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How Long Does it Take to Finish Final Fantasy XIV? A Comprehensive Guide

Figuring out how long it takes to “finish” Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is a bit like asking how long it takes to explore the entire universe – it depends on what you consider “finished.” Unlike single-player games with a defined ending, FFXIV is a constantly evolving Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). That said, we can provide a comprehensive breakdown of the time investment required for different aspects of the game. At its core, if you want to experience the main story, you’re looking at a significant commitment. A rough estimate to reach the latest content would be 350-450+ hours or more, if not more, depending on your approach and what you want to accomplish.

This estimate is based on focusing solely on the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) line and does not include completing side content, additional raids, extensive crafting/gathering, or reaching the “endgame.” If you want to experience everything the game has to offer, expect to spend thousands of hours in Eorzea.

Breaking Down the Time Investment

Main Scenario Quest (MSQ)

The core of FFXIV lies in its epic story, which is delivered through the Main Scenario Quest line. This is the primary driver for most players. Here’s a look at the estimated time for the different parts of the MSQ:

A Realm Reborn (ARR): The base game, including the post-ARR content, is often cited as taking around 100 hours for most new players, especially if they read the dialogue and explore. This period can sometimes feel like a “grind” for many players, but it sets the stage for all that comes after.
Heavensward: The first expansion, Heavensward, usually takes about 50 hours to complete the main story.
Stormblood: Similar to Heavensward, Stormblood will take most players around 50 hours of MSQ gameplay.
Shadowbringers: Widely considered one of the best stories in the game, completing Shadowbringers’ MSQ requires roughly 50 hours.
Endwalker: The most recent expansion, Endwalker, also boasts around 50 hours of Main Story content.
Dawntrail: The next expansion, is set for a Summer 2024 release, so we will have to wait for estimates for that expansion.
Other Post-Expansion Patches: Each of these expansions also includes patches that continue the main story. These can add an additional 5-15 hours of playtime each.

Therefore, simply completing the main story to the current expansion’s content will likely take you 350-450 hours at least on average, but could be much higher depending on reading habits and whether you choose to focus on side content along the way.

The Free Trial

The free trial is a fantastic way to test the waters and experience a substantial portion of the game. The free trial allows you to play up to the end of the Heavensward expansion, including all content up to Patch 3.56 which is the 5th patch of that expansion. This is estimated to require around 100 hours of gameplay, making it a great value for new players.

End-Game Content and Beyond

Beyond the MSQ, there’s a vast array of content that contributes to the overall playtime:

Sidequests: The game is packed with sidequests that add to the lore and world-building. Completing these adds countless more hours to your playtime.
Crafting and Gathering: Leveling all crafting and gathering professions is a massive time sink but can be rewarding for those who enjoy it.
Raids and Trials: The game has a variety of challenging raids and trials that require teamwork and strategy. These range from normal to savage to ultimate, offering endless hours of replayability.
Savage/Ultimate Raids: Considered the true end-game content, these fights are extremely difficult and require dedicated groups. These can add tens, if not hundreds, of hours to your gameplay.
Gold Saucer, Housing, and Other Activities: Mini-games, housing, social events, and collecting items and mounts also offer a variety of activities that can extend your playtime even further.
Completing Everything: If you wanted to experience everything FFXIV has to offer, expect to spend thousands of hours in the game, making it virtually endless.

Final Thoughts

While the main story can be “completed” in a couple hundred hours, the true draw of FFXIV is its rich world and diverse activities. How long it takes to “finish” depends entirely on your goals and preferences. If you enjoy exploring, crafting, social interactions, and challenging content, FFXIV offers endless possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a free trial for FFXIV?

Yes! Final Fantasy XIV offers a generous free trial, allowing you to play the base game A Realm Reborn and the entire Heavensward expansion and all content within that up to patch 3.56 without any subscription fees.

2. How long does it take to finish the free trial content?

Completing the story content in the free trial takes approximately 100 hours of gameplay.

3. Does FFXIV have an end game?

Yes, FFXIV has a robust end game, featuring Savage and Ultimate raids, as well as other challenging group content.

4. How long does the Endwalker expansion take to beat?

The Main Scenario Questline in the Endwalker expansion takes the average player around 52 hours to complete, excluding any side content.

5. How much does it cost to get married in FFXIV?

FFXIV’s wedding system, called the Ceremony of Eternal Bonding, has different tiers. The Gold Plan costs $10 and offers dyeable garments, a ceremony Chocobo mount, and additional ceremony options.

6. Can you play FFXIV solo?

Yes, thanks to the Trust system, you can play the entirety of FFXIV’s main story content without needing to team up with other players.

7. What’s the next expansion of FFXIV?

The next expansion is Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, set for release in the summer of 2024.

8. How many expansions does FFXIV have?

Currently, FFXIV has six expansions: Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail (due to release in 2024)

9. Is Final Fantasy XIV a sequel to Final Fantasy XI?

No, FFXIV is not a sequel to FFXI. It is a completely different game set in its own unique world.

10. How much time do the expansions add to the game?

Each expansion generally adds around 50 hours of main story content to the game.

11. What’s the fastest way to catch up in FFXIV?

Focusing on the Main Scenario Quests and using a preferred server for bonus experience is the fastest way to catch up in FFXIV.

12. Is FFXIV worth playing in 2023?

Absolutely! FFXIV is a rewarding and content-rich game with a great story, constant updates, and a friendly community. It’s considered one of the best MMORPGs and is definitely worth playing.

13. What do people do after beating the main story in FFXIV?

Many players focus on endgame raids, crafting, housing, social activities, or leveling other classes.

14. What is the maximum character name length in FFXIV?

The maximum character name is 20 characters, with a first name between 2 and 15 characters and a last name between 2 and 15 characters.

15. Is it possible to miss your wedding in FFXIV?

Yes, the ceremony will be postponed if both you and your partner are not present within 20 minutes of the doors opening.

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