Diving into Eorzea Without Draining Your Wallet: A Final Fantasy XIV Cost Breakdown
Are you considering the world of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)? Great choice! This MMORPG offers epic tales, engaging characters, and ample content. Yet, before you hop on your Chocobo, let’s discuss the costs of this thrilling adventure.
Navigating MMO costs can be tricky. Don’t worry! We will break down FFXIV expenses clearly. You will know what you are paying for. Maybe you can also save some Gil. This guide will help you understand the costs in Eorzea and beyond.
The Initial Dip: Game Purchase Price
Like most games, buying the base game is necessary. Think of it as a ticket to the grand theatre of Hydaelyn. There are options for different budgets and commitment levels:
Base Game/Starter Edition: The Gateway Drug
The Starter Edition is the cheapest entry point. It costs about $20. You will access a large chunk of content to see if FFXIV is right for you, like your tea cup or a mug of Gysahl Greens tea.
Complete Edition: The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
If you like going all in, the Complete Edition is for you. It includes the base game and all expansions for about $60. Consider it an investment in a vast story from the start.
Latest Expansion (Dawntrail): Staying Current
For veterans, there’s the latest expansion called “Dawntrail.” You need the base game to use it. It costs around $40. Expansions contain new classes, stories, and level caps. They keep you relevant in the FFXIV world.
Collector’s Edition of Latest Expansion: For the Discerning Hoarder
The Collector’s Edition for the latest expansion is priced around $60. This edition includes more than just the expansion. It offers digital and sometimes physical items, like exclusive mounts or an art book. These extras appeal to dedicated fans.
Keeping the Lights On: Subscription Fees
The subscription fee keeps servers running and developers working. FFXIV isn’t a one-time purchase. It’s subscription-based, meaning you pay regularly to play. Think of it like Netflix, but for adventuring.
Monthly Subscription: Choose Your Flavor
You can select from two main subscription tiers that cater to different play styles:
Entry Tier: The Minimalist’s Choice
The “Entry” tier is the most economical. It costs $12.99 per month. The catch is that you can create only one character per server. You can have up to eight characters across different servers. If you focus on one character, this tier may suit you well.
Standard Tier: The Character Connoisseur
The “Standard” tier costs $14.99 per month. This option allows you to create up to eight characters per server and up to 40 total. If you love experimenting with various classes or simply want multiple characters, this tier is ideal. Plus, two extra dollars is like buying a fancy coffee.
Subscription Bundles (Crysta): Bulk Savings?
Square Enix allows payments using “Crysta,” their digital currency. Purchasing subscription time with Crysta may yield better deals if bought in bulk.
A 90-day subscription could cost around $43.97 directly, but through Crysta bundles, it might be $17.97 per month for 90 days (1,797 Crysta). These bundle deals can save you some Gil over time.
Character Fee (Additional Characters): More Alts, More Moolah
If you need more characters than your subscription allows, there’s a fee. Each extra character slot beyond your limit will cost $3.00 (or 300 Crysta). It’s similar to paying for extra luggage while traveling – convenient but can add up quickly.
Optional Extras: The à la Carte Menu
In addition to core costs, there are optional services that can lighten your wallet. These services are cosmetic or convenience-based.
Home World Transfer Service: Moving House in Eorzea
If you want to move your character to another server, use the Home World Transfer Service. It costs $18.00 per transfer. This feature is helpful if you want a new environment or to join friends.
Character Renaming Service: Second Chances at a First Impression
If you’re unhappy with that whimsical name from 3 AM, don’t worry! The Character Renaming Service offers a do-over for $10.00 USD. Choose wisely this time; that name might haunt you if you don’t.
The Glorious Free Trial: Try Before You Buy
Unsure whether FFXIV is right for you? Square Enix provides a Free Trial that allows you to explore Eorzea without spending anything. It’s like a free appetizer before diving into the full meal.
Availability: Content Galore, Gratis!
The Free Trial offers ample content. You can play the base game (“A Realm Reborn”) and several expansions (“Heavensward” and “Stormblood”) up to level 70! That’s tons of free content available, with many hours of gameplay ahead.
Limitations: A Few Gentle Nudges to Subscribe
Being a free trial, some limitations apply. Social interactions have restrictions; for instance, you cannot send private messages to non-friends. Also, feature access is limited, along with a cap on your in-game currency (GIL). These small limitations encourage subscribing once you’re hooked.
Dream Homes and Empty Pockets: Housing Costs
Housing is a big money sink in any MMO, and FFXIV is no different. Owning a home in Eorzea signifies status but comes at a cost.
Apartments: Starter Homes for the Aspiring Landlord
Apartments are the entry-level housing option. You must achieve Second Lieutenant rank in your Grand Company to qualify. An apartment will cost 500,000 Gil. It’s not cheap but easier than affording a full house.
Plots: Going Big or Going Home (Literally)
If you dream of large estates and gardens, plots are for you. But be prepared to spend:
- Small Plots: Between 3,000,000 Gil and 3,750,000 Gil
- Medium Plots: Between 16,000,000 Gil and 20,000,000 Gil
- Large Plots: A staggering 40,000,000 Gil to 50,000,000 Gil
These prices vary by server demand and are not for the faint of wallet.
Crysta: The Digital Dough
Crysta is Square Enix’s digital currency. Knowing Crysta helps with microtransactions and subscription options in the game.
Crysta Conversion: Dollars to Digital
The rate is simple: 100 Crysta equals $1.00 USD. This means 1 Crysta is worth one penny. Easy to understand.
Crysta Limits: Wallet Size Matters
You can purchase Crysta in amounts from 500 to 10,000 Crysta. Your wallet can hold up to 50,000 Crysta, or $500 USD. Avoid hoarding too many digital pennies.
Crysta Expiry: Use It or Lose It
A slight twist: Square Enix Crysta expires after two years from the purchase date. It vanishes at the end of the month. Don’t let those digital dollars sit too long or they’ll disappear like a missed spell.
WoW Factor: A Quick Comparison
If you know World of Warcraft (WoW), let’s compare the costs briefly.
WoW’s Subscription Model: Similar Vibes
Like FFXIV, WoW requires a subscription after reaching level 20. These models are quite similar. Often, the choice comes down to the game you prefer.
WoW Subscription Cost: Roughly in the Same Ballpark
A one-month WoW subscription costs $14.99 per month. Discounts apply for longer terms, similar to FFXIV’s Standard plan. Cost-wise, they are competitive.
No Sub, No Service: Continued Play and the Subscription Wall
To play FFXIV beyond the Free Trial, you need a monthly recurring subscription. There are no exceptions. Your access cuts off when your trial ends or your subscription expires. Think of it as your ticket to Eorzea’s adventures.
Cost-Influencing Factors: Your Choices Matter
The cost of playing FFXIV depends on your choices and playstyle. Here are key factors that shape your expenses:
- Subscription Tier (Entry vs. Standard): Entry saves some dollars monthly but limits character slots.
- Subscription Length: Longer subscriptions (like 90-day options) reduce the monthly cost compared to pay-as-you-go.
- Optional Services: Services like World Transfers or Character Renames add costs. Use them wisely!
Now you’ve got a complete breakdown of FFXIV’s costs. From purchases to subscriptions and extras, you’re ready to budget your Eorzean journeys. Go forth, adventurer! May your Gil be abundant and your adventures rewarding!
