The FFXIV base story starts with your character creating their own story in the world. You begin by choosing your race and class, and then you're thrust into the world. You start in your starting city - state, like Limsa Lominsa for example, and are immediately introduced to the basic concepts of the world, such as the importance of adventuring and the various guilds that support it.
The FFXIV base story starts in a very immersive way. You are introduced to the world as a fledgling adventurer. Your first steps involve getting to know the ins and outs of your starting location. Whether it's the bustling markets of Ul'dah or the nautical feel of Limsa Lominsa. You meet various non - playable characters who give you tasks. These tasks are not just simple errands but are designed to introduce you to the game's lore, mechanics, and the overall feel of the world. As you progress through these initial quests, you start to uncover the first hints of the larger story that awaits, like the presence of mysterious primals and the power struggles within the city - states.