Final Fantasy XIV Beginner Guide: Jobs, Leveling and Making Gil
Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most story-driven MMORPGs ever made, and it's famously friendly to new players. One character can play every job, and there's no rush to reach the endgame. Here's how to get started and keep your gil growing.
Last updated: Beginner guide · Oct 18, 2026 · 2 min read
One character, every job
You can switch jobs by changing your weapon, so you don't need alts. Start with the job you like the look of; tanks and healers get faster queue times in dungeons, while damage dealers have the most choice. You can level other jobs later on the same character.
Follow the Main Scenario
The Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) unlocks most of the game's content, including dungeons, trials and new areas. It's also where the story is, so don't skip it. The free trial includes a large part of the game, so you can play for a long time before deciding to buy.
Level faster
Extra experience comes from several places:
- Daily duty roulettes give big experience bonuses once a day.
- Dungeons are great for leveling and for learning your job.
- FATEs and hunt logs give extra experience in open areas.
- Rested experience builds while you're logged out in a city or inn.
Making gil
Crafting and gathering are the classic ways to earn gil — sell materials and crafted items on the Market Board, especially popular furniture, glamour and consumables. Retainer ventures bring in items while you're offline. Check market prices on your data centre before crafting so you sell what's actually in demand.
Endgame
At max level, you'll gear up through tomestones, raids and crafted gear. Learn your job's rotation, use the in-game Hall of the Novice and job guides, and ask your Free Company or the Novice Network for help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play every job on one character in FFXIV?
Yes. Changing your weapon changes your job, so one character can level every job.
How much of FFXIV is free?
The free trial covers a large part of the game, including several expansions, with some limits on features like trading and the Market Board.
What is the best way to make gil in FFXIV?
Crafting and gathering items that are in demand on your data centre, plus retainer ventures and selling unneeded drops.