Final Fantasy XIV: How to Start San d'Oria
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) offers an expansive and immersive world that is filled with rich lore, exciting quests, and endless opportunities for players to explore. One of the most iconic areas within this world is San d'Oria, a majestic city located in the world of Eorzea. Known for its grand architecture, detailed backstory, and central role in FFXIV's larger narrative, San d'Oria stands as a critical hub for players seeking to embark on their journey.
If you are new to Final Fantasy XIV or if you are unfamiliar with San d'Oria, you may be wondering how to start your adventure in this rich and vibrant location. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started in San d'Oria, from how to reach the city to the key quests and NPCs that will kick off your journey.
What is San d'Oria in Final Fantasy XIV?
San d'Oria is one of the three major starting cities in Final Fantasy XIV, alongside Ul'dah and Gridania. Located in the northern part of the continent of Ala Mhigo, San d'Oria is a city-state deeply tied to knighthood, chivalry, and the legacy of the Highland Elves. Its stunning architecture is heavily inspired by medieval and gothic styles, and it features towering spires, lush green landscapes, and grand halls.
San d'Oria also has a rich lore tied to its cultural history, which is steeped in war, betrayal, and redemption. As a hub for those following the path of the warrior or those who wish to align themselves with the noble traditions of the Knights of San d'Oria, it serves as a key area for players to advance in various guilds and classes.
In terms of gameplay, San d'Oria is primarily focused on supporting those who favor combat-oriented classes like Paladins, Warriors, Dragoon, and Archer. It's also home to several essential NPCs, guilds, and quests that guide your character through the early phases of their journey in Eorzea.
How to Start in San d'Oria: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before you can begin your adventure in San d'Oria, you need to set up your character and get familiar with the mechanics of Final Fantasy XIV. Here's what you need to do to get started:
1. Create Your Character
When you first boot up Final Fantasy XIV, you'll be prompted to create your character. The character creation process allows you to choose a race, gender, and class (referred to as your "job" in FFXIV). Here's what you need to know about this process:
Race Selection: While you can choose from a variety of races, San d'Oria is most closely associated with the Hyur, Elezen, and Miqo'te races, as these are the primary groups that have ties to the city's history. Hyur, in particular, are the most common race found in San d'Oria, but all races can start their journey here depending on the choices made during character creation.
Class Selection: If you're aiming to align with the city's themes of nobility and knighthood, you might consider classes such as Paladin (Tank), Warrior (Tank), or Archer (DPS). Each class has its own unique traits, and you can switch between them as you progress through the game.
2. Selecting San d'Oria as Your Starting Point
After character creation, you will be taken through the main storyline questline. Unlike some games where you select a faction or city before starting, Final Fantasy XIV starts you in one of several cities depending on your choices. While Ul'dah and Gridania are often popular starting points for new players, choosing to begin your journey in San d'Oria is perfectly viable for most newcomers.
When you begin, you'll be dropped into the Central Shroud area of Eorzea, a region where various adventurers get their start. After completing the initial tutorial quests, you will be guided toward San d'Oria through the main story. It's here that your adventure begins to unfold.
3. Exploring the City of San d'Oria
Upon reaching San d'Oria, you'll immediately be struck by the grandeur of the city. The city-state of San d'Oria serves as a central hub for players, with plenty of essential features:
The Royal Palace: The heart of San d'Oria, where the ruling monarchy resides. While it's mostly a decorative and lore-rich area, it is worth exploring to gain an understanding of the politics and traditions of this kingdom.
Guilds and Trainers: Each class in Final Fantasy XIV has specific trainers and guilds where you can advance in your job and learn new abilities. As a combat-focused city, you'll find guilds for Paladins, Archers, Warriors, and Druids, among others.
Shopping and Crafting: San d'Oria is home to several vendors and shops where you can buy and sell goods, equipment, and crafting materials. You'll be able to upgrade your gear, purchase items to improve your crafting abilities, and buy consumables like potions and food.
Market Board: You can also interact with the Market Board to buy and sell items with other players, helping you equip your character with the best gear.
4. Key Quests to Get You Started in San d'Oria
Once you enter the city, you will be guided by key main story quests (MSQ) that help you progress through the game. These quests will introduce you to the lore and key NPCs of San d'Oria, while also helping you level up and understand the mechanics of Final Fantasy XIV.
Here are a few things you should know about the main quests in San d'Oria:
Main Scenario Quests (MSQ): These quests are the core of the storyline in FFXIV and will lead you through various regions, unlocking new dungeons and content as you progress. The MSQ in San d'Oria will introduce you to the Sultana, the kingdom's royal family, and the political intrigue surrounding the city.
Job Quests: These quests will unlock new abilities and upgrade your job. Make sure to visit your guild's trainer in San d'Oria to start these quests, which are key to enhancing your character's effectiveness in battle.
Side Quests: Besides the MSQ, you'll encounter side quests (often referred to as "side content") scattered across the city. These are great for gaining extra experience points, acquiring crafting materials, and unlocking additional features.
5. Joining the Adventurers Guild in San d'Oria
Once you're well-established in San d'Oria, you'll have the opportunity to join the Adventurers' Guild, a group dedicated to helping those who wish to explore Eorzea and fulfill important quests. Joining the Adventurers' Guild will unlock daily quests, guild missions, and other activities that will help you hone your skills and build relationships with NPCs.
Daily Quests: These are short, repeatable tasks that reward you with items, experience, and even rare loot. They are great for players looking to maximize their efficiency or progress quickly.
Guild Missions: Guild missions often involve specific tasks like monster hunting or delving into dungeons, giving you a chance to earn rare rewards and guild points.
6. Key NPCs and Locations in San d'Oria
San d'Oria is teeming with important NPCs that will guide you through quests, provide valuable items, or offer lore-rich dialogues. Some of the notable NPCs and locations include:
King Ranald (The Monarch of San d'Oria): The ruler of the city-state, often mentioned in lore and central to certain quests.
Apprentice Healers and Trainers: NPCs who will help you level up your crafting and healing jobs.
The Adventurer's Guild: A bustling location that serves as a hub for players and offers great rewards for completion of guild-related quests.
The Royal Quarter: Home to San d'Oria's monarchy, this is where you will meet important figures from the city's nobility.
Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits in San d'Oria
San d'Oria offers a fantastic starting point for new and veteran players alike. With its grand design, complex lore, and emphasis on chivalric virtues, it's a city that provides both challenges and rewards in equal measure, get more Final Fantasy XIV Gil and items easy. Whether you're a fan of combat-focused gameplay, deep storytelling, or simply immersing yourself in a city with a rich history, San d'Oria provides a perfect starting point for your Final Fantasy XIV adventure.
So, gather your gear, speak to the NPCs, and prepare to start your journey in the majestic city of San d'Oria. Eorzea awaits you.
MMOexp Final Fantasy XIV Team