How to Try and Buy Final Fantasy XIV (2024)

Information on how to get Final Fantasy XIV, including a list of supported platforms, information on creating an account,and free trial details.

Contents[]

Introduction
Supported Platforms
Windows Standalone/Retail Version vs. Steam Version
Windows Benchmark
Free Trial
The Recruit a Friend Program
Upgrading from the Free Trial to the Full Version
Purchasing the Full Game
Game Client Download Links
Adding an Expansion to the Game
Support Center

Introduction

Check out the official Final Fantasy XIV Starter Guide Series for an in-depth introduction to the game.

Final Fantasy XIV is a story-driven,online multi-player fantasyadventure RPG. A free trialis available. A Square Enixaccount is required.Final Fantasy XIV is NOT free-to-play; toremove the free trial limitations, you must purchase the game,transfer to the full version if you used the free trial (see "Upgrading from theFree Trial to the Full Version" on this pagefor more details), and purchase game time after the free 30 days that are included with the purchase. Game time can be purchased from the Square Enix Store,or fromretailers such as Amazon, Newegg, etc.You can enter game time codes and manage your subscription and FFXIV account via theMog Station web site. For the latest news and updates, as well as basic guides for the game, visit TheLodestone, which is the official community site for FFXIV. For a step-by-step guideto starting the game, visit the official FFXIV Getting Started Guide.

Supported Platforms

Final Fantasy XIV can be played on the following platforms.Download links are available later on this page. It is recommended to read theinformation on this page before downloading the game.

Windows
Windows for Steam (separate from Windows standalone/retail version)
macOS
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Xbox Series X|S

Windows Standalone/Retail Version vs. Steam Version

Please be aware that the Steam version is separate from the Windowsstandalone/retailversion, and if you associate your Square Enix account with the Steam version,you will no longer be able to play the Windows standalone version with thatSquare Enix account, and vice versa. You would need to create a separate SquareEnix account to play the other version, and would not be able to transfer yourcharacters between those accounts.

Windows Benchmark

For the Windows version of the game,if you wish to check how well your Windows computer canrunFinal Fantasy XIV, you can download the free Windows benchmarktool.The benchmark also allows you to create a character, which you can import intothe full game if you choose. The benchmark is not available for Mac.

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Free Trial

If you wish to play the freetrial, you can create afree trial account. After you create the free trial account, you will receive instructions to download the free trial version of the game. Be aware that this free trial account will be locked tothechosen platform; you will not be able to transfer your free trial characterto other platforms unless you upgrade to the full game. Please note that if youpurchase the game, you can no longer play the free trial with the Square Enix account that you used topurchase it. You would need to create a new free trial account to play the free trial again,and would not be able to use the characters from your paid account.For more information about playing the free trial, go to "Howdo I join and play the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Free Trial?"on the SquareEnix Support Page.

The Recruit a Friend Program

You and a friend can receive in-game rewards via theRecruita Friend Campaign. A currently subscribed player can give you a recruitmentcode.If you receive a recruitment code to play FFXIV, be sure to use itbeforepurchasing a subscription. You will not be able to enter a recruitmentcode after subscribing.

Upgrading from the Free Trial to the Full Version

To upgrade from the free trial to the full version of the game, you need to purchase the game,then log into the Mog Station web site witha free trial account, then click the "Transfer to Full Game" button and followthe instructions.

Purchasing the Full Game

To purchase the full game, visit the FFXIV Product Page onthe official Final Fantasy XIV web site.

Game Client Download Links

The following links can be used to download the game client on your platform ofchoice. Please note that you need to purchase the gameand have a Square EnixAccount and an active subscription to play the following versions of the game. If you wish to play the free trial instead, go to the freetrial page to create a free trial accountand download the free trial version of the game.

Adding an Expansion to the Game

If you have purchased the full game in the past and wish to purchase a newexpansion, please read How can I check what versions/platforms my account can play on? at the Final Fantasy XIV Support Center for instructions on using Mog Station to purchase additionalexpansions.

Support Center

If you encounter problems, you can visit the Square EnixSupport Page for FFXIV for assistance. You may also find it helpful toread the FFXIVBeginner's Guide for step-by-step instructions on getting started.