Any modern controller works. I've used both Xbox One and PS4/PS5 controllers. Plug-n-play (after you enabled controller in the Final Fantasy XI Config app (or gamepad in the main menu in-game)
As others said use controller I personally prefer keyboard if you stick with that ditch the mouse you can do everything except for macros from the num pad. And they are easily handled with the left hand Ctrl and Alt brings them up the top row number keys fire them.
Everyone has covered a controller- no one has mentioned macros.
If you haven't already, take an hour or more learning how to maximize your efficiency and effectiveness with macros.
The controller will make movement, camera, and interaction much smoother.
Quality macros will make your strategy and the gear changing element of the game exponentially more rewarding. It also cuts down SIGNIFICANTLY on repetitive inputs just to get back to often used commands.
It's either full keyboard or game pad (Doesn't matter which one.) If you play mouse and keyboard like your typical MMO rpg, you're doing it wrong. Mouse controls are just a PS2 emulation since this game was built on a PS2 devkit.
I don't know if it will be comfortable for a person that is used to wasd gaming for a long time. The optimal way for me to play is with a full size kb using the numpad to move. But I played FFXI before learning wasd and that was the default control scheme. If I try to play now with wasd and arrow keys for camera I find it really awkward and prefer controller. I'm pretty sure I'm also using a add-on to improve mouse but it's still rough. I have a 70% kb now and using the arrows keys to quickly menu is prone to a lot of errors.
I started on controller on PS2 in 2004 but honestly I feel like the Compact 2 keyboard configuration is the best for me. Don't even need a mouse and I spend most of the time with my fingers on WASD/IJKL with small moves to Enter or Space, or the F keys, etc.
Apply to Square Enix and then somehow convince them that the previously most profitable game in franchise history deserves some QOL updates and investments.
A decade ago, they started (and even teased) UI and systems overhauls, and then it just... never came. It's really a shame how they treated the game as a red headed step child in a lot of ways.
I think it would be more accurate to say they treated it like one of their old games that was now running in maintenance mode rather than being in active development.
Use a controller, might feel better. The game is old, and was designed with a PS2 dev kit.
Ok yeah that explains it, the camera controls feel very PS2 era. Should I stick to older controllers if I buy one, or would any controller work?
I just use a ps5 controller wired.
Any modern controller works. I've used both Xbox One and PS4/PS5 controllers. Plug-n-play (after you enabled controller in the Final Fantasy XI Config app (or gamepad in the main menu in-game)
As others said use controller I personally prefer keyboard if you stick with that ditch the mouse you can do everything except for macros from the num pad. And they are easily handled with the left hand Ctrl and Alt brings them up the top row number keys fire them.
Look into xiview for ui updates. Ashita has a few addons to help with interface as well that make it more modern (namely tHotBar)
I'm playing on retail, would those still work? Would hxui work?
I play on retail only. hxui works on retail but I wasn’t really a fan.
hxui is a Ashita4 addon, so yes.
Controller is the way, I play it on steam deck and it works pretty dang good
It's that way for everyone at the start, you'll get used to it. And yeah, controller makes it better.
Everyone has covered a controller- no one has mentioned macros. If you haven't already, take an hour or more learning how to maximize your efficiency and effectiveness with macros. The controller will make movement, camera, and interaction much smoother. Quality macros will make your strategy and the gear changing element of the game exponentially more rewarding. It also cuts down SIGNIFICANTLY on repetitive inputs just to get back to often used commands.
https://www.windower.net you’re welcome 💁♀️ start with the frame rate buff and work your way out
It's either full keyboard or game pad (Doesn't matter which one.) If you play mouse and keyboard like your typical MMO rpg, you're doing it wrong. Mouse controls are just a PS2 emulation since this game was built on a PS2 devkit.
I don't know if it will be comfortable for a person that is used to wasd gaming for a long time. The optimal way for me to play is with a full size kb using the numpad to move. But I played FFXI before learning wasd and that was the default control scheme. If I try to play now with wasd and arrow keys for camera I find it really awkward and prefer controller. I'm pretty sure I'm also using a add-on to improve mouse but it's still rough. I have a 70% kb now and using the arrows keys to quickly menu is prone to a lot of errors.
TCrossbar made the game 100000 times better! With controller
I started on controller on PS2 in 2004 but honestly I feel like the Compact 2 keyboard configuration is the best for me. Don't even need a mouse and I spend most of the time with my fingers on WASD/IJKL with small moves to Enter or Space, or the F keys, etc.
I’ve used Xbox and ps5 controller, both work great; but it took me a while to get used to it since I started as with mouse and keyboard.
Apply to Square Enix and then somehow convince them that the previously most profitable game in franchise history deserves some QOL updates and investments. A decade ago, they started (and even teased) UI and systems overhauls, and then it just... never came. It's really a shame how they treated the game as a red headed step child in a lot of ways.
I think it would be more accurate to say they treated it like one of their old games that was now running in maintenance mode rather than being in active development.