Final Fantasy XIV Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn , also known collectively with its and past version as just Final Fantasy XIV , is the relaunched version of the fourteenth installment of the " Final Fantasy " series and the second , after " Final Fantasy XI " , to be an MMORPG ( Massively Multiplayer Online Role - Playing Game ) . The original version of " Final Fantasy XIV " received heavy criticism at launch in 2010 , prompting an official apology and the replacement of its development team . In October , 2011 Square Enix announced the game would be relaunched as " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " , an entirely new version rebuilt from the ground up . " A Realm Reborn " would carry over the original game ' s setting , lore and story , but feature a new client , server structure , graphics engine , interface , terrain , and content . The original version of the game , termed " Version 1 . 0 " , received its final update in November 2012 and its service concluded that December . Alpha testing for " A Realm Reborn " commenced in November 2012 , with beta testing following throughout the first half of 2013 . The game officially relaunched on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 3 platforms on August 27th , 2013 , and then officially launched on the PlayStation 4 on April 14th , 2014 . The first expansion , " " , was released on June 23rd , 2015 worldwide . The second expansion , " " , has been announced and will release June 20 , 2017 On September 15 , 2015 , it was announced at the pre - Tokyo Game Show SCEJA Press Conference that " Final Fantasy XIV " will be released for PlayStation VR ( previously known as Project Morpheus ) , With the pending retirement of the PlayStation 3 version and its infrastructure , set to occur upon the release of " Stormblood " , " Final Fantasy XIV " is no longer available for purchase on the console . Gameplay . After the player has created a character , the game will start in one of the three city - states depending on the character ' s starting class . The player cannot change class until finishing the level 10 class quest of their starting class . Doing the Main Scenario quests will help the player gain EXP , Gil , items , an airship ticket , an ability to use the inn room , permission to do Guildleves , visit the Gold Saucer , hire retainers , and be able to join Grand Companies of Eorzea . The player can choose between playing with mouse and keyboard or play on a gamepad . The skill HUD will adapt to the player ' s selected choice . Hotkey bars . The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 versions have a unique interface for gamepads called the Cross Hotbar that has two sides . When the player holds down the right half of the bar is highlighted . There are eight total buttons that can be used : , , , , and the . The same thing happens if the player uses , but it is with the left side . There are eight in total different hotbars the player can change by holding and selecting them . The player can use the standard twelve - slot hotbars found in most MMOs by playing with the mouse and keyboard on the PC - version ; the player can have multiple hotbars on screen simultaneously and bind different key commands to control them . The PlayStation 4 version also supports mouse and keyboard control , however the PlayStation 3 version does not . Leveling and partying . There are two main methods of seeking parties : the Duty Finder and the Party Finder . The Duty Finder is a dedicated party search system for undertaking instanced duties . It allows the player to form an allocated party with other players , including players from different worlds on the same data center . The Party Finder , while limited to current server , allows recruiting with more varied and specific criteria ( such as participating in FATEs ) . Players may also manually invite party members at any time . Free Companies are the new guild system , taking the place of Linkshells that are now simply chat channels for various player purposes . To register a new free company , the player must be level 25 , aligned with a Grand Company , have at least four starting members , and 15 , 000 Gil . However , any player may join an existing free company regardless of level by applying for , or being invited into it . Unlike Linkshells , a player may only belong to one Free Company at a time . Free Companies offer several unique ways to play with an established group of players , including a shared housing system and special bonuses . Battle system . Fighting . Using skills is an easy learning system . The player has five different battle bars to watch : HP , TP , MP , Enmity , and ( in parties ) the Limit Gauge . Enmity . Enmity is a small bar ( under the class icon ) that measures how much threat they have with an opponent while in a party . This gauge is intended to ensure those with a tank role can maintain the enemy ' s attention , while DPS and healers avoid getting directly attacked . The bar reflects the proportionate threat compared to other players , showing how likely they are to gain aggro . A number indicates the player ' s threat ranking , with " A " representing the one holding aggro ; if aggro is held by a player or NPC out of party or a pet not shown on party list , the highest will be represented as " 1 " . By default , enmity is not shown when playing solo , where it usually is irrelevant . However , these mechanics will still be in place whenever multiple players or NPCs attack a target ( such as FATE s ) . Limit Break . " A Realm Reborn " implements a limit break system for parties in place of the Battle Regimen system found in Version 1 . 0 . Each party has a limit gauge that increases as actions are taken during battle . When at least one section of the gauge is filled , a limit break may be activated by a party member , emptying the gauge . The effects of the limit break are dependent on the class or job of the character who triggered it , while the strength of those effects is based upon how many sections of the limit gauge were filled when the limit break was triggered . A tank class will increase the defense of the party with his Limit Break , a healer will use a healing effect that can raise at level 3 , a physical melee DPS will unleash a powerful attack on one target , magic DPS will loose a circular area blast , and physical ranged DPS will fire a linear area blast . The rate at which the limit gauge is filled changes in response to the conditions of battle . Executing certain skillful maneuvers , such as inflicting the Stun status effect on an enemy , can make the limit gauge rise more quickly . Conversely , the death of a party member will cause the limit gauge to decrease by a certain amount . The limit gauge will also fill more slowly if multiple party members are using the same class or job at one time . Crafting system . Synthesis . Crafting is initiated through the Crafting Log , provided materials are available in inventory . Players must use abilities to advance the progress and quality of the crafted item . Increasing progress gradually leads to completion of the item , while increasing quality increases the chance of a HQ ( high quality ) product and increases EXP gained . While performing actions , the materials Durability will gradually decrease ; if it reaches zero , crafting fails and materials may be lost . At each step , the materials may be in one of four states : Normal , Good , Excellent , and Poor . Good and Excellent will provide bonus to quality gained if the relevant skills are used at that step . Poor occurs right after Excellent , and will penalize any quality gains , but does not affect progress or other skills . Some skills can only be used while in Good condition . Synthesis is governed by three stats : Materia melding . By completing the appropriate quest , players can also meld Materia on to crafted gear . Melding requires the appropriate materia as well as appropriate grade of carbonized matter , by a crafter of the appropriate class and level . Most crafted equipment will have at least one slot available for melds . Note that special gear awarded from quests , dungeons , raids , or trials cannot be melded . Overmelding can also be performed by unlocking the " Advanced Melding " ability , which enables extra materia to melded onto gear . This process may fail , costing the materia regardless , making it financially risky . Players lacking the necessary crafting skill can " Request Meld " from another player , provided they possess the required items . The interface enables a tip in gil to be given for services rendered . Repairs . While most players can pay certain NPC menders to repair their gear , crafters can use Dark Matter to perform the repairs manually . Starting with Patch 2 . 28 , players can perform repairs regardless of current class as long as the associated Disciple of the Hand class is high enough . Manual repairs will increase current durability by 100 % ( up to 199 % ) , allowing them to go longer without needing repairs . To perform repairs , the crafting class must be at least ten levels lower than the item ' s required equip level . Dark Matter repairs can be performed at any time , even during combat . Desynthesis . Players can also perform Desynthesis on equipment , fish , and other certain items to break them down into components , including rare items not obtained in any other circumstance . This is possible once the associated Discipline of the Hand is at least level 30 ( regardless of current class ) . Desynthesis is handled by its own skill rating ( per discipline ) , which affects the chance of success and is increased by successful desynthesis . Gathering system . Gathering is performed by reaching the respective node in the field , which brings up a list of items to retrieve , along with the chances of success and the frequency of a high - quality item being obtained . As items are gathered , nodes will lose " health " until it is depleted . Individual nodes will refresh as others are depleted . Fishing is a more straightforward ( but completely random ) process , that simply requires casting line at a body of water and waiting for something to bite . Unlike other classes , consumable bait is required to fish . Gathering is governed by three stats : Armory system . Classes . There are four base disciplines , each divided into several classes . Each class has its own weapon type , and changing classes is as simple as changing weapons ; this is known as the Armory System . Classes can be changed at any time , except during a battle . The player can use most skills on any class after learning them , but skills are scaled with the current class level . Players can use all skills learned by their current class , and set up other classes ' skills based on his or her current max level . The maximum number of cross - class skills that can be used is capped at 10 for a level 50 character with no soul crystal equipped . Jobs . Introduced in patch 1 . 21 of the original version , classic " Final Fantasy " jobs appear as types of specializations inside the armory system . Upon reaching Level 30 in a class , players can do a quest unlocking the use of a job obtaining a soul crystal , carved with the deeds of past warriors . Setting a job on top of one ' s class limits the use of cross class abilities ( can only use half the usual number — max of 5 skills at level 50 — and only from specific classes ) but allows the use of powerful job - specific abilities and equipment . The main advantage of using a job will be the possibility of specializing on a role ( like tanking as a Paladin ) for high level party play , while using the regular classes will be advantageous while playing solo or in smaller parties ( where things like a White Mage who can heal can prove useful ) . Jobs change the player ' s base stats to help fulfill its intended role . The level 30 class quest for the main class ( e . g . Gladiator ) has to be completed to unlock its respective job quest ( s ) ( e . g . Paladin ) . It ' s not mandatory to complete the class quest at level 15 for the required subclass ( e . g . Conjurer ) , simply reaching level 15 will suffice . New jobs added in " Heavensward " and " Stormblood " have no base class . Equipping a weapon from these jobs will automatically equip the relevant soul crystal . They require any class at level 50 ( " Heavensward " ) / 60 ( " Stormblood " ) to unlock , and start at level 30 ( " Heavensward " ) / 50 ( " Stormblood " ) . Added in " Heavensward " : Added in " Stormblood " : Characters . The Adventurer . The player can create a character to play as through the use of the Character Creation system . Playable races . There are six playable races resembling those from " Final Fantasy XI " . Each is divided into two clans . In the game ' s initial release , there were three " missing genders " — Female Roegadyn , Male Miqo ' te and Female Highlander Hyur — but these became available on the launch of " A Realm Reborn " . A recent players ' poll presented the possibility of mixed races ( Miqo ' te - Lalafell , Hyur - Elezen ) , though nothing is confirmed as of yet . Setting . World and lore . " Final Fantasy XIV " is set in the world of Hydaelyn . Players can explore a realm of Hydaelyn known as Eorzea , though there are many other distant landmasses with numerous civilizations . In Eorzea , towering mountains dominate the north , their peaks lashed with icy winds , and to the south , a bleak expanse of unforgiving desert holds sway . These inhospitable lands hold lure for man and monster alike : the currents of Aether . Aether is a magical substance that flows through the planet and everything living on it . It can be used in a number of ways , including fueling magic , powering machina , aiding in crafting , and allowing instantaneous teleportation through Aetheryte Crystals . This valuable substance can start wars , as different organizations and races compete for control over it . Eorzea is said to cycle through prosperous Astral eras and disastrous Umbral eras . Eons ago the land was inhabited by gods and goddesses , which the wandering tribes that settled the land called the Twelve . The gods blessed the tribes that came to the savage land with welfare and prosperity , in what is known as the Age of Gods . The tribes began fighting with each other , and war tore Eorzea apart . The gods and goddesses vanished , starting the First Umbral Era . Once the chaos from this conflict subsided , and the " Spoken " were left alone with the Aetherial Sea separating them from the divine , the earliest civilizations came to Eorzea , marking the dawn of the First Astral Era . There have been six great eras of calamity since the Age of Gods passed into legend and the age of man began . Each of the Umbral catastrophes has , in turn , borne the characteristics of one of the six elements . With the end of the Sixth Umbral Era , all the elements had been represented , and it was believed the Sixth Astral Era would last into eternity . With the end of " Final Fantasy XIV 1 . 0 " , and the fall of Dalamud , a period known as the Seventh Umbral Era has started . The unleashing of Bahamut has destroyed much of the land , and numerous other dark omens signal great suffering to come . The " A Realm Reborn " relaunch takes place in this Seventh Umbral Era . Three major city states exist within Eorzea : the bustling commercial hub of Ul ' dah , the forest nation of Gridania , and the marine city - state of Limsa Lominsa . Each state hosts a Grand Company — economic and military organization tasked with defending the land . Adventurers join these organizations to further their goals and ambitions , while simultaneously helping keep the peace over Eorzea . Two other city - states also exist : the reclusive Holy See of Ishgard , which has been continually warring with the draconic Dravanian Horde , and Ala Mhigo , a militaristic , once - powerful city - state in Eorzea ' s northeast which fell to the Garlean Empire twenty years ago during Garlemald ' s initial invasion . In addition , the distant scholarly city of Sharlayan had until recently maintained a colony in Dravania , and is deeply involved in the politics and fate of Eorzea . Eorzea ' s main enemies consist of the Beast Tribe races and the Garlean Empire . The Beast Tribes are a group of intelligent but monstrous clans , whose ideals and objectives clash with the humanoid races , while the Garlean Empire is a magically weak but technologically advanced , cosmopolitan ( though Hyuran - dominated ) nation hailing from outside of Eorzea who seeks to conquer the land and its Aether , which powers their various technologies , including Magitek Armor and Airships . In addition , threats from the Void frequently trouble the realm , including mysterious shadowless agents . City states . Limsa Lominsa . On the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand , under the shadow of ancient cliffs worn by the relentless onslaught of the Rhotano Sea , lies the marine city - state of Limsa Lominsa . Said to be blessed by the goddess of navigation , Llymlaen , the city is spread out over countless tiny islands , each connected by sturdy bridges of iron and wood construction , earning her the name the " Navigator ' s Veil " from traveling bards who have witnessed the city ' s beauty from afar . Limsa Lominsa is a traditional thalassocracy , with power lying in the hands of the ruling party and its leader , the Admiral . Its economy is driven by shipbuilding , fishing , and blacksmithing , but the majority of wealth comes from the lucrative shipping industry . To maintain the safety of its maritime routes , the city employs a formidable navy known as the Knights of the Barracuda . However , even in the waters nearby the city , pirate bands run rampant , raving and pillaging . Gridania . In the eastern reaches of the Aldenard landmass , home to vast , dense woodlands and coursing rivers , lies the forest nation of Gridania . The cityscape is a mosaic of labyrinthine waterways and great wooden structures , so gracefully constructed they seem a part of the surrounding environment . The Gridanian emphasis on natural harmony has led to its preeminence among Eorzea ' s city - states in trades such as forestry , agriculture , carpentry , and leatherworking . Gridania is home to the Wood Wailers , a militant band of polearm - wielding sentries charged with the protection of their homeland . The favored goddess of the citizenry is Nophica , the Matron , but great faith is also placed in the wisdom of the Seedseers — young oracles who guide the nation based on the will of the forest ' s elementals . Ul ' dah . The bustling commercial hub of Ul ' dah sits amid the arid desert landscape of Thanalan in southern Aldenard . The city is organized strategically around the dome - shaped citadel at its center . Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visible for malms in all directions , and serve as a stark deterrent to would - be besiegers . Visitors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul ' dah to partake of the city ' s famed recreation , most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls . Ul ' dahn culture is known for its affluence , and the nation ' s wealth comes from its abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcrafting industry . Historically , the sultan claims sovereignty over Ul ' dah , but true power is wielded by the Syndicate , an elite group of six of the most influential and richest members of society . Nald ' thal the Traders is the city ' s patron deity and two great halls devoted to his two aspects — Nald and Thal — are found in the eastern and western sections of the city . Ishgard . In the central region of Abalathia ' s Spine , that great mountain range that spans Aldenard from east to west , can be found the forbidding highlands of Coerthas and the Holy See of Ishgard . The archbishop of the church , while leading his people in the teachings of Halone , the Fury , rules also as the nation ' s sovereign . Ishgard ' s formidable army of knights wages constant battle against its mortal enemies , the dragons . Faced with ever more aggressive attacks from its serpentine foes , as well as an unprecedented spell of bitter cold , the theocracy ' s days are dark indeed . Matters have grown so grave as to prompt the archbishop and his advisors to consider throwing open the heretofore sealed gates of Ishgard and calling for outside aid . Ala Mhigo . The highlands of Gyr Abania in the eastern reaches of Aldenard were once under the control of a martial nation known as Ala Mhigo . It was , perhaps , the historically conflicted nature of the territory that forged the country into a significant military power . Even as this aggressive nation sent its forces to conquer in the west , it repelled repeated attempts at invasion from the east . In the Year 1557 of the Sixth Astral Era , however , it finally fell to the incursions of the Garlean Empire . From that time onwards , the country became merely another imperial territory under the governance of its usurpers . Though the people of Ala Mhigo once revered Rhalgr , the Destroyer , as their patron deity , any such religious observance has since been forbidden by the controlling authorities . Grand Companies of Eorzea . These are the groups being formed by the city - states to combat the coming and current threat of the Garlean Empire , as well as clashes with the beast - tribes . The Maelstrom of Limsa Lominsa . At the heart of the Thalassocratic Navy lies the Lominsan Armada , composed of nine independent squadrons , the First through the Ninth . The Maelstrom is an extension of the First Squadron , expanding its role as armada flagship and granting it power to administer not only the remaining eight squadrons , but the various merchant fleets that navigate the seas off Vylbrand . With the reestablishment of the Maelstrom , the Admiral has begun the move to invoke ancient maritime law , by which she would promote herself to Chief Admiral , effectively expanding her authority to cover not only state and military dealings , but grant her the power to directly command all ships in Lominsan waters , and freely punish any who disobey . The city - state ' s pirates are not about to take this encroachment on their freedom without a fight . Gridania ' s The Order of the Twin Adder . The Order of the Twin Adder establishes a medium from which the Seedseers can return from their wanderings deep within the Black Shroud and directly oversee not only the safety of Gridania ' s citizens , but the workings of the local guard , Both the Gods ' Quiver , who defend the forest from external threats , and the Wood Wailers , who protect it from internal strife , have expressed their support of this temporary measure . There are those within Gridania who would question the ability of the Seedseers , whose duties until now have been limited to various ritualistic proceedings , and doubt whether or not they are fit to lead a nation into war . The Immortal Flames of Ul ' dah . Currently , the bulk of Ul ' dah ' s military strength comes from their standing army of mercenaries and the small contingent of the palace guard known as the Sultansworn . To bring order to their ranks and oversee additional wartime training , the Sultana has considered resurrecting the Immortal Flames - an elite force of battle - hardened veterans that once instilled fear in the city - state ' s neighboring nations during ages past . This unit would act as a core aspect of the army bolstering its power , and grant more authority to the Sultana and her advisers — something of which those in control of the city - state ' s economy — namely the Syndicate — are wary . Transportation . The player characters move quickly from place to place by using Aetheryte s , large shards of crystallized aether fused with ancient machinery . These crystals act as teleporters , for a fee . In 1 . 0 , this was limited by the amount of " Anima " points the player had , but in " A Realm Reborn " , the fee is in gil instead . One can also set three Aetherytes as " favorites " , reducing teleport costs to that Aether by half , and one as " home " , reducing teleport costs to that Aether to zero . Teleporting to one ' s home aetheryte for free is limited to once every fifteen minutes , but the player can return there whether this time has elapsed or not as long as they have been KO ' d . Players with a one time password attached to their account can set one Aetheryte to be free of charge for teleporting at any time . Players can also obtain mount s for swift movement within a zone . This includes a chocobo issued from a Grand Company , as well as other exotic steeds and even Magitek Armor . Ferry and airship services can be obtained at the major cities and certain hamlets . Activities . Gold Saucer . Introduced in Patch 2 . 51 , the Gold Saucer is an amusement park players may visit once they ' ve completed all the Main Scenario quests for their starting nations . The Gold Saucer enables players to play Triple Triad , race Chocobos , and participate in a variety of minigames . Guildleves . The player character must join a guild to receive Guildleves , decorative cards that hold a quest for the character to complete . The quests can include anything from hunting a specific monster to item collection or negotiation with the enemies . The Guildleves can be completed alone or with a party of other players , with everyone reaping the benefits of the quest . The players can multitask on several leves at the same time . Story . Five years before the events of the game , metal - clad warriors invaded Eorzea with flame - spewing weapons and colossal airships . The army came from the Garlean Empire , and it didn ' t take long before the mightiest of the six city - states , Ala Mhigo , fell under their force . The other city - states united their power to defend themselves , but just as fast as it had arrived , the imperial army was gone . A new era began at Eorzea , known as the Age of Calm , which the city - states spent by building up their defenses and training their armies . Before , the cities had hired mercenaries for their inner wars , but now they trusted only professional soldiers , leaving the sellswords unemployed and restless . To keep them from causing harm and steer their energy into helping others instead , the city - states founded a network of adventuring guilds . Music . The original soundtrack of " Final Fantasy XIV " at launch was composed entirely by Nobuo Uematsu , and was the first full musical score he has composed for a " Final Fantasy " game in ten years , the last being " Final Fantasy IX " . Not all songs added on later patches have been composed by Uematsu , being compositions or remixes by Masayoshi Soken , Naoshi Mizuta , Ryo Yamazaki and Tsuyoshi Sekito , with most " banner " pieces being composed by Soken . " A Realm Reborn " uses many new themes as well , most composed by Soken , who is now the main sound director for the game . A selection of " Final Fantasy XIV " 1 . 0 ' s tracks have been released in two volumes named " Final Fantasy XIV / Field Tracks " and " Final Fantasy XIV / Battle Tracks " , with the entire official soundtrack of 1 . 0 released in " " , which includes rearrangements of the series ' " Main Theme " , " Prologue " and the " Victory Fanfare " . The vocal theme , " Answers " , is sung by American musician Susan Calloway , who is also one of the vocalists to sing Distant Worlds from " Final Fantasy XI " . She is the vocalist for the Distant Worlds concert CDs and has performed live in many of the concerts . Development . In the wake of the disastrous launch of the original version , and the backlash the game received from players , critics and investors , Square Enix announced the development of a " 2 . 0 " update to the game , titled " " A Realm Reborn : Final Fantasy XIV " " ( or " Shinsei Eorzea " / " Reborn Eorzea " in Japanese ) on October 14 , 2011 . " A Realm Reborn " would be the culmination of the cycle of updates to the game that began after the staff replacements earlier that year . " A Realm Reborn " was pitched not as an expansion pack , but an entire reworking of the game , rebuilt from the ground up . The update requires an all new client , currently available for free download for all purchasers of 1 . 0 . It uses a different graphics engine , based on a branch of Square ' s Luminous technology and drastically redesigns the game world map for ease of use and play and boasts a different server structure which allows for more rapid player action ; the new engine is also better optimized for both lower end PCs and the PlayStation 3 . The main storyline is modified to fit in with the new Eorzea , but does hit a number of similar plot beats to the original storyline ; the new story is set five years after the fall of Meteor and the end of Legacy . During E3 2012 , new information regarding the release for the PlayStation 3 version and the 2 . 0 revision of the game , along with new screens and artwork of the content for the update , was released . It included concept art for Typhon , a series recurring enemy , Fenrir with a design similar to that of the one seen in " Final Fantasy XI " , new screenshots of male Miqo ' te as a Paladin and another as a Dragoon , as well as many new weapons and equipment . The first gameplay presentation was shown at Gamescom , and the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary event on September 1st featured a keynote with Naoki Yoshida . On July 5 , 2012 , Square Enix launched a new teaser site , which was constantly updated with information , including a blog with weekly updates concerning everything from teases to new content to the occasional bit of office shenanigans . The Alpha Test , conducted during the last several weeks of 2012 , was an encouraging success . Many praised the Alpha for having far more content than was needed to conduct server stress tests . The Beta Test application site was open from early 2013 until late July of that year , and the " A Realm Reborn " beta commenced on February 25th , 2013 , with testing coming to a successful close on August 19th . Legacy members and players with a " Final Fantasy XIII " Members Registration Code were given priority for selection in Phase 1 of the Beta , but more testers were invited regularly ; Phase 4 was an " open beta " in which virtually everyone who applied before the July cut - off was allowed in , and progress made carried forward into the release game . This resulted in several problematic errors on the North American server cluster that caused some people to get locked out of the game , but these were largely caused by congestion as the beta shattered player - concurrency records , not just for " Final Fantasy XIV " but for any massively - multiplayer open beta , anywhere . This necessitated the emergency opening of whole new servers , which were quickly filled . In July 2014 Square Enix ' s " Final Fantasy XIV " development team was recorded as saying the team has progressed their planning to about four years into the future . Starting with " Heavensward " expansion , " Final Fantasy XIV " will be available for Mac users and also support " " . Major updates . " A Realm Reborn " ( 2 . 0 ) . A Realm Awoken ( 2 . 1 ) . The first major patch update for " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " was released on December 17 , 2013 . The main concept of this patch is the further awakening of the Primal s . " Extreme Mode " versions of Ifrit , Garuda , Titan , and Ultima Weapon trials were added to the game along with one new dungeon : Pharos Sirius . Two previously released dungeons received a hard mode option ; the Haukke Manor and the Copperbell Mines . The first 24 - man raid was introduced with the Crystal Tower where players get into one of three full party groups . Company Housing , Duty Roulette , PvP , Treasure Hunt , new main scenario quests , and Beastman sidequests were added to the game . The Aesthetician NPC allowed the players to change their hairstyle and hair color . Lightning and Snow ' s hairstyles are also available for players who finished the quest Lightning Strikes . Through The Maelstrom ( 2 . 2 ) . Released on March 27 , 2014 . The Primal Leviathan debuted as the main boss of the main scenario , with the mysteries of the Allagan civilization further covered . The Lost City of Amdapor was included as a new dungeon , along with Turns 1 - 4 in the Second Coil of Bahamut ( also known as Turn 6 - 9 by players ) dungeon and hard mode versions of Brayflox ' s Longstop and Halatali . The patch also included new beastmen daily quests focusing on the Sahagin and Kobold tribes . An extreme mode version of Good King Moggle Mog was added , along with the 2nd episode of the Inspector Hildibrand sidequest and the addition of a vanity slot system called Glamor . Defenders of Eorzea ( 2 . 3 ) . This update was released on July 8 , 2014 . Ramuh was introduced as the newest Primal trial in the Main Scenario quests . The 3rd episode of Inspector Hildibrand and the second part of the Crystal Tower debuted . Desynthesis and the Hunt were be implemented as new game systems . A massive PvP mode called " Frontline " was added that involves three teams fighting against each other , with up to 24 players . Three new dungeons were added : the all - new " Hullbreaker Isle " , as well as Hard Mode versions of Tam - Tara Deepcroft and Stone Vigil . In addition , a brutally difficult version of the patch 2 . 2 raid was released , called The Second Coil of Bahamut ( Savage ) . Dreams of Ice ( 2 . 4 ) . The Primal Shiva debuted as the main boss of the main scenario quests . Three new dungeons were added , including the Snowcloak , as well as Hard Mode versions of Sastasha and the Sunken Temple of Qarn . In addition , the new Rogue class and its upgrade Ninja were introduced in 2 . 4 . The Final Coil of Bahamut was added and serves as the conclusion for the story of the Binding Coil of Bahamut . The fourth episode of the Inspector Hildibrand sidequests was added in the patch . The Allagan Tomestones of Poetics were also implemented into the game for equipment exchange . Allagan Tomestones of Mythology were removed from the game and players are no longer able to obtain Allagan Tomestones of Mythology or purchase items with them . Before the Fall ( 2 . 5 ) . Unlike other patches , " Before the Fall " was split in three parts , as part of the lead up to the events of " Heavensward " ( 3 . 0 ) . Part One was released on January 20 , 2015 . It launched with three new dungeons , including the The Keeper of the Lake , as well as Hard Mode versions of the Amdapor Keep and the Wanderer ' s Palace . The patch also debut the final chapter of the Crystal Tower story arc as the player will finally confront the Cloud of Darkness in the World of Darkness , and the conclusion of the Hildibrand story . A new trial featuring Odin was also added , as well as a new encounter with Gilgamesh . A new PVP mode in Frontline , called Slaughter , was also added . As an intermission , Patch 2 . 51 was released on February 24 , 2015 , finally opened the Manderville Gold Saucer for players to compete in minigames . Triple Triad and Chocobo Racing were introduced as features of the park . The final stage of the Zodiac Weapons were introduced . Patch 2 . 55 was released on March 31 , 2015 , which includes a new trial , the Steps of Faith , and the Main Scenario quests from A Realm Reborn come to a close . Expansions . " " ( 3 . 0 ) . The first expansion pack was announced on October 18 , 2014 . It was released on June 23 , 2015 , with Early Access for pre - orders opening on June 19 . Two new major plotlines were introduced in the expansion : The Dragonsong War , the tale of the 1000 - year conflict between the Dravanians and Ishgard , and the tale of " Thordan and his Knights Twelve " against the Wyrmking . The city of Ishgard opened its gates to outsiders for the first time , granting access to the wilderness of Coerthas and the Dravanian lands . New sky zones were introduced , along with flying mounts and player airships . Three new jobs were introduced : Dark Knight , Astrologian , and Machinist . New Primals include Bismarck of the Vanu Vanu beast tribe , Ravana of the Gnath beast tribe . The citadel Alexander provides the setting for the new top - tier raid in the game . The Au Ra , a race of dragon - like humanoids , were introduced as playable characters . " " ( 4 . 0 ) . The second expansion pack was announced on October 14 , 2016 . Shortly after Heavensward was released , Director Naoki Yoshida confirmed that he is already working on the next expansion and that the first major decisions were already made . Release . " A Realm Reborn " launched as scheduled on August 27 , 2013 , on both the PC and with the long - awaited PlayStation 3 version . Players who pre - ordered " A Realm Reborn " got " early access " on August 24 . The Steam version was released on February 17 , 2014 . Both Standard and Digital Collector ' s Editions are available . The PlayStation 4 version was released on April 14 . 2014 . Players of the PS3 version were able to upgrade to the PS4 version for free . The limited edition of the PlayStation 4 bundled with " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " was available in Sony Japan stores , limited to only 1 , 400 units . The package included a 500 GB PlayStation 4 console with a laser etched hard drive bay cover and a copy of " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " on disc . " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn Game of the Year Edition " was released on November 14 , 2014 , and only available for PC and comes bundled in a printed Book of Diamonds Grimoire box , along with five art cards and 90 days worth of subscription to the game . Third party services . " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " was published in China with full Chinese translations by . Korean server will also be published by Actoz Soft with full Korean translations . Reception and sales . Early previews and reception of " A Realm Reborn " were more positive than reception of Version 1 . 0 was , with many previews extolling the virtues of the revised game , and with major news site Destructoid awarding " A Realm Reborn " a " Best MMO of E3 2013 " award . Among the fan community , " A Realm Reborn " received some criticism for the difficulties connecting to the game during " prime time " hours in the game ' s first week or so of service . This was due to unprecedented interest and sales which exceeded Square Enix ' s projections and led to every server being at capacity before even the end of early access ; even the beta was breaking concurrency records , and the game ' s release saw concurrency go even higher with still greater sales , necessitating significant expansion of the data centers for both major regions . Reviews have been substantially more positive than ones of the original version with the release currently holding an 83 / 100 on Metacritic for the PC version , a 78 / 100 for the PS3 version , and an 86 / 100 for the PS4 . USGamer gave the game a perfect score , saying : " Square Enix has pulled off the seemingly impossible : rescuing a disastrous flop of an online game without going free - to - play , and creating an incredibly addictive , satisfying experience for both MMO and " Final Fantasy " veterans in the process . " A Realm Reborn " is a triumph for Naoki Yoshida and his team . " Even sites previously harshly critical of the original , such as IGN , rated the game highly , saying : " Grounded in tradition and learning from the lessons of the games that preceded it , it thrives on the strength of its excitingly varied and flexible class system and highly mobile combat . [ . . . ] But considering the stunning reversal of fortune that Square has achieved here , it seems like anything is possible . " The game went on to sell a million and a half copies in its first month of renewed operation , and in its first month where a paid subscription was required , immediately surpassed the concurrent subscriber record of " Final Fantasy XI " , with over 600 , 000 subscribers . The game ' s success was , in part , responsible for a reversal of Square Enix ' s fortunes from making a loss to making a profit in the quarter in which it was released . According to Square Enix ' s announcement , " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " reached 2 million registered users in April 2014 . In February 2015 , it was announced to have reached 4 million accounts . At the 2017 Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Frankfurt , during the Letter from the Producer Live , Final Fantasy XIV was awarded three Guinness World Records at a special ceremony : for " longest end credits in an MMO videogame " ( 1 hour and 38 minutes ) , the " most original pieces of music in a videogame " ( 384 original compositions ) , and for the " Final Fantasy " franchise as a whole the " most prolific RPG Series " ( 87 titles ) . Allusions . " Final Fantasy XIV " is rife with callbacks to the rest of the series and other games , movies , music , and popular culture .