Final Fantasy XIV
News, coverage and analysis tracking Final Fantasy XIV across the outlets.
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Final Fantasy 11 takes cues from FF14 as Square Enix plans a dramatic free trial expansion
Square Enix is expanding the free trial for Final Fantasy XI, drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy XIV's successful model. The upcoming changes will remove the current two-week playtime limit and raise the level cap from 50 to 75, though some restrictions like auction house access and party invites will remain. Director Yoji Fujito stated these changes are being discussed for implementation before the game's 25th anniversary in May 2027.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th May)
This weekend's gaming plans include playing Sektori, Aliens: Fireteam Elite on PlayStation 5, and revisiting classics like Pokémon Blue and Yellow. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is highlighted as a standout release, with several staff members planning to play it. The article also notes a Nintendo Switch bundle announcement and a slight delay for The Legend of Zelda movie.
I’m waiting days between attempts to catch one fish in Final Fantasy 14 before it disappears for months, so don’t let anyone tell you raids are the ‘hardcore’ challenge
This article argues that the fishing challenges in Final Fantasy 14, particularly the rare fish with strict spawn windows, represent a 'hardcore' endgame activity comparable to raids. The author details the frustration of waiting for specific environmental conditions and limited time slots to catch elusive fish like the Purse of Riches, highlighting the dedication required for achievement hunting in the MMO.
New FFXIV Free Login Campaign Runs Until June 2026
Square Enix has relaunched the Final Fantasy XIV Free Login Campaign, allowing inactive players to return to the MMORPG for 96 hours of free playtime. This offer is available until June 14, 2026, for players whose subscriptions have lapsed and who haven't played in at least 30 days. The campaign is currently running on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version planned for August 2026.
New FFXIV Free Login Campaign Runs Until June 2026
Square Enix has relaunched the Final Fantasy XIV Free Login Campaign, allowing inactive players to return to the MMORPG for 96 hours of free playtime. This offer is available until June 14, 2026, for players whose subscriptions have lapsed and who haven't played in at least 30 days. The campaign is currently running on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version planned for August 2026.
Final Fantasy XI Is Expanding Its Free Trial
Square Enix has significantly expanded the free trial for its pioneering MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI. The new trial removes the time limit and raises the level cap to 75, allowing players to explore the base game's world indefinitely. The announcement was made during a livestream celebrating the game's 24th anniversary.
Solo Survival Guide: 8 Games No Discord Ping (2026) | TAG
This guide identifies eight games ideal for long-term solo play in 2026, focusing on replayability, offline functionality, and lack of notifications. The selected titles include Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, Hades II, Stardew Valley, Terraria, Elden Ring, Outer Wilds, and Final Fantasy XIV, with recommendations for hardware like the Steam Deck and PC.
Final Fantasy 14 is promising big changes with Evercold, but I hope it's not a surface-level attempt
The upcoming Final Fantasy 14 expansion, Evercold, promises significant changes including a new combat system and revised gearing to address perceived stagnation. While these updates are welcomed, the author expresses cautious optimism, hoping they lead to more substantial overhauls and a more dynamic world rather than just surface-level improvements.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, ending a partnership with Embracer Group due to high technical costs and a strategic pivot away from massive online worlds. This marks Amazon's second failed attempt at a Tolkien-based MMO. The company is still working on a smaller, single-player Middle-earth game, potentially developed by Warhorse Studios, while its other MMO, New World, is scheduled to shut down on October 31, 2027.
Square Enix Wants To Further Promote Its Multi-Platform Strategy, Especially On Switch 2
Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu stated the company intends to further promote its multi-platform strategy, with a particular focus on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The company has already supported the platform with titles like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake and Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade, and plans to release Final Fantasy XIV Online and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on the system.
Next Evangelion Moderoid Model Kit is Mari’s Eva Unit-08
Good Smile Company is releasing a new Moderoid model kit of Evangelion Unit-08α, piloted by Mari Makinami Illustrious in the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. The model kit will be available in Japan in October 2026 for ¥4,500 and in the US in Q1 2027 for $26.99. It stands about six and a half inches tall and comes with Mari's sniper rifle, with some parts pre-painted and stickers for customization.
Next Evangelion Moderoid Model Kit is Mari’s Eva Unit-08
Good Smile Company is releasing a new Moderoid model kit of Evangelion Unit-08α, piloted by Mari Makinami Illustrious in the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. The model kit will be available in Japan in October 2026 for ¥4,500 and in the US in Q1 2027 for $26.99. It stands about six and a half inches tall and comes with Mari's sniper rifle, with some parts pre-painted and stickers for customization.
Amazon reportedly had a studio pivot away from a game 'everyone was excited by' to make something with more AI stuffed in it, then laid them all off anyway
Amazon Games reportedly shifted a development team away from an anticipated game to focus on incorporating more artificial intelligence, only to lay off the entire team afterward. According to sources, the team was working on a single-player game featuring AI-driven dialogue for special moves and convincing NPCs, with a demo planned for early 2026. Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis stated that AI was not the reason for the layoffs, attributing them to a strategic business shift.
Future Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games could release more quickly as Square Enix makes "steady progress" on a framework for "regular" major game launches
Square Enix is making progress on a framework to accelerate the release of major titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. The company aims for more regular launches of its flagship RPGs, addressing the long gaps between mainline entries. Upcoming releases include expansions for Final Fantasy 14 and Dragon Quest 10, alongside Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Square Enix Wants Its Biggest Games Out The Door Faster
Square Enix is developing a framework to accelerate the production and release of games for its major franchises, including Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. The company aims to reduce the lengthy development gaps seen in recent mainline entries, while continuing to release spin-offs, remasters, and remakes across PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Perfect Ten: 10 amazing MMO starter zones
This article ranks ten of the best starting zones in MMORPGs, highlighting areas that offer polish, unique themes, and engaging introductions to their respective worlds. Featured games include World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, Fallout 76, and Final Fantasy XIV, among others.
7,000 hours in, Final Fantasy 14 tired me out with Dawntrail – but Evercold's healer reworks, duo duties, and new meta might win me back
Despite initial fatigue with Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, upcoming changes in the 'Evercold' update, including healer role reworks, duo duties, and a shift away from the two-minute meta, are expected to revitalize the MMORPG. These updates aim to restore the identity of healers and offer more player choice, potentially drawing players back to the game.
The Bioshock series has some of gaming's best intros because lead dev Ken Levine knows 'if you have a mediocre…
Lead developer Ken Levine believes the BioShock series features some of the best intros in gaming because of a deliberate focus on immediately immersing players in mystery and intrigue. He emphasizes that a strong opening is crucial for player retention in today's competitive market, where games are easily accessible and players have many alternatives.
Bioshock lead's fears about Judas were banished by Baldur's Gate 3 gibbing a main character on his second…
Ken Levine, the lead designer of BioShock, discussed the development of his upcoming game, Judas, highlighting its focus on branching narratives and player choice. He drew inspiration from Baldur's Gate 3's reactive storytelling, emphasizing Judas's high replayability compared to his previous titles.
The Daily Grind: Have you paid to change your MMO character’s race, gender, or look?
This opinion piece questions players about their experiences paying for in-game services like character race or appearance changes in MMORPGs, using Final Fantasy XIV's 'fantasia' potions as an example. It asks whether players were satisfied with these purchases or if they believe such features should be included by default.