Announced during the Xbox Partner Preview yesterday, publisher SQUARE ENIX will have their ongoing MMO ‘Final Fantasy XIV Online’ leave its open beta state on the 21st of March, allowing Xbox Series players to fully purchase the game and returning slash current players to link their Xbox accounts to their current XIV memberships. That’s just a month shy of its open beta launch back in late February, which currently offers a free trial to swathes of content.
Also announced during the stream is that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will have access to the “Starter Edition” of the game, giving them access to the base games and expansion packs all the way to the game’s ‘Stormblood’ release. However, do note that redeeming this version of the game immediately disqualifies you from being able to the free trial—you will need to begin paying for the game’s monthly subscription service immediately should you choose to take the Starter Edition, so it’s a good idea to give the trial a spin before you jump in. One last thing to note is that XIV also requires you to pay for Game Pass Core or Ultimate to play the game, as it is also gated behind Microsoft’s paid online services. Lastly, note that the game will only be available on Xbox Series consoles.
With this release out of the way, the company marches forth to the game’s next expansion ‘Dawntrail’. You can read more about that release here if you’re interested. Til then, why not rekindle your ‘World of Warcraft’ addiction?
Wait, so I can use the same account and character I have on PC? I own the base game and first expansion from way back but only started playing again a few months ago. So on Xbox i could use my GPU to keep playing with all the expansions? If so that’s awesome.
You can use the same character you already have on PC, but the starter edition that’s free with GPU only includes the first two expansions. Once you get past Stormblood you’ll have to get the $60 edition.
I’ve been playing with a controller since 2013. I guess I’m just used to it? I have a keyboard plugged into the Xbox for chatting but other than that I have no problem doing everything on the controller.
Am I correct in my understanding that even with Gamepass Ultimate and buying their top edition (Gold, or whatnot) release with all of the expansions, I would still have to pay an additional monthly fee to play FFXIV?
I believe you can continue off with your existing account. Just have to link with your Xbox account. Note: you can only do it once. Changing would not work.
Better than I was expecting honestly.
