Today's Q&A serves to shed some light onto several issues that newcomers to FINAL FANTASY XIV may face when stepping into the realm of Eorzea for the first time. Continue reading to learn more about navigating maps, locating aetheryte camps, initiating class quests, and more!
Q. How can I view my maps?
A. The main map can be displayed by pressing the M key or by selecting
Map from the main menu.
1. Coordinates
The numbers on a map's top- and left-hand sides are used to relay location coordinates. For example, the player's coordinates in the above city-state map are 7–6 (7 representing the horizontal axis, 6 the vertical).
2. Map Info
Up to three names may appear in this window:
- [area name] (will always appear)
- [sub-area name] (if in an area with multiple levels)
- [building/dungeon name] (if inside a building or dungeon)
3. Map Menu
From here, players can select and view maps of all previously visited locations.
4. Close Map
Press this button to close the map.
5. Player

The player's current location. The arrow indicates the direction the player is facing.
6. Guild
Each guild is represented by a unique icon. Please note, not every guild will be found in each city-state.

Adventurers' Guild
[ Limsa Lominsa ]
| Marauders' Guild |
Fishermen's Guild |
Blacksmiths' Guild |
Armorers' Guild |
Culinarians' Guild |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
[ Gridania ]
| Archers' Guild |
Lancers' Guild |
Conjurers' Guild |
Botanists' Guild |
Carpenters' Guild |
Leatherworkers' Guild |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
[ Ul'dah ]
| Pugilists' Guild |
Gladiators' Guild |
Thaumaturges' Guild |
Miners' Guild |
Goldsmiths' Guild |
Weavers' Guild |
Alchemists' Guild |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
7. Other Important Locations
The following are icons representing locations such as weapon shops, inns, and transportation facilities. Please note that some facilities may not be found in some city-states.
| Shop |
Inn |
Ferry Docks |
Chocobo Stables |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
8. Landmarks

Gates, main thoroughfares, and other major landmarks will often be marked on maps.
9. Map Switch Icon

Indicates a location that, if passed, will result in a change of maps. This is most commonly found on stairwells, city-state gates, dungeon entrances, etc.
10. Aetheryte

Indicates the location of an aetheryte crystal. In city-states, the crystals are usually found in what are known as aetheryte plazas. In the field, they can be found in city-state-run facilities known as aetheryte camps.
11. Aetherial Gates

Indicates the location of an aetherial gate.
12. Quest Destination

Indicates the general location of a current quest. Icons representing target enemies will also appear when applicable.
Q. An NPC marked something on my map, but I can't find it. Where should I be looking?
A. Currently, NPC markers can be viewed on a player's journal map, accessed via the
Journal option on the main menu. There are, however, plans to move NPC markers to the main menu with the next version update.
Q. The opening cutscene is finished and I'm tired of reading dialogue. I want to go and slay me some beasties...but I can't find my way out of the city! How do I get outside?
A. The following are videos of the quickest routes to the aetheryte camps nearest each city-state.
Q. Why is leveling classes important?
A. The following are examples of the benefits awaiting those who continue to raise their levels:
- New chapters in the main scenario will become available
- Class-specific quests will become available
- Higher-rank class-specific guildleves will become available
- The effectiveness of weapons and gear will increase
- New actions and abilities will become available
The following is a chart showing the timing at which new quests become available:
* Main scenario content available for play at rank 8 was erroneously displayed as rank 10. The text has been amended. (10/27/2010, 2:00 a.m. PST)
| Class Rank |
Quests |
Guildleves |
| Main Scenario |
Class Quests |
Regional |
Local |
| 5 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 8 |
New |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| 10 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 13 |
-- |
-- |
New |
-- |
| 15 |
New |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 20 |
New |
New* |
-- |
New |
| 23 |
-- |
-- |
New** |
-- |
| 25 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 26 |
New |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| 30 |
-- |
New |
-- |
New |
| 33 |
-- |
-- |
New** |
-- |
| 34 |
New |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| 35 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 36 |
-- |
New |
-- |
-- |
| 38 |
New |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| 40 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 42 |
New |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| 45 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
New |
| 46 |
New |
-- |
-- |
-- |
* To trigger class quests, players must have already completed the main scenario quest that is introduced upon achieving class rank 15.
** Currently, regional guildleves for Disciples of the Land rank 13 and higher are only available in the following locations:
| Class |
City-state |
| Rank 20 |
Rank 30 |
Rank 40 |
| Miner |
Limsa Lominsa |
Ul'dah |
Gridania |
| Botanist |
Ul'dah |
Gridania |
Limsa Lominsa |
| Fisher |
Gridania |
Limsa Lominsa |
Ul'dah |
* In conjunction with the version update planned for late November, Disciple of the Land levequests for all ranks will become available in each city-state.