# Getting Started ## What is scouting? Scouting is **searching for each A-Rank hunt mark location and marking them** so that they are readily available for the conductor to call during the hunt train. Locations are marked by in-game flags, or shared using [browser-based external tools](/scouting/tools.md). ## How do I scout? First, you will check each spawn location to search where the A-Ranks have spawned. You may reference spawn locations on [Faloop](https://faloop.app/) in the A-Rank Tab or [Cable Monkey Hunt Maps](https://cablemonkey.us/huntmap2/). Next, once you have found a mark, you will generate an in-game flag via typing commands in the chat box. This can be done by either typing `` while hovering over the A-Rank, or by typing `` after placing a flag on your map. ### How to place a flag manually on your map Detailed instructions with images can be found on the [Official UI Guide](https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/uiguide/communication/communication-chat/chat_flag.html). **Mouse and Keyboard:** CTRL + Right Click while your cursor hovers over the spot on your map. **Controller:** L1 + R1 while your cursor hovers over that spot on your map. ### Use a macro to generate flags easily Experienced scouts use a macro to generate flags upon finding an A-Rank. [The following page in this guide](/conducting/macros.md) provides an explanation of macros. ## How do I pass scouts to the conductor? If you are not the one conducting the train, you will pass on the A-Rank locations via one or both of the following: * Giving them the flags in-game through a shared chat * Using a [scouting tool](/scouting/tools.md) and sharing the unique link via Discord, in-game chat, or other communication platforms. ## When can I start scouting? You may start scouting at any point after the A-Ranks come off of cooldown. They will not all be guaranteed to be spawned until they are capped, however, you may still search early if you wish. Reference the[ A-Rank Windows](/a-rank-windows.md) to understand how to read [Trackers](/trackers.md). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://trainguide.ffxivhunts.com/scouting/getting-started.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.