Character
Some general tips for leveling
Public
You begin in the population center akin to your chosen profession. Though, each one is different in design and character, for your purposes *one is as good as another. Leveling is not a problem initially, so don't sweat that. What you will need is enough gil to buy your set of level 8 armor. Fifteen-hundred gil is a comfortable enough sum for this.
As in all MMOs you have an epic storyline, side quests, class quests and your all-important hunting log. The money is in the side quests, so it's adviseable that you do all the side quests in your starter city. Once you enter the outlying areas, how many of these you do will largely depend on how much money you need. You'll see you'll level rather rapidly and will be up to four or five levels above the quest level in no time at all. Just remember, it's for the money.
You'll also want to obtain all the aetherites in each city, so you might as well begin by clearing your starter city. Your level 5 armor will come to you as quest rewards in side quests, and your class quests. (The class quests come in increments of five until level 50.) Level 8 armor will suffice until you reach level 15. You may wish to keep your weapon's level as close to your playing level as you can.
After you turn in your first class quest you'll obtain your Hunting Log. You'll have one of these up until level 50. Clearing your hunting log will get you some stout experience. I strongly advise you prioritize this. Hunting log targets have a gold coin looking icon over their heads. Don't let one slip past you. Killing from three to four of each type of mob will clear that entry. You get a significant experience point bonus by clearing the entire log. Make this second nature to your play.
At level 15, go to where your city's inn is located, and talk to The Smith. Take the course of study he offers. This will get you a full set of very good armor and an outstanding ring. This armor will last you until level 24. In fact, vendors don't offer any armor for sale that's better than this armor until level 24. From the end of your classes until level 24 you can then concentrate on making enough gil to buy your full set of armor for that level. Check at vendors to get an idea of how much you'll need for this inevitable purchase. And, don't forget it's coming sooner rather than later.
You might upgrade jewelry from quest rewards, or chests from leves. However, actual upgrade of stats with jewelry isn't possible until around level 26. The levels are staggered, so make note of this. Earrings are level 29 IIRC. It is wise also to obtain food from the vendor at the market. If you have enough spare change, spine drops (for paralysis) and antidote (for poison) is worth your while. Don't obtain more than ten to fifteen of these at a time until you're rolling in gil further into the game...and, you will be soon enough. Potions and ether (for magic points) are good to have on hand as well. Just don't break the bank over these if you can help it. Don't under estimate their usefulness.
Many people will tell you FATES are a good way to make money and to level. People are quick to tell you what they've heard, but it's been a couple of years since this was true. (Which also includes a lot of other things you may hear from people.) The fastest way to make good money is to use the roulette function on your duty finder. In your higher levels it's the fastest way to level, as well, since you get a bonus for repeating instances which other players are doing for the first time. (The first time you do instances you may find experienced players grouping with you. This is how they got there.)
As you complete instances (or dungeons if you come from WoW, ugh) they're added to your duty finder list, along with the ones you may have just opened. The bonuses are once a day, so these are your dailies. When you approach level 50 the money gets quite lucrative. But, until then, doing instances is still the way to make the most money, and to level. Remember: Epic Storyline, Hunting Log, Class Quests and Duty Finder Roulette when the side quest rewards reach a point where they're not worth the trouble to do.
*The sole exception to this is if you wish to play Rogue. You're eligible to become a Rogue at level 10, but you have to be in Limsa Lominsa (the center in La Noscea) to obtain the class. As you're unable to visit the other centers until around level 15, you'd probably prefer to begin in Limsa Lominsa. To do this select either the Marauder or Arcanist profession when creating your character. Then, at level 10, go to the Rogue hideout. They'll let you in. (Across from the Fisherman's Guild.)
And punch every random mob you see, every little bit of exp helps. XD
I would like to state not all mmos have epic storylines.... mostly just this one tbh. :P
Huh? Wha? GW2, LOTRO...uhm.....I disagree strongly.