You can change your job any time, and eventually gain the ability to select a support job. With a support job, you can effectively "hold two jobs at once." Want to be a warrior who can cast white magic? How about a monk with black magic? With support jobs, the combinations are endless! As your adventures progress, you may find that new jobs become available. Why not try your hand at learning the ways of the bard, ranger, or beastmaster?

There are two schools of magic: white magic, which focuses on healing wounds, and black magic, which deals damage. Some spells can only be cast on monsters, while others can only be used on fellow players -- but take care when choosing your target!

As you increase the level of your current job, you learn abilities that are unique to that job. These are called job abilities. They include the HP-restoring ability, "Auto-Regen," as well as the warrior's Defender ability, which increases your Defense.

Whenever you deal or take damage in battle, you gain Tactical Points. Once the TP gauge reaches a certain point, you can unleash powerful weapon skills, depending on your current weapon. These include offensive moves like double strikes and elemental attacks. Proper timing when using weapon skills is the key to success in combat!

When multiple characters use weapon skills and magic spells at the right moment, they can start an extremely powerful combo attack. This linking of weapon skills to maximize an attack is called a Skillchain. When magic spells are used in the mix, they generate Magic Bursts.

Many methods of transportation are available to help adventurers travel between the nations of Vana'diel. Some have made appearances in previous FINAL FANTASY titles, like airships, chocobos, and ferries.

The Trade system lets players securely transfer money and goods between themselves, and also give items to NPCs for the myriad quests in the game.

In the auction houses of FINAL FANTASY XI, sellers designate an asking price when they put items up for bid. The first bidder to offer a price higher than the asking price gets to purchase the item. These places are a magnet for players, since it's possible to get a better deal here than at the shops run by NPCs.

Players can also hawk items themselves with the Bazaar system. Just set a price on any item in your inventory -- any players targeting you can easily check for items you have for sale and buy them immediately.

Through crystal synthesis, players can create a fantastic variety of items, many of which are unavailable in shops. The system is flexible and lets players experiment to make the items they want.

There are many fine fishing spots scattered throughout Vana'diel. By increasing your fishing skill, you can catch valuable fish and other items. And, any fish you catch can be cooked into a variety of dishes!