Final Fantasy XI Online Wiki Guide

Building an End Game Linkshell

Top Contributors: Amber Gabrio, Kor Poni

Hello, all my fellow End Gamers. Let’s talk about building an end game linkshell shall we. To say the least, I want to make this clear that this article is more of a guideline from experience then something you have to follow step by step. Each and every linkshell is different in its own way and that is what makes certain linkshells unique and succeed. Let me give you guys a little background to my experience so you have an understanding where I come from.

A few years ago I was merged with a linkshell to form an end game linkshell that did sky then eventually move on to HNM. My role at first wasn’t being a leader but after a period of time through my efforts I was made a sack and a co-leader to the linkshell. My job primarily was to handle payouts and rewards to the linkshell. I also ran sky and other events but that was a job for all leaders and not one specific. Unfortunately this was during a time when 3rd party programs were rampant and people have used it in other linkshells and what not, and so it was difficult for us to compete with others without stooping down to their level. The linkshell didn’t last that long and eventually broke. But afterwards I joined up with one of the top linkshells on the server as a player and began my main career in HNM. During this time I’ve experienced and dealt with many of the leaderships and I’ve learned many things of what is good and not good. What to do and not to do. But again, as mentioned earlier everything is different for everyone. So let me move onto the guide to building a linkshell for end game.

First, and foremost you need a purpose and focus. Do you want to focus more on HNM, or another type of instance such as dynamis or einherjar or even multiple events. You need a basis to build the linkshell on. A lot of times a linkshell will start small and build up its focus from there as more people join the linkshell to do those events. No matter what purpose or focus you decide to choose keep on track with it. It is important you follow towards that goal because when you have accomplished that task you can move on or build onto it when you have a solid foundation. Next, after you know what you want to accomplish and have a goal, you need to start recruiting. Always the best choice is to just shout in whitegate or jeuno for people. But sometimes there are other smaller linkshells trying to accomplish the same thing and just can’t get off the ground and this is a good opportunity to speak with the other leaders and maybe merge into one linkshell combining resources. I’ve seen this done and it has happened to me in my first linkshell and it is something that worked out quite well. We were able to get the numbers we need and accomplish many of our tasks. But remember, if you do this, you have to all be in agreement on many aspects, such as rewards, leadership, and the members. From this point on, it’s a lot of minor details to work out but it shouldn’t be too difficult to handle.

Next let’s get onto rewards. My first linkshell did a point system for rewards on gear and payout system. Although it has a big flaw in it, it seems to work for some people, but the previous linkshell I was in did everything in a hidden manner and the leaders decide if someone was worthy of a piece of gear. Although this has it’s advantages, there are also disadvantages of this method as well. There should always be an incentive for members to stay with a linkshell and payouts is a nice way to go. With so many linkshells competing against HNM and the like out there, you can’t always guarantee drops for members so having some sort of reward system in place is a good thing to do. Twice a month a payout would occur from the money drops accumulated during the weeks. Having a fair payout system works wonders. The previous linkshell I was in had a wonderful payout method. A little bit of work but the members were rewarded without going into their pockets to pay for the cursed gear. All money drops from HNM had a payout of 50% to members and 50% to bank. KSNM and the like payouts when people had orbs or trigger items got a certain payout method. That method was 40% to the trigger holder, 40% to the helpers to do the event, and 20% to the bank. Rewards from the bank came in different ways. All cursed gear was paid for by the bank when people got abjurations. When we would get a money items such as a Cerberus mantle or juggernaut the bank would pay the current AH price to the members who received the item but reward that item to a member of the linkshell who deserved that item. That way, people got paid for it and what not. The bank also helped support dynamis and einherjar as well. That in my opinion was a wonderful payout method I’ve seen, it was fair and people got rewarded.

I’m gonna talk about some of the problems people face in an end game linkshell that happens to everyone. When it comes to drops and rewarding its members, remember to be fair and just. I’ve seen linkshells play this unfair and gear up people who don’t put forth an effort and it will destroy a linkshell. I’ve seen it all too often and I’m sure many of you have as well. A point system is nice, but people can take advantage of it. No matter what you do, you have to do what you feel is right and are comfortable in doing. A point system people can take advantage of to get ahead, but in a dictatorship when you can decide who’s put forth a lot of effort you can reward it based on the leadership’s discussion. Of course people will view it as favoritism sometimes or people will try to suck up to the leaders and get their name in front of their faces so when something does drop they will have the upper hand. This is something leaders should always watch out for. Maybe neither of these will interest you and you might research other ways to reward members. But remember to be fair and just.

The last topic kind of continues from what I’ve been talking about. Drama is a big factor in linkshells and people don’t want to be put or see it in a linkshell but let’s face it, you will see it from time to time. It is how you handle that situation that will determine if your linkshell will continue to grow or prosper or bomb out. My own experience, you have to be blunt and harsh when being a leader. Sometimes to much understanding and forgiveness is not always the best way to solve a problem. You want everyone to be happy but no matter what you do, you will always have someone be the bad apple and cause problems. How you handle a situation will speak highly of your linkshell and word of mouth will spread and can help your linkshell grow. Now how do you handle a problem person in the linkshell? Well find out what is going on, and see if you can’t resolve the issue in some form or fashion. If a person is trying to drum up drama in the linkshell to ruin a reputation find out what is being said. Sometimes confronting the issue in the linkshell might be your best choice. Let me give you a example. Player A was rewarded a Ridill. Player B sees this as unfair and starts to complain and start to say stuff in chat or forums proving why he should deserve it and not anyone else. Always confront the person first in private and see if you can’t settle the matter. If you decision was fair you can reason and proof to provide to him. If the problem persists confront him in public and tell everyone why such a decision has been made. Although most everyone will already know why, sometimes just to remind everyone is a good thing. At this point, if Player B still starts rumors and drama, kick them, tell the linkshell why (never hold secrets, it can never end well) and move on. Giving a player a three strike system sometimes works, but you may have to just put your foot down and play the jerk and end it there. No matter how you handle a situation, just remember a few things. Don’t hold secrets from the members; tell them why such decisions are made, because it helps reassure them of your role as a leader. Next, be fair and don’t play favoritism. It will not end well.

I hope this guide helps you in building a linkshell. But remember that every linkshell is different and no two are alike. What ever you do, I hope it all works out and you guys can prosper in your end game careers. Until next time.

In This Wiki Guide

Final Fantasy XI Image

Final Fantasy XI

Rated "T"
DeveloperSquare Enix
PublisherSquare Enix
Release DateOctober 28, 2003
PlatformsPC, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360