After ten years of anticipation, the acclaimed massively multiplayer online role-playing game from Square Enix, Final Fantasy XIV, is finally heading to Xbox consoles. Square Enix has announced that the game will become available for Xbox Series X/S in the spring of 2024. Similar to its PlayStation 5 version, the Xbox variant will support 4K resolution on Series X and provide quicker loading times. Whether there will be exclusive upgrades for the Xbox version remains to be seen.
An open beta phase is projected to coincide with the 6.5X patch, suggesting that the Xbox version should be ready by the release of the Dawntrail expansion set for the summer of the following year.
Microsoft has been keen to include more Final Fantasy titles in its roster. Back in 2019, it incorporated ten games from the series, spanning from VII to XV, into its Game Pass. Notably, this addition didn’t feature XIV, leaving Xbox gamers without this particular MMO title. The game was initially launched on PS3 and PC in 2013, followed by versions for PS4 (2014), Mac (2015) and PS5 (2021).
There are clear motivations behind this move. By bringing Final Fantasy XIV to Xbox, it attracts followers of the series, particularly those feeling left out due to the timed exclusivity of XVI for PS5. This move also serves as an outreach to Japanese gamers and enthusiasts of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). The Xbox has faced challenges in gaining traction in Japan, largely due to local studios favoring native consoles from Nintendo and Sony. While this game may not drastically boost Microsoft’s market position, it certainly removes a hurdle for potential players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Final Fantasy XIV Xbox Launch
When is Final Fantasy XIV coming to Xbox?
Final Fantasy XIV is scheduled to be available on Xbox in the Spring of 2024.
Will the Xbox version of Final Fantasy XIV support 4K visuals?
Yes, similar to its PlayStation 5 counterpart, the Xbox version of Final Fantasy XIV will support 4K resolution on Series X.
Will there be any exclusive upgrades for the Xbox version of Final Fantasy XIV?
As of now, it’s unclear whether there will be any exclusive upgrades for the Xbox version of Final Fantasy XIV.
When was Final Fantasy XIV first launched?
Final Fantasy XIV debuted on PS3 and PC in 2013, followed by versions for PS4 (2014), Mac (2015), and PS5 (2021).
Why is Microsoft eager to add Final Fantasy XIV to Xbox?
Microsoft aims to attract fans of the Final Fantasy series, particularly those who feel left out by the timed exclusivity of XVI for PS5. Additionally, it’s an attempt to appeal to Japanese gamers and enthusiasts of Japanese role-playing games.
More about Final Fantasy XIV Xbox Launch
- Final Fantasy XIV Official Site
- Xbox Official Site
- Square Enix Official Site
- News about Final Fantasy on Xbox
6 comments
Anyone else curious about the ‘Xbox-only upgrades’? wonder what that could be…
I’ll believe it when i see it. they’ve been promising us FF on Xbox for ages now!
Wow, can’t believe it took 10 yrs for ff14 to hit xbox. was about time!!
Super excited for the 4k visuals on my Series X. Spring 2024 can’t come soon enough!
Guess Microsoft’s finally stepping up their game. Good for them! Sony and Nintendo need competition.
nice to see Xbox reaching out to us JRPG fans, hope there will be more like this in the future.