My relationship with this game is…complicated. After cramming the majority of 2.0 up to and including 6.0, I had grown to hate FFXIV and stuck with it mostly because I wanted to be able to say I had "finished" the game (or at least as much as one can finish a live game). Now, in retrospect, I am forced to admit my hate was in part because I was completely burned out.
Returning to it has been mostly pleasurable. Interacting with strangers is still stressful and another part of why my experience was at times miserable—trying to perform well in an unknown environment, with unknown people, in a type of game I have little experience is emotionally draining for me. Actively seeking out a group of people has helped somewhat, even if it's just to occasionally partying with a smaller pool of strangers.
In terms of the narrative, 6.1 reminded me quite strongly of 4.1, with its emphasis on the WoL trying to be a normal adventurer instead of the hallowed saviour of the universe. I particularly appreciated the spotlight shone on SE-Asia-inspired Thavnair, since it was easily lost in 6.0 between Sharlayan, Garlemald, the moon, and the chase across.
Returning to it has been mostly pleasurable. Interacting with strangers is still stressful and another part of why my experience was at times miserable—trying to perform well in an unknown environment, with unknown people, in a type of game I have little experience is emotionally draining for me. Actively seeking out a group of people has helped somewhat, even if it's just to occasionally partying with a smaller pool of strangers.
In terms of the narrative, 6.1 reminded me quite strongly of 4.1, with its emphasis on the WoL trying to be a normal adventurer instead of the hallowed saviour of the universe. I particularly appreciated the spotlight shone on SE-Asia-inspired Thavnair, since it was easily lost in 6.0 between Sharlayan, Garlemald, the moon, and the chase across.