Is there a reason there isn't a chat?Follow

Unless you play on Ultros, the servers are pretty much feeling dead. You probably won't see or hear anyone - and if you do, it will most likely be a gil salesman or saleswoman.

If you're lucky enough to find an active FC, they're probably going to be AFK in between resets...

By the way, this isn't like WoW where there's both useful open world and instanced content to do -- or FFXI, where everything is open world.

Literally everything besides FATEs are instanced. They're also cross server instances with random people who you'll never see again, so socializing is pretty useless and generally discouraged. In fact, chatting in instances will probably get you scolded... even if you're just asking questions. Since there's only a couple instances that you'll need to spam every day, people expect you to do know the ins and outs and do it on autopilot with no fuss/chatter.

Edited, Feb 21st 2014 8:21pm by LucasNox

**** like this is why people don't talk to each other. The OP could be a new player to the game who is just looking for answers. Instead of an answer they get you calling them a sock... no wonder people don't talk to each other

Well, the FATEs aren't instanced, just to be clear... but I have no idea if you'll still find people doing them.

ARR is very... antisocial. It's the most antisocial MMORPG I've played so far, besides maybe that one that's turn-based and you recruit your own mercenaries.

You're probably thinking of Final Fantasy XI, where your success relied on your ability to make/keep friends... recruit party members... and be respectful... in a lot of cases. There's really no immediate need for making friends in ARR (unless you're interested in that guild housing). You can cuss people out and then go party with the other servers. All progression is capped so there's really no need for statics or anything.


Of course, making friends is nice, if you can. I'm just trying to give you some insight on your experiences.

Edited, Feb 21st 2014 10:10pm by LucasNox

Very true. It seems like chatting just doesn't work with the game's battle system. I mean, my friend got vote kicked from CT for asking her party how their day went.

Edited, Feb 21st 2014 10:27pm by LucasNox

Like I said in my original post, it's probably a different story on Ultros... there's at least 4 decent-sized online communities who chose Ultros as "their" server, so I'm not surprised at all that the community is a little more active there and you're keeping track of reputations. But, on the other servers... nobody really gives a crap, as far as I can tell.

I don't understand your comment that "how people perceive you matters", though (other than the people not liking you part).

I don't see any possible way for the community to lash back at an ARR thief, scammer, abuser, etc. like they might in another online community. The game is designed so that you don't really need anyone's help. There's also nothing really to buy, so you don't need to barter or anything. Heck, there are actually English people who filter JP only for certain instances (to get across the point of how little these people are communicating to get the stuff they need).

Edited, Feb 21st 2014 10:45pm by LucasNox

@ OP Most people will usually stick to their FC for chat. Would have been nice for you if there was a sticky of active FC looking for newer players... /nudge

Sadly, it's likely no one would notice your questions depending on what channel you're in. Chat filter + RMT spam = world on mute. Most of the chat I saw in my time playing was either a gear compliment(legacy server) or people wanting invites to FATEs. Your best bet is to reach out to someone. Maybe you like male mithras? You saw someone synthesizing an item? Think about things you might enjoy doing later in the game and loiter where you might find people doing it.

As has been said, the pacing of the game can hinder one's ability to idly chat. Personally, I tend to turn off global channels in any MMO I play simply to cut back on spam, be it RMT or the troll variety. If someone sends a tell or asks me something within my vicinity, I'll answer, of course, but I can generally do without the drama "internet free speech" evokes.

My server is very lively!

FFXIV is very social, but most socializing happens within Free Companies. On my server, there are constantly shouts from people seeking new members for their FCs. Try joining a FC, or get a new one if your current FC doesn't have enough people.

It's also worth noting that many ffxiv players came from ffxi, where it was considered rude and noobish to chat in /say or /shout.

Edited, Feb 22nd 2014 12:21am by Thayos

To be fair, my first reaction was also that he was referring to Lucas and not the OP.

Ditto.

OP, I normally don't see much chat in 4 man dungeons. I do see a lot of chat in things like CT, though. You can go to Mor Dhona and see a lot of people there but chances are, they are speaking in /tell, /FC, or one of their linkshells. I don't see much /say chatter.

Normally you can see shouts in Mor Dhona for groups. Occasionally you can see the following:

http://i.imgur.com/VoyMg6o.png

The pink is shout text.

Edited, Feb 22nd 2014 4:24am by HitomeOfBismarck