In Final Fantasy XIV (PC, PS4, Steam) the Patch 5.3 was released today, on August 11, which has made significant changes to the Free2Play access. This means you can explore more of the game and reach a higher level. It’s a good time to check out the game, especially if you are a fan of Final Fantasy or MMORPGs in general.
What changes with the patch? With Patch 5.3 the contents of the base game “A Realm Reborn”, as well as the first expansion “Heavensward”, will be accessible for free to all players. This means you will gain access to hundreds of hours of content.
The included content consists of:
- All jobs and classes from the base game including the Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist with a maximum level of 60 (the max level is currently 80)
- 6 playable races
- All quests from A Realm Reborn and Heavensward
- The raids “Warring Triad” and “Crystal Tower”, “Void Ark” and “Alexander” on normal and epic difficulties
- 49 dungeons from ARR and HW
- All equipment up to level 60
That’s quite a chunk of content you’re getting without spending a penny. The end of Heavensward currently marks around the halfway point of the entire MMORPG.
Are there restrictions? There are indeed some restrictions, which mainly concern social aspects, to protect against bots and gold sellers:
- You cannot sell anything at the market board
- You cannot join guilds
- You cannot send friendship requests
- You cannot whisper other players
The full list of restrictions can be found on the official FFXIV page (via Lodestone). Also, existing accounts will not benefit from this. If you once had a subscription, you cannot suddenly play the old content without a subscription.
Why is this change still so interesting? The previous trial account of Final Fantasy XIV contained significantly less content and more restrictions. The max level was previously 35, and to really get a sense of the MMORPG, you generally had to take out a subscription. But that is a big barrier for many.
However, the payment barrier is now simply gone for many contents.
Furthermore, adjustments have been made to some quests to make the content more interesting. Specifically, about 13% of the quests will be removed and the rest noticeably shortened. This is a significant plus, as many have repeatedly complained that the entry into Final Fantasy XIV can be slow.
We at MeinMMO reveal which classes make the entry easiest in a guide.
Should Final Fantasy fans play the MMORPG?
Final Fantasy has a large fan base, but some of them refuse to play an MMO. They do not want to travel with other players and depend on them.
However, Final Fantasy XIV offers everything fans desire:
- An interesting and truly good story for an MMO
- Fun and diverse classes
- Many quests and tasks
- A great soundtrack
- And of course Chocobos!
All fans of JRPGs can be happy, as most content can be completed alone without any problems. Although you will occasionally be thrown into dungeons that you cannot tackle alone, that will automatically group you with other players.
The only drawbacks are that you basically need a permanent internet connection and of course the subscription model. However, with the expansion of the free content, now is a good time to at least try out this content.
One of the best MMORPGs on the market
If you are a fan of MMORPGs and have avoided or missed Final Fantasy XIV so far, now is a great opportunity to catch up on a wonderful game. Even though many things can be experienced as a solo player, there are also contents for groups and guilds:
- Various world bosses
- Dungeons with different difficulty levels
- Exciting and varied raids, also with different difficulties
Also interesting is the “job system”, which allows you to freely switch between classes with a single character. In the combat system, the MMORPG uses tab targeting, which is not overly dynamic, but still appeals to many fans of the genre.
Additionally, FFXIV receives a new update every 3-4 months, which usually includes new group content. So if you’re quickly into MMORPGs, you at least have the assurance that it’s constantly progressing.
No wonder that Final Fantasy XIV is currently counted among the best MMOs and MMORPGs on the market according to us at MeinMMO.
How to get started with FFXIV?
First, you need to register on the official website and then download the game. Getting into the MMORPG itself is relatively straightforward:
- You create your first character and enter the game world.
- There is a tutorial system that shows you an explanation for each new mechanic and feature.
- The main scenario quests are the common thread that guides you through all areas of the game.
- The rookie arena teaches you the basics of combat and provides you with good gear for your first dungeon run.
- In the newbie chat, you can ask your questions to experienced mentor players, and they will always be answered kindly.
If you need further tips, MeinMMO editor Irina Moritz has written you a comprehensive beginner’s guide that explains everything about Final Fantasy XIV.
