Waypoint · The Long Road
Final Fantasy XIV: a first evening as a sprout
Two hours: the account, the launcher, a character, and the first hour of the main scenario. Pick a European data centre; everything else can change later.
Make the Square Enix account first
Do it on the website, add the one-time password app, then download the trial client. The launcher is old but works.
Choose a Chaos or Light data centre
Both are European. Pick a server marked as recommended for new players; it will have people your level.
Start as a Conjurer, Archer or Gladiator
Healer, damage or tank respectively. Your character can learn all of them later, so this is not a permanent choice.
Follow the main scenario quest only
It is marked with a special icon. Side quests can wait; the main story unlocks everything.
Do the first dungeon with strangers
Around level fifteen. Say hello at the start and 'thanks' at the end. That is the whole etiquette.
Stop before the story gets slow
You will know. Come back for a second evening knowing that the payoff is many hours away and worth it.
Before you go
- The sprout icon by your name is a shield; keep it until you feel confident.
- Hall of the Novice, in the starting cities, teaches your role properly.
- There is no need to buy anything until level eighty.
- A Free Company is a guild; join one that describes itself as new-player friendly.
Read the full Final Fantasy XIV chart entry for the bearings, the toll and who it suits.