This wasnt my first rodeo - I have three other characters, all with varying levels of progress.

But the furthest Id ever made it was into the Shadowbringers patch quests.

Rest in obscurity, Guybrush Chandagnac.

The cast of Final Fantasy 14 Endwalker

I didnt want to burn out again.

It would bebetterif I just took everything at my own pace, right?

Once I reached the previously elusive Sharlayan, I went on to complete Endwalker in about five days.

Titan from Final Fantasy 14 wearing Wham’s ‘Choose Life’ t-shirt.

Anyways, heres what I learned in six months of mostly patient, sometimes frantic Final Fantasy 14 goodness.

This also meant getting over my awful tankxiety.

Leading a pack, being responsible for everyones safety?

Nikki talking to Ceretti with a camera in Florawish with Walkthrough written overhead.

A terrifying prospect six months ago.

It would be great if we had some slightly more complex rotations or if dungeon bosses posed bigger threats.

But most of the time they dont…

A viera during an endgame cutscene in Final Fantasy 14

This isnt going to resonate with everyone - sometimes anxiety is impossible to overcome.

Just give it a go.

The world needs more tanks.

A brand new viera character in Final Fantasy 14

Fishing is a time-consuming, frustrating hobby in FF14 but the triumphs far outweigh the crushing defeats.

Ever since, Ive worn the resulting title (Of Dragons Deep) proudly.

Fishing is an arduous, distracting pastime, but its so worth the investment.

A warrior next to the warrior guildmaster in Final Fantasy 14

When you properly get into it, its almost like being inducted into a secret society of like-minded individuals.

Its a unique, lovely experience.

Screw the Coral Manta though.

A viera dark knight in Final Fantasy 14

That evil f**k has been eluding me for months now.

Im most often tanking, so queues arent an issue for me.

No, Duty Support to me is what turns FF14 into a full-fledged Final Fantasy.

A viera skyfishing in Final Fantasy 14

From Heavensward on, this feature allows you to run through dungeons with your steadfast allies.

It adds so much to the traditional RPG with a party feeling.

I would recommend Duty Support to anyone, even those who missed out on it the first time through.

A viera sitting in front of a home aquarium in Final Fantasy 14

People who skip or skim through ARR aremissing out on some truly incredible moments.

Theres some drudgework, but the same can be said for every single expansion pack.

I look back on these hours fondly - ARR is not the slump you might think it is.

Lena, Alphinaud, Alisaie, and the Warrior of Light after completing a dungeon in Final Fantasy 14

All that said, Minfiliaisa little boring and Moenbrydashouldnthave died so quickly.

Youre right, but probably not in the way you think youre right.

I bought my house within three months, something I consider quite an achievement.

The scions of the seventh dawn at the mothercrystal in Final Fantasy 14

I have eight retainers working for me and my empire of dirty gil.

I tell myself that this is fine, because I never buy items from my fellow petty undercutters.

Capitalism is a tricksy beast.

Y’shtola using magic in an early cutscene in Final Fantasy 14

Im incredibly excited for Dawntrail and the new adventures it promises.

Something about FF14 is magical, and I cant get enough of it.

If you run into Mobula Greylag from Sagittarius in-game, say hi!

A dying sylph in Final Fantasy 14

FFXIV’s quest names just wouldn’t hit the same way if they were direct translations.

A viera miner in Final Fantasy 14

A viera looking over his shoulder in Final Fantasy 14

Live-Service Games

Final Fantasy 14