Returning Player, Couple Of Questions

So with the announcements yesterday, I've decided I have spent way too much of my life having an on-again, off-again relationship with this game to let it get away without finishing its story (seriously, I originally got it back around NA launch). So I'm thinking of resubbing to fix this problem. The problem is, I've never even made it to the first limit break quest. As it currently stands, I have a character with SAM and DNC in the upper 30s to low 40s as I was planning to go SAM/DNC for soloing story content, as well as a few trusts.

I just have a couple of questions:

1. How's the SAM Maat fight these days? Would it be easier to level something else for the initial Maat LB first?

2. What would be the best trusts to use for story content?

3. I've been told that Abyssea keying is the fastest way to level past 30. Any noob mistakes I should avoid when doing so? I've got a pile of cruor and traverser stones, so getting into Abyssea and getting keys isn't a problem.

Skill up GKT enough to get Gekko, 2hr/buy tp wing, konzen-ittai+gekko about dead. Can do with Enpi too, I went 1/2 that way as I was playing around with SAM 70 (need to 2hr). Basically a dps race.

1. For DD, Ferrious Coffin (haste)/Kupipi (no haste but better healer) and two DDs should work until you get some support Trusts such as Ulmia to replace the DDs.
2. There is nothing to worry about. Just grab a bunch of keys and open any chest you see.

For earlier levels, having a healer and 2 DD's will help out quite a bit. Trusts seem to be a bit OP in earlier levels (I liked Gusgen Mines with Prishe and Naja for blunt damage, just need to be careful of AoE moves).

For later levels (maybe 75+), grab a healer and 2 supports:

• Healer: Koru-Moru, if you can get, has Haste II and heals, otherwise Ferrious Coffin or Cherukki

• Supports: I like Joachim and Ulmia for their songs and backup healing.

It would be good to pick up a couple DD and maybe a tank just in case (though, you'd be better off just plowing through easier stuff with healer and 2 supports).


Can't really do anything wrong in Aby as a keyer. Make a macro with /item "Forbidden Key" <t> and open all red and blue chests as a priority and don't skimp on keys. If that's your job, you'll literally only be opening chests. I would bring a form of RR so you don't slow down the group in case you get killed (or go /WHM if high enough level).

I will say though, with Trusts, RoE and FoV/GoV, leveling is not bad these days. Gives you a chance to learn the job as you level, gear is pretty easy to get for the most part and you will have less skilling up needed than if you go 30-99 in Aby.

If you plan on playing SAM as your main, SAM/DNC is helpful if you need the extra healing power, but you should be able to go /WAR using a good healer trust. Just remember that trusts can be released and re-summoned once they run out of MP (there is a short recast timer on them).

Also, this should be your first stop (this is stickied in General):

http://www.ffxiah.com/forum/topic/45967/returning-player-guide-for-final-fantasy-11/

So basically skill up, run in screaming, and pray I live. Got it.

I've got Ferreous Coffin. Any suggestions on which 2 DDs or just go with any of them?


I will have to keep that macro in mind. I know about RoE and FoV/GoV, they just feel a bit repetitive to me. I tend to get bored with them after a bit and it causes me to lose interest. Any suggestions on a fairly quick leveling path, or at least a way to keep things interesting?

Updated my previous post with a couple ideas. They're mostly easy to get, unless it's a limited time one, so I'd just get as many as you can and try out the ones you like.


Aby is the fastest, but out of those, just find GoV areas that fit your level if there's no Aby parties (doesn't seem to be too many these days).

I'm pretty sure I had the main city start ones, D. Shantotto, Naja, Ferreous Coffin, and maybe Tenzen and Sakura. I think that's all I can get right now that's not limited time or requires missions that I can't do yet.


GoV is probably more consistent for me to do than to hope for Aby parties. Looks like Gusgen Mines as you suggested might be my best bet.