FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Open Beta is now available on Xbox Series X|S
Join the open beta and play the award-winning online RPG on Xbox today! Here’s everything you need to know about the open beta, including how to join and starter tips.Xbox owners: it is time. The realm of Eorzea is open for new adventurers from today, as the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online open beta goes live on Xbox Series X|S consoles.
More than 30 million adventurers have forged their destinies in this critically acclaimed MMORPG, and now a whole host of new players can experience the magic for themselves. You’ll explore vast locations, from dense forests to desolate deserts, embark on dangerous quests inside sprawling dungeons and uncover a rich and engaging story that puts you in the role of the hero.
In other words, it’s a really good time, whether you’re venturing forth with friends or jumping in solo. Read on and we'll do our best to answer any questions you may have about what’s in the beta.
What’s in the open beta?
The beta includes all content that’s available in the free trial. That means you can play through the original A Realm Reborn story, as well as the acclaimed expansions Heavensward and Stormblood, up to level 70 with no restrictions on playtime.
That’s a lot of content - essentially the equivalent of three full FINAL FANTASY games - absolutely free.
What’s more, all the progress you make in the beta will carry over to the full game on release, so you can pick up where you left off, dive into the superb Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions and be ready for the upcoming Dawntrail when it releases this summer!
Do note that there are several in-game feature restrictions during the open beta period which can be reviewed here.
How do I join the open beta?
To join the open beta, simply download the free trial from the Xbox Store. When you start FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, you’ll be guided through registration and sign-in, be able to create your character, choose a server to play on and more.
It’s all designed to be quick and easy to understand, so you’ll be playing the game in no time!
Can I join the beta if I’m an existing player?
If you’re already playing the free trial or full game on a different platform, you won’t be able to join on Xbox during the open beta. However, you will be able to play with your existing account and characters when you purchase the Xbox version once official service begins.
Can I enjoy the game as a solo player?
FINAL FANTASY XIV Online is always online, it’s right there in the name, but if you prefer to adventure alone rather than with friends, then you absolutely can. The Xbox version also includes the Duty Support system, which lets you tackle main scenario content with NPCs rather than other players.
Every main scenario dungeon in the game supports this, so it’s possible to enjoy the entire story (and it’s a great story) on your lonesome.
Do you have any tips and tricks for new players?
FINAL FANTASY XIV Online is a big game with a massive amount to both see and do. So, to help you get started, we’ve put together some simple advice for getting to grips with the game.
Don’t be daunted
As mentioned, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online has a frankly enormous amount of content, and a very passionate player base. You may have seen people excitedly talking about characters, the world, and the things they’ve done… and not had a clue what they’re going on about.
It can make starting the game feel quite daunting, but don’t worry. The game is specifically designed to be welcoming to new players. So just dive in, have fun, explore the world at your own pace, engage with the activities you want to engage with and just relax and enjoy yourself. The world will reveal its many secrets to you in time - and soon you’ll be one of those people talking excitedly about your experiences!
Prioritize quests marked with a meteor or a ‘plus’ sign
There are a lot of side quests in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, and they’re a great way to earn additional experience and other rewards. However, when you’re just starting out, we recommend you prioritize the main scenario quests, as this will let you level up quickly, introduce you to key characters and acclimatize you to the world.
Also, some side quests are marked with a golden ‘plus’ symbol. These indicate that you’ll get a significant reward for completing them that will enhance your experience with the game.
You can earn a chocobo to ride, unlock new dungeons to traverse, uncover new features like the ability to change up your look and more. Plus, they’re usually pretty fun.
Visit the Hall of Novice to learn how to play
The Hall of the Novice is a good first port of call once you're ready to begin tackling dungeons – around level 15. This series of quests are marked with a sprout icon and are specifically designed to teach you the basic ins and outs of the game.
You can do as many or as few of them as you want, but if you’re ever unsure about a mechanic or a system in the game, it’s a good place to go for help.
Always attune to an aetheryte
Throughout Eorzea (and beyond), you’ll find special crystals called aetherytes that you are able to attune to. Once you’ve attuned to a particular crystal you can teleport to that location from pretty much anywhere in the world.
Of course, you can’t travel to any aetheryte you haven’t touched, so be sure to take the time to attune to each one you see. They’re scattered all over the city-states of Gridania, Ul'dah and Limsa Lominsa, providing quick and easy access to various guilds, stores, and other notable landmarks.
You’ll also find them out in the wilds, usually in a settlement. Make sure to take the time to seek these out and attune, as it will make traversing the massive world of the game that little bit easier.
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your class
The various classes and jobs in FINAL FANTASY XIV boil down to three basic types: Healers, Tanks and DPS (Damage Dealers). While each can hold its own against foes, they also have defined roles in larger combat encounters. Understanding this can mean the difference between success and failure in the dungeons.
For example, marauders are a Tank class, and specialize in taking one for the team, while dealing out some of their own. Many of their abilities are based around attracting attention, so foes attack them instead of their frailer allies.
Alternatively, a Healer class like the conjurer has the important job of keeping the team hale and hearty with plenty of spells and abilities that heal and buff allies, while a DPS like the pugilist is all about dishing out pain as quickly as possible.
Each offers a very different playstyle, so explore the possibilities.
Prioritize class quests
Once you’ve chosen a class, you can visit its guild and pick up class quests. You should undertake these whenever you can because not only will they teach you the ins and outs, they’ll also eventually unlock associated jobs.
Jobs are more specialized roles that add more abilities and opportunities to develop your character - so be sure to complete the quests to earn them!
You can try out different classes
In FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, you’re not bound to the class you pick at the start. After reaching level 10, you can switch to any other class at any time by simply equipping its weapon.
Bear in mind that each class levels up independently and you’ll start each new one at level one, but this gives you a lot of flexibility to experiment with the game’s different options and playstyles.
Watch the Starter Guide video series
This video series follows a new player as they get their start in the game across multiple short episodes. It’s a really entertaining way to learn the ins and outs of the game, and well worth a watch.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV Online open beta is available on Xbox today - we hope you enjoy your first steps into Eorzea.
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