After a nearly-year-long wait, Final Fantasy 14 will finally debut on the Xbox Series S/X on March 21. The upcoming port represents a significant step forward for the budding partnership between Square Enix and Xbox.
From March 21 through April 19, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can claim the Final Fantasy 14: Starter Edition as a free perk. This edition comprises the base game, A Realm Reborn, along with the first two expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood, and 30 days of free game time. It’s a compelling offer for subscribers and a unique way to jumpstart their adventures in Eorzea.
Prospective adventurers should note the critical differences between the free trial and the Starter Edition. While the free trial allows indefinite access to its content up to level 70 without a subscription, it imposes certain restrictions like a gil cap and limitations on market board access and player trading. These restrictions are aimed at combating in-game fraud, such as gold farming. Conversely, the Starter Edition lifts these restrictions, providing a more unrestricted experience of the game’s early content. However, players must begin paying the MMO’s subscription fee after the initial 30 days provided by the Starter Edition. This decision between the two options depends on the player’s preferences and their willingness to subscribe.
Previously exclusive to PC and PlayStation platforms, FF14‘s Xbox debut has been long-awaited, following initial hints of its arrival by Xbox boss Phil Spencer in 2019. The Xbox version supports 4K graphics on Series X and benefits from fast loading times on both Series X and S models.
Looking ahead, players can anticipate the Dawntrail expansion in Summer 2024. FF14‘s latest expansion introduces a level cap increase, new jobs, gear, and dungeons, alongside a graphical update for all players.
With additional expansions like Shadowbringers and Endwalker already enriching the FF14 experience, Dawntrail should only add to the ever-evolving world of Eorzea.
Final Fantasy 14‘s rise has been nothing short of amazing to follow. The game became so popular that Square Enix had to stop putting the game up for sale because its servers could no longer handle the load. With Xbox players finally joining the fray, FF14 should last several more years, especially with Yoshi-P now free of other obligations now that he’s close to finished to rolling out all the necessary updates for Final Fantasy 16.
As for Square Enix, more of its games are headed to Xbox. While FF16 remains unlikely despite the rumors, Visions of Mana will be a day one release on Xbox.
