In mid-2023 it was announced, and now the release date is set: Final Fantasy XIV officially launches on Xbox consoles on March 21. MeinMMO has gathered all the information you need to know about it.
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG developed by Square Enix. Here are the key points:
- Final Fantasy XIV was first released in 2010 and relaunched in 2013 with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
- Since the relaunch, the game has been expanded with a total of four expansions: Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker. The next expansion Dawntrail is scheduled for summer 2024.
- This game is what is known as a theme-park MMO. This means there are various ways to pass the time in it.
- In addition to the excellent main story, you can also expect raids in different team sizes, dungeons, boss fights, and PvP.
- Because of the level sync system, all content is consistently relevant across all levels. Therefore, while it is easier to find players for current content, you also don’t have to wait too long for older content.
Alongside heavyweights like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the best MMORPGs you can currently play.
On the one hand, it impresses with the many different and consistently relevant content forms. On the other hand, you can play it as a single-player experience even though it is a multiplayer game, if you are only interested in the story, for example. Additionally, especially new players benefit from the friendly and helpful community.
Here you can watch the trailer for the upcoming expansion Dawntrail:
Playing Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox? Here’s what you need to know
When does Final Fantasy XIV launch on Xbox consoles?
The MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV officially launches on Xbox consoles on March 21. Currently, the betas are still running, which you can still play.
By March 21, all content of the game, including the current expansion Endwalker, will be available for purchase.
How can I play Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox?
To play the game, you need a Square Enix account. You must link this to your Xbox account.
Note that each Xbox account can only be linked to one Square Enix account. Accounts created for the Xbox beta cannot be retroactively linked to pre-existing Square Enix accounts.
Existing players can also link their accounts and thus seamlessly transfer their previous characters and progress to Xbox. New players starting with the Xbox release can also transfer their console progress to the PC or PlayStation version if needed — these must be purchased separately.
And of course, you must download, install, and start the game in your desired version.
Especially important: The Steam version of the game stands alone. A save file from this cannot be shared with other versions of the game.
Does Final Fantasy XIV cost anything?
Yes, Final Fantasy XIV is a paid MMORPG. To play the full version, you must buy the Starter Edition of the game (up to level 70) and the latest expansion (up to level 90) for your desired platform.
Additionally, there are monthly subscription fees that you can pay on a monthly, quarterly, or even semiannual basis. The monthly costs are not per platform but apply to all versions of the game tied to your service account.
Here’s what the game currently costs:
| Membership / Subscription Period | Per Payment / Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Starter / 30 Days | 10.99 € / 10.99 € |
| Standard / 30 Days | 12.99 € / 12.99 € |
| Standard / 90 Days | 35.97 € / 11.99 € |
| Standard / 180 Days | 65.94 € / 10.99 € |
When you purchase a game edition for the first time, you also receive 30 days of free playtime.
It should also be noted that Final Fantasy XIV is an entirely online game. While you can complete most content with the help of NPCs, you always need an active internet connection.
Is there a free version of Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox?
Yes, there is a free version of Final Fantasy XIV. The so-called Free Trial can be used once per Square Enix service account. If you have ever purchased/received a version of the game with your service account, you cannot access the Free Trial anymore.
The Free Trial includes most of the game’s content up to level 70. You can play the entire main story of the base game A Realm Reborn, as well as the expansions Heavensward and Stormblood.
You can play the Free Trial on Xbox consoles without a Game Pass subscription.
Do I need a Game Pass to play Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox?
The answer is also Yes
. There are also different versions. Here are the editions that are exciting for consoles:
| Edition | Content | Cost per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Online console multiplayer 25 console games additional offers and discounts | 6.99 € |
| Ultimate | Online console multiplayer Many different games on PC, console, and cloud gaming Games included in the subscription available at release additional offers and discounts EA Play membership | 14.99 € |
Unfortunately, the pure PC version of the Game Pass subscription is not suitable for playing Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox, as it is only valid for PC.
Ultimate Game Pass holders will receive the Starter Edition of the game between March 21 and April 19, 2024. You keep it even after April 19 – even if you cancel your Ultimate subscription. However, to play, you will still need a Game Pass subscription after April 19. It doesn’t matter whether it is an Ultimate or Core subscription.
When Final Fantasy XIV finally launches on Xbox on March 21, the game will have reached nearly all current consoles. By the way, with Dawntrail, there will be a substantial graphics update that all platforms will benefit from.
Lastly, a new class and a completely new race have been announced: After 5 years, Final Fantasy 14 finally brings the race that players have been asking for: “They are perfect”
