FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

Amazing game with the best community , challenges , story, and character buildups

THIS IS NOT A REVIEW BUT A CRY FOR HELP!!!!1!!1

One day I was just strolling around the park minding my own business, when suddenly Yoshi-P knocked me over the head and dragged me into his basement. He kept mumbling something about the "Lalas need a sacrifice" and that he'll "teach them(???) to like Wuk Lamat or else" as he made me play this stupid game every single waking hour of the day.

It's been several months now and I can't even remember what the sun looked like. If anyone reads this please send help, and in case I don't make it tell my wife and my cat that I love them.

OH CRAP I CAN HEAR HIM COMING DOWN THE STA

This is an RPG with MMO aspects to it type game. It's almost exclusively solo leveling with cut scenes and interactions that are like playing any really in depth RPG. The story is hands down one of the most interesting and addictive story lines I have ever started. I have played now 241 hours and have barely gotten into the second part of the story or just completed the first half of the first expansion. I can see it will be a very long time before I ever make it to Dawntrail which I did purchase because why not? If you love LORE and deep rich story that will keep you wondering what is going happen next while you are logged out then this is one you should give a try.

Good game!

I came from World of Warcraft and never looked back, the fact that 1 character can be all jobs/classes really helps with my Alt-a-holic-isum (i had like 50 alts on wow)

There is also a heavy focus on story.

Joe-cat on youtube called this a "RPGMMO" due to the fact that its closer to a normal RPG with MMO elements added in.

Overall its a great game that's been made with care and it shows. The grind to current endgame is long but the community is very welcoming and forgiving.

As with most games its best played with friends but if you're a solo player then there's bound to be an FC (stands for free company, this games "clans" or "guilds" where players group up) thats right for you, if you wanna make friends, just grind solo, or dabble in and out of content.

The game throws a lot at you right away, but if you take your time to read all the tips and ask for help if you need it (or look up a guide on youtube) then you should be ok.

This is from a "Filthy Casual" perspective by the way, im not a hardcore savage player but with over 3000 hours in the game....i guess its ok ;)

The process to stop renewals is stupid hard to find. They make if very difficult to stop giving them money. This also isn't an MMO. Like, it's online, it's big but it's not multiplayer. The majority of my time spent was doing solo story quests and I still can't get to the mog city.

tried to come back after a couple years and found that my game code is invalid and my account suspended and that I need to check my email, no email, no option to send another email and support will not respond.

Take my review with a grain of salt, I've played a free trial twice. This happens because I truly want to fall in love, like I did with XI... and I just cant find it. As frustrating as it was to require a group after lv10, I think this has gone too far the other way. I made it to the quest obtained paladin gear without any social interaction besides the drop in fights, where besides being alongside other players there was no convo. I'm sure if I do my due diligence I could find a group to play with and that would change my opinion, but I just don't feel the attachment that I did to my ol' avatar. I also know the old graphics for XI weren't groundbreaking, but I remember one of our arguments being the "adult" graphics vs the largest MMO of the time (maybe still lol) for them to go ultra cartoony here. That said, it is a beautiful world and the character art is clean just much more like other MMO titles that we were "competing" with back in XI. Leaving a not recommended for those XI die-hards that were looking to come into the modern era, this just isn't hitting the ol' feels for me... otherwise pretty fun and maybe I'll give it another go when I'm ready for another time devourer.

Please pay attention to every single cut scene. If you dont you what know whats going on at any point. And even if you do you'll probably have forgotten what Tataru is talking about when you log back in but thats okay, she's got it covered, you just hit it with a stick.

Game had a lot to do but honestly all of it felt really shallow, jack of all trades master of none kind of game. The combat never really feels like it evolves, even when you get to ultimates and even by MMO standards it's pretty boring. Only played to hang out with friends, left when they were gone.

If you like Final Fantasy and play MMOs, this one beats most. Always something to do.

I wanted, and tried really hard, to like this game but I just couldnt. I played the base game and then the next expansion - the dungeons are great and classes/profession system very good but thats were it stopped for me. The stories, that everyone raves about, bored me to absolute tears. The constant travelling for a 30 second dialogue with a NPC to progress through the story just made me so frustrated. I dont agree that theres lots to do outside the story - I found the other activities unsatisfying on the whole. And then finally theres the ridiculous little 'cute' lalafell that I just couldnt take seriously. Theres no immersion for me, the graphics are very old and tired. The community is friendly but theres almost a cult like fan base who, and I quote, are walking advertisements for the game. I just dont get the hype sorry - but each to their own.

best MMO ever, has everything that a MMO has to, awesome story, great mechanics

You can go to dungeons with NPCs which makes -at least to begin with- this mmorpg single user friendly. The selling system and crafting are a little wonky. But once you get used to doing it, it's just like any other game. Lots of players to interact with and a solid RP community.

the graphics and styles of classes u classes u can choose as well play with soo many friends !!

good game. i am big about character customization so that was nice. good graphics and smooth game play. a large step up from the games I usually play. good for beginners or the seasoned RPG players.

one of the best games I've played beautifully written story lots of stuff to do a must play for mmorpg and final fantasy fans it does start out slow though for like the first 100 hours but once you get pass all the boring stuff it gets so good. just wish I had friends that play it :(

I tried getting back into the game after around 3 years I couldnt sign in so I tried forgot password and used my email to be told there is no account with this email so I double check my emails from 2021 and I see plain as day they were sending me updates on the game through that email so I was like whatever Ill make a new account I try to make a new account and it asks for my registration key from steam and it wont work because it has already been used thanks square enix

This game has taught me that I’ve outgrown MMOs. However, if you enjoy the genre, this is an excellent game. I’ll recommend it because it’s well-crafted, respects the player, and delivers a great story. But for me personally, it’s a pass.

It took a minute to get into the game but its been a lot of fun. I'm 80 hours in, and people said the game gets really fun at level 50. I'm level 54 but was hooked on the story by level 30. Great game =)

The story to the end of Endwalker is a life-defining experience, even if the game completely falls off afterwards 2.0-6.0 is worth every hour

So I loved the game at one point and was playing it off and on since 2010. I took a huge break however around 2017, and didn't come back till late 2023 to where my view of it went from enjoyable to not. I have over 3000 hours on steam and a good bit of time on console on top of that, but upon coming back I've realized the community went from great to complete garbage. This was on Goblin by the way. All the game is now is a 2nd life sim apparently and just trauma dumping.

Never have I once had any problems with anyone from 2010-2017, but heaven forbid once I came back in late 2023, all I ran into were people that weren't really in it to play as they were other things. I spent half a year trying to find a good FC and people to play the game with, but I would always end up in some FC that did nothing but use plugins like mare and just want to ERP or suck at each others face all day. Basically, got tricked into joining every single one, then find out a month or two later why they really play. Like this is fine and all, but some of us don't want to be dragged into that. Pretty sad some of them do this to pull people in by lying, to find out they don't do any of the content they said they did that you were looking for.

That's another thing, you don't have mare? Most won't bother talking to you. You don't have or want to use discord? Good luck trying to get anyone to chat in FC chat, and they always wondered why people left when only a few of us even attempted at communicating within the game. Like I get using discord VC for dungeons and events etc, but come on, the in game chat is there for a reason and you all wonder why people keep leaving when all they hear are crickets because your clique is all that matters. Never was this as big of an issue when TS, Vent, ICQ, AIM, and skype etc were a thing, everyone talked to each other, but discords just basically mandatory now. You do have mare though? Don't share your code with just anyone otherwise you'll regret it.

Then you got so many stalkers and creeps that'll constantly sexually harass you, and before DT improved the blacklisting this was annoying to deal with, and even after DT it still wasn't perfect since half the time you'd think they were decent folks till you shared discord details just to find out otherwise and get harassed there. Those same people would do workarounds to communicate with you or try and the amount of those I've ran into who don't respect boundaries is astounding. It got annoying to get on just to become someones therapist and get trauma dumped on for the 100th time on a daily basis, like I don't care, I just want to play and have fun. Not spend it reporting or blacklisting people over them getting too attached or not able to take no as an answer.

You can't even ask someone if they need help with mechanics if they keep dying to it for the 50th time, they'll get mad. You can't even ask a simple question without someone throwing insults, like really? Then you got so called "Positive toxicity" like no get over it, I'm not enabling such crappy behavior. Some folks even tried to make it a mission to ruin your time playing if you so much as set boundaries to not deal with their personal life, not why I'm playing. Realized it was time to quit for good so I deleted my character so I wouldn't return.

TLDR: Game used to be great, yet the community turned to complete garbage somewhere over the past 8 years or I'm just super unlucky. Met a few good people, but you're better off playing something else or finding a server where it's not this bad, which I wouldn't be surprised if that's not possible. WoW's BS community is much better and tame compared to FFXIV's, and I hate WoW. Everyone's nice and fake till they show otherwise, and it's just 1000x worse after you know. Go get some help and goto therapy, not worth the stress.

This game has a great story through the first 2 expansions that I've played through so far. The combat is fun for being such an older game. I highly recommend FFXIV if you are looking for a game to spend countless hours on!

The game has it's own charm, definitely worth trying, however some quests are boring and most of them require a lot of talking and teleportation. Sometimes you literally teleport to 4 different locations and speak with 4 different npcs before any action starts. Many quests are "go there, bring that" and it gets boring very quickly.

Graphics are amazing

Final Fantasy XIV isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. What began as a rocky, near-disastrous launch has risen, phoenix-like, to become one of the greatest MMORPGs ever made. Combining unparalleled storytelling, a vast and vibrant world, and gameplay that caters to every type of player, FFXIV transcends its genre to deliver something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned MMO veteran or a complete newcomer, this is a game that will draw you in and refuse to let go.

From the moment you create your character and step into the bustling streets of Ul’dah or Gridania, you’re embarking on a journey that will take you across continents, through time and space, and to the edge of existence itself. But what makes Final Fantasy XIV so remarkable isn’t just the story or the gameplay—it’s how it makes you feel.

At the heart of FFXIV lies its narrative, and calling it good feels like an understatement. It’s the gold standard for storytelling in MMOs, rivaling even single-player RPGs in scope and emotional impact. You start as a humble adventurer, but as the Warrior of Light, you’ll face gods, monsters, and existential threats to the very fabric of the universe. A Realm Reborn lays a solid foundation, but the expansions—each one better than the last—elevate the story to legendary heights.

Heavensward is a tale of dragons and redemption, Stormblood explores themes of revolution and freedom, and Shadowbringers flips the traditional light-versus-dark narrative on its head, delivering one of the most memorable stories in gaming. By the time you reach Endwalker, an emotional, bittersweet conclusion to a decade-long saga, you’ll feel as though you’ve truly lived through these adventures. The characters, from stoic Alphinaud to fan-favorite G’raha Tia, become more than NPCs—they’re companions, mentors, and friends you’ll never forget.

But Final Fantasy XIV isn’t just about watching a story unfold; it’s about being part of it. The game’s flexible job system allows you to play every class on a single character, encouraging you to experiment and find your niche. Whether you prefer tanking as a Paladin, healing as a White Mage, or dishing out damage as a Dragoon, every job feels distinct and rewarding. And the combat, while approachable for newcomers, scales up to offer a challenge that will test even the most seasoned players in high-end raids.

Yet, FFXIV isn’t solely about combat. For those who crave a more relaxed experience, the game offers robust crafting, gathering, and even fishing systems that could be entire games on their own. You can decorate your house, run a market empire, or simply spend hours fishing in serene landscapes. The freedom to play your way is one of FFXIV’s greatest strengths, making it just as rewarding for casual players as it is for hardcore raiders.

The world of Eorzea, along with its expansions, is nothing short of breathtaking. Every location, from the glittering deserts of Thanalan to the icy spires of Ishgard, feels alive and meticulously crafted. The expansions continue this trend, introducing unforgettable areas like Shadowbringers’ The First, a realm steeped in eternal daylight, and Endwalker’s surreal vistas at the edge of existence. Complementing the stunning visuals is the game’s musical score, a masterpiece by Masayoshi Soken. From gentle town themes to heart-pounding boss tracks, the music enhances every moment, leaving a lasting impression that extends beyond the game.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Final Fantasy XIV is its community. In an online world that can often feel hostile or impersonal, FFXIV’s players are a beacon of kindness and camaraderie. Newcomers, affectionately called “sprouts,” are welcomed with advice, gifts, and encouragement. The game’s mentor system ensures that veterans are there to guide the way, and you’ll rarely encounter toxicity, even in high-pressure raids. Beyond the gameplay, the community shines in its creativity, hosting everything from in-game concerts to elaborate role-playing events and charity drives.

Even if you’re new to MMOs, FFXIV is remarkably accessible. The free trial—immortalized as a meme—offers an almost absurd amount of content, including A Realm Reborn and the critically acclaimed Heavensward expansion, without a subscription fee. It’s the perfect way to dip your toes into this sprawling world, and before you know it, you’ll be eagerly planning your next in-game adventure.

But what truly sets Final Fantasy XIV apart is its soul. It’s a game that offers not just entertainment, but a sense of belonging. Whether you’re facing a god-tier raid boss, fishing by a tranquil lake, or dancing with strangers in Limsa Lominsa, you’ll find moments of joy, wonder, and connection. Few games can make you laugh, cry, and cheer as often as this one, and fewer still can inspire the kind of loyalty and love that FFXIV enjoys from its community.

At its core, Final Fantasy XIV is about the journey—and it’s a journey worth taking. Whether you’re saving the world or simply trying to get your glamor just right, there’s no place quite like Eorzea. So grab your gear, summon your chocobo, and join the millions of adventurers who have already discovered the magic of this incredible game. Just remember: the true endgame isn’t raiding. It’s glamour. Always glamour.

The road is long but well worth the journey. God damn this game is good.

Now that I have finished Endwalker, I need to express the importance of this game. This may be my favorite I've ever experienced. The story is one of genuine beauty with every character, every detail, and every twist being treated with immense sincerity. So much of the writing points to a major theme that is etched in the essence of everything XIV encompasses: hope in the face of despair. The many stories through each expansion told may focus on their respective conflicts that eventually tie within one another, but the lessons of hope always shines over it all, leaving an irreplaceable impact on my very being. Everything has been tailored to perfection with attentive care, from the character dynamics that keep you grounded when the scales are massive, to the major plot points and worldbuilding that engulfs you whole as you journey through this immersive world. This moved me in ways I was never expecting starting this years ago and I don't think I could experience something like this game ever again.

The content of the game also adds to the amount of love I've felt, feeling infinite and sometimes overwhelming with how many choices there are. The fashion, raiding, PvP, farming, crafting, it all leaves me with so much to do every week and never fails to value my time as a player. The fact that there are little FOMO elements make it even better, never feeling forced to go out of my way to do something.

The social features are probably one of my favorite aspects however. I've met so many wonderful friends from just sitting and talking in the major cities or asking for help in party finder. It's been helping me get out of my anxious shell I usually hide in with games like this, making me realize how important human interaction is in a game so massive in scale.

Final Fantasy XIV is seriously worth the price point and monthly subscription. I don't regret ever starting it and I can't wait to put even more hours into it. Seriously feels like a love letter to those who appreciate great storytelling, memorable characters, and just Final Fantasy fans. If you want an MMO and don't know where to start, this is the one.

FFXIV is a basic MMO and nails all the fundamentals. Is it the best, nope. Better than wow imho. Simple, and actually is a lot more fun if you just play as you want to which is how I think it was designed. I've played it off and on for many years. I get bored, or into something else, I un-sub. When I get the "itch" I come back. And its easy to come back to which is one reason I really do recommend it. Its not super complicated, and while there is a ton of things to do, nothing forces you to do any one thing unless you want to. The gear grind is not extreme, and the content isn't hard enough to require mods (which aren't allowed and I think that is a good thing). There is very hard content, but its not a necessity, its there if you want it and there is not a ton of it so skipping it doesn't leave you feeling like you missed out. For these reasons I Recommend FFXIV. I do wish the developers would invest a little more of their big $$$ into world content instead of funding their other games with the sub-money of FFXIV and that is my only real complaint. The game has one of the better communities out there, it used to be better and I think thats across all gaming in general hate & greed are a disease and its worked its way into the FFXIV community as well. However its still better than any (and i mean ANY) other MMO. Which is another point in the win column for FFXIV.

Anyway, its a deep game with a ton of content if a little dated (i mean its 10+ years old now) and something you can do without feeling like you'll miss out unless you burn yourself out trying to catch up to the "lifers". Community is good as a whole and its generally very stable.

still in realm reborn but i see its potential and i like some story beats

OH MY DAYS. Imagine World of Warcraft where you can do ALL the professions; the music and story is enriching and you have such a friendly community! I know nothing about Final Fantasy but I am a huge fan of this, definitely recommend!

Square Enix is like any other government. Perpetuating a massive housing crisis and disregarding the needs of its citizens by ensuring housing supplies are limited and only in the hands of the uber rich. Everything else is wonderful.

Judging my hours, it's weird for me to say that I have mixed feelings about this game.
Is it good? Yea. I'd say pretty good. But FAR from perfect. There are so many other MMO's that have features working better than FF14 and it pains me to see this game in such a state of... wasted potential? However, what makes FF14 so good and fun to play is that it gives you so much stuff to do that you barely find yourself wondering what to do. There's always something, and nothing feels meaningless. THAT is what makes it good.

Starting with positives:

It has compelling stories both base game and throughout the expansions - don't let reviews fool you, because with most things, it comes down to taste. No story is objectively good or bad - you just either don't enjoy it because it isn't for you, or you enjoy it because it is for you. I personally liked them.

Crafting and Gathering, unlike in other games, doesn't feel like a stupid, stretchy grind. Not saying that it isn't, because it definitely is, but it works much better and the "minigames" you have during crafting or gathering are enjoyable little "shut your head off" times. If you're spent from grinding dungeons, raids or trials, go level a crafter or gatherer. It's so relaxing.

Speaking of content: The designs of the Raids, Dungeons and Trials are phenomenal and only get better with expansions. Some of them feel super cinematic, others just lull you in with their atmosphere and music. There's also something this game does better than other games when it comes to older content - you can "unsync" dungeons, raids and trials, which means you can go in as a high level character and oneshot the enemies to get their loot. Since 70% of the content is outdated and the loot is only usable as Skins (called "Glamour" in this game), you'll get your hands on your desired skins, pets or mounts very easily without having to queue for content no one plays anymore. Huge quality of life effects here.

Leveling alts is made very easy, because you only ever need one character. Your starting class (Job in this game) does not decide what you are. You can start as a Warrior and play all the way to 100, but if you want another class, you can speak to a guild and swap to it. Your one character can learn and level EVERY class available in the game. Plus - if you already have a high level class, leveling the lower ones will go faster thanks to the so called armory bonus. Meaning you don't have to painfully grind from lvl 1-100 in the same amount of time. You get tons of bonus XP, which makes it much easier to get other classes to higher levels.

Now with all those things in mind, the game does sound incredible, doesn't it? Sadly, for my taste, there are points that make me disappointed in it regardless.

Outdated gameplay system:

It feels like playing an MMO from the early 2000's. While I understand the original FF14 came out 2010, the actual game we play today, which started 2013 with "A Realm Reborn" and replaced the failed original game, we can see that there was a lot of time to rework the clunkiness of the game. It is just hard to look at when you play things like Guild Wars 2 or Elder Scrolls Online. Given that GW2 came out 2012 - one year before FF14 launched its new approach - and has infinitely better graphics and gameplay/movement/combat, it's just sad to see FF14 this clunky and outdated. I can only enjoy this game so much before I grow tired of the same static gameplay for hours on end.

Housing:

FF14 still relies on the extremely stupid approach of making houses actual unique objects, meaning there is only a limited amount of houses available to the entire playerbase. To compare it to something that makes much more sense - Elder Scrolls Online utilizes individual instances for houses, meaning every player can own every house, because each player is assigned an instance of it. Also, in FF14, you lose your house if you aren't online for 40 days. That means 3,1 million Gil down the drain, because that is the minimum betting price for the smallest house size. There's no refund.

Classes are unique - until they aren't:

This might be a more nitpicky thing to say, because in essence, every MMO relies on the same individual formula. My major caveat with FF14 is that no matter what class you play, you fall back to the same systems and copypasted abilities while having a marginally different rotation and some unique class abilities.

All melee DPS have positional requirements. Sometimes you flank an enemy, sometimes you attack from the rear, sometimes it doesn't matter where you stand. You get different buffs per class that have the same or extremely similar effect. You get the same abilities to heal yourself or remove positional requirements for a certain time (and by "the same" I mean literally the same - these skills are copypasted to each class, same name, same icon, same effect.) Nothing unique here except for the class-specific actions that are sometimes a bit more complex (Ninja, Samurai) and sometimes very straight forward (Dragoon, Monk)

All tanks have copypasted mitigation skills + two class specifics that, again, do almost the same thing just with a different name. Every tank can become invulnerable. You see where I'm getting? In essence, the only variety you have are the animations and rotations, but it doesn't matter if you play a Warrior or a Paladin. Dark Knight is a bit more different because it's limping behind the other tanks so you have to use your panic buttons a bit more, but... that's it.

All in all, I will still recommend this game. It is, after all, a pleasent experience and fun when you overlook the downsides. It's by no means a terrible game. It's sadly just never used the full potential which is available nowadays. Alas, I enjoy my time, I love my guildmates and the friends I met in the game, so with my mixed feelings, I recommend everyone to give it a try!

Did you know that the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV has a free trial, and includes the entirety of A Realm Reborn AND the award-winning Heavensward and Stormblood expansions up to level 70 with no restrictions on playtime? Sign up, and enjoy Eorzea today! - seriously though, one of the most fun times ive had with friends, definitely recommend

a game i keep coming back to every day or two i enjoy the story so far been doing side quest alot also i say its worth a shot for some not so much

Play mainly on PlayStation, have a total playtime of 6229 hours.
Its an OK game, worth the money if you want to mindlessly play a game.

-Visuals, nothing special that that will attract you over a single player game.
-Music is hit and miss. Most of the time I just play muted and use my own music or watch Youtube and movies. There's maybe 8 songs I will actually will listen to from this game.
-Gameplay is very basic, if you like hitting buttons like you have ADD this is the MMORPG for you. Levels are easy to get just spam Dungeons or do Deep Dungeons or be like most people these days and just buy levels and campaign completions.
As for the many jobs Final Fantasy is known for, FFXIV has grouped most of them into different fields,
Yes Roles(ie: Tank, Healer, DPS) but even more now. Healers, there are 4 healers, 2 regen healers and 2 shield healers. they essentially do the same but are named different. This goes for just about every job.
As for updates through the years, SE has added, removed and changed skill/spells many times and have said some skills were a mistake but wont remove(yet) and others get reworked/removed almost immediately.
As for end game content, there are really 2 types that are constent, Savage and Extreme raids. Basically they are about the same. You fight a tough boss with mechanics that are very punishing if your not watching.
But the real end game for this game is really just Glamour, fashion.
-Story is also hit and miss. ARR is an ok start, Heavensward was mostly a blur for me(some dislike it, very few actually like it), Stormblood was better, ShadowBringer was good, Endwalker was definitely the best so far, and the latest expansion Dawntrail was just boring.

As you may have picked up I have a love/hate relationship with this game. FFXIV can be worth it but other times you'll want to just let your subscription expire for some time then come back after awhile.

Try the Demo, You can literally Play the entire story before even thinking about if you want to commit or not to the monthly service

This game has a crazy amount of crazy awesome content. I've gotten at least an hour of content out of this game for every penny I've spent on it... and I've gotten some very nice stuff from the online store...

Really good combat and the story in the expansions is great

Main Story Quest is TERRIBLE! It's boring and has hundreds and hundreds of delivery quests. More than half of them starts with "Speak with...". This game does not respect your time. Be ready to be delivery guy...
In some quests you need to talk to the same NPC but in different locations.
Everything is locked behind Main Story Quest so you HAVE to do it!

I don't think I need to say a lot about this game that hasn't already been said. Been playing it on and off for the past few years and it's just a great JRPG that also happens to be an MMO. Pretty good community for the most part and worth a try at the least. The Free Trial is super generous in this game including the first 2 expansions and gives you PLENTY of time to tell if you like it enough to start a subscription. If you're on the edge, just give it a shot! Maybe find a friend or two to get into it with or start engaging with the community. There is something for everyone in this game!

Great game, great and helpful community, good story although slow. About 200 different ways to play the game, it's constantly fresh and there's no shortage of things to do. I highly recommend if you're looking for a time sink. It's not pay to win either which is a huge plus.

I'm not traditionally a MMO player, but I am loving this game - from the story to the aesthetics to all of the different stuff that there is to do. Highly recommend.

This MMOPRG has something for everyone.
I'ts cute; Been exploring different worlds; Beautiful lore, quests, raids, leveling system, housing and fashion w/ adorable mounts
Would recommend <3

For anyone getting into this game for the first time DO NOT USE OR BUY STEAM VERSION OF THIS GAME. steam version doesnt work well and has problems when it comes to launching, use the main final fantasy XIV online site launcher or site to purchase the game and make account at trust me youll be not wasting your money on steam version.

Where to begin... I am writing this initially unsure whether to upvote or downvote the game.

FF is a game that has me coming back time and time again. The MMO is aging well as the design is rich and engaging. The thriving community also contributes to how enjoyable this game can be. The world is expansive and filled with characters, stories that are not only interesting but emotionally engaging. The art style of the game is modern enough to be one of the most immersive MMORPGs but also classic enough to feel like I'm booting up my ps2 in the early 2000s giving it a sort of nostalgic feel to someone who was never that involved in the franchise.

Gameplay wise it is fun to put it simply. Its flexible class system, extensive crafting, and gathering options offer a wealth of activities for players, while the combat mechanics are satisfying and dynamic, with regular updates and expansions that keep the experience fresh.

However, FFXIV can be overwhelming for new players. If you are lucky enough to have a veteran you either meet in game or a friend you have to show you the ropes, it is infinitely more enjoyable. Especially with its steep learning curve and the sheer amount of content to absorb. The slow pacing of the early story, particularly in A Realm Reborn, can feel like a slog, and while the game's content is vast, the sheer volume sometimes leads to a sense of grind rather than excitement. Additionally, the reliance on certain "busywork" tasks can detract from the game's more engaging aspects.

Another criticism lies in FFXIV's reliance on the subscription-based model. While this ensures regular updates and continued support, it can be a barrier for casual players who don’t have the time to dedicate to the game regularly. The cost of the subscription can feel harder to justify when the game's pace can be so slow at times, particularly if players are stuck in filler content that feels detached from the core experience. But on the flipside it does ward off, i hope, to some extent the use of mass amounts of ingame microtransactions.

The lack of real challenge in the game's dungeons and raids, especially when it comes to earlier content, can also be a downside. The game caters to a wide range of players, which means that many encounters are simplified to ensure accessibility for everyone. While this is a positive for casual players or those just starting out, it also removes some of the sense of danger and accomplishment. Even endgame content can feel far too easy for veterans who have mastered their classes, leading to frustration when trying to find a truly challenging experience.

Despite the busy work or overwhelming nature that comes inherently with the genre i suppose, the game is enjoyable. It excels in creating a deeply rewarding game system that not only enhances your path throughout the game but also rewarding emotionally as well, of course for those willing to grind it out. For those who are willing to invest the time, the game is enjoyable and the community is welcoming.

I'd tentatively recommend it to anyone looking to get into the MMORPG genre in 2025. Thankfully the free trial is more than enough to get a grasp on whether or not the game is for you.

PS. The community is very welcoming however it can at the beginning feel some what alienating for solo players, especially for someone who does not have their sort of clique yet in the game. The emphasis on community and group content and events can feel somewhat exclusive. Often I find it to be forced social interaction when I just want to grind or play the game for myself for a moment.

Great MMO experience! As a veteran MMO player (largely WoW), I really enjoy playing FFXIV. It has a great community and is worth checking out.

started playing like two or three years ago when Endwalker came out. Just yesterday, I finished the Stormblood expansion. I'm 350 hours into the game. What have I been doing all this time? I've got the deck hoarder title and eventually I want that triple triad card mount. dude. I haven't even started Shadowbringers yet. the delusions of grandeur are real. But hey. game is fun af and the community is very welcoming to new players. lots of cool classes but black mages have the biggest wieners and they just drop those thangs on the enemy like atomic missiles. Anyways. Game is great and I always come crawling back. I might even finish the story who knows!

Do not get Final Fantasy XIV, it installs a virus on your computer called Final Fantasy XIV.

This is the best game i have ever played. the community is very helpful and everyone is so nice (: i cant believe how many hours now that im looking at it, you can easily loose track of time or sleep. there is a spot for every gamer here. ive yet to find a bug and most games i find them pretty quickly, this is such quality content! there is so much to explore! i loved the Fall Guys event the rewards where amazing!!!

If you have the pathways to pay the subscription to play it is very addictive and a great way to make friends!

- Came for the story
- Quit because of the story

Babysitting something like THAT (Wuk Lamat) felt degrading.