After more than a decade of anticipation, the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV is finally opening its gates to Xbox players with a free open beta starting February 21, 2024. Dive into the vast world of Eorzea on Xbox Series X|S, where all your progress during the beta will carry over to the full release. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, this is your chance to experience the epic story and expansive content up to the Stormblood expansion without any subscription required during the beta. Ready your controller and prepare to embark on a legendary journey like no other!
Below we explain the requirements for the FFXIV Xbox open beta, as well as what’s included in it.
FFXIV Xbox open beta requirements
The FFXIV Xbox open beta is available exclusively for new players who have never played Final Fantasy XIV before and have not claimed the free trial on any other platform. Existing players or those who own the game on other platforms cannot participate in this beta. To join, players need to create a new Square Enix account and link it to their Xbox account, with the account linkage being permanent. The open beta includes all content from the Free Trial, covering the base game and the first two expansions up to level 70, with no restrictions on playtime. It does not require an Xbox Game Pass subscription to play, although the full Xbox version will require one upon release. Players must adjust their Xbox privacy settings to allow multiplayer and communication features to participate. All progress made during the beta will carry over to the full game when it launches.
In order to play in the open beta, you have to be a new player who has never played FFXIV before.
If you’ve claimed the free trial before on any other console, you cannot participate in this beta. If you own the game on any other platform, you also cannot participate in this open beta. You’ll need to link your Xbox account with your Square Enix account in order to play, and you cannot unlink the account once you link it, so we don’t recommend making a new account just to play in the beta.
If this bums you out, don’t worry too much, as the full Xbox version will launch directly after the open beta ends, so you can play on any old characters you’ve made before then. The beta ends on March 21, at which point the full version of FFXIV will become available.
However, any progress you make on your new open beta character will be transferred to the full version of the game (as expected, since it’s an online game).
How to play the FFXIV open beta on Xbox
To play the FFXIV open beta on Xbox, you need to be a new player who has never played Final Fantasy XIV before, as the beta is only available for first-time players and those who have not claimed the free trial on any platform previously. You can download the free trial version of FFXIV from the Microsoft Store without needing an Xbox Game Pass subscription. After downloading, link your Xbox account with a Square Enix account to start playing. The open beta includes the base game and the first two expansions up to level 70, with all progress carrying over to the full release. Note that the full version after the beta will require an Xbox Game Pass subscription to play online.
If you meet all those requirements, head to the Microsoft Store and go to the Final Fantasy 14 product page. Download the free trial and jump in!
If you’re having trouble playing the game, make sure to tweak all of these settings in your Xbox settings under settings > account > privacy and online safety > Xbox privacy > view details and customize > communication and multiplayer:
- “You can join multiplayer games” allowed
- “You can join cross-network play” allowed
- “Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites” set to “everybody”
- “You can communicate outside of Xbox with voice and text” set to “everybody”
From settings > account > privacy and online safety > Xbox privacy > view details and customize > game content, set “You can see and upload community creations” to “everybody.”
You do not need Xbox Game Pass to play the free trial or open beta. You will need an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) membership to play the full version, if you plan on paying to get out of the free trial later on.
What’s in the Xbox FFXIV free trial?
The Xbox FFXIV free trial offers players access to three award-winning titles: the base game Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and the first two expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood. Players can progress up to level 70 with no restrictions on playtime, allowing them to experience a vast and immersive world filled with rich stories, diverse environments, and exhilarating battles. The trial includes the ability to play solo with NPC allies through the Duty Support system, making it accessible for both solo and multiplayer experiences. Additionally, all progress made during the free trial or open beta on Xbox will carry over to the full game upon purchase, providing a seamless transition into the complete FFXIV experience.
The same stuff that’s in the regular free trial is in the Xbox free trial of FFXIV:
- The entire base game (A Realm Reborn), as well as two expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood
- A level 70 level cap across all of the jobs
- Almost all content included in these expansions, including the jobs Astrologian, Machinist, Dark Knight, Samurai, and Red Mage
This is hundreds of hours of content for free, but that is to say that there are still some limitations for the trial:
- You can’t carry more than 300,000 gil
- You can’t use the “shout,” “yell,” or “tell” chat functions
- You can’t use the marketboard
- You can’t trade with other players
- You can’t send moogle mail
- You can’t have a retainer (storage and marketboard salesmen)
- You can’t join a free company (guild)
- You can’t make Linkshells (chat groups) but you can join them
- You can’t make parties (outside of dungeons and multiplayer combat content), but you can join them
- You can’t play PvP
- You cannot do any Ultimate raids
It’s pretty much a bunch of the social or selling features, just to limit bot accounts from flooding players.
How can I make the most of the open beta on Xbox for FFXIV
To make the most of the Final Fantasy XIV open beta on Xbox, start by taking your time to enjoy the rich story and world without rushing through quests-main scenario quests alone provide ample experience to level up efficiently. Download the free trial from the Xbox Store, which requires no Game Pass subscription during the beta, and register your Square Enix account carefully, as this will be your permanent login and progress will carry over to the full game. Utilize the Duty Support system to tackle dungeons and main story content with NPC allies if you prefer solo play, allowing you to experience the narrative fully even without a party. Watch beginner-focused starter guides and videos to get tips on gameplay mechanics, character progression, and how to navigate the expansive world of Eorzea. Lastly, adjust your Xbox privacy settings to ensure smooth online play and community interaction. This approach will help you enjoy the beta thoroughly and prepare you for the full release and upcoming expansions.
What are the top tips for new players starting FFXIV on Xbox beta
Here are the top tips for new players starting Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox during the open beta:
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Don’t be daunted by the game’s size: FFXIV is vast with a passionate community, but it’s designed to be welcoming. Explore at your own pace and enjoy the story and world gradually.
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Prioritize main scenario quests: Focus on quests marked with a meteor or a ‘plus’ sign to level up quickly and unlock key features like mounts, dungeons, and customization options.
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Visit the Hall of the Novice: Around level 15, this area teaches you basics of gameplay and dungeon mechanics, helping you get comfortable with the game systems.
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Always attune to aetherytes: These teleportation crystals allow fast travel across the world, making exploration and questing much easier.
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Customize your HUD and controls: Adjust your interface for clarity and ease of use, and configure auto-target settings on the controller to improve gameplay comfort.
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Use Duty Support if you prefer solo play: You can complete dungeons and main story content with NPC allies, allowing you to enjoy the game without relying on other players.
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Ask for help from the community: The player base is friendly and supportive. Use chat to ask questions or look for Mentors who assist new players.
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Take time to learn your job and abilities: Review your class actions and set up your hotbar early to understand your combat role and skills.
Following these tips will help new Xbox players get off to a strong start in FFXIV’s open beta and enjoy the rich MMORPG experience smoothly.
