Can You Still Play FFXIV Without a Subscription?
The short answer is no, you cannot fully play Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) without an active subscription. While the game offers a generous Free Trial, which allows players to experience a significant portion of the game, accessing the full game with all its features and content requires a recurring subscription. This subscription model is a key part of how Square Enix continues to update and expand the game. However, there are some nuances to this, which this article will explore.
Understanding the FFXIV Subscription Model
FFXIV operates under a subscription-based model, meaning players pay a recurring fee to access the game. This is unlike many other modern games that utilize a one-time purchase or a free-to-play model with in-game purchases. The primary reasons for this are to support ongoing development, ensure regular content updates, and maintain the game’s high standards. The developers have stated that this model allows them to keep a consistent publishing calendar for new content.
While a subscription is necessary to fully immerse yourself in the world of Eorzea, there are certain circumstances and exceptions that may allow some access to the game, which we will further explore below.
The Free Trial: A Substantial Taste of FFXIV
Before committing to a subscription, players can explore Final Fantasy XIV through its Free Trial. This is not a demo but a large and extensive part of the main game that’s completely free. The FFXIV Free Trial is very generous, allowing players to progress through the main story missions of the base game, A Realm Reborn, and its first expansion, Heavensward. The level cap is set at level 70 for free trial players. It is worth noting that after initial congestion issues, the FFXIV Free Trial resumed on February 22, 2022. This is the closest way to play without a subscription, and it grants substantial content that you can explore before making the full financial commitment.
Limitations of the Free Trial
While incredibly generous, the Free Trial does have some restrictions. Players using the FFXIV Free Trial cannot:
- Use the “shout,” “yell,” or “tell” chat options.
- Participate in player-to-player trades.
- Use the market boards.
- Form free companies (guilds)
- Own in-game housing.
- Possess more than 300,000 gil (in-game currency)
These restrictions are in place to maintain game integrity and prevent abuse, while still offering a meaningful playing experience for newcomers.
Post-Subscription Access: The Companion App
Even after your subscription expires, you retain limited access through the official FFXIV companion app. The app allows you to access basic functions such as chat and the event list for 30 days after your FINAL FANTASY XIV subscription expires. This feature allows players to stay connected with friends and their in-game community, even while their subscription is paused. Crucially though, features pertaining to items or the market boards will not be available through the app, since you cannot log into the game world itself.
How to End Your Subscription
If you wish to end your subscription, it’s simple to do so. You need to log into your account on the Mog Station (the official FFXIV account management website). Go to “Service Account Status” on the left-hand menu and then select “Cancel Subscription”.
FFXIV: More Than Just a Game
FFXIV offers a rich and immersive world, with a deep story and a very dedicated community. It is an experience that many players believe is worth the investment. The subscription allows the developers to continually work on updates and expansions. The game has become the most profitable entry into the Final Fantasy franchise, with over 24 million registered players. This success underscores the value that the game provides, with a content-rich experience and an engaging community.
While the subscription might seem like a barrier to some, the Free Trial provides a no-risk opportunity to try the game. And with the consistent content updates and expansions, the cost is regarded by many as worthwhile for the immersive gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing FFXIV without a subscription:
1. Is FFXIV no longer free?
FFXIV is not entirely free, it utilizes a subscription model for full access. However, it does offer a very generous and large Free Trial that includes significant portions of the game.
2. Why does FFXIV have a monthly fee?
The monthly fee is crucial for supporting ongoing development, regular content updates, server maintenance, and ensures a consistent publishing calendar for the game. It also maintains the quality and quantity of the experience.
3. How do I cancel my FFXIV subscription?
Log into your account on the Mog Station, select “Service Account Status”, and then select “Cancel Subscription.”
4. Does FFXIV delete inactive accounts?
No, inactive accounts are not deleted in FFXIV, but housing may be reclaimed after 45 days of inactivity in a personal house. The actual characters remain unaffected.
5. How much does FFXIV cost?
The base game’s Starter Edition, including A Realm Reborn and Heavensward, is priced at 19.99 USD. The Complete Edition, including all expansions, costs 59.99 USD. However, both versions require a subscription after the initial 30-day free period included with purchase.
6. Is FFXIV a one-time purchase?
No, the Starter Edition or Complete Edition provides you with access to the game but requires a subscription beyond the first 30 days of play.
7. How much is a 180-day FFXIV subscription?
The 180-day subscription costs $12.99 per month, a discounted rate compared to the standard monthly fee of $14.99.
8. What are Crysta in FFXIV?
Crysta is a digital currency that can be used for in-game purchases and subscription fees. 100 Crysta costs $1.00.
9. Is FFXIV worth playing in 2023?
Yes, FFXIV remains popular in 2023, with a rich story, regular updates, and a vibrant community. It’s a great game for both solo and group play.
10. Is it worth it to pay for FFXIV?
Many players feel it’s worth it to pay for FFXIV due to the consistent content updates, engaging story, and the huge amount of content that players have access to.
11. Can you play FFXIV solo?
Yes, you can play the main story missions, including the base game and all expansions, solo or with AI-controlled party members, giving a single-player option.
12. What is the lifespan of an FFXIV character?
Most playable races in FFXIV can live to be 100-120 years old, with Elezen (Elves) having even longer lifespans. Viera can live at least 300 years.
13. What are the restrictions for a Free Trial account?
Free Trial account characters are capped at level 70, cannot use “shout,” “yell,” or “tell” chat, and cannot possess more than 300,000 gil.
14. What happens if my FFXIV subscription ends?
After subscription ends, you can continue using chat and event list features in the companion app for 30 days, but game features and marketplace access are unavailable.
15. How do I access FFXIV on Steam?
If you have purchased the Starter Edition on Steam, any expansion, like Endwalker must also be purchased from Steam to maintain compatibility.