FFXI Beginner’s Guide/FAQ v 1.7 Authors: GameFAQs SN – Email Address SSTwinrova – twinrova@swbell.net Kimari Lonzo – anakin224@hotmail.com Please only e-mail us if you have a question not covered in the FAQ or have a change/correction to notify us about. Any questions for help with playing the game, importing, etc. WILL BE IGNORED! **Note: To search this guide, use Ctrl-F (in Internet Explorer) and copy/paste the section from the Table of Contents that you would like to go to.** ***** Table of Contents: ***** 1. Introduction 2. Copyright Information 3. Revision History 4. FAQs Q1: What is FFXI? (Updated v1.7) Q2: When is this game going to be released outside of Japan? (Updated v1.7) Q3: Is there a single player mode included in the game? Q4: Is there a monthly fee? (Updated v1.7) Q5: What do I need to play? (Updated v1.7) Q6: What are the playable races in the game? Q7: What type of leveling/spell system (Materia, Sphere Grid) is in FFXI? Q8: What are the main locations/areas of FFXI? (Updated v1.7) Q9: What is the penalty for dying? (Updated v1.7) 5. Races 5A. Hume 5B. Elvaan 5C. Tarutaru 5D. Mithra 5E. Galka 6. Jobs 6A. Standard Jobs 6A-1. Warrior 6A-2. Monk 6A-3. Black Mage 6A-4. White Mage 6A-5. Red Mage 6A-6. Thief 6B. Advanced Jobs 6B-1. Ranger 6B-2. Bard 6B-3. Beast Master 6B-4. Dark Knight 6B-5. Paladin 6B-6. Summoner 6C. Expansion Jobs 6C-1. Ninja 6C-2. Samurai 6C-3. Dragoon 6D. Support Jobs 6E. Abilities and Traits 6F. Stats 7. Starting Kingdoms 7A. Republic of Bastok 7B. Kingdom of San d’Oria 7C. Federation of Windurst 8. Guilds 8A. Guild Descriptions 8B. Guild Locations/Hours 9. Crystals 10. Items 11. Missions vs. Quests 12. Levels vs. Ranks 13. Basic Commands 14. Useful Hints and Tips 15. Beginner’s Walkthrough 16. Credits ***** 1. Introduction ***** Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide for Final Fantasy XI: Online. This guide is designed for people that need help learning about the basics of the game and how to play. Everything in here can be found elsewhere, especially on FFXI sites, but this is an attempt to gather all of the information into one place. ***** 2. Copyright Information ***** This document © 2003 SSTwinrova (Jeff Guebert) and Kimari Lonzo. This document, either in whole or in part, may not be reprinted, redistributed, or reposted on any location except for the sites listed below without one or both of our explicit written consent. Doing so is a violation of this copyright and legal action will be taken. Authorized Sites to post this FAQ: -GameFAQs.com (Will always have most recent version) -IGN.com Note: MultiplayerStrategies.com has permission to use this FAQ in a modified form Note: OnlineGameTrader.net has permission to use this FAQ in a modified form ***** 3. Revision History ***** v1.7 – 8/4/04 – Updates to Table of Contents, Copyright Information, FAQs, Abilities and Traits (formerly Abilities and Qualities), Starting Kingdoms (formerly Kingdoms), Guilds, Crystals, Basic Commands, Useful Hints and Tips, Beginner’s Walkthrough v1.6 – 7/26/04 – Updates to Table of Contents, Jobs, Guilds, Basic Commands; Removed Mission Database v1.5 – 10/29/03 - Updates to Copyright Information, Crystals; Added Beginner’s Walkthrough v1.4 – 10/19/2003 - Updates to Copyright Information, FAQs, Races, Missions/Quests, Basic Commands; Created Mission Database v1.3 – 8/11/2003 - Updates to Copyright Information, Races, Jobs, Kingdoms, Levels/Ranks, Guilds, Crystals v1.2 – 7/14/2003 - Updates to Crystals, Items, Missions/Quests, Levels/Ranks v1.1 – 7/8/2003 - Updates to Guilds, Crystals, Races; Small format changes v1.0 – 7/5/2003 – First posting of guide ***** 4. FAQs ***** Q1: What is FFXI? (Updated v1.7) A1: FFXI is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) from Square-Enix, the 11th numbered installment in Square’s highly acclaimed Final Fantasy series. Q2: When is this game going to be released outside of Japan? (Updated v1.7) A2: Both the main game and the first expansion pack, Rise of the Zilart have been released in the United States. The second expansion, Chains of Promathia, is slated for release on September 21, 2004 on both PC and PS2 in Japan and the US. This is also the date that the game will launch in Europe (the main game and both expansions). Q3: Is there a single player mode included in the game? A3: No, FFXI on an online-only game. Q4: Is there a monthly fee? (Updated v1.7) A4: Yes, $12.95. This goes toward maintaining/updating the servers, paying Square-Enix employees, and enhancing the overall gameplay. In addition, for every extra character you choose to make, an additional $1.00 will be added to the monthly fee. Q5: What do I need to play? (Updated v1.7) A5: Depending on the version that you want, the requirements differ slightly. PC: -Score of 1500+ on benchmark program -Internet connection (56k or greater) -PlayOnline Account (comes free with game) -FFXI PC Version PS2: -Network Adapter -Internet connection (56k or greater) -PlayOnline Account -FFXI PS2 Version/PS2 Hard Drive (currently only available in same package) Q6: What are the playable races in the game? A6: See section 5 of this FAQ Q7: What type of leveling/spell system (Materia, Sphere Grid) is in FFXI? A7: FFXI utilizes the Job System. More information pertaining to the individual jobs can be found in section 6 of this FAQ. Q8: What are the main locations/areas of FFXI? (Updated v1.7) A8: The world in FFXI is called Vana’diel, and consists of three main starting kingdoms. Section 7 of this FAQ has more information on each one of the specific kingdoms. Q9: What is the penalty for dying? (Updated v1.7) A9: You will lose 10% of the experience needed for the next level once you have reached Level 5, which can possibly even make your character lose a level (called deleveling). ***** 5. Races ***** Five playable races exist in FFXI. They are: Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Mithra, and Galka. The Humes, Elvaans, and Tarutarus can be either male or females, but the Mithras are only playable as female characters and the Galkas are only playable as male characters. ----- 5A. Hume ----- Making their home in Bastok, Humes have spread to the farthest reaches of Vana'diel. Humes are characterized by equally-balanced abilities, and are intelligent and highly skilled. This combination of traits has played no small role in Bastok’s growth into a prosperous nation of technology and industry *Starting Stats* HP: 28 MP: 18 STR: 6 DEX: 6 VIT: 6 AGI: 6 INT: 6 MND: 6 CHA: 6 ----- 5B. Elvaan ----- A race of proud warriors, The Elvaan are the founders of two legendary orders of knights in the nation of San d'Oria. Physically, they are characterized by their tall, slender bodies and pointed ears. Their unshakable pride and faith in their beliefs is visible in each of their determined faces. Both males and females of the race excel in swordsmanship. Most Elvaan seem to eschew the business world, preferring an austere lifestyle as skilled swordfighters. *Starting Stats* HP: 30 MP: 16 STR: 7 DEX: 6 VIT: 7 AGI: 5 INT: 5 MND: 7 CHA: 6 ----- 5C. Tarutaru ----- The Tarutaru are a race of skilled magic users who call Windurst their home. Although the Tarutaru physically resemble children, their size does not reflect their age. Masters of the magical arts, the Tarutaru have honed their abilities through dutiful study of the world around them. Their dedication and hard work fueled the rapid reconstruction of Windurst after its destruction in the Crystal War. The Tarutaru enjoy a friendly relationship with the Mithra, who call Windurst their home as well. *Starting Stats* HP: 24 MP: 24 STR: 5 DEX: 6 VIT: 6 AGI: 7 INT: 8 MND: 6 CHA: 6 ----- 5D. Mithra ----- The Mithra are a predominantly female race of hunters who live alongside the Tarutaru in Windurst. They are easily identified by their characteristic ears, which give them spectacular hearing ability, and their long tails, which result in an unparalleled sense of balance. They are known for their energy, curiosity, and their penchant for causing playful mischief. The Mithra enjoy a friendly relationship with the Tarutaru, and this attitude of mutual cooperation has made Windurst a nation of peace and prosperity. *Starting Stats* HP: 28 MP: 18 STR: 6 DEX: 8 VIT: 6 AGI: 7 INT: 6 MND: 6 CHA: 5 ----- 5E. Galka ----- The Galka are a hulking race of powerful warriors. The Galka's capital city, located in the Altepa desert of Zepwell Island in the southwest corner of the Quon continent, fell to an attack from giant ant creatures six hundred years ago. The surviving Galka spread throughout Vana'diel, and a large number of them eventually settled in Bastok. The sheer strength of their powerful physiques is second to none. They have used their skills to contribute to the construction and development of the numerous mines in Bastok. However, it seems that some Galka have less than fond feelings for members of the Hume race. *Starting Stats* HP: 33 MP: 12 STR: 7 DEX: 6 VIT: 8 AGI: 6 INT: 6 MND: 6 CHA: 5 (Race Descriptions obtained from Official FFXI Website; Stats obtained from shadow-dragons.com) ***** 6. Jobs ***** The job that your character is limits the available weapons, armor, and spells that can be used. There are a number of possible jobs available from the beginning of the game, but there are also others, known as Advanced Jobs, that cannot be unlocked until later on and your character has gained levels. ----- 6A. Standard Jobs: (Available from beginning of game) ----- (6A-1. Warrior) Specializing in the arts of battle, the warrior acts as a shield, keeping enemies away from his friends. (6A-2. Monk) With the body as his weapon, the monk attacks enemies with explosive strength. (6A-3. Black Mage) The black mage brings tremendous firepower to bear on his enemies through devastating black magic. (6A-4. White Mage) Using spells of recovery, the white mage ensures the party’s survival. (6A-5. Red Mage) A fighter-mage who can utilize both black and white magic, as well as the arts of the sword. (6A-6. Thief) Specializing in obtaining items, the thief aims for the perfect opportunity to attack from behind. (Above descriptions taken from Official FFXI website) ----- 6B. Advanced Jobs: (Lv. 30+, Must complete quest) ----- (6B-1. Ranger) An expert of hunting, who gets scent of enemies from distance with excellent chasing capacity, and shoots them down with their projectile weapons which they are good at handling. (6B-2. Bard) An expert of music, who heals partners with cheerful songs, invigorates them with gallant performance, and sometimes trap monsters with forbidden melodies. (6B-3. Beast Master) An expert of monster studies, who is savvy at various animals and plants, and can control monsters as one wants. (6B-4. Dark Knight) An outlaw knight, who is savvy to usage of various weapons like warriors, and can learn Black Magic. (6B-5. Paladin) A noble knight, who is excellent at close-range battle like warriors, and can learn White Magic. (6B-6. Summoner) A powerful spellcaster with the ability to harness the power of the summons. (Above descriptions based on information from Bilingual FFXI Site) ----- 6C. Expansion Jobs: (Lv. 30+, must complete quest) ----- (6C-1. Ninja) A seemingly mixture between a Ranger and a Thief. Their stealth skills, dual wield abilities and ability to use throwing weapons makes them deadly killers. (6C-2. Samurai) Masters of martial arts, and deadly wielders of katanas, the Samurai can be considered a weapon-wielding Monk. (6C-3. Dragoon) Equipped with lances, and summoning dragons, these warriors can prove to be either trustworthy allies or powerful foes. (Quest summaries obtained from finalfantasyxi.org) ----- 6D. Support Jobs ----- Also, once you are at Lv. 18, you are given the option of doing a quest that will allow you to have a support job. The level of a support job can not be any higher than half the level (rounded down) of the main job. Support jobs do not gain levels either. Ex.: At the start of the game, you choose Warrior as your job and start at Lv. 1. You continue to use it until it is at Lv. 12, and then change jobs to Red Mage. Since you have never used Red Mage before, you will be back at Lv. 1. You level Red Mage up to Lv. 18 and complete the support job quest, and then you set Warrior as your support job. Your levels will be RDM 18/WAR 9 (since Warrior cannot be any higher than half the level of Red Mage). If you flip these jobs to make Warrior your main one, you would then be WAR 12/RDM 6. If Warrior was then raised to 14, your Red Mage level would automatically increase to 7 since you have already learned up to Lv. 18. Levels for a support job are never “lost”, but they are restricted based on the main job’s level. ----- 6E. Abilities and Traits ----- Jobs also gain Abilities and Qualities as their level increases. All Abilities and Qualities are available from the main job that have been unlocked (due to level), and all except the “Super Ability” from your support job is available also. (The Super Abilities are the 2 hour Lv. 1 Abilities that each job has). Abilities: Battle commands that can be used to change a status or perform an action. A certain amount of time must then pass before the Ability can be used again. Traits: Permanent “always-on” effects ----- 6F. Stats ----- Each job has a different set of stats that affect the HP, MP, etc. of your character. If there is a support job, those stats are added to the ones of the main job. HP (Hit Points): This should be self-explanatory – it’s the amount of damage you can take before dying. MP (Mana Points): Again, this should be something most people know – this number determines the amount of magic you can cast. STR (Strength): This value determines that amount of damage done from physical (melee or ranged) combat. DEX (Dexterity): Similar to accuracy, this determines the chance you have of hitting the enemy (melee attack). It also affects the chance of you dealing a critical hit. VIT (Vitality): Vitality deals with your defense against physical attacks from enemies. AGI (Agility): The chance of you dodging a physical attack and the amount of damage done from a ranged weapon is controlled by Agility. INT (Intelligence): Very important if you are a Black Mage, this affects the power of your spells. MND (Mind): The White Mage equivalent of INT, and also determines your resistance against abnormal status and your magic defense. CHR (Charisma): Determines your success rate on skills related to Charisma. Fame: Although not an actual stat, it affects the prices in shops. The only way to raise Fame is to complete quests. Below is a stat table comparing each of the previous stats (except fame) between each of the races: Galka Elvaan Hume Mithra Tarutaru HP A C D D G MP G E D D A STR C B D E F DEX D E D A D VIT A C D E E AGI E F D B C INT E F D D A MND D B D E E CHR F D D F D Key: A - Outstanding B - Proficient C – Above Average D - Basic E – Below Average F - Poor G – Unsatisfactory (Table and key taken from shadow-dragons.com) For actual numeric stats (without any job modifiers), see the corresponding Race section (Section 5). ***** 7. Starting Kingdoms ***** When creating your character, you must pick which of the kingdoms they will start in. Although any character can start in any kingdom, each one is recommended for one or two different races. By choosing the starting location that favors your race, a ring is given to your character. This is the only “bonus” to starting in your race’s home location, but there are other benefits in terms of weapon availability, etc. ----- 7A. Republic of Bastok (Hume and Galka) ----- A mainly industrial zone, Bastok is filled with technology, mines, and everything in between. This home of the Humes and Galkas is suited for all tastes. *Ring Bonus* HP (+3) DEX (+1) VIT (+1) ----- 7B. Kingdom of San d’Oria (Elvaan) ----- The castle home of the Elvaan, this well protected city is large, yet close-knit. Everything is found is exactly where it should be, and nothing to is too far away from the ever-present action. *Ring Bonus* Defense (+2) STR (+1) MND (+1) ----- 7C. Federation of Windurst (Tarutaru and Mithra) ----- The home of the Tarutarus and Mithras is expansive and very spread out. The whole kingdom seems like everything is a multitude of giant organic structures. This area is recommended for Mages of all kinds, as it is catered to their needs. *Ring Bonus* MP (+3) AGI (+1) INT (+1) (Ring information obtained from shadow-dragons.com) ***** 8. Guilds ***** Throughout Vana’diel, there are different guilds your character can join to create items. By creating items, you can raise your skill in a particular area, and then go to a guild to advance in rank. Higher rankings allow more items to be synthesized and also a greater chance of success (and producing HQ, or high quality, items). ----- 8A. Guild Descriptions ----- -Alchemist: Creates medicines and can refine metals. A good job for anyone, but particularly useful if you are also a Blacksmith. -Blacksmith: Blacksmiths forge swords, armor, and tools from base metals. The best swords are found in San d’Oria, although Bastok has more advanced technology in general, perhaps even including firearms. -Boneworker: Exactly what it sounds like, workmen who craft items out of bone. -Carpenter: Woodworkers run this guild, which is mainly devoted to making furniture, musical instruments, types of shields, etc. -Culinary: This guild pursues the art of preparing delicate and tasty foods. -Fisherman: Another cheap profession. Probably a good secondary skill for a culinary guild member. Can catch fish, items, or even monsters. If you do catch a monster, you'll have to fight it! The better you get, the rarer items and fish you'll catch. -Goldsmith (Jeweler): Dealing with metals and jewels in Bastok to make new and powerful accessories such as rings, amulets and jeweled swords. -Tanner: They create medium equipment, various accessories, and even paper out of animal skins and pelts. -Weaver: This guild is the art of making clothing. They devote this time in making clothing, hats, and skirts in Windurst (Above descriptions based on information from FFExtreme.com) ----- 8B. Guild Locations/Hours ----- Below is a listing of the guilds, what cities thry can be found in, and their hours of operation. |--------------------------------------| | Guild Name | Hours Open | Cities | |--------------------------------------| | Alchemist | 8:00-23:00 | Bastok | |--------------------------------------| | Blacksmith | 8:00-23:00 | Bastok | | Blacksmith | | San d’Oria | | Blacksmith | | Mhaura | |--------------------------------------| | Boneworker | 8:00-23:00 | Windurst | |--------------------------------------| | Carpenter | 6:00-21:00 | San d’Oria | |--------------------------------------| | Culinary | 5:00–20:00 | Windurst | |--------------------------------------| | Fisherman | 3:00-18:00 | Windurst | | Fisherman | | Selbina | | Fisherman | | Boat | |--------------------------------------| | Goldsmith | 8:00-23:00 | Bastok | | Goldsmith | | Mhaura | |--------------------------------------| | Tanner | 3:00-18:00 | San d’Oria | |--------------------------------------| | Weaver | 6:00-21:00 | Windurst | | Weaver | | Selbina | |--------------------------------------| (Table data obtained from shadow-dragons.com) ***** 9. Crystals ***** 8 different types of crystals exist in the FFXI world: -Fire (Used to burn or heat objects) -Ice (Used to freeze items -Earth (Used to combine or connect items together) -Wind (Used to cut and divide objects) -Thunder (Used to finely cut an object to use with Earth crystal) -Water (Used to liquefy objects) -Darkness (Used to corrupt or decompose items) -Light (Used to enrich an item) (Crystal uses information obtained from ffextreme.com) The easiest way to obtain these is to receive a signet from a border guard and then to go kill monsters in areas that your country currently controls. Crystals are also used in item synthesis. For a listing of synthesis recipes, check out TwistidSoul’s Guild Recipe List FAQ at http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/game/27610.html You can also purchase special crystals from NPCs in the guilds which will allow you to add your own comments to the items you synthesize. If you sell one of these items through the AH, however, it will lose it’s “signature”. ***** 10. Items ***** This section is not trying to make a complete item database, but instead will explain the different things that can be done to obtain and sell items in the game. Aside from the normal ways that are in almost every RPG (purchasing/selling at shops, monsters dropping items, etc.), there are two special features in FFXI. Auction House: In the auction houses of FINAL FANTASY XI, sellers designate an asking price when they put items up for bid. The first bidder to offer a price higher than the asking price gets to purchase the item. These places are a magnet for players, since it's possible to get a better deal here than at the shops run by NPCs. Bazaar: Players can also hawk items themselves with the Bazaar system. Just set a price on any item in your inventory -- any players targeting you can easily check for items you have for sale and buy them immediately. (Above descriptions taken from Official FFXI website) Items can even be created through a process called Item Synthesis (See Section 9: Crystals). ***** 11. Missions vs. Quests ***** There are two different things in the world of Vana’diel that drives the game forward and provides more interesting ways of leveling up your character than just mindless killing enemies. One of these things is called missions, and the other is quests. There is, however, a difference between the two. Missions: In a mission, your character is temporarily hired to solve a problem that is troubling your nation, and you will be compensated accordingly. The specific content of missions ranges from odd jobs to top-secret operations. Quests: Quests are specific requests from individuals, shops, or organizations, and you may accept or decline as you wish. The conditions for most quests are fairly loose, and typically do not require you to have a specific job level, ability, or allegiance. Quests rarely result in worthwhile monetary gain, but the trust and respect that your character will gain are priceless. After each 2 or 3 missions that you complete, you will increase in rank. With a higher rank comes added benefits (see Section 12: Levels vs. Ranks). (Mission/Quest Descriptions taken from Official FFXI Website) ***** 12. Levels vs. Ranks ***** Your character’s level is based on your job and control what spells and skills your character can use. Ranks have no effect on the availability of these, but instead determine your advancement in the story by allowing you to complete certain missions. By collecting crystals and trading them to the signet guards, you can build up your rank meter. In order to increase in rank though, you must have completed a certain mission. The following are some of the benefits you will gain at certain rank levels: Rank 3 – Ability to get Ballista license Rank 5 – Ability to ride airship between 4 major cities (does not include Kazham) ***** 13. Basic Commands ***** The /? command will give you a list of all commands in FFXI, but the list quite lengthy to display in the chat window, and will take a quite to write down. Here are some basic commands that could prove to be useful to you during your first times playing, as well as throughout your FFXI experience: This command will tell you your position on the current map. This line can be inserted into various commands to stand for yourself, or target yourself. This works the same as , except it’s for your current target. This command allows you to select another target, without disengaging fighting. - Each of these will target a different member of your party, depending on where they are on your list. (The keys F1-F6 on your keyboard do the same thing.) /fish – Starts fishing. /playtime – Tells you how long have you been playing. /clock – Tells you the current time, and the Vana’diel time /attack – Starts attacking current target /assist – Starts attacking the enemy your current target has engaged /ma – The start of a spell, requires the spell name after it (multiple word spells require quotes around the name) /ja – Same as /ma, but for Job Abilities /shoot – Initiates long range attack, can be used quickly by using ctrl+d /em – The emote command. Allows you to display an action in the chat window that is not part of the presets emotions. (eg. If your name was Player, “/em dances around wildly” would show up as ‘Player dances around wildly’) *Search Commands* (Note: Replace anything inside < > with the correct information) /sea all - Searches through all of the players and tells you the number of people on /sea - Searches for a person in your area /sea all - Searches all of Vana’diel for that person /sea #-# - Searches a range of levels /sea - Searches for a certain class /sea - Searches for a certain race /sea - Searches for people from certain countries /sea linkshell – Searches for everyone in your LS /sea friends - Searches through your friends list. ***** 14. Useful Hints and Tips ***** Here are some key things to remember once you start playing the game: -Use auto-stack regularly; it will help save inventory space -“Check” enemies before you fight them to see if you are able to beat them -When under the effects of certain status effects (Poison, etc.), you will be unable to rest (Ctrl-H) ***** 15. Beginner’s Walkthrough ***** This section will (hopefully) take some of the above info and being it all together for a basic “to do” list for any new character. This WILL NOT walk you though the setup process of the software, hardware, or your account – I’m hoping people are smart enough to figure out how to do that on your own. And don’t e-mail us if you aren’t... *All Characters* - Do the quest of trading in the Adventurer’s Coupon - Talk to NPCs around town to gain quests and learn information (don’t feel like you have to do the quests right now, but it’s handy to have them in your log) - Go into all the guilds and talk with the guild master (the one that will give you the option of joining). Then, talk with all the other members and write down any formulas that they give you (optional, but the game does not store them) - Get Signet cast on you by a gate guard to join the Conquest system (these people are at the exits of the city with either R.K., I.M., or W.W. after their name) and proceed out into one of the surrounding areas of your town to fight some low level monsters to start to level up/gain crystals (use the “Check” function to see if you even have a chance at killing a monster. Also, as long as you do not have a status ailment on you, pressing Ctrl-H will let you rest and slowly regain health (and magic)). - After gaining a few levels, check to see if you have new spells available to you (magic users) and attempt a few of the quests if the drops are from monsters that you can easily kill. ***** 16. Credits ***** Information from the following sites was used to gather the information for this FAQ: http://playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml (Official FFXI website) http://ign.com http://ffxionline.com http://shadow-dragons.com http://ffextreme.com http://www.davidbowie.jp/eriwilde/ffxi/index.html (Bilingual FFXI Site) http://finalfantasyxi.org