If you’re considering diving into the realm of Eorzea, you’ll have two major options: the Free Trial and the Complete Edition. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these two options and help you make an informed decision about how to start your FFXIV journey without breaking the bank. Learn about the benefits, limitations, and strategies to maximize your gaming experience in FFXIV!
The Complete Edition
The Complete Edition of FFXIV includes the entire collection of available expansions: the award-winning Heavensward, Stormblood, the epic Shadowbringers, and the latest addition, Endwalker. Despite the rumors, Endwalker holds its own ground, and we encourage players not to get swayed by naysayers.
At £17 for the whole package, you also receive 30 days of game time. For new players on unpopulated servers, this can be a great boon, as you can utilize the server’s Guild boost to enhance your initial experience.
Financial Considerations
However, it’s important to note that once you’ve activated the Complete Edition on your Square Enix account, there’s no turning back to the Free Trial. This means that to continue playing, you will need to subscribe, which can impact your budget over time.
Starting directly with the Complete Edition may seem tempting, but it may not be the most economical choice, especially considering the vastness of FFXIV’s content. For example, just completing A Realm Reborn, the base game, can take upwards of 30-40 hours, and that’s without skimming through the story—one of FFXIV’s standout features. Each subsequent expansion also adds a substantial amount of playtime, making the Free Trial a valuable option for new adventurers.
The Free Trial
The Free Trial in FFXIV includes the base game, Heavensward, and Stormblood, providing players with a massive amount of content to explore without spending a dime. On average, this accounts for at least 120 hours of gameplay, which is substantial for newcomers.
Nevertheless, the Free Trial does come with its own set of limitations:
- FFXIV Gil Limit: You can hold up to 300,000 Gil, but not more. This is a generous amount for beginners, and with smart management, it shouldn’t pose a problem.
- Communication Restrictions: Certain communication tools are locked, such as shout, yell, tell, and the ability to use the market board. However, you can still join linkshells, participate in party chat, and communicate effectively for most in-game content.
- Content Limitations: Some aspects of the game, like PvP, are unavailable in the Free Trial. Nevertheless, you have access to a wide variety of jobs and content up to level 30, providing a solid feel of the game’s mechanics and world.
Making Your Decision
If you’re looking to dive deep into the community aspect of the game, or if you wish to access the full suite of communication tools and content, the Complete Edition might be the way to go. However, for players looking to experience the game at their own pace without financial commitment, the Free Trial offers a robust introduction to Eorzea.
For those on the fence, a strategic approach might be purchasing the Complete Edition at a discount and saving the activation key until after you’ve maximized the Free Trial. This way, you secure the deal while enjoying the extensive content available for free.
Conclusion:
Square Enix has provided players with flexible options to experience FFXIV, and it’s up to us to navigate these choices smartly. Whether you choose the Free Trial or the Complete Edition, Eorzea’s grand adventure awaits. So gear up, stay informed, and immerse yourself in the epic world of Final Fantasy XIV. Happy adventuring, and may your journey be filled with epic moments and lasting friendships!
Stay safe, spend responsibly, and embrace the world of Final Fantasy. For those yet to start, perhaps it’s time to fall in love with Eorzea.