Using a linkshell

A linkshell is a communications system that allows you to use items called "linkpearls" to communicate with friends. Members activate their connections by equipping their individual linkpearls, allowing them to chat over long distances with members of the same linkgroup. A character who has equipped a linkpearl will show a special icon next to their name. However, the color of the icon is set by the owner of the linkshell, so the actual color will differ from linkgroup to linkgroup. 

Creating a linkshell

Linkshells are sold at certain shops throughout Vana'diel. 

New linkshells

When first purchased, linkshells are called "new linkshells." They cannot be used in this state. You must select "Linkshell" from the main menu and equip the new linkshell before you can configure it for use.

Linkpearls

Linkpearls are items that are distributed to players so they can form linkgroups. A linkshell can be used to create as many linkpearls as the owner wants. These linkpearls can be given to other player characters by using the "Trade" command. They cannot be sent using the "Delivery" service. 

Linkgroups

A linkgroup is a group of player characters who have linkpearls that were created by the same linkshell.

The role of a subleader in a linkgroup

Subleaders of linkgroups can create and distribute linkpearls even when the leader is absent (such as being logged out of the game). They can also kick members from the linkgroup. To specify a subleader, open the "Link List," select a player character name, and choose "to Sack." The player's linkpearl will morph into a pearlsack, granting them subleader status. If a leader wishes to revoke subleader status, they must select the member from the link list and choose "to Pearl."

"Link List" on the "Linkshell" menu

The members of a linkgroup are collectively referred to as a "link list." You can select a player character's name from the list and press the confirm button to send them a "tell" message.

The "Kick" command on the "Linkshell" menu

If the member of a linkgroup acts in a disruptive manner, the "Kick" command can be used to remove them from the linkgroup. Select the name of the offending member from the link list, then select "Kick." Once a member has been kicked, they will not be able to rejoin the linkgroup unless given another linkpearl.

The number of linkshells a player can have

As long as there is room in your item list, you can carry as many linkshells or linkpearls as you want. However, only one linkshell can be activated at a time.

Reinstating linkshell members that were accidentally kicked 

If a member is kicked from a linkgroup, accidentally or otherwise, they can only be reinstated if they receive another linkpearl from the leader or subleader.

Checking the name of another player's linkshell

Target the player and select "Check." (To use "Check," press the confirm button to open the action command menu and then select "Check." You can also use the Ctrl-C keyboard shortcut.) Information about the player, such as the name of the player's linkshell, will appear beneath the equipment description.

Managing linkshell items

GMs cannot force players to abide by rules created by amongst players. In other words, GMs cannot enforce unofficial rules decided upon amongst players. However, if an item that was borrowed by a player is not returned under the terms that were agreed upon by both parties, a GM may determine that it is a case of fraud and take the appropriate action. We are not always able to complete our investigation on linkshell inventory items due to outdated logs. We ask that linkshell members keep careful track of all linkshell inventory and not lend any items to third parties that are not part of the linkshell.

Leaving a linkshell

If you drop the linkpearl or pearlsack from your inventory, You will no longer be a member of the linkshell.

Breaking a linkshell

When a leader discards his or her linkshell, the linkpearls and pearlsacks that have been distributed to linkshell members will cease to function, effectively disbanding the linkshell.

Pearlsack holder responsibilities

Linkshell leaders may choose specify pearlsack holders to act as administrators for times when they are not logged in to the game or wish to connect to another linkshell. A pearlsack holder takes responsibility when the leader is not present. If a pearlsack holder has not been specified, none of the linkshell leader commands may be accessed when the leader is not logged in.

Restoring a linkshell that was accidentally discarded

No, it cannot. Discarded linkshells cannot be restored. If you wish to use a linkshell again, you will need to purchase a new linkshell and reissue linkpearls to former members.

Colored icons next to the names of player characters

This is the linkshell icon, and indicates player characters who have equipped a linkshell or linkpearl. The color of these icons can be freely set by the owner of the linkshell.

Changing the color of a linkshell

You cannot change the name or color of a linkshell once it has been opened. If you would like to use a linkshell with a different color, you must purchase a new linkshell. However, please be aware that even if you buy a new linkshell, you will not be able to use the same linkshell name.

Changing the name of your linkshell

Linkshell names cannot be changed. If you must change a linkshell name, you will need to acquire a new linkshell, give it a new name, and invite members again. Furthermore, once a name has been given to a linkshell, it cannot be used again, even if the linkshell is discarded. If you wish to use a new linkshell with the same members as a previous linkshell, you should contact the members first and decide upon a distribution point to make the transition process as smooth as possible.

Linkshell name already in use

Two of the same linknames (linkshell names) cannot be used within the same World. If you are told that the name you have selected is already in use, that means that another player character in your World is already using that name for their linkgroup. Please select another name for your linkgroup.

"Unequip" command on the "Linkshell" screen

This command allows the player to remove a linkshell or linkpearl to deactivate their connection to a linkgroup. Linkgroup leaders unequip their linkshells, while members unequip their linkpearls. When you unequip your linkshell or linkpearl, you will cut off your link to the other members of the linkgroup, meaning that you cannot chat with them. Simply re-equipping the item will restore the connection.

World Merge's effect on a linkshell

You cannot use linkshells, pearlsacks or linkpearls which have already been opened. However, you can receive a new, unopened linkshell on the new World if you already own a linkshell. Please be aware that if a linkshell with the same name as yours exists on the new World, you will not be able to use that name. 

Unable to purchase a new linkshell

Shops in Vana'diel open and close according to set schedules. If it is within business hours and you still cannot purchase a new linkshell, the shop may be currently out of stock, as there is a limit to the number of new linkshells that are sold every day. However, if a shop is sold out, you can either look for another shop, or wait another day and return to the same shop again. If it is after business hours and the shop is closed, please wait for it to open again.

I received a linkpearl, but I can't seem to use the linkshell chat mode

You must equip the linkpearl before you can use the linkshell chat mode. Select "Linkshell" from the main menu, select the linkpearl you wish to use, and then equip it. You can carry multiple linkshells, pearlsacks, or linkpearls, but you can only equip one at a time. If you have equipped the linkpearl but still cannot chat, the maximum number of people currently in the linkshell (64) may have already been reached. 

My linkpearl or pearlsack suddenly stopped working

The linkgroup may have disbanded if the linkshell leader discarded the linkshell, resulting in the linkpearls breaking. The linkshell may also have disbanded due to a World Merge. Characters who owned a linkshell may receive a free, unopened linkshell on their new World. A new linkgroup may already have been formed, so consult your former members first.

Unable to equip a linkpearl

You may have equipped one already. You can only equip one linkpearl at a time. You can check and see if the linkshell is active by selecting the "Linkshell" option from the main menu.

Unable to create another linkshell with the same name

You may possess multiple linkshells, but you cannot use the same linkshell name twice. Please select a new linkshell name for each linkshell that you acquire.

Unable to remove a linkshell member

Only linkshell leaders and pearlsack holders can kick members of a linkshell. However, pearlsack holders cannot remove the linkshell leader.

Unable to assign a pearlsack holder

The linkshell leader and the member who will become a pearlsack holder must have the linkshell equipped at the same time.

Contacting linkshell members after a World Merge if character name was changed

In order to locate friends on other Worlds, you must have them registered to the friend list. Once you register players to your friend list, you can recognize each other by the handle name, and can send messages or tells from the friend list if the other players are online.

Game Masters and the SQUARE ENIX Support Center cannot disclose the new names of other players' characters.