Square Enix is offering up something very special for those looking to try out their online MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV Online. From now until May 26, the Starter Edition for Final Fantasy XIV Online is completely free to own on the PlayStation 4 through the PSN Store. This edition is normally priced at $19.99 and comes with the base game, known as A Realm Reborn, as well as a 30-day free trial for the online subscription service. Keep in mind that once the trial runs out, you’ll need to either cancel the subscription or set up a payment option to keep it going.
It’s also important to note that this edition does not come bundled with any of the post-release expansions; Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers. If you want to experience any of those story-lines you’ll need to buy them each on their own through either the PSN Store or Square Enix. Despite this shortcoming, the fact that the company is essentially giving away the base game for nothing this weekend is pretty sweet. It’s a great way for players to at the very least try it out before decicing to either plunge further into the massive world of Eorza, or simply stop and go to something else.
Next to Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV Online is arguably one of the biggest and most successful MMORPG’s in the world today. When it initially launched in 2010, it was an unmitigated disaster and was considered an absolute flop in the gaming industry. Due to the overwhelming backlash that the company recieved, Square Enix decided to completely restart the game from the ground up, complete with an in-game apocalyptic event that destroyed the entire world. They then relaunched the game in 2013 as Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn, which did much better and saved the game completely.
Square Enix continued this success by releasing the three aforementioned expansions, all of which were critically acclaimed. The most recent one, Shadowbringers, was especially lauded for its outstanding plot and new mechanics. The base game alone will keep you enthralled for hundreds of hours, so it’s definitely worth a look if you’re interested in the world of Eorza. As we said earlier, the Starter Edition for Final Fanatsy XIV Online is free to own from today through next Tuesday, May 26 for the PlayStation 4 on the PSN Store.