FFXI tips for a new player?

I just started playing FFXI on PC, I made a Black Mage Mithra on the Caitsith server. I’m getting use to the controls and what not but does anyone have some tips to help get me started?

I’m not new to MMORPG’s but this game seems a little overwhelming, even for a veteran FF player.. Anyway thanks bunches! 😀

..btw I did watch the ‘new player guide’ on the FFXI site, so I’ve got some of the basics down.

Secondly, I’m not too sure exactly what ‘basics’ you already know after viewing the official New Player Guide, but I’ll try and briefly cover what I feel are a few basic hints that most new players aren’t aware of when they start out.

– Do not underestimate the importance of Signet right at the start. Speak to a Gate Guard at the entrance to your home city (this is an npc with two intials after their name, which differs between nations), and ask them to cast Signet on you. Signet allows you to gain Conquest Points towards your home nation when you fight mosnters, but it also gives the added benefit of making it so that there is a chance that monsters will drop elemental crystals when you defeat them. Stack these crystals, and sell them at the Auction House. This is probably the easiest way to start making money right at the start of the game.

-Don’t be in a hurry to start partying right at the start. The way the game is designed, you can level comfortably solo for the first ten levels or so. This is so you can get used to the battle system and the abilities of your Job. If you do party at this time, just duo with a friend around your level so that you still get decent EXP. This is because EXP gained in a party is determined by what a monster checks to the player with the highest level. Therfore, if a monster is ‘too weak’ to one player in the party, but ‘decent challenge’ to another, no EXP will be gained after the battle.

-If it looks like a monster is about to kill you, don’t panic. Disengage from the monster, and try to run to the nearest zone line. Make sure also to use the /help command to shout out to all players in the immediate area that you’re in danger (this is also helpful if a monster agros you). Usually, someone will often jump in and finish the monster off for you, and or heal you if they happen to have White Magic, and presuming you’ve disengaged from it.

-Finally, a lot of new players aren’t aware of it, but if you want to remove the ‘?’ beside your name you have when you first start (which identifies you as a new player): open the menu, scroll to the second page, and select ‘Help Desk>Config and then select ‘Cancel New Adventurer Status’ (you may need to scroll the window up or down to locate it). Then press ‘OK’ to confirm. The ? will disappear, making you much less conspicuous. The ? does disappear naturally after logging more than 5 hours of play time or gaining more than 5 levels in your first Job.

This is about all I can really remember that most new players aren’t aware of or need help with. If there is anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.