Hey guys. To put it simply I've never played FFXI before, I always remembered seeing it in stores as a kid but was never able to give the game a go. After getting into XIV recently I thought it would be fun to go back and play an old school type MMO. Currently playing a Red Mage (IGN: Paero in case anyone feels like hitting me up) as it's always been my favourite class in the Final Fantasy games and the idea of playing a more supportive class appeals to me. Sitting at level 12 at the moment and I'm looking forward to getting into the Dunes to play with some other people, although I have no idea how I'd go about starting/joining a party, so any advice there would be appreciated. I'd also appreciate any other general tips about the game that I might have missed, I feel like I have a decent grip on the game for how much I've played (having read a lot of guides etc) but I'm sure there's something that I may have missed. Cheers guys

Great to have you!

If you are in game and have any questions about FFXI, feel free to /tell dreamshade any questions you might have.

Top 5 Starting Tips

1. Access Moghouse anyway. Press "-" then right arrow and go to view house. 150 slots of instant access anywhere, anytime. (Use this to stash everything and dump it all on the AH when full for profit. Don't worry about keeping anything other than Beastman seals. Sell your crystals, you can always get them later when you want to start crafting)

2. EP farming. Nasomi is nice enough to have extended the length a mob stays EP. especially on lower levels, 1/2 shotting something that gives 30-60 exp can be quicker then a 1min fight of something that gives 85-100 exp, not to mention the amount of crystals you get to help with buying spells when just starting.

3. Get subjob at level 18. Once you are doing dunes, you will need a Magicked Skull, a Damesfly worm, and a Crab Apron to unlock Subjob and then level a subjob at least to 15 so that you can get to 30 and start unlocking other jobs. Since you like RDM I would highly suggest this progression.

RDM =>18 | BLM/RDM => 15 (or 18 for warp) | Then RDM/BLM => 30 | Then Unlock ninja, you will need help but plenty of people will help and level it to 25 as NIN/RDM| Then level your RDM to 50. At this point you will be doing Genkai quests and just level RDM/BLM/NIN for which ever one you want as all 3 of them are fun.

4. Use EquipSet Macros this will help soooo much. Switching from STR to INT gear right before your spell will be very helpful for reducing resists and increasing nuke damage. Remember that weapon switching resets TP so don't bother switching your weapon in it if you are meleeing.

5. Build affordable sets for use between levels. Build a 10-20 set a 20-30 set a 30-40 set and so on. Since Stats are incredibly nerfed when level synced. a Level 40 armor will not be good as a level 20 armor if synced at 20 and they have the same stats.