Square Enix launches the PS5 beta of the MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV. We explain how you can participate without a subscription and what is included in the beta.
What can you expect in the beta? The beta of the PS5 version of Final Fantasy XIV starts today, April 13, at 12 PM along with the update 5.5. You can expect higher resolutions, more FPS, and faster loading times. Additionally, the DualSense controller from Sony’s current console is supported, just like 3D audio. The UI will also receive an update.
Owners of the PS4 version can experience the entire MMORPG in the beta. There are no content restrictions.
- Resolutions: 4K (2160p) / WQHD (1440p) / Full HD (1080p). Depending on the capability of your television, the resolution will be scaled accordingly.
- Performance: The resolutions WQHD (1440p) and Full HD (1080p) run at 60 FPS. In 4K, the frame rate is expected to be around 40 FPS. In areas with many players, you can still expect stable 30 FPS according to Square Enix. It is still uncertain how this will affect combat. More FPS can contribute to increased damage through faster combos you deal.
- UI: The UI benefits from the higher resolution. Additionally, AI tools improve the resolution of the icons, making the interface appear significantly sharper. This way, you can recognize the icons faster.
- Shorter loading times: Thanks to the PS5’s SSD, you travel faster through the game world. This reduces wait times, especially when teleporting between areas. Moreover, the login process is set to be overhauled for quicker access to the game.
- DualSense controller: Haptic feedback is supported. For example, you can feel the stomping of mounts through the controller, and the Limit Break can also be felt. Square Enix seeks player feedback here to support even more features of the DualSense controller in the future.
- 3D audio: You hear much more precisely where sounds come from. As you turn the camera, the location of the sounds changes, allowing you to better identify from which side you are being attacked.
What’s coming in the future? Shoichi Matsuzawa, Lead Project Manager of Final Fantasy XIV, explained (via Playstation Blog), that further improvements for the PS5 version of FFXIV are planned. Gradually, textures and other assets will be revised. However, Square Enix wants to proceed cautiously. Since the MMORPG remains playable on PC and PS4, a smooth gameplay experience must be ensured with all improvements.
How to participate
We explain how you can play the PS5 beta of Final Fantasy XIV. The servers will go online today, April 13, at approximately 12 PM. Experience shows that maintenance often ends slightly earlier.
However, you can already download the PS5 version so you can start promptly at the end of maintenance:
Owners of the disc version of FFXIV
- Log into the Playstation Network on the PS5
- Search for Final Fantasy XIV in the Playstation Store
- Select the Final Fantasy XIV PS5 Upgrade Edition (Beta version)
- Start the download of this version of FFXIV. No game disc is required.
- Start the game
Owners of the digital version of FFXIV
- Log into the Playstation Network on the PS5
- Search for Final Fantasy XIV in your game library
- Select the icon of the PS5 Upgrade Edition (Beta version) on the right side of the game menu
- Download the Final Fantasy XIV PS5 Upgrade Edition (Beta version)
- Start FFXIV
Try the PS5 version for free
As the beta is open to everyone, there is also a free trial version of FFXIV for the PS5.
- Search for Final Fantasy XIV in the Playstation Store
- Select the Final Fantasy XIV Free Trial
- Start the trial now as the PS5 version
You can now play the PS5 beta of Final Fantasy XIV. Keep in mind that this is still a test. Although the full game is included, there may still be issues.
Will you try the PS5 beta of Final Fantasy XIV? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.
Together with the PS5 beta, the major patch 5.5 goes online. Here are all the unlockable contents:
Final Fantasy XIV: How to unlock all important contents of patch 5.5
