Pardon me while I get a few things off my chest that I've been holding in about #FFXIV #Dawntrail... and then I offset that with careful hope for #Evercold and the future. Please and thanks!
https://aywren.com/2026/05/15/im-glad-i-stood-by-ffxiv-through-the-down-trail
@Aywren the casuals finding it less fun and more difficult is me. But : I relied on others being awesome in the dungeons and trials, which they were (in ability, attitude and patience). The solo instances though give me literal nerves and stress.
And I don't get a "high" from overcoming challenges. Just relief.
I also disliked the crafting "relics" method (oddly complex recipes and concentration required), I gave up early.
1/2
@Aywren I know people enjoy pressure and stress. And some people enjoy complexity, or grinding, or massive combat difficulty.
But I felt DT went so far in the other direction, I felt alienated and unimportant.
P. S. I loved most of the zone design, but didn't really want more end-of-world vibes immediately after Endwalker.
I've purposely lagged behind now, so I'm always sufficiently behind to let the more able precede me😊
@FibroJedi I feel much the same way. I'm usually able to push through the challenge, but I don't play a game to be frustrated.
I don't want to spend what little time in a game practicing to "get gud" - unless the rewards are really worth it. Griding for tomes to upgrade gear that's just going to be replaced in a few months is not.
So I generally one-shot what I must and only do what I enjoy from there on.
I'm happy to carry other folks through if I can, however! That is rewarding to me.
Aywren
The Gneech! Awww Yeah
Dedalus Root
FJ Brodie