Final Fantasy XI Levels 13-20: the Dreaded Dunes

Final Fantasy XI (FFXI) is a very popular massive multi-player role playing game (MMORPG). This walkthrough article is part 2 of a series that will guide the new player through levels 1-75. This series will also include side guides that will show you how to make gil in FFXI. Please note this guide is written with the PC player in mind, but most of the commands and info are valid for all consoles. Enjoy the guide!

Levels 13-20 in Final Fantasy XI are generally done through an area know as Valkurm Dunes. "The Dunes" as this area is generally referred to, is a desert that is around the same distance from all of the starter cities. Although there are other places to level from 13-20, the Dunes are the most popular (for better or worse).

You will start on the lizards on the south side of the dunes and as these grow to easy you will work your way further into the dunes for harder prey. You will know when it is time to move on to harder enemies when you start getting low experience points or they all /check as "Tough" or lower. Keep in mind that even if you are getting lower numbers per kill, you may still be doing better than if you were taking a really long time killing something harder, as you can kill more mobs faster.

This time in the game can be very frustrating for new players, as there is a lot to learn. Many people will prefer to party with a power-leveler (PL), however I would advise new players to avoid this, as you can better learn your job and its role in the party without this crutch.

Rank

Once you start leveling in the Dunes or even before, you may want to start looking at raising your nation rank. While this guide is not going to go into mission specifics, you should start thinking about getting the first couple of missions out of the way. Your linkshell and online rank guides can help you with the specifics. Keep in mind that a person creating a party will look at the number by your name when they are trying to decide if they should invite you.

Your Role in the Party

For the specifics on how to create a party and structure it, please see my guide on party creation. This can be found by clicking on my name at the top of the page and scrolling down to the proper guide.

Understanding your role in a party is very important. Just because you have fun playing a job a certain way does not mean that this is conducive to a good party. If you enjoy playing a job in a way that is very different, then this is a good indication that maybe you'd prefer playing a different role.

If you join a party as a support job, please go into the party to play that role. For example, red mages are generally brought into a party (in low levels) to enfeeble, cure, and occasionally nuke. If you must melee, do so only up until level 18-20. After that you only hurt your party by meleeing.

To really understand your role in the party, take a look at what else is in the party. If for example you are playing red mage and you notice the party does not have a white mage, count on main curing (or backup curing a lot if a summoner is the main healer). If you are in a dunes party on warrior and you see that there is no ninja or paladin, count on tanking. This means provoking every 30 seconds and keeping your healers and support alive.

Joining a Linkshell

If you haven't joined a linkshell by the time you get to the dunes, it's time to seriously look for one. Look online at your server's websites to see who's recruiting, or if you get along with a party member ask them about their linkshell. Try to find a linkshell that has experienced players yet is welcoming to new ones. DO NOT ask people in your linkshell for gil, this is a great way to get booted. Instead if you are low on gil, ask for suggestions on how you can make some on your own.