yo, I'm new in FF XI, I always wanted to play this FF before, I noticed right away that this game is not beginner friendly, starting with some commands and the gameplay too, also, I tried to talk with some players in bastok but no one answered me, is that normal to happen to a newbie here? I'm just asking, tbh, this is making me giving up little by little of this game already, with a impression that the community isn't friendly, if someone can help me, I'll be happy.

Heya - this game definitely can be very complicated and hard to begin with. If you stick with it, it's insanely rewarding.

With regard to other players - it's hit or miss. Also note that people can be AFK. Try to find a linkshell (post in the recruiting forum here) or /shout in your starting city. An LS is a good place to find people to talk to.

This community is way better compared to the other MMOs out there. Also in this game keyword is "teamwork". Levelling in parties, doing missions for sea, sky access, camping Notorious Monsters for some gear or just gil. It can be challenging at times, or.. many times, but it feels really rewarding at the end. Just keep in mind, this is a slow pase kind of game. Far from keyboard breakers like WOW or FF XIV

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Work Hard. Play Harder.

Welcome and enjoy. its a long road but as rka said its worth it

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<3

I've made a number of friends in the few days I've been here. Mostly just other people suffering through the fishing grind together, but almost everyone has been very helpful to an honest newbie.
As for the controls one of the best pieces of advice I was given was: give up on the mouse, and choose to play only with the keyboard or a controller.

Not sure about Bastok but most people I've tried to communicate with in Sandoria have replied to me. Maybe you found a bunch of people afk by the home crystal/mog house or the auction house. You can always try sending somebody a direct tell if they don't immediately reply in chat, which could be for a number of reasons. As others suggested there are definitely linkshells(essentially guilds/chatrooms) that will help you as well.

If you have questions I am sure somebody would be happy to answer either here on the forums or on the irc channel(see: naschat).

Also be sure to go into config in game, and turn on auto sorting for your inventory. Will save you a lot of headaches and blow your mind when you realize items actually stack, and that you don't have to do it manually.