How Much Does Final Fantasy XIV Cost in Australia? A Comprehensive Guide
Alright, mate, let’s cut straight to the chase. Getting your chocobo riding in Eorzea down under isn’t as simple as plonking down a single price. To truly answer how much Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) costs in Australia, you need to consider several factors: the initial game purchase, ongoing subscription fees, and potential optional extras.
Essentially, you’re looking at:
- Starter Edition: Around $29.99 AUD. This gets you the base game A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward expansion. A great entry point, especially if you’re unsure about a longer commitment.
- Complete Edition: Approximately $79.99 AUD. This includes everything – all expansions released to date, offering the full, uninterrupted FFXIV experience.
- Monthly Subscription: The real kicker! This is roughly $19 AUD per month. Keep in mind, this price might vary slightly depending on exchange rates and where you purchase your subscription.
- Optional Extras: Retainers (in-game storage assistants) are available for an extra fee, adding a small amount to your monthly expense if you need the additional storage.
So, in your first year, if you opt for the Complete Edition and a standard subscription, you’re looking at around $307.99 AUD (79.99 + (19*12))
It’s a bit of an investment, but as anyone who’s been sucked into the world of Hydaelyn will tell you, it can be well worth it. Now, let’s dive into some common questions Aussie gamers have about playing FFXIV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for FFXIV in Australia
1. Does Final Fantasy XIV have Australian servers?
Yes, indeed! As of January 25th, 2022, Square Enix launched the Oceania Data Centre (Materia). This is fantastic news for Australian and New Zealand players, providing significantly lower latency and a much smoother gameplay experience. Say goodbye to those lag spikes!
2. Where is the Materia Data Centre physically located?
While the exact physical location isn’t publicly disclosed, it’s understood to be located within Australia. This is what provides the improved ping times for players in the region.
3. What are the servers within the Materia Data Centre?
The Materia Data Centre currently hosts five servers: Bismarck, Ravana, Sophia, Sephirot, and Zurvan.
4. How do I choose the right server on the Materia Data Centre?
Consider your play style. Some servers have larger populations than others. If you are looking to explore, learn more, and have a place to discuss with others, you should check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
5. Is FFXIV worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! FFXIV continues to receive regular updates, expansions, and content patches. The storyline is compelling, the community is generally welcoming, and there’s a vast amount of content to explore, from crafting and gathering to challenging raids and dungeons. Whether you’re a solo player or prefer grouping up, there’s something for everyone.
6. Can I play FFXIV solo?
Yes! While FFXIV is an MMO, a significant portion of the main storyline can be completed solo. The Trust system allows you to tackle dungeons with AI-controlled party members, and many side quests and activities are designed for single players.
7. Do I need a VPN to play FFXIV in Australia?
No, you do not need a VPN to play FFXIV in Australia, especially since the introduction of the Materia Data Centre. VPNs are generally used to bypass region locks or improve connection stability, neither of which is usually necessary for Australian players anymore.
8. Is FFXIV region locked?
While the game itself isn’t strictly region-locked, your Square Enix account is region-specific. This means you need to purchase the game and expansions from the store associated with your account’s region (e.g., the Australian PlayStation Store or the Square Enix Store for Australia).
9. What is the current max level in FFXIV?
The current level cap in FFXIV is level 90.
10. What happens if I stop paying for my FFXIV subscription?
If you cancel your subscription, you will no longer be able to log in and play the game once your current subscription period expires. Your character data and progress will be saved and remain available should you decide to resubscribe in the future.
11. How do I cancel my FFXIV subscription?
You can cancel your subscription via the Mog Station website (the official FFXIV account management site). Log in, navigate to “Service Account Status,” and then select “Cancel Subscription.” Make sure to manually cancel, or you might continue to be charged.
12. Is there a free trial for FFXIV?
Yes! FFXIV has an extremely generous free trial, allowing you to play through A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, and Stormblood without any time restrictions (subject to certain limitations). This is a fantastic way to experience the game before committing to a purchase and subscription.
13. What are retainers, and are they worth the extra cost?
Retainers are essentially extra storage assistants you can hire in-game. They can hold items, sell items on the market board, and even go on ventures to gather materials for you. Whether they’re worth the extra cost depends on how much you value storage space and convenience. If you’re a hoarder or a crafter, they can be invaluable.
14. Which is the best class for a beginner in FFXIV?
Several classes are beginner-friendly. Marauder/Warrior (Tank) and Gladiator/Paladin (Tank) are relatively forgiving and offer good survivability. As for damage dealing classes, Archer/Bard (DPS) is a good option for ranged, Thaumaturge/Black Mage (DPS) offers a more high-risk, high-reward playstyle, and Conjurer/White Mage (Healer) is a good support class. Try them out and see what clicks!
15. What should I know before starting FFXIV?
Be patient! FFXIV has a lot of content, and it can feel overwhelming at first. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the community is generally very helpful. Focus on the main storyline, experiment with different classes, and don’t feel pressured to rush to the end game. Most importantly, have fun exploring the world of Eorzea.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – a breakdown of the costs involved in playing Final Fantasy XIV in Australia. It’s an investment, no doubt, but the sheer depth of content, engaging story, and vibrant community make it a worthwhile experience for many. Grab yourself a cuppa, settle in, and prepare to lose yourself in the world of Hydaelyn. See you in Eorzea, mate!