>>16597806The entire storyline including expansions can be done solo. They introduced NPC party members about a decade ago.
I'm not going to lie, it is pretty difficult to get into otherwise. A lot of that has to do with the fact that it's a 20 year old PS2 game. The UI and gameplay systems are incredibly obtuse. There is no tutorial, quest markers, etc. Using plugins and mods is pretty much a necessity (there are guides out there to help with this) Endgame is a nightmare if you are coming in late and you don't have people helping guide you through it. If you do decide to jump in, USE GUIDES, WALKTHROUGHS, AND THE WIKIS. I cannot stress that enough. Community is huge, it's still probably a top 5 MMO, but almost everyone left is a lifer who has been playing for 15+ years.
It's an absolutely incredible game though. I know I made it sound terrible, but once you get over the relatively steep learning curve it's amazing. It is monthly subscription and you have to buy the game, but there is a free trial. The game has no cash shop.
Here is a good starting guide, but I wouldn't follow their quest/mission suggestions because it's designed to get you to endgame as fast as possible. Release order is the best way to play, and you can start dabbling in endgame at the end of the base game because you'll be at level cap.
https://www.bg-wiki.com/ffxi/New_Player_Leveling_Guide 