Why Am I Struggling with Final Fantasy XIV's Story?

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I’ve been a fan of Final Fantasy games and MMOs in general, but I’m finding Final Fantasy XIV pretty frustrating. It feels overly goofy and, honestly, a bit boring. People rave about the story being amazing, but I just can’t see it. Am I missing something? Is it just too light-hearted for my taste, or do I need to grind through more of the game to uncover the deeper narrative? I’m currently in A Realm Reborn and I’m starting to feel like I’ve hit a wall. Any advice would be appreciated!

Why Am I Struggling with Final Fantasy XIVs Story
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5 Answers

Dungeoneer50 -

I felt the same way! The story doesn’t really grab me until the later expansions. The dungeons are fun, but managing all the content feels overwhelming sometimes. If I find just the right mix of crafting, exploring, and story, I could see the appeal, but the pacing is just a lot.

OldSchoolFan -

I relate so hard! FFXI had that charm of a more humble story with depth, while FFXIV can feel like a colorful theme park. Maybe try out a game like HorizonXI to get a taste of what made FFXI special. It might be more your speed!

SoloMoe -

Honestly, I understand where you’re coming from. If you’re not a big fan of MMOs, FFXIV’s pacing can feel exhausting. I prefer a more straightforward narrative that doesn’t require dozens of hours to get to the good stuff. It’s a bummer because I know there’s a recovery from its bad launch, but digging through that to find gold just isn’t my style.

DungeonDiver91 -

Exactly! 100 hours for a story hook feels like a chore, and sometimes it just doesn’t click for everyone.

LoreExplorer99 -

You’re definitely in a rough spot, but it gets better! Shadowbringers is often considered the best expansion with an incredible story. However, you’ll need to push through that early grind. I totally get the frustration with the cutesy aspects of the game, but the serious moments do kick in when you reach Heavensward. Trust me, it’s worth the journey!

CrispyCritter -

Totally agree with you! Once you get past the awkwardness of A Realm Reborn, the story becomes a lot more engaging.

QuestGiver42 -

It sounds like you’re still in A Realm Reborn! It can definitely feel slow at first, and a lot of players say it really starts to pick up after around 100 hours. I know that’s a long time to invest, but some of the later expansions like Shadowbringers and Endwalker have really great stories that build on the lore from the beginning. If you’re willing to hang in there, it might be worth it!

GrindMasterX -

Yeah, I’ve heard the same. Just pushing through to level 50 can change everything, but it’s a big time commitment.

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