The open beta test for the Xbox Series X|S version of FINAL FANTASY XIV is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at around 12:00 a.m. (PST)!
The open beta test will only be available to new players who will be playing FINAL FANTASY XIV for the first time. Take this opportunity to invite your Xbox-owning friends who have never experienced the ever-expanding world of FINAL FANTASY XIV and adventure together!
1. As FINAL FANTASY XIV is an online multiplayer game you may need to adjust various privacy settings to play on Xbox Series X|S. You may do so by accessing the Xbox settings menu and navigating through the following options: Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details & customize >
Communication & multiplayer. The following settings are required:
From the previous View details & customize menu, select Game content and confirm:
2. Navigate to the Microsoft Store, search for FINAL FANTASY XIV and visit the product page.
3. From the “…” option menu, select and download the FINAL FANTASY XIV Free Trial onto your Xbox Series X|S.
4. After installation finishes, launch the game and follow the on-screen instructions to begin your adventure.
The open beta test contains the same content, features, and limitations as the Free Trial version, minus the ability to make optional Online Store purchases.
The Free Trial version, including the open beta test, will not require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play. However, the full Xbox Series X|S version will require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play.
The Xbox version of Final Fantasy 14 requires a Game Pass subscription on top of the massively multiplayer role-playing game’s own monthly cost.
Tucked into a blog post revealing the Xbox version’s open beta begins on February 21 at 12 midnight Pacific / 3am Eastern / 8am UK, Square Enix revealed that, unlike PlayStation, Xbox players will have to pay for two subscriptions to play Final Fantasy 14.
“The Free Trial version, including the open beta test, will not require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play,” Square Enix said. “However, the full Xbox Series X and S version will require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play.”
A 30 day subscription to the game costs $14.99, 90 days costs $41.97, and 180 days costs $77.94. Xbox Game Pass Core, which is the cheapest tier, costs $9.99, $24.99 for three months, or $59.99 for a year. The cheapest Xbox players could play Final Fantasy 14 for per month is therefore $17.98 if they commit to the longest possible subscription of each. Xbox players will otherwise pay $24.98 if they choose to pay for both on a monthly basis.
