How to Try and Buy Final Fantasy XIV

Information on how to get Final Fantasy XIV, including a list of supported platforms, information on creating an account, and free trial details.

Introduction

Final Fantasy XIV is a story-driven, online multi-player fantasy adventure RPG. A free trial is available. A Square Enix account is required. Final Fantasy XIV is NOT free-to-play; to remove the free trial limitations, you must purchase the game, transfer to the full version if you used the free trial (see "Upgrading from the Free Trial to the Full Version" on this page for more details), and purchase game time after the free 30 days that are included with the purchase. Game time can be purchased from the Square Enix Store, or from retailers such as Amazon, Newegg, etc. You can enter game time codes and manage your subscription and FFXIV account via the Mog Station web site. For the latest news and updates, as well as basic guides for the game, visit The Lodestone, which is the official community site for FFXIV. For a step-by-step guide to starting the game, visit the official FFXIV Getting Started Guide.

Supported Platforms

Final Fantasy XIV can be played on the following platforms. Download links are available later on this page. It is recommended to read the information on this page before downloading the game.

  • Windows
  • Windows for Steam (separate from Windows standalone/retail version)
  • macOS
  • Playstation 4
  • Playstation 5
  • Xbox Series X|S

Windows Standalone/Retail Version vs. Steam Version

Please be aware that the Steam version is separate from the Windows standalone/retail version, and if you associate your Square Enix account with the Steam version, you will no longer be able to play the Windows standalone version with that Square Enix account, and vice versa. You would need to create a separate Square Enix account to play the other version, and would not be able to transfer your characters between those accounts.

Windows Benchmark

For the Windows version of the game, if you wish to check how well your Windows computer can run Final Fantasy XIV, you can download the free Windows benchmark tool. The benchmark also allows you to create a character, which you can import into the full game if you choose. The benchmark is not available for Mac.

Free Trial

If you wish to play the free trial, you can create a free trial account. After you create the free trial account, you will receive instructions to download the free trial version of the game. Be aware that this free trial account will be locked to the chosen platform; you will not be able to transfer your free trial character to other platforms unless you upgrade to the full game. Please note that if you purchase the game, you can no longer play the free trial with the Square Enix account that you used to purchase it. You would need to create a new free trial account to play the free trial again, and would not be able to use the characters from your paid account. For more information about playing the free trial, go to "How do I join and play the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Free Trial?" on the Square Enix Support Page.

The Recruit a Friend Program

You and a friend can receive in-game rewards via the Recruit a Friend Campaign. A currently subscribed player can give you a recruitment code. If you receive a recruitment code to play FFXIV, be sure to use it before purchasing a subscription. You will not be able to enter a recruitment code after subscribing.

Upgrading from the Free Trial to the Full Version

To upgrade from the free trial to the full version of the game, you need to purchase the game, then log into the Mog Station web site with a free trial account, then click the "Transfer to Full Game" button and follow the instructions.

Purchasing the Full Game

To purchase the full game, visit the FFXIV Product Page on the official Final Fantasy XIV web site.

The following links can be used to download the game client on your platform of choice. Please note that you need to purchase the game and have a Square Enix Account and an active subscription to play the following versions of the game. If you wish to play the free trial instead, go to the free trial page to create a free trial account and download the free trial version of the game.

Adding an Expansion to the Game

If you have purchased the full game in the past and wish to purchase a new expansion, please read How can I check what versions/platforms my account can play on? at the Final Fantasy XIV Support Center for instructions on using Mog Station to purchase additional expansions.

Support Center

If you encounter problems, you can visit the Square Enix Support Page for FFXIV for assistance. You may also find it helpful to read the FFXIV Beginner's Guide for step-by-step instructions on getting started.