Want to get back into FFXI, worth it?

[deveral]

Ive played everything from WoW, FFXI, Eve online, Vanguard, Starwars Galaxies, and many more, but the only MMO I had soo much fun with was FFXI (And Eve). Now that FFXIV will be coming out in the next couple of years ive realized I never beat FFXI's storyline. I really want to finish it before the new final fantasy's come out. Im trying to beat them all for the story (Dont care about my lvl or equipment). Is it possible to still play FFXI for the story with my friend starting from good old lvl 1 or is lvling as impossible as it was a year ago? Sorry for wall of text, really want to get back into this game for story above all else!

Also if it is possilbe what server is best to do this on? Something easy with plenty of players to lvl with and not SO expensive equipment! If lvling is crap, are there any jobs i could possibly solo with? Is beastmaster the only job still? Thx in advance!

 

[Diomedes Artega]

If lvling is crap, are there any jobs i could possibly solo with? Is beastmaster the only job still? Thx in advance!

You can do campaign but I forget what level is reasonable to start.

 

[Diomedes Artega]

Also if it is possilbe what server is best to do this on? Something easy with plenty of players to lvl with and not SO expensive equipment!

You will have to look at the online auction house to judge prices of gear...since you have played before. That is the best way to determine a server if you have no friends on any of the servers.

 

[Diomedes Artega]

Ive played everything from WoW, FFXI, Eve online, Vanguard, Starwars Galaxies, and many more, but the only MMO I had soo much fun with was FFXI (And Eve). Now that FFXIV will be coming out in the next couple of years ive realized I never beat FFXI's storyline. I really want to finish it before the new final fantasy's come out. Im trying to beat them all for the story (Dont care about my lvl or equipment). Is it possible to still play FFXI for the story with my friend starting from good old lvl 1 or is lvling as impossible as it was a year ago? Sorry for wall of text, really want to get back into this game for story above all else!

Okay so as far as the story line...you unfortunately will have some jobs leveled. Yes, that's right. Jobs. Or have a few friends who have A LOT of jobs leveled. Why? Well, mainly it's due to the fact that with certain missions, you need certain party setups. Sometimes some of these party dynamics are non-negotiable as far as the job setups.

I myself I know I am a bit extreme perhaps, but I had every job leveled over LV30. That said...only the country missions can you really duo. Anything else as far as story line is not possible from what I can remember and to my knowledge.

Story missions for Bastok, Sandy, and Windy you can duo...every single last one of them. BUT...it is difficult. Quite difficult in fact. You will be relegated to certain setups and those usually entail having better than average gear, and top player-end skill.

So long story short, you will need to decide on a GOOD non-negotiable type job to level to 75. So will your friend.

For example: Paladin (PLD). If you end-game PLD, you will want red mage leveled to 37, ninja leveled to 37, and warrior leveled to 37. Level warrior first. Optional subjobs include blue mage.

~Diomedes
75 NIN, 75 THF, 75 BLM, 75 RDM, 68 WHM, 63 WAR, 63 BLU, 53 PLD, every other job at 37. (Semi-retired).