How Much Does it Cost to Transfer in Final Fantasy XIV?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The straightforward answer is: a World Transfer in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) costs $18.00 USD. This fee applies to both Home World Transfers (moving your character to a different World within your current Data Center) and Data Center Transfers (moving your character to a different Data Center altogether). This single, flat fee gives you the flexibility to relocate your beloved Warrior of Light and experience the game on a new server.
Understanding FFXIV World Transfers: A Comprehensive Guide
Moving your character in Final Fantasy XIV is a significant decision. Whether you’re joining friends, seeking a more active community, or simply looking for a fresh start, understanding the ins and outs of World Transfers and Data Center Transfers is crucial. Let’s delve deeper into what this entails.
Types of Transfers: Home World vs. Data Center
FFXIV offers two primary types of transfers:
-
Home World Transfer: This allows you to move your character to a different World (server) within your current Data Center. This is often used to join friends who play on a different server or to find a more suitable community. The cost remains $18.00 USD.
-
Data Center Transfer: This is a more substantial move that involves relocating your character to a different Data Center altogether. This expands your pool of potential players and opens up access to different regional communities. Again, the cost is $18.00 USD.
Why Consider a World Transfer?
There are several compelling reasons why players choose to transfer their characters:
-
Joining Friends: The most common reason is to reunite with friends playing on a different server. This allows you to participate in group content, share experiences, and strengthen your bonds within the game.
-
Seeking a New Community: Some players may find their current server community isn’t the right fit. Transferring offers the opportunity to find a more active, friendly, or specialized community.
-
Finding a More Active Market Board: Different servers have varying levels of economic activity. A transfer can provide access to a more vibrant and profitable market board, potentially improving your in-game wealth.
-
Experiencing a Different Playstyle: Certain servers may have a stronger focus on specific types of content, such as raiding, roleplaying, or crafting. Transferring allows you to immerse yourself in a different playstyle.
-
Improving Ping/Latency: While less common since Data Center Travel was implemented, some players still move to be closer to the physical location of the Data Center for lower latency if the Travel system is insufficient.
The Transfer Process: Step-by-Step
The process of transferring your character is relatively straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail:
-
Visit the Mog Station: Log in to the Mog Station, the official account management website for FFXIV.
-
Select “Optional Services”: Navigate to the “Optional Services” section.
-
Choose “Home World Transfer” or “Data Center Transfer”: Select the appropriate transfer option based on your desired destination.
-
Read the Terms and Conditions: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the transfer service, paying close attention to any restrictions or limitations.
-
Select Your Character: Choose the character you wish to transfer.
-
Select Your Destination World: Select your desired destination World within the specified Data Center (for Home World Transfers) or your desired Data Center and World (for Data Center Transfers).
-
Complete the Payment: Follow the prompts to complete the payment process.
-
Log Out and Wait: After completing the payment, log out of the game and wait for the transfer to be completed. This process can take several hours, depending on server traffic and the complexity of the transfer.
-
Log Back In: Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a notification. Log back in to the game and enjoy your new home!
Important Considerations Before Transferring
Before initiating a transfer, keep these crucial points in mind:
-
Restrictions: There are restrictions on transferring certain items, Gil, and Free Company affiliations. Ensure you understand these limitations before proceeding.
-
Gil Limit: There’s a maximum amount of Gil you can transfer depending on your character’s level. Make sure you’re under this limit. Exceeding the limit results in the loss of any Gil over it.
-
Housing: If you own a house on your current World, you will forfeit it upon transferring. Any items stored in the house and garden will be lost. This includes purchased plots.
-
Market Board: Any items you have listed on the Market Board will be automatically canceled. Make sure to retrieve these items before transferring.
-
Free Company: You will automatically leave your Free Company upon transferring.
-
Retainers: Ensure your retainers are not selling items or on ventures, as this will delay the transfer.
-
Marriage: If you are currently married in-game, transferring will dissolve the marriage. Both you and your partner would need to transfer if you wish to remain together.
-
Server Status: Transfers may be temporarily suspended to certain Worlds if they are experiencing high congestion.
-
Transfer Cooldown: There is a waiting period between transfers. You cannot immediately transfer again after completing a previous transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FFXIV World Transfers
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on FFXIV World Transfers:
-
What payment methods are accepted for World Transfers? Most major credit cards and debit cards are accepted. Check the Mog Station for a comprehensive list of accepted payment methods.
-
How long does a World Transfer take? The transfer process typically takes between a few hours and up to 24 hours. It depends on server load and the size of your character’s data.
-
Can I transfer a character from a Trial Account? No, you must have a full, paid Final Fantasy XIV account to be eligible for World Transfers.
-
What happens to my retainers during a World Transfer? Your retainers will be transferred along with your character, including their inventories and ventures. Ensure they aren’t on a venture or selling items before transferring.
-
Will I lose my progress in the Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) if I transfer? No, your MSQ progress will be preserved during the transfer.
-
What happens to my friendships and linkshells if I transfer? Your friend list will be maintained, but you will lose your membership in any linkshells. You will need to rejoin them on the new server.
-
Can I transfer back to my original server after transferring? Yes, you can transfer back to your original server, but you will need to pay the transfer fee again and observe the transfer cooldown period.
-
What happens to my achievements during a World Transfer? Your achievements will be transferred along with your character.
-
Are there any free World Transfers available? Square Enix sometimes offers free transfers to designated “Preferred Worlds” to encourage population balance. Check the official FFXIV website for current promotions.
-
What happens if I have items on the Market Board when I transfer? All your listings will be canceled, and the items will be returned to your inventory or retainer inventory, depending on where they were listed from.
-
Will my apartment be transferred? Yes, your apartment and its contents will transfer with you.
-
What happens to my PvP rank and progress when I transfer? Your PvP rank and progress will be preserved during the transfer.
-
Is there a limit to how many times I can transfer a character? While there is no hard limit, you must adhere to the transfer cooldown period between each transfer.
-
What if the World I want to transfer to is congested? You will not be able to transfer to a congested World until the congestion is resolved. You can monitor the server status on the official FFXIV website.
-
Where can I find official information about World Transfers? The official Final Fantasy XIV website and the Mog Station are the best sources for information about World Transfers. Always refer to these sources for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
In conclusion, while transferring your character in Final Fantasy XIV involves a fee of $18.00 USD, the benefits of joining friends, finding a new community, or experiencing a different playstyle can often outweigh the cost. By carefully considering the restrictions and following the transfer process, you can seamlessly relocate your Warrior of Light and embark on new adventures in Eorzea.