FINAL FANTASY XIV: What is, Review and More!
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Final Fantasy 14 (FF14) has taken the world by storm with its engaging expansions and captivating gameplay. Despite having around 40 million registered players, many are still unfamiliar with the game or confused about its unique numbering. If these issues are keeping you from playing or if you’re just curious, worry no more! This guide will ensure you’re up to date and ready to enjoy your adventure in the world of Eorzea.
What Is Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Square Enix. Launched in 2010, it has undergone significant transformations, with “A Realm Reborn” being a pivotal reboot in 2013. Unlike traditional MMORPGs, FF14 blends a single-player RPG feel with multiplayer elements, offering a unique gaming experience.
How Does Final Fantasy 14 Work?
Unlike other MMORPGs, Final Fantasy 14 has a rather unique approach.
Balancing what it means to be an online game all while keeping the single player RPG spirit in mind, the title makes players embark on a single, pre-made story all while mixing NPC party members with other players during battles.
Instead of throwing the player into the wild and letting them explore at their own will, finding quests and regions alike, 14 caters to those more akin to a traditional Final Fantasy experience.
The result is that since these stories are handcrafted from the beginning, gamers experience what is almost an anime series with themselves being at the helm of the journey.
From a “A Realm Reborn” all the way to the latest expansion “Endwalker”, gamers embark on the story of their own “Warrior of Light” and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, an organization that share the common goal of helping the people of Eorzea.
The World of Eorzea
Eorzea is a rich and diverse world filled with vibrant regions and cities. From the bustling streets of Ul’dah to the serene forests of Gridania, each area offers unique landscapes and story arcs. Players embark on epic journeys, experiencing stories that are as captivating as an anime series, with themselves as the protagonists.
FINAL FANTASY XIV: Character Creation and Classes
Choosing your race and class is the first step in your adventure. FF14 offers a variety of races, including Hyur, Miqo’te, and Lalafell, each with distinct traits. Classes range from melee fighters like Warriors to magical spellcasters like Black Mages. Your choice will shape your gameplay experience, so choose wisely!
FINAL FANTASY XIV Gameplay Mechanics
The combat system in FF14 is dynamic and engaging, with each class having unique abilities and roles. Crafting and gathering are integral parts of the game, allowing players to create powerful items and gear. Progression involves leveling up your character, unlocking new skills, and completing quests that drive the story forward.
Multiplayer Features
Despite its single-player elements, FF14 is rich with multiplayer content. You can team up with friends to explore dungeons, battle menacing bosses, and embark on raids against formidable enemies. Joining guilds, known as Free Companies, provides a sense of community and access to group activities and events.
Expansions and Updates
FF14 has released several expansions, each adding new storylines, regions, and gameplay features. From “A Realm Reborn” to the latest “Endwalker,” these expansions continue to expand the game’s universe. The newly announced expansion, “Dawntrail,” promises even more content and adventures for players.
Server and Region Availability
Initially available in the US, Europe, and Asia, FF14 has expanded its server locations to include Australia, enhancing the gameplay experience for players in the Oceanic region. Future expansions are likely as the player base continues to grow.
FINAL FANTASY XIV Tips for New Players
Starting FF14 can be daunting, but these tips will help you get on the right track:
- Follow the main story quests to level up efficiently.
- Join a Free Company for support and social interaction.
- Practice your class skills to master your role in battles.
Advanced Strategies
To optimize your gameplay, focus on mastering your class abilities and understanding game mechanics. Advanced players can delve into optimizing their gear, strategizing for raids, and participating in high-level content to challenge their skills.
Community and Social Features
Engaging with the FF14 community enhances the gaming experience. Participate in events, join discussions, and share your adventures with fellow players. The game offers numerous social features, from in-game events to player-organized activities.
Future of Final Fantasy 14
FF14’s future looks promising, with developers continually updating and expanding the game. The upcoming “Dawntrail” expansion and potential new regions hint at even more adventures to come. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
Can You Play Final Fantasy 14 With Friends?
Despite seeming like a single player game at times, it is totally possible to play Final Fantasy 14 with your friends! While the story is being told from a perspective where the gamer itself is the protagonist, all of the playable activities are done with other people.
Exploring dungeons, fighting menacing bosses and embarking on raids against powerful enemies fill the game with multiplayer content to the brim.
This is where the MMO aspect of the title shines, and as long as you and your friends have cleared the same section of the story, all of its battles and activities are accessible by multiple players all at once.
Want to play online games without lag? Read this article about lag reduction!
Will There Be More Final Fantasy 14 Expansions?
As it was stated in the last Fan Festival hosted in Las Vegas, FF14 seems like it will still be well supported for the years to come!
The newly announced expansion is called Dawntrail, and will see the Warriors of Light not only arriving at a brand new continent to explore, but shall place many of the Scions against each other due to some sort of internal turmoil.
This will also mark a great moment for new players to jump into the game.
As the developers have stated during interviews that they’re looking for ways so that gamers can start from the latest arc in the story.
Instead of having to go through over 10 years of story through its previous adventures, making it more accessible for those that just want to play with their friends right from the get go!
Will Final Fantasy 14 Be Hosted In More Regions?
After many years of only being hosted in the US, Europe and Asia, the Final Fantasy 14 team has finally started expanding its horizons.
Due to the constant growth the title has seen since the release of Shadowbringers back in 2019, Square Enix has expanded its services to the oceanic region with the launch of the Australian servers, making the game have a better gameplay experience for those living further away.
It is unsure what their next plan is when it comes to launching more servers but with the rate at which its player base is growing, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the game being better distributed in the years to come.
Final Fantasy 14 offers a unique blend of single-player and multiplayer experiences, set in the enchanting world of Eorzea. With ongoing expansions and updates, there’s always something new to explore. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, FF14 provides endless opportunities for excitement and camaraderie.
Does Lag Affect Final Fantasy 14?
Unfortunately, as is the nature with most MMORPGs and other online games, FF14 is no stranger when it comes to dealing with lag or other latency bound problems.
Making matters even worse, since the title is currently only being distributed in very few regions, issues such as constant rollbacks, actions feeling delayed and connection stutters are common among a high section of the player base.
Dealing with Lag and Latency
Lag and latency can be frustrating, especially in a game as dynamic as FF14. Common issues include delayed actions and connection stutters. Using tools like ExitLag can significantly improve your connection, providing a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience.
How to fix Lag In Final Fantasy 14
The good news is that ExitLag comes in handy to help remedy these situations!
Being highly efficient in other MMOs such as World of Warcraft, Black Desert Online, Guild Wars 2 and etc, our services provide gamers the best pathway to their server of choice, even if they’re miles away from you.
When it comes to Final Fantasy 14, having a high response time will not only make your rotations be executed on time, but having a lower ping will make escaping those large AoE zones much easier as the game will have a better awareness of your current location!
This is not only a great help for you, but for your entire static team when the time to fight against powerful raid bosses arrives.
Learn how to use ExitLag and get the best performance!
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FAQ
Yes, FF14 offers extensive multiplayer features, allowing you to team up with friends for various activities.
Yes, the “Dawntrail” expansion is on the horizon, promising new content and adventures.
Using tools like ExitLag can help reduce lag and improve your connection for a better gameplay experience.
Free Companies are player-run guilds that offer social interaction, support, and group activities.
Yes, the game has recently expanded to include Australian servers, with potential for more regions in the future.
ExitLag is a powerful tool designed to optimize your connection to game servers. It works by finding the best possible routes for your data, reducing ping and eliminating lag. You can use ExitLag to fix lag in FF14
