Returning from Circa 2002-2007 (Soloing Questions)Follow

Hello, Everyone,

Rather than share my nostalgia story from my previous tenure, I'd like to ask a few very specific soloing questions regarding a possible return to the game - as a brand new player starting from scratch. Just a brief history though, I'm coming from the LV75-era and I retired roughly a fairly short time after Wings of the Goddess released.

I'd like to say I have read through quite a few wonderful threads, blogs and other online guides that target new/returning players to get them up to speed. What I am unable to find, however, are the small details that make up the big picture in getting to all the new end-game content solo (as a new player). If these specific questions have been answered here in this forum, then I apologize. So, my questions are going to be based on a hypothetical scenario that the server I end up on is dead - ie; I am the only player occupying the world. The reason I am asking in this manner is because my decision to return may be based on the responses I get here.

Here is my overall expanded question:

As a new player starting with absolutely nothing, can I solo (no help from anyone) my way to level 75 and beyond having completed the necessary critical quests (sub-job, AF1, Genkai, etc) and being able to obtain decent gear appropriate for my level along the way? This question has in mind all the new features, perks and options that are available now that weren't back in the day that could help me in this. My goal is to go Beastmaster and undertake that quest as soon as possible. But soloing the quest NM's and AF requirements are a concern for me (or with any basic job).

It is what it is. Unless there are new advantages available, I know I still wont be able to waltz over to Valkurm Dunes and solo my sub-job items as a lowbie. I've read about a quest that allows access behind the Banishing Gates in GC, which obviously required 4 people back then. You can see where my line of thinking is now regarding previous requirements that used to/still do need multiple people. I want to be able to know in advance which jobs I might be locked out of simply because I'm going solo; however, Beastmaster is my ultimate goal - at least at this point. I have a feeling it is the job that I am going to need to successfully survive and do well in the game today - versus the game from 2005.

ANY detailed strategies that begin with level 1 and work onwards towards unlocking, say, Beastmaster - as well as tackling critical missions, quests and farming will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, since I'm not anti-social I need to just throw out there that if anyone is still active presently, and doesn't mind someone fresh off the boat joining your linkshell, you'd have my gratitude indeed. I would even be willing to select a specific server simply based on this information ahead of time. I need to also say that having a family, a full-time job and a life, I can't play the game like I used to 8+ years ago (all day, no sleep, etc). It would be casual BUT I am interested in playing gradually towards a modest doable end-game setup. I'm not going through the registration and log-in hassle just to walk around the Sarutabaruta for nostalgia purposes! :)

Thank you in advance to whoever takes the time to respond to this. I appreciate it.

Hi, Catwho,

Thank you for responding. The information is very helpful. Do you by chance know if it's possible to solo AF and decent gear along the way with the new changes to the game? Even years ago I'm not sure a Beastmaster could solo all their AF pieces, but that might have changed with the new content - I'm not sure yet. Coincidentally, I was actually leveling Beastmaster at the time I retired. I was around level 63 or so. It was going to be my 8th level 75 job. But I don't remember if I had soloed all the AF for it. Dark Spark and the Eld Necrop Hound NM's weren't an issue then because I had a fully decked out character to do those with. I wont have those luxuries now.

Honestly, it's not that I strictly want to play solo. It's more that I've read about the remaining player-base being more about end-game content rather than helping someone who is staring at the business end of 11+ years worth of content to do. So I'm trying to have the mindset that I would be fending for myself as a returning player.

I've been reading up on Abyssea and everything else post-Wings of the Goddess. It's all pretty overwhelming to be honest. It seems that's where people are blazing to level 99, but I can't say I have friends currently playing that would extend me the courtesy of leeching. :)

I do appreciate the info, though. Thank you.

Awesome, Catwho,

Thanks again for all the information. I appreciate it very much!

Do you by chance know of any rare/ex gear worth having as a leveling BST pre-level 75? I want to take my progress in doses or milestones, so I'd be concerned about post-level 75 later. I've read the Gaudy Harness is still a great piece to have. Any other rare/ex? I've read about the Ducal Guard, but I honestly haven't researched enough about what's required to obtain it. I did see that it's important for me to get to Port Jeuno as soon as possible to begin the Traverse Stone quest (correct me if my info is wrong), but we'll see if I'm able to get there right away or not.

Again, thank you for the insight and information.

Okay, thank you for all the information. I'm grateful that you took the time to respond.

All the stuff that was good before is still good - like peacock charm, emp pin, leaping boots etc. Bright side is not so many people to fight for for the mobs anymore.

(I mean for while you are leveling up anyway)

Edited, Sep 19th 2013 1:42pm by Olorinus

All pre-abyssea missions are basically solo-able by any lv 99 character with decent easily obtained gear, provided that char has some decent defensive abilities (like being /dnc). Sky accessed is easy to solo.

For Sea access, you'll need to pass a mission that requires two characters to press 2 different switches simultaneously. I've heard it's possible to accomplish this solo by standing by the first switch, unplugging your internet cable, hitting one, running to the other and hitting it, then reconnecting you internet cable, all before disconnecting.

Depending on which city, it might be possible to solo Rank 10. Other than 5-1 (Which I'm not sure is capped at 50 anymore or not) I was able to solo/duo all of Sandoria as either bst or blu. For the multiple mob fights, just use the old trick of letting all but 1 mob despawn before killing it. I think it is Bastok 9-1 that might be a sticking point, since you can be overwhelmed by mobs since it keeps splitting. I got my rank 10 in all cities before the level increase, and never had a full party of 6 for any of them.

The tombstone pilgramage might be tricky when it comes to sky access, since most of those fights will spawn 2 mobs that would make it rough for a solo player at 75. I think that if you waited until 80 or 85, that might be enough to make a difference if you do it on your own.

Hey, Xantav,

Thanks for the perspective. I was originally Rank 10 from Windurst. Many of the mission requirements and specific details are foggy to be honest. I don't even remember the tombstone quest you mentioned.

Much appreciated!

Asura, okay. Yeah, I understand that there are no guarantees for playtime, and I'd expect that. I think finding a small group of people who perhaps get together a few times a week (or less) to connect in the game would be ideal, but for now I wont have such expectations.

I know I wont be getting my Dalmatica and Ridill again, so there are no delusions of grandeur there, lol. I just know that despite the changes in the game dynamics compared to back then, rare/ex items are generally better than crafted. This is true yes?

I've noticed that pretty much every "I'm a returning player" topic gives the advice "you should level BST"

I looked up those weapons. I can't appreciate the value in what those are simply because I'm currently long since detached from the game. I can relate to the significance of having waited a year and a half for a Ridill, though.



I will most likely level WHM and possibly BLM up again, especially since I had both of those jobs at 75 back in the day. I also had a 75 BRD, but I didn't have the Gjallarhorn (which seems to be a requirement now for end-game content?). I looked at the updated spell list, and all I can say is wow! I also looked at the current prices. I can't believe Utsusemi Ni is going for over 1 million gil. That's insane compared to when I played, lol.

My desire to solo has to do with my approach to coming back to the game casually - not super hardcore like back in the day. I also have to accept the possibility that I may not have any help whatsoever with quests, missions and the like. So, I chose to have the right mindset about soloing before I start playing again, as opposed to logging into my server only then to realize I'm on a secluded island on the opposite side of the world (where everyone else is).




Edited, Sep 20th 2013 9:54am by KupoNuts

It's truly amazing that Fafnir can be soloed/duo'd/trio'd, etc. I come from a time when Dragon's Aery was an over-crowded zone where it took an alliance to defeat him, or at least a skilled party of 12. And of course that was pending on whether or not you could actually see Fafnir due to the crazy lag from all the players in the zone.

I don't understand the particulars with the latest Treasure Hunter changes, but I can remember how long it took for me to get one. This of course was back when Rangers were the DD's. Can anyone remember that time?