Along with its next major update, the Square Enix MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV (for PC and PS4) will expand its free trial offering in a big way. Revealed during the last FFXIV letter from the producer’s live stream, once patch 5.3 is released on 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 of the playable content that comes with both games, which extends to Heavensward’s post-launch content leading to the follow-up Stormblood expansion.
This also means that players will be able to level up to 60 for all classes / jobs available through Heavensward; this now includes the Dark Knight, the Machinist and the Astrologer for a total of 13 classes / jobs and their corresponding search lines as well. Additionally, free trial players can create an Au Ra race character (and choose between Xaela and Raen clans), which were featured in the first expansion. Previously, the free trial only granted access to part of the base game, limiting players to level 35 and the missions that were available until then.
Both games, A Realm Reborn and Heavensward, will be essentially free to play. There are no limits on playing time or playable content; however, most of the restrictions on the functions you can access remain the same. For example, you cannot assemble the parties on their own, use the market board, or join a free company (also known as a guild) under the free trial. To access the full feature set, you must 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 buy them anymore.
Heavensward is commonly known as an important high point for FFXIV; The story is accelerated and deepened by describing the complicated history and politics between a corrupt theocracy and a society of dragons as it puts you on paper to portray change. The environments are much larger and more varied, and the dungeons and boss fights speed up a bit. But don’t overlook A Realm Reborn: Update 5.3 also includes a simplified version of the base game that reduces repetitive main quests. Now you will also have access to their excellent raid content.
The Live Letter broadcast gave far more details on what is to come next for FFXIV, including a look at the next entry in Nier Automata’s cross raid series called YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse. You can catch up on our highlights from the Shadowbringers 5.3 update.
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