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How Fast Can You Finish Endwalker? A Deep Dive into FFXIV’s Epic Conclusion

The burning question on every Warrior of Light’s mind: How fast can you really finish Endwalker? The straightforward answer, if you’re laser-focused solely on the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ), skipping every cutscene, dialogue option, and side activity, you could conceivably blast through Endwalker in approximately 35-40 hours. However, this approach sacrifices the rich narrative, character development, and overall experience that make Final Fantasy XIV so beloved. A more realistic and enjoyable completion time for the MSQ, experiencing the story but not obsessively grinding, is closer to the often-cited average of 50-60 hours.

Ultimately, the speed at which you “finish” Endwalker depends on your playstyle, dedication, and tolerance for skipping content. But remember, FFXIV, and especially Endwalker, is about the journey, not just the destination. Don’t rush the experience! It’s also important to consider that “finishing” Endwalker’s main story is only the beginning. The post-Endwalker content, patches, and ongoing story arcs provide hundreds of additional hours of gameplay.

Factors Influencing Your Endwalker Completion Time

Several factors contribute to how quickly you progress through the Endwalker storyline:

Experience with FFXIV: New players will naturally take longer than veterans familiar with the game’s mechanics, UI, and quest structure. Learning job rotations, navigating menus, and understanding the world all consume time.
Playstyle: Are you a meticulous explorer who reads every line of dialogue and enjoys side quests, or are you a speedrunner aiming to reach the endgame content as quickly as possible? Your approach heavily influences your completion time.
Party Finder Reliance: Some quests require dungeons or trials. Using the Party Finder (PF) can add time depending on queue lengths, especially for DPS roles. Playing with a pre-formed group significantly reduces waiting times.
Cutscene Skipping: While heavily discouraged by most players, skipping cutscenes drastically reduces playtime. However, you’ll miss crucial story elements and character development.
Gear and Level: Having appropriate gear and being at or near the recommended level for each quest makes encounters easier and faster. Leveling can be sped up with experience boosts from gear and food.
Optimization: Using teleportation strategically, optimizing travel routes, and efficient quest management contribute to faster progress.
Prior Expansion Completion: Endwalker requires completion of all previous Main Scenario Quests. If you haven’t finished these, you’ll need to factor in the time required to catch up.

Beyond the Main Story: The Real Endgame

“Finishing” the Endwalker MSQ is just the start. The true endgame of FFXIV lies in:

Raids and Trials: Savage and Extreme versions of trials and raids offer challenging encounters and the best gear.
Crafting and Gathering: Mastering crafting and gathering allows you to create powerful gear and items.
Glamour: Customizing your character’s appearance is a major part of the FFXIV experience.
Housing: Decorating your own house or apartment is a fun and creative outlet.
Social Activities: Joining a Free Company (guild), participating in events, and making friends are integral to the FFXIV community.
Blue Mage: Learning all the Blue Mage skills can take time.

Making the Most of Your Endwalker Journey

Here are a few tips to enhance your Endwalker experience, regardless of your desired completion time:

Immerse Yourself in the Story: Don’t skip cutscenes! Endwalker boasts a compelling narrative and memorable characters.
Explore the World: Eorzea is vast and beautiful. Take time to explore the different zones and discover hidden secrets.
Experiment with Different Jobs: Try out different classes to find the one that suits your playstyle.
Join a Free Company: A good FC provides support, guidance, and companionship.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: The FFXIV community is generally helpful and welcoming.
Consider using tools that the community provides such as ACT (Advanced Combat Tracker). This can help optimize your job as you are progressing through the content.

Endwalker: A Worthwhile Investment of Time

Regardless of how quickly you “finish” Endwalker, the expansion offers a rich and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, the compelling story, engaging gameplay, and vibrant community make Endwalker a must-play for any MMORPG fan. Remember to savor the journey and enjoy the ride! Explore more about the influence of games on learning at the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Endwalker Completion

Q1: Does buying Endwalker give you 30 days of free game time?

No, purchasing the Endwalker expansion itself does not grant a 30-day free play period. A subscription is required to play the game after the free trial period.

Q2: What is the maximum level in Endwalker?

The maximum level in Endwalker is Level 90.

Q3: How long does it take to finish the entirety of FFXIV from A Realm Reborn?

Completing the entire FFXIV storyline, from A Realm Reborn through Endwalker, can take 500 hours or more, depending on your playstyle and the amount of side content you engage with.

Q4: Does Endwalker unlock all previous expansions?

Yes, purchasing Endwalker includes all previous expansions: Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers. The Complete Edition also includes these expansions.

Q5: What is the highest item level in FFXIV as of Patch 6.5?

The highest achievable item level in FFXIV is 665, obtainable through the Abyssos Savage Raid, Alliance raids, and crafted gear.

Q6: How many jobs are there in Endwalker?

Endwalker did not add new jobs. The base game has a number of jobs based on your character level progression.

Q7: Is it worth buying Endwalker?

For most players, Endwalker is absolutely worth buying. It offers a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and a satisfying conclusion to the Hydaelyn-Zodiark arc. However, it’s always a personal decision based on individual preferences.

Q8: Is A Realm Reborn longer than the expansions?

A Realm Reborn, even with its post-ARR content, is generally shorter than the expansions individually. Each expansion adds roughly 50+ hours of MSQ content.

Q9: Does Endwalker finish the Final Fantasy XIV story entirely?

Endwalker concludes the overarching Hydaelyn-Zodiark storyline. However, FFXIV is an ongoing game, and new story arcs and content are added regularly through patches.

Q10: What is considered the hardest role to play in FFXIV?

The difficulty of each role is subjective and depends on the player’s skill and the content being attempted. Generally, Tanks are considered the most mechanically difficult due to their responsibility for managing threat and positioning in end-game content. Healers can also be considered challenging as they are required to also do DPS.

Q11: How do I get level 50 gear in FFXIV?

Level 50 gear can be acquired through various means, including:

Dungeons: Running level 50 dungeons.
Tomestones: Exchanging Tomestones of Poetics for Ironworks gear in Mor Dhona. This is often considered the best option.
Crafting: Purchasing crafted gear from the Market Board.
Quest Rewards: Completing certain quests.

Q12: Will FFXIV have another expansion after Endwalker?

Yes! Square Enix has confirmed that there will be another expansion after Endwalker, currently under development. The new expansion is titled Dawntrail and is expected to be released in Summer 2024.

Q13: What new classes were added in Endwalker?

The new classes added in Endwalker were the Sage (Healer) and the Reaper (Melee DPS).

Q14: Do you need Endwalker to unlock the Sage job?

Yes, you must own the Endwalker expansion and have at least one combat job at level 70 or higher to unlock the Sage job.

Q15: What is the penalty for declining to ready check in a duty?

Declining the ready check three times in a duty finder group results in a 30-minute penalty, preventing you from queueing for another duty. Voluntarily leaving a duty in progress (except under specific circumstances) also incurs a 30-minute penalty.

How fast can you finish Endwalker?