Getting back into the swing of things...

[Kholdstare]

Well, After a fairly long (at least since March) absence with intermittent 1-2 day "returns," I think I am finally ready to actually start playing FFXI again. When I left I was a 62 (I think?) Blue Mage, with lvl 33/34ish NIN and THF subs that are somewhat more of a priority leveling right now. I'm looking to get back into it, but is there anything I really missed?

Here are my general questions:

1) Is it still a total bitch getting a party in the 60s? Or is it still "If you're not at merit level, or leveling a sub, you're pretty much stuck soloing?"
2) Is the economy still unstable?
3) Is moneymaking still as much of a nuisance as ever for a cook? (I had heard when I had come back that all food was pretty much a loss without being able to farm ingredients.)
4) Were there any updates that made life easier for people NOT in endgame?

Basically, part of the reason I took a break (besides getting a job with a schedule that's unstable as hell) was because I hit a wall. Parties were impossible to get at any level, Soloing was either impossible or impractical, and money was a pain to get without the right craft or a hell of a lot of luck. (and even then, it often was a pain. BCNM drops were practically worthless)

I want to know if these things have changed (I saw plenty of RMT bans and stuff, but did that change things for the better or worse? I also saw Signet changes or something, and have the same questions about that), and maybe a few tips for diving back in.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Getting back into the swing of things...

1) Is it still a total bitch getting a party in the 60s? Or is it still "If you're not at merit level, or leveling a sub, you're pretty much stuck soloing?"

You can answer this yourself pretty easily; log in, and do this:

/sea all 60-64 inv

How many people? Tank? Support role job? Healer? (Note that you can be a healer yourself, if you can do BLU/WHM.)

2) Is the economy still unstable?
3) Is moneymaking still as much of a nuisance as ever for a cook? (I had heard when I had come back that all food was pretty much a loss without being able to farm ingredients.)

Check http://www.ffxiah.com for prices.

If you weren't good at making money off crafting before, coming back without a better strategy and willingness to work won't do you much good. Research is the key, I think, and FFXIAH makes it easy.

For example, Jack-o'-Lantern on Ifrit has 30% gross profit margin or so, sells 21 a day, but at 2k each with about 650+ Gil profit (before AH fee). That's not a lot of Gil, but it's solid profit. You won't get far on that, but it's nice on days when you don't have much time--buy everything off the AH, synth for a bit, then load up your AH slots. Spend 20 minutes, and you're reasonably assured of coming out ahead.

Until someone else decide to flood the AH, that is. You have to keep a close eye on things--check prices and availability before synth'ing. Blindly using your crafting skills will dent your wallet.

4) Were there any updates that made life easier for people NOT in endgame?

Don't really understand the question--I've never been in "endgame". What do you find hard about not being in endgame?

[Kholdstare]

Re: Getting back into the swing of things...

While I thank you for the input, I can't help but feel that you misunderstand me. I'm not asking how many people are on at any given time, I'm asking if party mechanics are as restrictive as they were before. Are BRDS, RDMS, and NINs any less relied upon (to the point of obsession) than in the past? The preferencial treatment of specific "in demand" jobs really got my goat, and I was wondering if updates made certain jobs/methods of exp less "necessary" in the eyes of the community.

As for your market response, the site is quite helpful, but it seems like anything worth selling is flooded. Then again, I suppose that can't be helped.

As for the "Endgame" question, it seems like updates are, in general, only things like Merit abilities, lvl 75 armors, new endgame activities, etc.. In short, things I have no access to. Has anything been introduced for those without access yet to look into?

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Getting back into the swing of things...

I'm asking if party mechanics are as restrictive as they were before. Are BRDS, RDMS, and NINs any less relied upon (to the point of obsession) than in the past? The preferencial treatment of specific "in demand" jobs really got my goat, and I was wondering if updates made certain jobs/methods of exp less "necessary" in the eyes of the community.

(What would be less "restrictive" party mechanism for you? You want parties with no tank or healers or something? )

On Ifrit, seems like PLD's are welcomed enough in the Lv.60's. (My PLD64 received quite a few unsolicited invites between Lv.40-63.) I don't think anyone would say "no" to NIN tanks, though. RDM's and BRD's are as popular as ever, if not more so.

BLU's aren't highly desired or despised, like most other DD's, but they painted themselves into the crowded DD corner on their own, so can't blame others for that.

Anyway, on Ifrit, tanks are scarce, so NIN's and PLD's have an advantage in seeking parties. Most parties won't take off without support role jobs, so BRD's and RDM's have it relatively easy. If that's "preferential treatment" to you, I don't think you'd be happy to come back...

As for your market response, the site is quite helpful, but it seems like anything worth selling is flooded. Then again, I suppose that can't be helped.

Actually, one of my point is that things can change; you have to keep a close eye on the market and respond in a timely fashion.

As for the "Endgame" question, it seems like updates are, in general, only things like Merit abilities, lvl 75 armors, new endgame activities, etc.. In short, things I have no access to. Has anything been introduced for those without access yet to look into?

Assault isn't Lv.75 only. Neither is Chocobo Racing. Don't think last update added many low or middle level gears were, but you can check it out yourself. (Also, here.)

[Armando]

Re: Getting back into the swing of things...

I had plenty of invites on my PLD in the 60's in Midgardsormr, as well, and my fair share of unsolicited invites during peak hours, so I'd say NIN definetely doesn't have a monopoly on tanking. I had BLUs in plenty of my parties - there was usually at least one seeking whenever I was on. BRDs and RDMs aren't any less desired now than they were before, but I had two or three parties that didn't have neither.

[Murphie]

Re: Getting back into the swing of things...

The game hasn't changed dramatically since March. It's the same as when you left, though your individual server may have changed slightly. Things like difficultly of getting an invite during a certain level range isn't constant, by any stretch.