When I first gave Final Fantasy XIV a try, it was out of simple curiosity—a new game to explore and experience. Within just two days, I was completely hooked. I leveled my first character, a bard, to 50 in A Realm Reborn, losing myself in the vibrant and immersive world of Eorzea. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by how much the game had to offer: intricate systems like crafting and gathering that kept me engaged for hours, and thrilling combat encounters that constantly tested my skills. Whether exploring the vibrant cities or taking on challenging dungeons, every aspect of the game felt like a new opportunity to grow and discover. It became clear that FFXIV wasn’t just a game—it was a world brimming with opportunities for adventure.
I started my journey as a casual player, spending my time exploring, socializing with friends, and enjoying everything the game had to offer. During Heavensward, I founded a Free Company on Zalera called Royal Guard. What began as a small, friendly group grew into one of the largest Free Companies on the server, boasting over 300 members. The community we built was incredible, and it was here that I formed my first static team. Together, we took on early Extreme and Savage fights, marking the beginning of my passion for raiding.As my love for the game deepened, I decided to retire from Free Company leadership in pursuit of raiding. I joined a mid-core static on Exodus, where we cleared the final tier of Heavensward and the first tier of Stormblood. It was with this group that I truly began to appreciate the thrill of improving as a player. Learning from FFLogs and pushing myself to reach new heights, I achieved my first high parse on A11S, Cruise Chaser—an accomplishment that fueled my drive to keep improving.During Stormblood, my raiding journey truly began to hit its stride. I joined a highly skilled mid-core static and tackled all three raid tiers, clearing them with increasing efficiency and confidence. The highlight of this period was conquering Sigmascape and Alphascape Savage, where I refined my role as a team player and honed my execution on complex mechanics like those in O12S, Omega. Beyond raids, I also delved into PvP, earning accolades in The Feast and participating in large-scale battles in Frontlines. This era not only deepened my love for the game but also reinforced my passion for pushing limits, both individually and as part of a team.During Shadowbringers, I delved even deeper into raiding. I joined a hardcore static for the second tier, where I refined my mechanical execution, learned advanced optimization strategies, and strengthened my ability to communicate effectively under pressure. One particularly memorable moment was celebrating our week 1 clear of Eden's Verse: Shiva (Savage), marking a milestone that solidified my drive for further success.As the expansion progressed, I formed my own casual static that focused on helping new raiders experience Savage content. Together, we cleared an entire tier, giving multiple first-time raiders their first taste of Savage success. Later, I brought together a mid-core static for the final tier, and we went on to clear it, achieve record-level parses, and even claim multiple top ranked speed clears. This team became a hardcore static, tackling Ultimate fights and earning the title of Triple Legend by clearing UCOB, UWU, and TEA.
During Endwalker, I took my raiding to new heights. I led a hardcore static through Dragonsong’s Reprise (DSR) and The Omega Protocol (TOP), earning the prestigious title of Penta Legend. These years of raiding were some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my journey. Planning strategies, hosting fight seminars, and calling shots mid-raid became second nature as I worked to guide my team to success. It wasn’t just about clearing content—it was about growing together as a team and pushing ourselves to be better with every pull.
My love for raid leading drove me to explore even further. I began joining other statics on raid alts, broadening my experience and learning how different teams operated. Raiding alongside some of the best players in the world, including those with world-first clears and speed-run records, was an incredible experience that enriched my understanding of high-level play. I poured countless hours into analyzing FFLogs, not only to improve my own performance but also to help my teammates achieve their first orange and pink parses. Supporting others in reaching their goals became one of my greatest joys as a leader.Chasing Rank 1 parses and pushing the limits of what I could achieve became a passion of mine. This drive for constant improvement fueled my dedication to raiding and helped me foster a positive and collaborative environment within my teams. These experiences have left me with countless unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the art of teamwork and strategy.Beyond raiding, I also pursue personal challenges in the game. Tackling the Necromancer title was one of my most intense and rewarding experiences, requiring me to master the intricacies of solo deep dungeon runs with no margin for error. Achieving Top 10 in ranked Feast was another standout accomplishment, as it tested my ability to strategize and adapt against some of the best PvP players. Additionally, earning over a dozen Crystal ranks in Crystalline Conflict seasons has been a testament to my consistency and skill in competitive PvP environments. I even mastered Mahjong and claimed the coveted Pteranodon mount from the Diadem—because why not embrace a little madness now and then? These achievements reflect my love for pushing myself in all aspects of the game, no matter how big or small the challenge.Now, I’ve stepped back from the intensity of hardcore raiding and shifted my focus toward enjoying the game in a more relaxed and creative way. Instead of chasing week-one clears or analyzing FFLogs, I’ve embraced a slower pace that lets me savor every moment. I find fulfillment in helping friends tackle challenging content, discovering new updates at my own pace, and reconnecting with aspects of the game I previously overlooked. This change has allowed me to experience Eorzea in an entirely new light, fostering deeper connections and a renewed appreciation for the journey itself. Instead of the adrenaline rush of week-one clears or the constant push for higher parses, I’ve found joy in exploring the vibrant community that makes FFXIV so special. From helping friends tackle content they once thought impossible to casually diving into new updates, I embrace the game at a pace that allows me to savor every moment.
This slower approach has given me the chance to appreciate the broader facets of the game that first captured my heart. Whether it’s crafting, diving into personal challenges, or simply admiring the ever-expanding world of Eorzea, I’ve rediscovered the wonder that brought me here in the first place. The friendships I’ve made and the memories we’ve built together remind me why this game has been such a significant part of my life.My journey in FFXIV has been one of growth and connection, evolving with every step. It’s a testament to the game’s endless opportunities for discovery and the incredible people who share the adventure. Though my focus has shifted, the passion and love I have for this world and its community remain as strong as ever—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
