I also have a rather nifty keyboard coming in the mail. The keyboard comes with a nifty mouse, too. Will the mouse be necessecary/work with the Xbox 360 version?

Mouse and FFXI together make most people cuss. Recommend avoid using a mouse with this game.

4. What are the most commonly played classes/jobs...I know it varies from server-to-server, but in Warcraft the most played were Druids, Mages, Rogues. I want to play a class people rarely come across but are needed in a group scene (but can also fight quite well solo, hence a white mage with black mage secondary (if possible) )

Six standard jobs are unlocked the moment you join. Take all of them to Lv.10, then pick one you like the best to level to 20.

Popular or unpopular, if you're enjoying the experience, it's the job for you.

5. Is there any way to check to see if a name is available on realms BEFORE starting the game, since obviously I have a few days to wait? Or could I recruit somebody to check for me?

Get the free trial on a PC, create account. If the name is not allowed on the World you've selected, it's taken.

[Pwnagraphic]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

It just goes to say that certain races fit certain classes better..

I think Humes are about in the middle.

[Armando]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

Like Itaz said, race only matters for HP/MP. Base stats don't impact performance enough to care about. Granted, Elvaan have lower max MP, but it's now low enough to totally cripple a new, sub job-less, money-less player like Galka would. If he/she likes the Elvaan look, they should play an Elvaan.

I also notice you mentioned home nations. Rest assured, you don't need to be an Elvaan to start in San d'Oria. You get a nifty ring for matching race to nation, but you can buy it a bit later if you're mismatched, and the stats are minimal anyways.

[Amberly]

Re: Soon-to-be new player...few questions?

FFXIclopedia, the Final Fantasy XI wiki - Characters, items, jobs, and more

gogogo.

Teach a man to fish.....