It takes more than a couple of days to really get into Final Fantasy 14. I never played Final Fantasy 11 so there’s a bit of learning curve for me on a wide variety of things. One of which is the starting cities and which one should be mine. Currently your options are Limsa Lominsa, a sun-drenched island off the western coast of the main continent, Aldenard; Gridania, a lush and vibrant forest city in the northeast quandrant of the main continent; and Ul-dah, a majestic dessert trade center in the southern part of the main continent. I ended trying all of them just to get a feel for each one. So which one do I recommend?

I recommend you try them all…at first. One very good reason why is that after the creation of your character, you’re treated to an absolutely amazing cut scene that’s different for each starting city that you choose. That’s 3 awesome cut scenes! To my knowledge, no other game does this and it’s just so cool! You can watch the Limsa Lominsa cut scene via the benchmark test which plays the cut scene while it figures out your computer score. If you haven’t done the benchmark test yet, do it now and thank me later.

Ok for the role players, here’s the description of each city as taken from the game manual.

Limsa Luminsa

On the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand, under the shadow of ancient cliffs worn by the relentless onslaught of The Rhotano Sea, lies the maritime city-state of Limsa Lominsa. Said to be blessed by the goddess of navigation, Llymlaen, the city is spread out over countless tiny islands, each connected by tiny ivory bridges. It is this that has earned her the name the “Navigator’s Veil” from traveling bards who have witnessed the city’s beauty from afar.

Limsa Lominsa is a traditional thalassocracy, with power lying in the hands of the ruling party and its leader - the Admiral. Its economy is driven by shipbuilding, fishing, and blacksmithing, but the majority of wealth comes from the lucrative shipping industry.

To maintain the safety of its martime routes, the city employs a formidable navy known as the Knights of the Barracuda. However, even in the waters nearby the city, pirate bands run rampant, reaving and pillaging.

Gridania

In the eastern reaches of the Aldenard landmass, home to vast, dense woodlands and coursing rivers, lies the forest nation of Gridania. The cityscape is a mosaic of labyrinthine waterways and great wooden structures, so gracefully constructed they seem a part of the surrounding environment.

The Gridanian emphasis on natural harmony has led to its preeminence among the Eorzea’s city-states in trades such as forestry, agriculture, carpentry and leatherworking. Gridania is also the home to the Wood Wailers, a militant band of polearm-wielding sentries charged with the protection of their homeland.

The favored goddess of the citizenry is Nophica, the Matron, but great faith is also placed in the wisdom of the Seedseers — young oracles who guide the nation based on the will of the forest’s elementals.

Ul’Dah

The bustling commercial hub of Ul’dah sits amid the desolate desert landscape of southern Aldenard. The city is organized strategically around the dome-shaped citadel at its center. Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visable for malms in all directions, and serve as a stark deterrent to would-be besiegers.

Vistors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul’dah to partake in the city’s famed recreation, most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls. Ul’Dahn Culture is known for its affluence, and the wealth of the nation comes in large part from abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcraft industry.

Historically, it is the sultan who claims sovereignty over Ul’dah, but true power is wielded by the Syndicate, an elite group of the most influential and richest members of society. Nald’thal is the patron deity of the city, and two great halls devoted to his two aspects, can be found in the eastern and western sections of the city.

Now that the background is out of the way, it almost doesn’t matter where you start. Every city seems to have its own very unique and wondrous identity. However, there are some things to consider. One is where are your friends’ starting cities? If you want to ever play with them at low levels, you need to be in the same city. Another factor is the city layout. Gridania is just a huge maze. I’m so lost there. Ul’Dah and Limsa Lominsa are definitely smaller and seemingly more organized.

I eventually redid my character and made him start in Ul’Dah. What about you guys, where do you want to start?

Hoc is a player of Final Fantasy 14. He is on the Fabul server using the name “Saito Uchiha.” You will find him primarily playing Pugilist but most of his time is spent crafting or gathering.