Also don't let anyone tell you Final Fantasy XVI's sidequests are "bad" or worthless. They layer and build upon each other to enrich the world and characters!
The initial sidequests introduce various characters and world info, often unlock other sidequests later (some vital, like the ability to ride a chocobo), and seed characters and lore information. For instance, the character Mid is introduced later in the game's story, but her existence and eventual appearance is seeded in an early sidequest.
Especially since the game is working in 3 different time periods; while the prologue (with the characters as children) doesn't have any sidequests, the other 2 time periods do, and some of the sidequests in 873, while seeming innocuous, can have an impact 5 years later.
Also it's a Final Fantasy game, and many of these sidequests are hidden unlocks to certain items or scenes and so on, as obscure hidden ways to get the best items or find secret bosses or get extra character info is part of the franchise's lifeblood.
So talk to characters around base and the towns. Check the Missives in Clive's room for new letters and quests. Do side content. There's a lot going on besides the Main Story!
