Final Fantasy XIV is the first MMORPG to receive a New Game+ mode. However, it works a bit differently than what you might expect from single-player games.
What is New Game+? In Final Fantasy XIV, with the upcoming Patch 5.1, it will be possible to experience the story again from the beginning. To do this, you start the feature “New Game+”.
How does the mode work? If you select New Game+, your adventure begins anew. You will have access to various sections of the long-running story of FFXIV. It starts with the Heavensward expansion and goes through all content patches up to the latest addon Shadowbringers.
You can choose which section you want to play. However, the story quests of “A Realm Reborn” are not included, as they are currently being revised and shortened. They are expected to be added after Patch 5.3 next year.
Playing through the story in New Game+ will not provide any EXP or other rewards. Over time, the developers also plan to add side quests, such as job quests.
New Game+ in an MMORPG
Why is this unusual for an MMORPG? A “New Game+” mode usually brings more EXP and better items in a single-player game to become more powerful. This is not the case with Final Fantasy XIV. This has balancing reasons.
Story quests provide a lot of EXP in FFXIV. New Game+ would thus be a loophole for players to quickly level up additional jobs. They wouldn’t do any other content then.
That’s why MMORPGs don’t use such systems. Final Fantasy XIV is therefore the first online role-playing game that allows you to start over in New Game+ and relive the entire story once again.
Why is the feature coming to the game? Players love the story of FF14. It is considered one of the best in the MMORPG genre, it stirs emotions, offers interesting characters, thrilling events, and simply draws you in. With the new mode, the developers now offer fans the chance to experience it all over again.
How does the mode affect the character? Not at all. Your job level is retained, as is your progress.
This is what you gain
What does New Game+ actually bring? The mode is basically designed for you to relive the entire story of the MMORPG once again. Many players want to get their first character to endgame as quickly as possible and thus pay little attention to the story. Or they do not remember all the details due to the many events and want to experience the story again.
The story in FF14 including addons is really good. So, if you didn’t pay much attention during your first run and now want to take the time to enjoy the story at your leisure, you can simply play through it again with New Game+.
Basically, this is a very good way to integrate a “New Game+” mode into an MMORPG.
How are the players reacting? At first, FF14 players seemed a bit confused, as there are basically no rewards for replaying the story. After all, New Game+ works differently in single-player games.
However, the community shows understanding for the system. The balancing in MMORPGs must be maintained, and the game’s story is just so well received that it makes sense to want to experience it again.
- RandomWeirdo says on Reddit: “Ah, I was hoping it would provide EXP. That way I could level up an alt job.”
- OneEyed10 explains: “The system would be exploited heavily. Players would simply skip everything to level up. The system is only meant for the story.”
