This time around we have some less documented topics to talk about -- the controls of Final Fantasy XI, how to get into groups and how to run groups, and answer one of the questions presented by reader Green Armadillo in last column's comment area.
I know these topics may seem weird for a recurring feature that is suppose to be a guide to starting out in Final Fantasy XI. You would think I would be tackling more game play issues or tips on how to level. However, these topics play right into getting the most out of your FFXI experience. Knowing these things is going to help you tremendously in Vana'diel, so let's stop talking about it and get down into it.
Komputer kontroller!
Many of you have undoubtedly grabbed yourself a Final Fantasy XI free trial from your local game store and have installed it on your PC. You played for a little bit, tried to grasp those horrible keyboard controls, and then wanted to throw yourself off of a cliff. I know where you've been, because I was once there.
If you want a better experience, get yourself a PlayStation-esque USB controller. Xbox 360 users with a wired controller, you're already done. Just plug your controller into your PC and you're good to go. Doing this one step makes this game that much more approachable, as the game is made with the PS2 in mind, not your PC.Things like targeting, which is mapped to tab on the keyboard, is now controlled by the directional pad of your controller. This allows you to rapidly switch targets to both the left and right faster than you could pull off with a mouse or the tab button.
If you want to change your new controls around, go to your start menu, open the PlayOnline folder, open the Final Fantasy XI folder, and then hit FFXI config. Press the button for game pad settings, and you can customize them to your whims.
Grouping is a little bit different in these parts
If you need a party, open up the main menu and hit the button that says "party." In that menu, you'll have another button that says "seek party." Press that button and you'll get a little green exclamation point next to your name. This shows to everyone around you that you need a party, and it also lets you show up in the search when another person hits the "seek members" button. Your name will appear for everyone in the region, so you should get a party invite pretty soon.
Yelling for a party is considered really annoying. It works, but it doesn't give you a good name amongst the community. You have a very nice looking for group feature, please use it. This leads me to the next topic...
Blind invites are not cool
Blind invites are super annoying. They're invites sent to you without the person sending a tell first to introduce themselves. They can block an invite from a more reputable group that you have been speaking with, and generally give you no indication of where the group is and what they're doing.
Before inviting someone, always send them a tell first. Ask politely if they need a group, and give them information regarding where you want to level up. A simple example is, "Hey, do you need a group for Valkurm Dunes?" This goes a long way in making friends.
Lastly, a note on items on the auction house
Reader Green Armadillo made a note on the other article that was centered around a person telling him to buy really expensive items (earrings, in this case) when he couldn't afford them. This is a hang over from the old days, where the best gear was "required" to find a group.
These days, you don't have to be decked in high quality items to be effective in a group at earlier levels. High quality and superior quality items (items with a white box or blue box around their icon) are, of course, always superior. However, they can run upwards of 10,000 gil on the AH, and starting players just can't afford that.
If you can't afford it, don't worry about it. Buy the normal version of the same item and use that. If you can afford a high quality item, then buy it and use it. But remember, when you're done with it, make the determination to keep it or sell it back to the auction house. Unlike other MMOs with "soulbound gear," your gear is a part of your net worth in FFXI. It can increase or decrease in value over time. Keep aware of the market, and remember that the auction houses are not linked. One item in one AH may be more gil or less gil on another AH.
Well, that's all the time I have this week. Next week on Tuesday we're going to look at questing and what exactly it rewards you. Until next time, safe adventures in Vana'diel!
