No Final Fantasy game would be complete without the lovable Chocobo. Well, don't worry you will have plenty of interaction with the cute birds in FFXI. The Chocobo is the main form of quick transportation in the game. When you ride one, you can fly through the outdoor zones with ease and not worry about getting attacked. However, Chocobos will not go into dungeons or cities.

To get your Chocobo, you must be at least level 20 and have completed the Chocobo License Quest. Then head to any Chocobo stable and check out your bird. Wheee.

When you are riding the Chocobo, you are restricted in what you can do. You can target and consider Mobs, but you cannot actually attack them. You also cannot use magic, items or abilities, or interact with players or NPC's while riding. There is one trait specific to Chocobo riding digging for treasure. Bring along a pack full of Gisaru Fruit and take the Chocobo near an area that looks promising. Feed him the fruit and he will dig up something for you. This is often food and water, but can occasionally be something decent.

Be cautious where you travel as well, as the Chocobo has a nasty habit of tiring of you and leaving you stranded in a remote part of the zone with a dangerous walk back to safety. Feeding the Chocobo will make him tend to stay with you longer. It is best to just head straight for your destination if you want to make sure you get there before the big bird leaves.

Chocobo Stables are located in the following areas. They are generally well marked on the in game map.

Bastok Mines

Jeuno Lower

Jeuno Port

Jeuno Upper

San D'Oria South

Windurst Woods