Along with its next major update, the Square Enix MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV (on PC and PS4) will expand its free trial offering in a big way. Revealed during the latest FFXIV Letter from the Producer livestream, once patch 5.3 launches tomorrow, August 11, the free trial will include the entire base game (A Realm Reborn) and the first expansion pack (Heavensward). Players will be able to access all the playable content that comes with both games, which extends into Heavensward’s post-launch content that leads into the follow-up expansion Stormblood.
This also means players will be able to go up to level 60 for all the classes/jobs available through Heavensward–this now includes the Dark Knight, Machinist, and Astrologian for a total of 13 classes/jobs and their corresponding questlines as well. Additionally, free trial players can create a character of the Au Ra race (and choose between the Xaela and Raen clans), who were introduced in the first expansion. Previously, the free trial only granted access to part of the base game, limiting players to level 35 and the quests that were available up to that point.
Both games, A Realm Reborn and Heavensward, will essentially be free to play. There are no limits on play time or playable content; however, most restrictions on features you can access remain the same. For example, you cannot assemble parties on your own, use the market board, or join a free company (aka guild) under the free trial. To access the full feature set, you will need to subscribe to FFXIV. An important thing to note is that you will retain access to A Realm Reborn and Heavensward when you subscribe; there is no need to purchase them anymore.
Heavensward is commonly referred to as a major high point for FFXIV; the story hits its stride and gets deeper as it depicts the complicated history and politics between a corrupt theocracy and society of dragons while putting you in a role to enact change. Environments are much larger and varied, and dungeons and boss fights are kicked up a notch. But don’t overlook A Realm Reborn–update 5.3 also includes a streamlined version of the base game which cuts down on repetitive main quests. You’ll also now have access to its excellent raid content.
The Live Letter stream gave much more detail into what’s coming next for FFXIV, including a glimpse into the next entry in the Nier Automata crossover raid series called YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse. You can catch up with our highlights of the Shadowbringers 5.3 update.
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