Sephrick's Beginner's Guide - Basics  

Contents [hide]

Welcome Movement Choosing a class Disciples of War Disciples of Magic Disciples of the Hand Disciples of the Land Switching Classes Stats User interface Minimap Log Filtering information Hit points, magic points, tactical points Action bar A note on Active and Passive modes Stamina Target Connection status Communication Say Party Linkshell Tell Shout Menu Teleport, Return and Anima Teleport Aetheryte Crystal Aetheryte Gate Return Interacting with objects Equipping new abilities Links to Sephrick's city-state beginner's guides Notes

Welcome

Final Fantasy XIV is a massively-multiplayer online roll playing game. But considering you're here, you probably already knew that. I've written up this guide to help those just starting out learn some of the basics. This guide is in no way all-inclusive, it only contains some if the basic information one might need to start exploring the world.

Movement

The most important part of any game is knowing how to get around. Those who played Final Fantasy XI may have little trouble getting their character to move around in Final Fantasy XIV. Those coming from other games, or embarking on the first MMORPG adventure may need some help figuring out the default controls. Below are pictures mapping out the default controls as they were during beta testing^[1]. You should remember that these are subject to change.

Keyboard, third person	Keyboards, first person	Mouse	Controller

Choosing a class

During the process of creating a character, you will be able to choose the class as which you begin the game. Remember, Square-Enix's philosophy is one-character-does-all. Once you progress beyond the initial cut scenes, you will be given the opportunity to change to any of the eighteen initial classes at will.

Disciples of War

Disciples of War are your standard melee fodder. These are your front-line heroes who march to go toe-to-toe with their enemy.

Archer	Gladiator	Lancer	Marauder	Pugilist

Disciples of Magic

Disciples of Magic have honed their minds to reach into the aether and use devastating magic spells on their enemies and beneficial support to allies.

Conjurer	Thaumaturge

Disciples of the Hand

Equipment needs to be fixed, wares to be made, consumables to be kept in stock. Disciples of the Hand are the artisans of Hydaelyn. From making food and potions, to crafting new weaponry and working the dings out of used wares, these are the folks to turn to when more power is needed to stand against your foe.

Alchemist	Armorer	Blacksmith	Carpenter	Culinarian	Goldsmith	Leatherworker	Weaver

Disciples of the Land

Raw materials are the specialty of the Disciples of the Land. These crafty disciples become one with the land, using their knowledge of geography to scout for and procure resources from Hydaelyn itself.

Botanist	Fisher	Miner

Switching Classes

Final Fantasy XIV allows for one player to experience all available classes. When you create a new character, you are given a basic weapon for that class. In order to change to a new class, you need only obtain a weapon for that class, be it from vendor, retainer or another player, and equip it in your main hand.

Stats

During the character creation, you may have noticed that certain races have different initial stats. As you gain physical levels, you can alter the distribution of your stats. Below are how these stats affect your character.

• Strength: Attack
• Vitality: Defense
• Dexterity: Accuracy
• Mind: Magic Defense
• Intelligence: Magic attack
• Piety: Magic accuracy

User interface

Final Fantasy XIV's user interface has all the information any gamer has seen in any other game: status information, chat log, enemy status and more.

Most of the user interface can be rearranged and re-sized by clicking and dragging the item like a window in the Windows operating system.

Minimap

The minimap is your compass while traveling throughout the world of Hydaelyn. Note: Specific colors may vary.

• Icons on the map
• Triangle: Player.
• Grey dots: Other players.
• Green dots: Non-player characters.
• Orange dots: Enemies.
• Terrain: The minimap features details that forcast the landscape around you. Be sure to take time to learn what each line and squiggle means so you can know it when it really counts.

Log

The chat log is where you'll find all the necessary information about what is happening around you. From discussion via the various chat modes to damage, missed attacks, synthesis results and more, if something worth noticing occurs, it will be displayed here. Depending on the source of information, the color of the text will change. For example, green is for linkshells, purple is for system messages and white is for general chat in /say mode.

Filtering information

It is possible to filter out certain information, making it easier to see only the information pertinent to the task on which you're focusing. When in the Filter options menu, select on to see that information in your chat log, and off to block it.

Accessing the filter menu
Open the menu and select configure
Select chat filter
Select on to block information, off to see it in the log

• Your filtering options are
• Yourself, enemies and other player characters.
• Damage taken.
• Damage dealt.
• Attacks missed.
• Attacks evaded.
• Special actions.
• Items used.
• Kills, actions learned.
• "Other information."
• HP recovered.
• Synthesis.
• Botched attempts.
• Successful attempts.
• Miscellaneous.
• Chat modes, including specific linkshells.
• Emotes.
• System messages.
• System error message.

Hit points, magic points, tactical points

Often referred to by players as HP, MP and TP; hit points, magic points and tactical points are your character's main ability to function in battle. In the photo provided, the character has full HP and MP, but no TP. As you are engaged in combat, your TP will increase with successful actions. TP will reduce gradually if your character is not engaged in combat. It is possible to regain HP through curative abilities like Pugalist's Second Wind or Conjurer's Cure. In addition to HP, interacting with the various forms of Aetheryte will replenish MP. This is the only known way to regain MP outside of job abilities for Conjurer and Thaumaturge, however items such as fruit juices and ethers may be available at a later date. Aetheryte will fully recover a player once every 10 real world minutes.

Action bar

This bar displays your equipped abilities. Initially, there are three rows with one row displayed at a time. Pressing up or down on the menu controls will switch between rows and left and right while scroll between each ability while numbers 0 through 9 on a keyboard. Pressing control or alt on a keyboard will change the action bar to display macros built by the player.

A note on Active and Passive modes

Passive mode is when you character's weapon or tool currently is not drawn. In this mode you will move faster and regenerate HP. Active mode is the opposite, in this mode you can use your equipped abilities but will move slower.

- In addition to normal control methods, a player can automatically switch to active mode by taking aggressive action against and enemy. Likewise, one can switch from active to passive mode when initiating dialogue with an NPC. Remember to switch to passive mode when not in a combat situation so that you can regain HP.

For more information, read up on the Battle system.

Stamina

Stamina is what allows you to use an ability or spell. The stamina bar will display how much stamina your character currently has as well as how much is needed to conduct the currently selected action. In the photo provided, the highlighted section displays the amount needed to perform the Lancer ability Light Thrust. Stamina will constantly replenish during combat.

Target

When you target a player, NPC or enemy, this icon will appear on your screen. The bar will show you how much HP the target has, as well as the target's name.

If an enemy is your current target, it also will display a circle or shield next to the opponent's name. The cooler the color, and the more basic the shape, the easier the enemy. So a blue circle should be a breeze whereas a red shield is instant death. Keep in mind that you should always respect your enemy's abilities and never underestimate them regardless of what the con system tells you.

Connection status

A bar containing several icons appears initially near the minimap.

• These icons include
• Connection status: This let's you know how stable your connection to the server is. Depending on your status, the icon will change to green, yellow or red.
• Moon phase: Little is known yet about the moon's effect on the game.
• Weather: Aside from any graphic representations on screen, this icon will help you determine the weather in your current area.
• In-game date and time.
• NPC linkpearls: This icon may not always be present, but if you see this icon, enter the main menu and select "NPC Linkpearls" to hear what an NPC has to tell you.

Communication

Say

Any message input in the say chat mode can be seen by any and all players in the immediate vicinity. It is the default chat mode, and messages displayed in this manner will appear in white. This chat mode is activated by prefacing a message with either /say or simply /s. In addition, the active chat mode may be set to say mode by entering the command /chatmode say or /chatmode s without a message following.^[2]

Party

Any message input in the party chat mode can be seen by any and all party members. Messages displayed in this manner appear in blue. This chat mode is activated by prefacing a message with /party or simply /p. In addition, the active chat mode may be set to party mode by entering the command /chatmode party or /chatmode p without a following message.

Linkshell

Any message input in the linkshell chat mode can be seen by any and all players in the equipped linkshell. Messages displayed in this manner appear in green. This chat mode is activated by prefacing a message with either /linkshell or simply /l. In addition, the active chat mode can be set to linkshell mode by entering the command /chatmode linkshell or /chatmode l without a following message.

Tell

Any message input in the tell chat mode can be seen only by a single designated player. Messages displayed in this manner appear in pink. This chat mode is activated by prefacing a message with /tell or simply /t and the name of the PC. The active chat mode can be set to tell mode by entering the command /chatmode tell or /chatmode t followed by the name of the PC with whom you would like to chat. During the Beta Test phase, PC names must be entered in their entirety (first and last names).

Shout

Shout chat mode is much like say chat mode, with the sole difference being that messages can be seen by players in a much wider area. Messages displayed in this manner appear in light pink. This chat mode is activated by prefacing a message with either /shout or simply /sh. The active chat mode cannot be set to shout mode.

Menu

Check your method of control's variation of accessing this item. Once accessed, it will appear as a translucent bar on the right quarter of your screen.

• The menu options are:
• Attributes and Gear: This option allows you to examine your current stats as well as change gear. If you'd like to change classes, go here and equip the desired class's main hand arm or tool.

• Actions and Traits: This will display your equipped actions and traits. Once you've reached a new class rank, go here and equip any attained actions or abilities.

• Point Allotment: In the section, you can allocate points earned after reaching a new physical level or redistribute a certain percentage of those already allotted. After a set amount of time, you can redistribute more points. These points can be distributed into stats like strength and intelligence and elemental resistances.

• Inventory: This displays items your character currently is carrying. Initially, you may carry up to 80 items.

• Journal: This section will keep track of what your character has experienced during certain quests. If you're not sure what to do next in a quest, check here for a suggestion of where to go. Also, viewing a quest will allow you to select a map option that will show you a point of interest on pertaining to your selected quest.

• Party: This will allow you to view who is in your party, as well as to leave your current party. as a party leader you will have the option to kick undesired members.

• Social lists
• Friendlist: This is a list of payers whom you may add if you're interested in staying in regular contact with them.
• Blacklist: This is a list of players whom you may add if you no longer desire contact. It will block all forms of communication.

• Linkshell: This section will show you to which linkshells you belong. Here, you can manage in which you currenlty are active and view fellow members who are online. General members have linkpearls while creators have the Linkshell. Creators have more options such as kicking members. Use of this section requires having created or accepted invitation to a linkshell.

• Retainer list: Retainers are non-playble characters with which you can store items. If you place your retainer in a Market Ward in a starting city, you can set the retainer to bazaar items of your choosing. This section will allow you to view your retainers while away from any area that you may call and check on their inventories.

• Map: Initially selecting this option will display the map of your current area. Once on the map screen, you can select to view the map of any area you have previously visited.

• NPC Linkshells: From time to time, a non-playable character may attempt to contact you via a linkshell, should they have given you one. If you're stuck on a quest or feel it's been a while since you've last received one, check here to see if an NPC is awaiting your response.

• Teleport: This option will allow you to spend Anima Points to instantly travel to Aetheryte Crystals you have visited. Anima starts at 100 points and recharges at a set rate over time.

• Return: This option allows you to return to the most recently visited Aetheryte at a reduced cost compared to Teleport. Should your character's HP be reduced to zero, you may use this option free of charge, reviving your character in a brief weakened state.

• Support Desk: Contact Square-Enix support.

• Configuration: Alter settings including graphic effects, sound, camera keyboard and macros.

• Log out: Safely exit the Final Fantasy XIV client.

Teleport, Return and Anima

Anima is the means by which your character can move quickly around the expanse known as Eorzea. Where return and teleport are the vehicle, anima is the fuel.

In order to travel in this fashion, you must first come in contact with an Aetheryte Crystal or Gate. It is possible to teleport nearby party members expending only the initiating user's anima. Your character will begin the game with a maximum of 100 anima. Anima will recharge at the rate of 1 every four real world hours, or 6 per 24 hours. Due to this, it is wise to use your anima sparingly.

Teleport

Aetheryte Crystal

The largest of the Aetheryte, these can be found within cities and at outpost camps. At these, you can activate Guildleves, teleport to an Aetheryte Gate, assess Guardian favor. Teleporting to a gate from within the same region will cost you 4 anima, while any crystal outside your current region will cost 6.

Aetheryte Gate

Smaller than the Crystals, these remote Aetheryte are scattered about te land and serve as extensions of specific camp Crystals. Teleporting between a Gate and Crystal will cost you 1 anima.

Return

Return will allow you to teleport to the Aetheryte with which you most recently interacted, be it Crystal or Gate.

Return will cost 2 anima, unless your character's HP has been reduced to zero. Using return while in KO status will allow you to regain consciousness under a brief weakness status ailment with no charge to your anima.

For a complete look at travel around Eorzea, check out Osarion's Guide to Getting Around.

Interacting with objects

From Disciples of the Land to triggering Aetheryte, the interaction notification, pictured at left, will be a common sight on your screen. When you see this, open your menu to view to see the "Interactions" section. Depending on what you're near, and what you're targeting, you may see a wide variety of options here. From inviting other players to you linkshell or party and browsing their bazaar to gathering raw materials from logging or mining points, this option allows you to quickly select the items around you which you would like to interact.

Equipping new abilities

Access Actions and Abilities from the main menu.	Use the drop down menu to see available classes.	Select a class to view available abilities.	After choosing the desired ability, choose to equip it in your main or off hand.	The new ability is equipped

As you gain new ranks, your character will learn class abilities and traits. Final Fantasy XIV allows you to mix and match these abilities to make your character unique.

Every class will have it's basic attack action locked into the first slot. For non-combat classes like Disciples of the Land and Disciples of the Hand, this ability is Stone Throw. However, each combat class has it's own such as Spirit Dart for Conjurer or Heavy Strike for Pugulist.

While the initial abilities come at no cost, other abilities will bare an action cost. As you gain rank levels, your maximum action allowance will increase, allowing you to equip more total abilities. It is entirely up to the player how they mix their actions. Not all abilities can be used on other classes, and most see a reduction in effectiveness. Despite the reduction in effectiveness, many of these abilities may be considered invaluable.

Be sure to check out all the available abilities in game to see if there are any you'd like to equip on your favorite class.

• NOTE As of the Sept. 7 patch in beta, there is an issue wherein abilities may initially not appear in your action bar. If this occurs, access your action and ability list again and wait until they load. They now should appear in your action bar.

Links to Sephrick's city-state beginner's guides

Limsa Lominsa	Gridania	Ul'dah

Notes

1. ^ These photos are from the beta test Web site and are being used in accordance with permission granted during phase three of beta testing when the non-disclosure agreement was partially lifted allowing screenshots and media from official Web sites to be posted elsewhere.
2. ^ These descriptions are from the Final Fantasy XIV beta tester's Web site.

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