Final Fantasy XIV vs. Final Fantasy XIV: ARR
The first question nearly everyone asks about this game is "How has it changed since the original version?" Well the answer is that nearly everything has been changed. Classes, Jobs, Locations and everything else has seen some work done. The questing structure was completely reworked and the game has basically evolved into an entirely new beast. If you picked up the original and were let down, it is highly suggested you give the game a second chance. People who own the original version can simply download a large update for their version of the game to gain access to FFXIV: ARR. If you never played or purchased the original, you can pick up this new title as if it were an entirely new product, because really, it is 95% new.
Classes, Jobs, Disciplines
One of the best parts about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is the class system. Many MMO games lock you into the choices you make at the beginning of the game. You pick your race, pick your class and then play the rest of the game with those choices. FFXIV: ARR is different in that you are able to switch your class. This makes FF much more flexible than other games and allows players to more easily multi-class and have characters that can fill different roles without having to have 4 or 5 separate characters. This entire system is wrapped up in the Disciplines. There are 4 different ones that branch off into the various classes. Disciples of War are your physical damage classes while Disciples of Magic sling spells to damage foes or heal allies. There are two more disciplines, Disciples of the Hand and Disciples of the Land but they cover crafting and will be discussed further down the page.
Classes function similar to other MMO titles, but again FF has a unique twist in that there is another set of classes, or Jobs as FF puts it, that players can obtain as they level up. Jobs are an advanced class that players gain access to via special quests once they reach a certain level in their base class. For example, a Lancer who meets the appropriate requirements can go on a quest to unlock the Dragoon Job. Jobs are more focused than a standard class and offer more powerful benefits that the player wouldn't gain access to otherwise.
Races
FFXIV: ARR features 5 Races. Each one brings its own unique style to the game and whatever the player chooses, their race will help mold what kind of character they grow to be. Most of the differences are cosmetic, but there is a slight stat difference depending on the race you choose and even the subset within the main race. The difference is tiny, so players should not feel like they will preform worse than others based on their choice.
Quests, FATEs & Dungeons
Final Fantasy XIV: ARR is filled to the brim with ways to earn experience and level up your character. Quests are one of the easiest ways to do this. There are hundreds of quests spread throughout the game that players can go on. Some are tied to certain Classes or Jobs, some tied to specific nations but no matter what, there will always be a quest somewhere you can go on. They vary in nature, and the reward usual depends on the task involved. A simple quest might only reward a few hundred EXP while a long one might grant you a couple thousand. Newcomers should seek out quests inside their starting town. These ones are designed to get you acquainted with the game and help speed you through the first 5-10 levels.
FATE(s)(Full Active Time Event) are random events that happen on the open field. They generally involve killing large groups of monsters, some FATEs even containing Notorious Monsters, tougher versions of normal creatures that can drop special loot. FATEs can be found on the map, being represented by purple/pink circles. They are timed, so if you see one, don't hesitate to go to it or you may miss it. FATEs typically require multiple people to complete and are not always the same level as the surrounding area so use a little caution when approaching a FATE you do not recognize.
