1 person found this review helpful
Recommended
117.2 hrs last two weeks / 14,064.4 hrs on record (12,572.5 hrs at review time)
Posted: 25 Nov, 2023 @ 8:02pm
Updated: 8 Sep, 2024 @ 1:10am

A review for newcomers — worth starting in 2024?

At the time of writing (Late 2023, Patch Series 6.5X), there have been a lot of criticisms levelled against this game, from stagnating core game mechanics to claims of it not having enough to do.

Understandably, all of this might discourage you, as a newcomer, from setting foot in this world. As long as you start playing this game with the right expectations, however, it will generally be worth your time.

In the end, FFXIV will be what you make of it. For newcomers, it offers a staggering, almost overwhelming amount of content that varies from the core story to lifestyle gameplay like crafting and gathering, housing, socializing, collectables and fashion; large- and small-scale PvP; and hardcore endgame raiding and challenging solo content.

Compared to other MMORPGs, however, story is king in XIV, with most (if not all) content being gated off by the main story progression. If you want to dive right into endgame raiding or challenge the latest Deep Dungeon on your own, you're going to have to sit through hundreds of hours of story content (Unless you buy a story skip, which most would advise against unless you know the basics of the game already).

Some would consider this a downside, however, no MMO or RPG makes you feel quite as invested and immersed in its story as XIV does. If you've ever actually wanted to be "The Hero of the Story", this is the game for you. By the time you hit the last two expansions of its first major story arc (Shadowbringers and Endwalker) the hundreds of hours invested will absolutely be worth the payoff. Even the base game, A Realm Reborn, which many consider to be a slog, is an important stepping stone in establishing the world and its characters, as well as your place in Eorzea as you find your footing and come to terms with your destiny.

Aside from the story, there is a plethora of side content. FFXIV walks at its own pace, which is slow to start but homely and immersive at most times. Take your time, smell the flowers, explore and do what's most appealing at the moment. New content unlocks as you go, and as the game opens up more and more, you're rarely going to be stuck doing one single thing for too long.
As someone new to FFXIV, you will generally find a piece of content that will appeal to you, whether you are more of a casual player or someone who enjoys more challenging group or solo content.

If you're a fan of the series, you are doing yourself a disservice by not giving this game a fair chance. By now, XIV is an absolute love letter to the entire franchise, with many references and callbacks to past entries ranging from equippable outfits, mounts, familiar music, name-drops, playable jobs or entire raids recalling some of the most memorable moments in the series' history.

Another standout is its presentation. Few MMOs or RPGs do "epic" quite like FFXIV does. The game has some of the most memorable story beats, boss fights and climaxes you will ever experience. The unparalleled soundtrack work does an impeccable job of underscoring every single one of its most grandiose moments.

The game is certainly not without its flaws; a lot of the core game design can feel a bit archaic by now, having been around for over a decade at this point. The dungeons and their mechanical design can be very same-y and predictable; inventory and fashion systems are clunky; gearing is bland, predictable and inconsequential; the combat meta has been stagnating; and the game's inherently innovative job system, which enables you to play any class you like on a single character, has been suffering from homogenization.

All of this should not deter you from starting to play the game, however. If you're new, you are in for hundreds of hours of enjoyment in a new-player-friendly and exceptionally accessible MMO experience. As much as what you heard about it would have you believe, the criticisms raised by veterans are being voiced because they truly love this game and always want it to be the best it can be. Of course, no game is perfect or good at everything it sets out to do. But XIV has a history of constantly evolving and changing things up, usually for the better.

Final Fantasy XIV is a home for many. A home they keep returning to even if they take breaks. It is full of memories, comfort and familiarity, with a dev team that caters to its audience and is dedicated to improving upon its foundations with steady QoL updates and a community that is generally in love with the game, proud of its developers and their achievements, and constantly looking towards a brighter future instead of reminiscing about how much better things used to be.

It might be over a decade old, but it is not out of breath by far. The next good thing is always around the corner.

Square Enix offers an insanely generous free trial that now lets you access three full expansions worth of story and gameplay content with unlimited playtime. If you have any interest, it is the single best way to make up your mind about this game.

If you ever considered giving FFXIV a shot, please do. It's never too late, and you'll always feel welcomed by its community.



tl;dr: game good, try it
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