Why are expansions gated behind story in FFXIV?

Compared to other expansions, the FFXIV Shadowbringers' dark story is more introspective. It focuses more on the internal struggles of the characters rather than just big - scale battles. While other expansions might be more about external threats, Shadowbringers digs into the psyche of the characters and the world they inhabit.

Yes.

Yes, it is. The SAM job in FFXIV has a story - related unlock requirement. Basically, as you go through the main narrative of the game, at some point, you'll reach the stage where you can unlock SAM. This is partly to make the acquisition of new jobs feel more integrated into the overall experience of the game, rather than just something you can access right away without any context.

Yes, a significant amount of content in FFXIV is locked behind the story. For example, new areas, dungeons, and some high - level gear. This is because the story is a crucial part of the game's progression and world - building. It helps players understand the lore and the context of the various challenges they'll face.

Yes, in FF14 Stormblood, job quests are gated behind the main story. This means you need to progress through certain parts of the main storyline before you can access some of the job quests. It's a way to ensure that players have a basic understanding of the game world and its events before delving deeper into specific job - related content.

Expanding the setting can enhance a story. If the story is set in a small town, you could expand it to include nearby areas like an old abandoned factory on the outskirts or a mysterious forest. This gives more places for the characters to explore and more opportunities for plot developments.

It could be to enhance the immersive experience and make players engage more with the game's narrative. Skipping might have detracted from the intended gameplay flow.

Just keep progressing through the main story.

The Sith Warrior can also be a top choice for the SWTOR expansions story. The Sith Warrior's story is full of power struggles, dark deeds, and a journey of climbing the Sith hierarchy. Their story is often filled with treachery and ambition, which can be really immersive, especially in the expansions where the Sith play significant roles. They get to be at the center of a lot of the action and power - related storylines.

The stories in FFXIV are great because of their depth. For example, the way they handle character backstories. Each important character has a past that influences their actions in the present. The story also has a lot of moral complexity. It's not always clear who is right or wrong, like in the conflicts between different factions in Eorzea.