Final Fantasy XIV has taken a big step towards solo players with Patch 6.1, thereby approaching the origins of the popular game series. But how well does playing without other players work, and is it even fun?
How are solo players supported? Both Final Fantasy XIV and numerous other MMORPGs can present a frustrating challenge for players who prefer to go solo rather than experience a game in a group.
Players in Final Fantasy XIV can experience aspects of the game with a group of specially selected NPC characters instead of three other players through the so-called Trust system. This now even allows solo players to play dungeons from the expansions Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and A Realm Reborn.
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Expert Opinion: Is Final Fantasy XIV solo playable?
Who are the experts? Is it possible for solo players to play certain content now without other players? But how well does that work in practice? The online gaming magazine IGN spoke with three content creators who can be classified as “Final Fantasy XIV” experts.
The following individuals are the experts:
- Zepla/ Jessica St. John, YouTuber and Twitch streamer, 300,000 subscribers on YouTube
- Quazii, YouTuber and Twitch streamer, approx. 60,000 subscribers on YouTube
- MrHappy/ Michael Poveromo, YouTuber & Twitch streamer, approx. 200,000 subscribers on YouTube
What does Zepla say? One of these experts is YouTuber Jessica ‘Zepla’ St. John. In an interview with IGN, she stated that the Trust system is a good solo alternative to group content. However, she added that some activities like raids can still only be played in a group with other players.
One of her suggestions for improvement relates to the damage caused by NPC group members in dungeons. According to Zepla, this is significantly lower than that of an average player, causing solo activities to take noticeably longer.
What does Quazii say? According to Quazii, Final Fantasy XIV is primarily a single-player RPG, as he stated to IGN. Secondarily, the title is an MMORPG. He further says that the game’s biggest appeal lies in its storytelling.
Regarding the experience as a solo player, Quazii mentioned that it is possible to play the story of the expansion A Realm Reborn completely alone.
If you ask FF14 players what they enjoyed most in the game, the vast majority would say that it is the single-player quest experience. Especially when working through the main quest of the story. […] I’m not someone who cries at video games, but this game brought me to tears.
Content creator Quazii to IGN
What does MrHappy say? Content creator MrHappy believes that the Trust system allows solo players to experience the story of Final Fantasy XIV. However, he also believes that it will take a long time before players can play the entire main scenario of the title alone.
Together with Zepla, the streamer supports the retention of content that is exclusively meant for multiplayer. MrHappy expressed to IGN the assumption that maintaining such multiplayer content is meant to encourage players to play dungeons with other players.
Overall, Zepla and MrHappy feel it is good that Final Fantasy 14, as an MMORPG, is trying to provide alternatives for solo players, but they also think that group play should be promoted.
Conclusion from the experts: Is Final Fantasy XIV suitable for solo players? The three content creators agree with IGN that Final Fantasy 14 is suitable for solo players. MrHappy even thinks that MMOs can learn a lot from Square Enix’s MMORPG.
Zepla expresses the thought that creating new paths for solo players is crucial for the growth of the MMO genre, while Quazii finds it difficult to find a title comparable to Final Fantasy XIV in terms of its single-player story.
The entry into Final Fantasy XIV certainly has some hurdles. Players need to learn numerous game mechanics and classes before they can dive into the challenging content like dungeons and raids.
Especially for new players, it is helpful when experienced players share previously acquired knowledge. But even seasoned players can always learn something new. Good preparation is not only crucial for solo players.
If you are new to Final Fantasy XIV or want to take away some tips, be sure to check out our beginner’s guide!
Final Fantasy XIV: Beginner’s Guide for a smooth start into the MMORPG
