[@SleepingSilence]

Like a 3 or 4?

I played 7, 12, 13 (1, not 2), before touching FFXIV. Knowing older games in the series more or less just gives you a bit of 'teehee' factor when you recognize things, and there's a lot of bosses you'll probably recognize if you're a dedicated fan. Isn't a requirement, however, and I doubt I would feel too left out even if I've never touched a game. 

I think others have mentioned that beyond the blandness (YOU CAN GET THROUGH IT I SWEAR), the story picks up during Heavensward and on. Likewise, dungeons and trials do, too. I find new dungeons to be some of the most fun you can have in the game once they start becoming a decent challenge, much like trials. Also you get rewarded with great OSTs (It's a FF game so that's generally the case). 

Also primal bois represent.