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[ZenithXI] A Level 75 Progression Server
By LanceXI 2025-07-06 14:46:41
Aren't horizon (and most other servers) doing exacly that already? Lock certain features cause they're not available in ZM and CoP.
Other servers may lock certain features, but our vision and design are unique in how we bring it all together and what we're working toward.
We have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to planning and rebalancing aspects of the game that gradually invalidated earlier content. The newer We Are Vana'diel website also provides context and insight that helps guide our choices. Rather than making arbitrary changes, our goal is to ensure that what we add or adjust isn't overly custom for its own sake. Ideally, each decision considers balance and the developer's intentions within the game ahead of our personal preferences.
The result should be an experience that feels fresh and unique while staying grounded in the core game and feeling.
By Tarage 2025-07-06 14:54:26
Good luck with that.
By Bosworth 2025-07-06 14:57:41
There's too damn many private servers as it is. Would be really cool if they all just merged into one so there'd be one populated "old school FFXI" and then retail FFXI. They're different experiences, so at least that would be something.
By Dodik 2025-07-06 15:23:46
Alright, have a block. How ever many of you there are.
Server: Asura
Game: FFXI
Posts: 3221
By Asura.Failaras 2025-07-06 16:35:04
For example, sneak and invis won't be available for a short window after launch.
This is incredibly stupid. If someone wants a "fresh, still in beta" MMO experience they can pick any of the myriad new MMOs being created all the time.
It sorta baffles me why XI gets this kind of lunacy. XIV somehow escaped it. Absolutely no one wants a 1.0 FFXIV experience.
Probably because XIV 1.0 was insanely unpopular. Every popular old MMO that changed its game has this kind of stuff now. OSRS is more popular than RS3, Classic WoW has had multiple iterations that overtook Retail WoW at the time.
By Tarage 2025-07-06 16:58:59
Anyone who thinks they want a classic server and who erroneously point to WoW Classic as an example of it working need to watch this video and truly understand what a hellscape it is: YouTube Video Placeholder
Specifically this timestamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKP1I7IocYU&t=3405s
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By Draylo 2025-07-06 17:38:53
You could write a whole case study on this, really
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By Tarage 2025-07-06 17:41:18
You could write a whole case study on this, really
It's sorta what the guy in that video did. Point being, it is absolutely impossible to recapture the old feeling because the puzzle has long since been solved, and all that will matter is "how fast can I clear this HNM?"
Server: Asura
Game: FFXI
Posts: 3221
By Asura.Failaras 2025-07-06 18:27:45
No one is saying that era servers play exactly the same as zero information 2003 nostalgia. Classic WoW has been insanely successful while also not playing that way, people enjoy the style of the game even if it is impossible to go back to 18 hour long Alterac Valleys. They've now made 2 different Classic Vanillas, 2 different Classic+ game modes, and 3 expansions, and most of them have been wildly succesful. If it wasn't fun people wouldn't have came back after the 1st time.
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By Seun 2025-07-06 20:00:02
FFXI and WoW aren't a good comparison here because the progression models were completely different. WoW launched in a mostly complete state in vanilla. There were certainly a number of adjustments to classes and even armor/items that had a significant impact on the game, but the world was mostly finished. You could play it without any expansions as a standalone game.
FFXI progressed horizontally, so the world(as far as it relates to level 75) wasn't really complete until 5 expansions into the game. If you were trying to set XI and WoW shoulder to shoulder, WoW Classic is based on the last patch prior to the level uncapping in 2006. FFXI's last patch prior to level uncapping was Walk of Echoes in 2010.
Ironically, this was also the patch that removed level cap from CoP missions. Up to that point only about 30% of the players who started those missions had completed them... 6 years later. Why are we talking about progression servers again?
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Server: Asura
Game: FFXI
Posts: 133
By Asura.Reidden 2025-07-06 23:23:23
I've been playing since 2004 straight until now, what is it people are trying to relive exactly with these 75 era stuff? Can't you just level a mule and dbox all the 75 era gear you can send and then try the content like that?
 Carbuncle.Maletaru
Server: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 3405
By Carbuncle.Maletaru 2025-07-06 23:25:32
I've been playing since 2004 straight until now, what is it people are trying to relive exactly with these 75 era stuff? Can't you just level a mule and dbox all the 75 era gear you can send and then try the content like that?
Primarily:
EXP parties
Killing sky gods and HNMs
Sea
While you can do this on retail, it's hard to find 100 other idiots who want to party with you, and hard to avoid the temptation of using all the QOL stuff and they want their balls busted.
Also, more importantly: you can't get your friends to pay for FFXI and a sub, but you can get them to download a free pirated version off someone's website.
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By Nariont 2025-07-06 23:35:22
I've been playing since 2004 straight until now, what is it people are trying to relive exactly with these 75 era stuff? Can't you just level a mule and dbox all the 75 era gear you can send and then try the content like that?
Linked into what male said but theres a more natural feel of progression as you level as far as getting new ws/spells/armor upgrades etc that gets skipped over in retail since youll hit those old milestones pretty quickly.
Server: Asura
Game: FFXI
Posts: 133
By Asura.Reidden 2025-07-06 23:36:49
Carbuncle.Maletaru said: »I've been playing since 2004 straight until now, what is it people are trying to relive exactly with these 75 era stuff? Can't you just level a mule and dbox all the 75 era gear you can send and then try the content like that?
Primarily:
EXP parties
Killing sky gods and HNMs
Sea
While you can do this on retail, it's hard to find 100 other idiots who want to party with you, and hard to avoid the temptation of using all the QOL stuff and they want their balls busted.
Also, more importantly: you can't get your friends to pay for FFXI and a sub, but you can get them to download a free pirated version off someone's website.
When merit parties started and abyssea came out, everyone was praising the gods. For HNMS, if you didn't bot, you were not claiming unless you were JP aka Highpower. Lol Sea, like why? In my ls i purposely did not do the missions so i didn"t have to go sea. It's crazy people trying to go back to setting up alarms cuz Tiamat popppppppppppppppppppp and it's unclaimedddddddddd gogogogogogoogogogogo.
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Carbuncle.Maletaru
Server: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 3405
By Carbuncle.Maletaru 2025-07-06 23:41:31
I've been playing since 2004 straight until now, what is it people are trying to relive exactly with these 75 era stuff? Can't you just level a mule and dbox all the 75 era gear you can send and then try the content like that?
Linked into what male said but theres a more natural feel of progression as you level as far as getting new ws/spells/armor upgrades etc that gets skipped over in retail since youll hit those old milestones pretty quickly.
This is true, but the part I always find funny when this is brought up is that on PS, people are abusing the *** out of level sync for their EXP parties so...they're wearing a scorpion harness in lockstyle only.
By Nariont 2025-07-06 23:47:01
Carbuncle.Maletaru said: »This is true, but the part I always find funny when this is brought up is that on PS, people are abusing the *** out of level sync for their EXP parties so...they're wearing a scorpion harness in lockstyle only.
Never played on PS, but id imagine there's a subset of people who still appreciate the old leveling grind and how much of the game was built around that 1-75 experience. Honestly i get more confused by the people who praise sky/sea/HNMs as this amazing time in XI's life. But each their own
Bahamut.Arioch
Server: Bahamut
Game: FFXI
Posts: 79
By Bahamut.Arioch 2025-07-06 23:48:26
our goal is to ensure that what we add or adjust isn't overly custom for its own sake. Ideally, each decision considers balance and the developer's intentions within the game ahead of our personal preferences.
The result should be an experience that feels fresh and unique while staying grounded in the core game and feeling.
Played 11 since PS2 launch i only loved the game during abyssea release/voidwatch. Always something to do or join always making progress. Could do something for 30 minutes or 3 hours and see people get towards their goals. No sit around dieing in dynamis for 3-4 hours to farm 1 person currency and "maybe" 1 piece of useful gear dropped, that a person who only logs on once a month would get because they were in the LS the longest.... Base 11? was just about squeezing a monthly sub by making content insufferable, "oh just keep doing XYZ content and maybe one day you too will see an item" Feel like the only people that yearn over old 11 are the people that managed to manipulate and get the gear they wanted, then they eventually became unpopular or jaded by the fact so many people got things they worked their *** off for so they were no longer special.
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By Seun 2025-07-06 23:52:30
When merit parties started and abyssea came out, everyone was praising the gods. For HNMS, if you didn't bot, you were not claiming unless you were JP aka Highpower.
People were meriting for years before Abyssea came out. Why are these lumped together?
Also, you didn't need a bot to claim HNM. They added delay so you couldn't claim instantly with bots.
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Carbuncle.Maletaru
Server: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 3405
By Carbuncle.Maletaru 2025-07-07 00:02:42
Also, you didn't need a bot to claim HNM. They added delay so you couldn't claim instantly with bots.
Well yeah except that helped the bots more because they made bot networks. They had coordinated bots where they chose different delays for each bot, to get around the "icing" fix that SE put in. So if you weren't botting you were still at a huge disadvantage.
Anyway the claim issues aside, HNM are boring as *** so not claiming one is the ultimate strategy so you don't have to deal with the snoozefest of "content"
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By Seun 2025-07-07 00:36:49
You can't create enough coverage. You'd have to flood the zone with alts for that to be meaningful. People were still being outclaimed by players on PS2.
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By ibkee 2025-07-07 03:08:45
Absolutely wild the delusion of Pirate Server owners/players that they "just love FFXI" and it's an "act of preservation". It's neither. It's speed running the death of the game and is spitting in the face of Fujito and his attempts to appeal for it's continued development.
No one is saying that era servers play exactly the same as zero information 2003 nostalgia. Classic WoW has been insanely successful while also not playing that way, people enjoy the style of the game even if it is impossible to go back to 18 hour long Alterac Valleys. They've now made 2 different Classic Vanillas, 2 different Classic+ game modes, and 3 expansions, and most of them have been wildly succesful. If it wasn't fun people wouldn't have came back after the 1st time.
Classic WoW keeps getting thrown out as a reason why this would work, but it's just not the same. WoW is actually on WoW 4 now, it's just never been referred to as such, but Azeroth is vastly different than it was a few years ago and even more so than pre-Cataclysm. There's a wealth of old content, quests, zones and more that are simply no longer accessible - never mind the changes to the fundamental mechanics of the game, the graphics and widescale retcons to the plot.
Meanwhile, the content being discussed here is available in FFXI retail right now. There are a number of Linkshells limit to 75 and run "era" content, if you want to be pedantic you can walk everywhere, avoid using warps and pretend sneak/invisible doesn't exist and BOOM you've got ZenithXI only it's not run in some random dude's mother's basement.
By Avaera 2025-07-07 03:51:00
and BOOM you've got ZenithXI only it's not run in some random dude's mother's basement Can I call myself "Director" too?
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Server: Asura
Game: FFXI
Posts: 34
By Asura.Bertana 2025-07-07 05:09:26
I think it's important to not vilify OP for acting out of their love for the game.
If you're not interested in partaking, don't give them engagement. Ez pz!
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By Dodik 2025-07-07 05:38:35
If OP or anyone else really "loved the game" they would be playing it. By paying for a subscription.
Not taking SE's work, passing it off as their own, calling themselves using the royal "we" (it's just them) and naming themselves "Director".
Love of the game my shiny metal butt.
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By LanceXI 2025-07-07 11:15:15
ZenithXI only it's not run in some random dude's mother's basement.
Since this has come up a few times, it is worth clarifying that the server will not be hosted locally or in anyone's basement.
Again, please treat each other with decency and avoid hostility in this thread. This thread was created to share and promote a community project. It's perfectly fine if this is not something you're interested in but this isn't the place for personal attacks or harsh arguments over personal opinions.
By Avaera 2025-07-07 11:41:39
Since this has come up a few times, it is worth clarifying that the server will not be hosted locally or in anyone's basement. Grats on taking the bait, it was obviously sarcasm.
Again, please treat each other with decency and avoid hostility in this thread. This thread was created to share and promote a community project. This is a site primary for retail version of the game with the vast majority are against PS, and you're surprised over the reactions and memes?
Shiva.Thorny
Server: Shiva
Game: FFXI
Posts: 3344
By Shiva.Thorny 2025-07-07 11:49:09
This question is not to be taken as an insult or hostility.
LanceXI said: we (about 10x) ZenithXI Website said: created by a passionate team of programmers, game designers, and dedicated fans I'm actively involved in third party development and know many of the people on the scene for FFXI. I went on your website to look for an 'about the staff' page or something similar, but there doesn't seem to be one.
Who is on the passionate team of programmers, game designers, and dedicated fans? How much time have they committed to the server's improvement so far, and what have they accomplished? Further, what's been committed back to LSB?
By LanceXI 2025-07-07 12:27:27
This question is not to be taken as an insult or hostility.
LanceXI said: we (about 10x) ZenithXI Website said: created by a passionate team of programmers, game designers, and dedicated fans I'm actively involved in third party development and know many of the people on the scene for FFXI. I went on your website to look for an 'about the staff' page or something similar, but there doesn't seem to be one.
Who is on the passionate team of programmers, game designers, and dedicated fans? How much time have they committed to the server's improvement so far, and what have they accomplished? Further, what's been committed back to LSB?
Besides myself, the team currently includes a few contributors. One focuses on music and another is experienced in textures. Sargonnas serves as our system architect, while Omni is acting as our producer. Mowford has been managing our Git and providing experienced insight. Additionally, we have three developers with varying skill levels and availability. Two more are currently in the application process and some others didn't turn out to be the right fit. We also have one GM on board, with another planning to join later and both bring a lot of experience.
We don't log or track hours and the team began coming together in February. A lot of work has gone into sorting through details, making design changes and trying to be proactive as we build out.
Xaver has also been invaluable as a liaison to LSB and provides guidance. Working with him has led to contributions like the recent NPC price corrections. Overefined is on our team and has been making contributions directly, but more will trickle in over time from other members.
Asura.Mavira
Server: Asura
Game: FFXI
Posts: 17
By Asura.Mavira 2025-07-07 12:42:10
I’m usually skeptical and extremely critical of most private servers and how they’ve been ran but Lance has so far seemed like a genuinely pleasant person to talk to while I contributed some Guild audits. I hope it goes well and I’ll probably play when/if it launches. I’ve never let my subscription lapse in the 20 years I’ve played as I also love retail and will always support it.
I think a lot of people do have private server fatigue because they’ve mostly ended up being nothing but dramatic dumpster fires with empty promises and understandable people are extremely wary about joining or contributing to any new projects. Doxxing and harassment by “staff” and their orbiters is a very real and concerning thing that’s happened to multiple people unfortunately and it’s really just soured the community for most.
Hello everyone,
Please keep this discussion respectful and on topic. Avoid turning this thread into unproductive arguments or using it solely to post negative remarks.
ZenithXI is a progression server currently in development, built on the Land Sand Boat emulator. Starting with the original level 50 cap and no expansion access. Over time the level and crafting caps will increase to 75 and 100, respectively, alongside expansion releases. We plan to thoughtfully explore content beyond the 75 Era, reworking and scaling it back while emphasizing horizontal progression. Our vision is to reimagine the game while staying grounded in the foundation of modern retail XI, carefully tailoring customizations and avoiding excessive custom content. The goal is to recapture that sense of wonder and nostalgia while staying true to the spirit of the 75 Era. Era serves as our guide but it does not dictate every choice we make.
The server will be single box, with retail movement speed (50), Era XP, no mounts, retail merits (some adjusted), a maximum of two rebalanced trusts (second unlocked and summoned at level 50), home point warps disabled, Explorer Moogle enabled (After nation rank 3), Survival Guide warps disabled, FoV/GoV rewards once per game day with no Prowesses, no Login Points or Records of Eminence, Claim Shield active on all NMs, and force spawn kings from KSNMs. Many out of era traits and abilities will be included but scaled down. NMs such as Chonchon or Highlander Lizard will be available from launch and not removed. Food and equipment are undergoing a global evaluation and rebalancing while maintaining respect for the traditional hierarchy and progression.
Certain mechanics will be adjusted from their current retail boosts to better reflect 75 Era standards. System customizations are planned, including some inspired from WingsXI. Namely improved auto target or spell queueing. Which reduces the latency penalty between spells being rejected with "you must wait longer". Additionally, a slight compounding PH spawn rate that increases until the NM spawns, then resets. A single lottery NM should not take most of your day. We are striving to balance modest QoL changes with modern convenience.
Roadmaps will be shared at regular intervals. Giving players clear timelines to look forward to as we roll out planned developments.
As an active fork of LSB, we will be developing and submitting retail accurate content upstream. While modularizing over certain aspects to better meet Era standards. The project will be mixed-source with select modules that are neither retail or 75 Era compliant, kept proprietary. ZenithXI does not seek to be a closed-source server. The XI community should strive to advance the emulator together, sharing knowledge and submissions collaboratively.
Interested players are welcome to join the ZenithXI subreddit and our Discord.
Recruitment
We're looking for developers of all skill levels to help bring this project to life. There are also other roles available for those who may not have development skills but still want to contribute.
Please let us know if you are interested in representing the server as a Community Representative. Designated Community Representatives will play a crucial role as our primary point of public contact. In line with the Code of Conduct, all other staff members should only interact with players through tickets, bug reports, official announcements, or within Mordion Gaol.
Those interested in becoming a future GM are encouraged to submit a formal request. Please note that all use of GM commands will be monitored and forwarded to the rest of the staff. To safeguard against potential corruption, GMs will not have access to development channels or discussions.
If you are interested in joining the team, please submit a ticket through our Discord.
I am incredibly excited for the future of this project and can’t wait to see what we will achieve together.
Sincerely,
Lance, director of ZenithXI
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