Image: Square Enix
After more than a decade, the highly anticipated arrival of Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox has been confirmed for 2024. Square Enix made the exciting announcement on February 2, unveiling a beta test for the Xbox Series version scheduled to commence on February 21. This beta will be open to newcomers to the MMO genre. However, Xbox players keen on delving into the realms of Eorzea will not only need to subscribe to the game itself but also require an additional Xbox Game Pass subscription.
A Square Enix's blog post, details this announcement in the "How to Participate" section. It clarifies that while the Free Trial version, including the beta, doesn't mandate a Game Pass subscription, the full Xbox Series X|S version will need an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan for access. This is a departure from the norm for FF14, which typically only requires a game subscription on PlayStation and PC.
The regular Entry subscription for FF14 is priced at US$12.99 (around CA$18) per month, while the Game Pass Core, the more economical tier, is available at US$9.99 (~CA14) per month. Opting for the Ultimate tier will set players back US$16.99 (~CA$23) monthly. So, if you're not on the Free Trial, a month of playing the MMO on Xbox will incur a combined cost of approximately US$23 (~CA$31).
It's worth noting that the overall expense may vary if players choose extended subscription plans for Game Pass or FF14. Regardless, Xbox players now face the uncommon scenario of paying two separate fees for a single game. For those intrigued by the prospect of Final Fantasy XIV but hesitant about the associated costs, the open beta test offers a risk-free opportunity to explore the game's world. The beta kicks off on Wednesday, February 21, at 3 a.m. EST.